Why Vinyl Fencing From a Big Box Store Isn’t Ideal (and What to Do Instead)

Why Vinyl Fencing From a Big Box Store Isn't Ideal (and What to Do Instead)

When you are considering investing in a vinyl fence for your yard or property, you have options. Heading over to a big box store is easy, but is Lowes vinyl fencing the best solution for you? Before you settle on a fence from a big box store, let’s first take a look at the pros and cons of Lowes vinyl fencing – and what you can do instead.

What is vinyl fencing?

First things first: what exactly is vinyl fencing? Vinyl fencing is actually a category of fencing materials. For example, when choosing a fence, you have to make two big decisions:

  • Fence type (e.g., picket fence or privacy fence are two examples of types of fencing)
  • Fence material (e.g., wood, metal, and vinyl are examples of materials used to make your fence)

What this means is that you could have a vinyl picket fence, but you could also have a vinyl privacy fence. Vinyl is a popular material choice because it is durable; unlike wood fences, vinyl fences will not rot, warp, or split. They are also easy to clean (which means your white fence can actually stay white), and they are fire resistant as well. Here’s another big bonus: vinyl fences are not susceptible to termite damage like a wood fence might be.

It’s no surprise why so many individuals choose this material for their residential fence. Choosing vinyl is easy; deciding where to purchase your fence is the next question: big box store or specialist business?

Benefits of a big box store fence

If you’re already at a big box store grabbing a few things for the house, it’s tempting to plan your big projects all under one roof – a one-stop shop for all of your remodeling and fencing needs. In fact, convenience is one of the biggest allures of choosing a big box store for your fencing needs. Other benefits include:

  • Convenient
  • Use of the store credit card
  • Several options available
  • One less stop to make

Disadvantages of a big box store fence

According to a Consumer Report, a former Lowe’s installer shared that one of the biggest disadvantages of installing for Lowe’s is that the delivery trucks were often incomplete. Because employees who were unfamiliar with fencing were loading the trucks, they might not realize that crucial tools or materials were missing from the trucks. Although the Consumer Report was written from a former Lowe’s installer, this could be said about other big box stores too. When non-specialized employees are helping load trucks, it is much easier for key components to be missing, and missing material or tools only delays your fencing projects.

Other disadvantages include:

  • Second-rate or imitation products: Big box stores do not specialize in fencing. Their goal is to provide a range of products in a range of price points to the customers. That means that there may be less-than-ideal fence materials available. If you’re not experienced in fencing, you may end up purchasing an imitation product simply because it was there and a good price. Initiation, poor quality products will need to be replaced much sooner, which will cost more in the long run. Bottom line: the “convenient” kits are not worth it if they do not last for a decent length of time!
  • Time-consuming: If you head over to a big box store and start trying to piece together your own kit, it can certainly be overwhelming
  • Lack of integrity in the products: Many consumers have reviewed fences from big box stores and have voiced displeasure over the sturdiness and strength of a big box fence.
  • Delays in completing the job: A Verified Reviewer from Dallas, Texas shared her displeasure that the job was “half-done” for weeks because “the wrong parts were ordered” yet little action was taken to remedy the problem.
  • Subcontractors: Lowes and other big box stores use subcontractors to do the installation work. This means that you are not vetting the workers before they come to do the installation. Although subcontracting work is not a bad thing, it can make it much more difficult to address any problems or issues because Lowes is just the “go-between” at that point. It’s much better to work with a company that actually knows the subcontracted workers

Alternatives to Lowes vinyl fencing

Just because you take a pass on vinyl fencing from a box store doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams of a beautiful new fence. Atlantic Fence & Supply is proud to serve the residential homes and businesses in Hanover. With over 40 years of experience, the professionals at Atlantic Fence & Supply offer fencing options for a variety of budgets and needs. At Atlantic Fence & Supply, you can expect:

  • Only the highest-quality materials
  • On-time delivery
  • A staff that is knowledgeable and experienced in all types of fencing solutions
  • A staff that can  guide you as you make your fencing selections
  • Installation from crews that are licensed, trained, and insured: Atlantic Fence & Supply only works with the most reliable and trust-worthy installation crews
  • Repairs: Yes, at Atlantic Fence & Supply, we repair fences too! From gate repair to post repair, we can do it all.
  • A paperwork process that is easy to understand

Ready for the next step?

Skip the big box stores, and consider a vinyl fence from the best fencing professionals in Hanover, Maryland. Contact us today for a free estimate!

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