Whether you’re caring for your horses or taking in boarders, fences are a necessary investment for every stable. Even barns without turnout paddocks need perimeter fencing to keep loose horses contained.
There’s a variety of fencing systems to choose from. High-tensile, poly tape/wire, woven, PVC, wood, and portable panels have become popular alternatives to timber because they are budget-friendly. The trade-off is that they can be time-consuming and costly to maintain.
Each of these materials has risks for injury. Splinters from wood fences can get embedded in a horse that rubs. Wire and tape can get wrapped around a leg if a horse runs through it. PVC fences may not hurt a horse but easily shatter with an impact like a kick.
High-Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) plastic fencing is an innovative option that is safer and more durable. You’re already familiar with HDPE without even realizing it. The material is widely popular as decking material because of its longevity. It’s also used to make plastics labeled 2—think milk jugs, laundry detergent, cutting boards, and piping.
Choosing HDPE over traditional options brings a host of benefits. Here are three reasons to consider plastic wood fencing for your next project.
Aesthetics
Appearance is as important as safety. Loose wire, sagging tape, rotted or broken fence posts look sloppy. Unfortunately, perception is reality. Unkempt fencings suggest that the details aren’t important, which makes visitors question all aspects of the horse’s care.
Plastic rail fencing mimics the iconic painted wood fencing look and showcases your hard work. It is customizable so you can choose from a collection of white, browns, and grays. Stains and textures replicate the appearance of natural wood. The colors won’t chip or bleed like paint or stains because they are part of the manufacturing process.
Low maintenance
No one enjoys mending fences. Plastic fencing can help you reduce time and money on repairs compared to other materials. Recycled plastic lumber does not rot, splinter, corrode or decay or need to be painted. That leaves you more time to ride or interact with clients. Specially formulated additives strengthen the plastic to avoid damage from UV rays while offering a consistent color and texture.
HDPE plastic fencing is sturdier than PVC fencing. It’s even used around corrals at zoos. If it can hold in exotic animals, it can hold in a horse and doesn’t splinter when kicked. Other fencing materials become brittle when it’s cold but HDPE plastic can withstand temperatures that drop to 60 below.
Multi-purpose
On top of its strength, plastic lumber is adaptable. Cut it like natural wood to build stalls or to use as decking in viewing areas. It can also be used to rebuild manure spreader decks, stall walls, gates, and more. The materials used to HDPE plastic come from recycled products making it a sustainable choice.
Choosing the right fencing system for your operation requires strategic planning and plastic fencing can help you make the most of your investment today and tomorrow.
