Virginia Decking, Fencing & Railing FAQs

Answering Your Questions About Decking, Fencing & Railing

Questions about the how or why? We’ve got answers. These are some of the most common questions we get about composite decking, vinyl fencing and deck railings.

Decking

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Is composite decking as strong as wood?

Composite decking may not have the same rigidity as wood, but it’s designed for long-term durability and consistent performance.

Unlike wood, composite won’t rot, warp or require regular staining, making it a low-maintenance option that holds its appearance and strength for years with minimal upkeep.

What are the benefits of composite decking?

Composite decking gives homeowners the look of natural wood without the ongoing upkeep. It resists staining and fading and comes in a wide range of colors and grain patterns.

Composite’s versatility makes it easier to create a deck that looks great for years with minimal maintenance.

What exactly is composite deck material?

Composite decking is made by combining wood fibers with plastic materials to create a durable deck board that mimics the look of natural wood.

This blend produces a surface that offers attractive wood-like styling while providing better resistance to wear and weather than traditional wood decking.

What is capped composite decking?

Capped composite decking features a core made from wood fibers and plastic that is wrapped in a protective outer shell.

This cap helps protect the board from moisture, UV rays, scratching and fading, making composite decking more durable and lower maintenance than earlier uncapped versions.

What is PVC Decking?

PVC decking is a premium decking material made from 100% plastic, designed for maximum durability and minimal upkeep.

It is moisture repellent, and it resists staining and fading, making it an ideal choice for homeowners who want a clean, long-lasting deck without ongoing maintenance.

Fencing

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Is vinyl fencing better for the environment than wood fencing?

Wood is biodegradable, but harvesting timber contributes to deforestation, and pressure-treated wood can introduce chemicals into the soil.

High-quality vinyl fencing lasts for decades and requires fewer replacements, which can reduce long-term waste, though it is made from non-renewable materials.

How can vinyl fencing be installed on uneven terrain?

Installing vinyl fencing on uneven ground is easy with custom installation, and we can accommodate sloped gates custom-built to match the slope.

We can also incorporate custom-built sloped gates to ensure a seamless look and proper function. This is a service that many big-box solutions aren’t designed to accommodate.

Are PVC and vinyl fences the same?

PVC fencing is a type of vinyl fencing. Vinyl is the general category for synthetic plastic fences, while PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the most common material used to create them.

That means all PVC fences are vinyl, but some vinyl fences may include additional plastic blends or recycled materials.

What are the benefits of a fenced-in yard?

A fenced yard increases security, safety and convenience. Fencing clearly defines property lines and creates a secure outdoor space for children and pets.

For pet owners, a fenced yard allows dogs to run and play freely while keeping them safely contained and protected from traffic or wandering away.

Railings

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What is an economical deck railing option?

Vinyl railing is typically one of the most affordable deck railing options, offering homeowners an approachable way to upgrade the safety and appearance of their outdoor space.

How are railings built for a deck?

Building a deck railing begins with selecting quality materials and planning the layout. Posts are installed first to create a stable base. Rails are measured and attached, followed by installing balusters between the top and bottom rails.

What are the important features of cable railings on decks?

Cable railing systems use stainless steel cables instead of traditional balusters to create a sleek, modern appearance with minimal visual clutter. Unfortunately, horizontal cable systems can function like a ladder, making them less ideal for households with children.

Vertical railing designs are typically a safer alternative, delivering a contemporary appearance without compromising on safety.

How are railings installed on outdoor concrete stairs?

Installation starts with securely mounting posts and ensuring they are level and stable. The rails are then measured and cut to match the stair angle before being attached.

Balusters are added between the rails to complete the system and provide safe, dependable support for the staircase.

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Customer Reviews

Our customers love
our work. Here’s why.

Bridget Smith

Dutch Way came this morning to begin the process of our vinyl fence. They have been extremely polite and easy to work with, knowledgable, patient and professional as we changed our minds a few times about what we wanted. Our fence posts are just starting to be put in, but I would already highly recommend them! Can’t wait to see the finished product.

Ryan Kline

Only place to go if you are looking for a quality fence at a reasonable price. The staff are professional and care about doing a quality job and making the customer happy. Thanks for everything Dutch Way! I wouldn’t use anyone else!

Ricky Porco

Dale and the team at Dutch Way are consistent with exceptional customer service. I always appreciate the personal attention and recommend Dutch Way to anyone in need of their services.

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News

Get the inside scoop about the newest trends, products and techniques in the fencing, railing and decking world.

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Fence Solutions

Albemarle County homeowners: find out if pool fencing is required for your above-ground or in-ground pool. Learn about state regulations, safety tips, quality materials and professional installation.

Answering Your Questions About Decking, Fencing & Railing

Decking

Is composite decking as strong as wood?

What are the benefits of composite decking?

What exactly is composite deck material?

What is capped composite decking?

What is PVC Decking?

Fencing

Is vinyl fencing better for the environment than wood fencing?

How can vinyl fencing be installed on uneven terrain?

Are PVC and vinyl fences the same?

What are the benefits of a fenced-in yard?

Railings

What is an economical deck railing option?

How are railings built for a deck?

What are the important features of cable railings on decks?

How are railings installed on outdoor concrete stairs?

Meet Dale

Meet James

Meet Stacy

Meet Mark

Ready To Begin?

Customer Reviews

Bridget Smith

Ryan Kline

Ricky Porco

News

Fence Cleaning Made Simple: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Is a Fence Required for an Above-Ground Pool?

Proud Distributors of

Locations

Mount Crawford

540-564-1322

Stuarts Draft

540-337-4265

Charlottesville

434-244-3556

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Fencing, Decking & Railing FAQs

Answering Your Questions About Decking, Fencing & Railing

Decking

Is composite decking as strong as wood?

What are the benefits of composite decking?

What exactly is composite deck material?

What is capped composite decking?

What is PVC Decking?

Fencing

Is vinyl fencing better for the environment than wood fencing?

How can vinyl fencing be installed on uneven terrain?

Are PVC and vinyl fences the same?

What are the benefits of a fenced-in yard?

Railings

What is an economical deck railing option?

How are railings built for a deck?

What are the important features of cable railings on decks?

How are railings installed on outdoor concrete stairs?

Meet Dale

Meet James

Meet Stacy

Meet Mark

Ready To Begin?

Customer Reviews

Bridget Smith

Ryan Kline

Ricky Porco

News

Proud Distributors of

Locations

Mount Crawford

540-564-1322

Stuarts Draft

540-337-4265

Charlottesville

434-244-3556

Quick Links

E-News Sign Up