Black vinyl fence is available from many manufacturers. When I first entered the fence industry 25 years ago, it wasn’t an option. If you would have asked me if vinyl fence comes in black 15 years ago I’d tell you yes, but don’t buy it.
At that time the process of manufacturing it wasn’t perfected. However, today it is. Manufactures now offer the same warranties as they would any other color.
For too long white was the only color. Then came light tans and grays. Now there is every color imaginable, including black!
Problems with Black Vinyl Fence
The biggest problem associated with black vinyl fence is that the dark color attracts heat. Heat is the worst enemy of vinyl fence. It causes all kinds of problems.
Once vinyl reaches a certain temperature, it starts to breakdown and loose strength. Dark colors attract more heat than lighter colors. First generation black vinyl fence would literally get too hot in some climates.
Sagging Fence Panels
When the fence would get too hot, the vinyl would loose its structure and strength. As a result, the sections would start to sag between posts.
Obviously this was a big problem for those customers that invested the extra money for black fence.
Distorting
Even when the fence didn’t sag, the fence would get distorted. Excessive heat would cause posts and rails to get wavy or buckle.
Imagine what customers thought years ago when their fence was melting in the sun.
Chalking
Chalking was another big problem. Manufactures did not have the right composition of materials to make it in the early years. As result, the fence would turn gray and produce a gritty texture on the surface.
This is chalking. Think about cheap plastic patio chairs. After a couple years they get gritty and grey. The same was happening to expensive black vinyl fence.
Excessive Fading
If your fence was lucky enough not to sag, distort or get chalky, it most certainly faded. This was a huge problem and not one that customers were happy to see.
Fences were a rich dark black when installed. After a couple of years turning a light gray.
The Solution to Manufacturing Black Vinyl Fence
Manufacturers weren’t ready to give up. They knew there was a market for black fence. However, they couldn’t keep selling in inferior product. So back to the lab they went.
What was determined was that the actual vinyl material used to produce the fence needed changed. Different materials were used in the composition. As a result, a product with a higher resistance to heat was formed.
Experimenting with pigment manufactures solved the fading problem. Finally it was ready to be manufactured.
Black Vinyl Fence Styles
Black vinyl fence only comes in a few styles. Unfortunately, the demand is too small for manufactures to offer entire product lines in every color.
As result, only the most popular styles are offered. Post and rail designs and privacy designs are the two most popular styles.
Black Vinyl Post and Rail
Post and rail fence is very popular for farms and ranches. Black vinyl post and rail fence takes it to another level. Adding an elegant look to a traditional fence.
The dark color blends in well in farmlands. Furthermore, it hides dirt better than white fence.
Post and rail fence comes in four designs. A 2 rail system, 3 rail system, 4 rail system and cross buck design. All four designs use the same posts and rail sizes. Making is easy for manufactures to produce and offer.
Black Vinyl Privacy Fence
Privacy fence is found in backyards in every city. The problem with white vinyl privacy fence is that it doesn’t fit into every surrounding. Especially in wooded lots.
Black vinyl fence looks more natural than a solid white wall. In lots that have mature trees casting shadows, the black fence really blends in.
Furthermore, sap from trees drips on fences. The sap then holds dirt. Black fence hides this very well when compared to lighter colored fences.
Most of the black vinyl privacy fences will be solid from top to bottom. However, there are manufactures offering different designs. These designs have lattice or picket tops.
This means the fence will be solid to a certain height, with a lattice or picket style header making up the remainder of the fence. However, headers and accents will add to the cost of the fence.
What About Cost?
Color affects the price of vinyl fence. Black is no different. Because of the difficulty to produce a reliable product, combined with the liability to warranty it, black vinyl fence will be at the upper end of the cost spectrum.
From an installation perspective, the sections for a privacy fence are only 6′ wide as opposed to 8′ wide for most other vinyl privacy fences.
This shorter span between posts makes for a stringer fence. However, it also adds more posts per line of fence. In return, adding more labor and concrete.
Don’t let the cost scare you. If a black vinyl fence is what you want. Get it. People choose vinyl for the lack of maintenance and for the longevity it provides.
If you are going to have to look at a fence everyday of your life, get the one you want.
Conclusion
Black vinyl fence won’t be for everyone. It looks great in some settings and not so good in others. Cost will be a deciding factor for many.
However, don’t let the fear of previous problems scare you into not purchasing one. Todays technologies and manufacturing practices have come a long way.
Warranties are better than ever and manufactures back them up. Purchase in confidence when buying your new fence!