Fencing, Decking & Railing FAQs

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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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

white vinyl picket yard fence
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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.

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.

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.

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

Black aluminum railing stair gate for safety
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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!

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Sarah & Tom Ferguson

We are very pleased with the beautiful decking, railing, and lattice recently installed at our home. Visitors have commented on how great it looks. Claude and Justin are very skilled, talented, patient, and steadfast. You have two very valuable employees who handle working under less-than-pleasant conditions and nasty weather with professionalism and grace. Most happy to give Dutch Way company and their employees a great review!

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News

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