Vinyl Fence - General Info 
Vinyl Fence - Material
Vinyl fence is mad of rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the same material that is used for vinyl siding or vinyl windows. Vinyl fence is not made from PVC pipe. Manufacturing vinyl fence requires a careful process to ensure a high quality product. It is important to keep in mind that most manufacturers offer warranties but a good warranty does not always mean high quality.
Vinyl Fence - Manufacturing
There are two methods of vinyl fence manufacture: mono-extrusion (single stream) and co-extrusion (two concentric streams). Some manufacturers maintain and advertise that mono-extrusion is better. Here's how to decide which is right for you.
Vinyl Fence - Mono-Extrusion
Mono-extruded vinyl fence is made from one stream of material and protects the vinyl from sunlight using ultraviolet inhibitors, also known as Titanium Dioxide. The ultraviolet protection is the most expensive component in the mono-extruded process. Mono-extrusion is less expensive to set up as opposed to co-extrusion and requires less technical expertise on the manufacturing floor. Due to the ultraviolet protection, the material cost of mono-extrusion cannot be offset by the lower setup, labor and equipment cost. In the long run, mono-extruded vinyl fence has a higher manufacturing cost and is ultimately more expensive.
Vinyl Fence - Co-Extrusion
Co-extruded vinyl fence is made out of two different streams. An outer stream called the capstock contains ultraviolet protection while an inner stream called the substrate contains reduced ultraviolet protection. These two streams are chemically combined to one another to form one stream. Unlike mono-extrusion, co-extrusion has a higher set up and equipment cost. In addition, co-extrusion requires higher manufacturing technical experience but the total material cost is significantly lower. The majority of the vinyl manufacturing companies use co-extrusion and back their products with lifetime warranties while meeting ASTM vinyl fence standards.