Emerging Trends in Vinyl Fencing

While function is still the most important factor when homeowners are deciding on a new fence, many are now also looking at the larger aesthetic when it comes to upgrading their outdoor areas. Traditional white solid privacy vinyl fencing continues to be the top seller in all markets, but the variety of alternative styles, colors and sizes available in vinyl today offer homeowners more choices than ever — creating new trends and new demand.

“People want beauty when it comes to fencing options and are looking more at how a fence integrates with the overall design of their yard and the environment they live in,” says Zack Clark, vice president of Pro Fence at Barrette Outdoor Living. “Today’s wide-ranging styles and options are proof that sometimes a fence is more than just a way to keep the dog safe or block out a nosy neighbor.”

Embracing Color and Wood Grains

The increase in demand for colored vinyl fencing — either in earth-tone solids or in variegated wood grains — is evident in all areas of the country as more homeowners seek out fencing options that blend in rather than stand out. For example, in wooded or mountainous areas like the Pacific Northwest — which has traditionally been a strong market for wood privacy fence — wholesalers have noticed a growing interest in colored and wood grain vinyl.

For homeowners who want a fence to blend in more to their natural surroundings, vinyl wood grain options have come a long way — providing the look of real wood with the low maintenance of vinyl.

Combining colors can create a unique and attractive interplay between posts, rails and infills.

“People like the fact that they can get a product that matches their outdoor living environment and that better tolerates the heavy rainfall and moisture we experience in this part of the country,” says Dwayne Hopper, senior manager at Economy Fence Center in Mukilteo, Washington. “With vinyl fencing, there is no worry about rot or the need for staining and sealing — that’s a huge benefit over wood.”

Creating two-tone solid privacy fencing is another way some installers are using color to offer homeowners a classic style with a decorative twist. “We’ve been installing a lot of solid privacy vinyl fencing using white rails and posts with tan infill pickets,” says Adam Sanford, general manager at Florida State Fence in Tampa, Florida. “Besides a great look, we can easily create an upscale design with vinyl product that we always have in stock.”

New Styles Offer Increased Ventilation

For customers in warmer climates or in areas prone to strong winds, vinyl louvered and shadowbox fencing are new to the market and are expected to steadily gain popularity in 2023.

Barrette Outdoor Living’s unique Louvered Privacy Vinyl Fencing offers seclusion while allowing increased airflow to circulate between the infill boards. This modern style features slanted horizontal boards, angled enough to allow light to filter through that can produce a shadow effect through the panel’s backside, making it a “neighbor-friendly” product as well.

Likewise, vinyl shadowbox fencing offers a low maintenance, long-lasting alternative to a very popular traditional wood product. With increased ventilation and pool code compliant rail options, this fence style is a good choice for yards with pools or near water.

For homeowners in warmer climates or in areas prone to strong winds, new styles of vinyl privacy fencing that provides ventilation are gaining popularity.

The horizontal infill boards on Barrette Outdoor Living’s unique Louvered Privacy Vinyl Fencing lock directly into fence posts to provide superior strength.

A Modern Take on Classic Privacy The rise of mixed material fencing — the combination of black aluminum framing with vinyl infill boards — is a striking design that provides a modern take on classic solid privacy vinyl fencing.

“Mixed material fencing reflects a relatively new exterior design trend that uses black accents in places that traditionally were white — like window frames and around entryway doors,” says Patrick Bertke, industrial designer at Barrette Outdoor Living. “A vinyl fence with a black frame can complement that modern look, bringing a cohesive aesthetic out into the yard as well.”

Some products, such as Barrette Outdoor Living’s Mixed Material Fencing offer the ability to install infill boards vertically or horizontally and can be installed in-ground or surface-mounted for greater flexibility. Fencing panels can also be arranged as individual or grouped panels that serve as a divider or privacy treatment.

With mixed material fencing that accommodates a variety of colors of vinyl infill boards, privacy fencing is taken to a more modern level and is on-trend with other exterior design accents being seen.