Let’s be honest for a second—is your backyard truly yours if the neighbors can see exactly what you’re grilling for dinner? There is nothing quite like the feeling of stepping onto your patio in Salt Lake County or down in Utah County and realizing you have a genuine, private sanctuary. If you’ve been looking for a fencing solution that looks like high-end stone but doesn’t require a second mortgage to install, you’ve probably stumbled across Simtek fencing.
Wait, What Exactly is a Simtek Fence?
If you haven’t heard of it before, don’t worry. You aren’t alone. SimTek—which you might now see branded under Barrette Outdoor Living—is this incredible composite fencing that mimics the look of natural granite stone or deep Wood grain. But here is the kicker: it’s made from a proprietary blend of polyethylene plastic.
Think about those heavy-duty whitewater kayaks or those rugged playground slides that sit in the sun for twenty years without cracking. That is the same material (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene, or LLDPE for the tech nerds out there) used in these fences.
Why does that matter to you? Because unlike that old cedar fence that turns gray and warps after three Utah winters, SimTek privacy fencing is built to take a beating and keep looking brand new. It’s reinforced with galvanized steel, meaning it’s strong. Like, really strong.
The “Utah Factor”: Why This Fence Makes Sense Here
Living along the Wasatch Front comes with some unique challenges. We get baking heat in July, deep freezes in January, and, let’s not forget, the wind. If you live in Davis County—specifically around Centerville or Farmington—you know exactly what I’m talking about. The canyon winds there can rip a standard Vinyl Fence right out of the ground.
Here is why SimTek is a game-changer for our local climate:
- Wind Resistance: These fences are engineered to withstand wind gusts up to 110 mph, and even higher with specific Installation techniques. That is basically hurricane-force.
- Sound Suppression: This is a big one. If your property backs up to I-15, Bangerter Highway, or just a busy street, SimTek acts as a sound barrier. It blocks 98% of direct sound energy. It’s not going to make your yard silent, but it dulls that constant “whoosh” of traffic significantly.
- Temperature Swing Toughness: The material doesn’t become brittle in the cold or sag in the heat. It just sits there, looking like a rock wall.
Choosing Your Look: It’s Not Just a Grey Wall
One hesitation people sometimes have is, “Will it look like plastic?”
Honestly? No. Unless you walk right up and tap on it, it looks incredibly similar to real masonry. The molds used to create the panels are actually taken from real stone walls, so the texture is authentic.
The “EcoStone” vs. “Ashland” Dilemma
You generally have two main vibes to choose from:
- EcoStone: This gives you that granite-stacked stone look. It’s classy, timeless, and goes great with modern or traditional homes.
- Ashland: This mimics a Wood Fence but without the splinters. It looks like high-end, hand-stained wood panels.
You know what? The color choices are actually pretty earthy and natural. You aren’t stuck with stark white. You’ve got dark browns, beiges, greys, and blacks. A pro tip? Black fencing is trending hard right now because it makes the green of your lawn and shrubs pop.
Let’s Talk About Installation (And Why It’s Tricky)
Okay, here’s the thing. You can try to install this yourself, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have some serious equipment. Why? Because the panels are heavy, and the posts need to be set deep.
In Utah County and Salt Lake County, the soil can be… unpredictable. One foot you’re digging through soft loam, and the next you’re hitting a boulder the size of a microwave.
SimTek fence installation requires precision. The posts have to be perfectly spaced because the panels slide in. There is no “fudging it” like you can with a wood fence where you just cut a board shorter. If your spacing is off by an inch, the panel won’t fit.
| Feature | Wood Fencing | Vinyl Fencing | SimTek Fencing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Rating | Low to Moderate | Moderate | Superior (110+ mph) |
| Maintenance | High (Stain/Paint) | Low (Wash) | Zero (Rinse only) |
| Sound Blocking | Minimal | Low | High (Sound Wall) |
| Impact Strength | Moderate | Brittle in Cold | Extremely Durable |
Landscaping Tips to Soften the Look
Even though SimTek looks like beautiful stone, a tall privacy fence can sometimes feel a bit imposing if you just leave it bare. It’s a literal wall, after all.
To really transform your backyard, you want to layer your landscaping in front of it. Since the fence is synthetic, you don’t have to worry about bushes touching it and causing rot (a huge issue with wood).
- Plant Tall Grasses: Ornamental grasses look amazing against the stone texture. The movement of the grass contrasts with the solid fence.
- Lighting is Key: Install some solar up-lighting at the base of the posts. At night, the texture of the “stone” catches the light and creates a really dramatic, high-end resort feel.
- Hang Stuff on It: You can actually mount things to these fences. Want to hang outdoor art or a planter? Go for it. Just make sure you hit the thick parts of the panel or the post.
The “Graffiti Proof” Bonus
This is something we hope never happens, but it’s worth noting. If some neighborhood kid decides to tag your fence with spray paint, you don’t have to panic or repaint the whole thing.
Because of the non-porous polyethylene, paint doesn’t soak in like it does with wood or Concrete. You can usually wipe it off with a standard graffiti remover or a pressure washer. It’s incredibly satisfying to clean.
Is It Worth the Investment?
Let’s not beat around the bush—SimTek is a premium product. It is going to cost more upfront than a standard cedar fence or basic white Vinyl.
But you have to look at the long game.
With wood, you are staining it every two or three years (if you’re diligent) or replacing rotten posts after ten years. With SimTek, you install it once, and you are done. It comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s a “forever fence.” When you sell your house, a SimTek fence is a massive selling point because potential buyers know they won’t have to touch it.
If you plan on staying in your home for more than five years, the cost usually balances out because you aren’t buying stain, replacing slats, or fixing wind damage.
Common Questions We Get
“Does it fade in the Utah sun?”
Everything fades slightly over time under UV rays, but these fences contain UV12 inhibitors. The color stabilizes fairly quickly and stays true for decades. You won’t end up with a weird, chalky pale fence like you see with cheap vinyl.
“Can I put a gate in?”
Absolutely. The gates are made of the same material and are reinforced with internal steel frames. They feel solid when you close them—no rattling.
“Is it safe for my dog?”
It’s perfect for dogs. Since the panels are solid, dogs can’t see through them, which reduces barking at passersby. Plus, they can’t chew through it or dig under it easily if you set it low to the ground.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Transforming your backyard isn’t just about putting up boundaries; it’s about creating a space where you feel comfortable. Whether you are blocking out the noise of the highway in Sandy, hiding an unsightly view in Layton, or just securing your pool in Orem, a SimTek fence does the job with style.
It’s durable, it’s beautiful, and it handles our crazy Utah weather better than almost anything else on the market.
If you are tired of fixing broken fence slats after every windstorm or just want a backyard that feels like a private courtyard, it might be time to look into this.
Ready to Upgrade Your Yard?
You don’t have to guess about pricing or installation. At Utah Fencing Company, we know the ins and outs of SimTek fencing better than anyone. We handle the heavy lifting, the digging, and the details so you can just enjoy your new private oasis.
Let’s get your project started.
Call us at 801-905-8153 or Request a Free Quote today to see how we can transform your property.
