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PVC Panels
Got a question about our PVC Panels? Have a look at the listed questions and answers below. Click on each question to see it’s answer. If your question isn’t listed already, use the form on this page to ask us directly. We are here to help.
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Can you paint the PVC Porch Panels?Our panels are currently available in black or white. But if you want another color, yes you can! Use a paint appropriate for vinyl such as Sherwin Williams VinalSafe paint.
PVC will expand and contract with heat but Sherwin Williams VinylSafe colors “ensures that darker colors don’t absorb heat.” Please check out their color chart: VinylSafe™ Colors for Vinyl Siding .
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What if I need more or less than 4’ panels?Our panels come in 4’ or 8’ width but of course, the spacing between your posts are never going to be exactly that. Not a problem! Our panels are designed to be cut and butted together to reach the required length. If you have a 6 ft section between posts for example, you can buy two 4’ panels and cut one in half, using that extra half in another section of your porch or deck. We do suggest a maximum length of 8’ between posts.
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How do I join panels?Panels are designed to be simply butted together and they will be held in place with screws from the top and bottom rails. The joints where the PVC panels touch should be glued with cellular PVC glue. Recommended readily available PVC adhesive: J-B Weld- Clear weld. (Set time 5 minutes. Cure time 1 hour) Gorilla Super Glue. (Set time 10 minutes. Cure time 12 hours) Or SciGrip Weld on #16 http://www.theengineerguy.com/Weld-On-16.html
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How do I determine how many panels I need?When you have selected the design you would like, look for available sizes. Most of our panels run in 4’ lengths and various heights. If you are using a continuous pattern like the cathedral scroll, cathedral picket or craftsman panel, you can cut these panels at repeating points and join them together. If you are using a panel with one complete design per panel, you may want to consider joining with a picket panel if you do not have the dimensions on your porch or deck to fit full panels.
If you measure the distance between posts, this will tell you the number of panels you need if you are using a continuous pattern. I.e. If your deck has a perimeter of 24’ (not including the side against the house) you would need to buy 6 panels at 4’ each. Assuming that the world is not perfect, you will want to get an extra panel or two to account for any waste. If you are using a non-continuous pattern with picket panels, you must determine how many 4’ designed panels you would be able to fit between posts. Whatever length of space remains is the length you would need to buy in the picket panel (remember: these can be cut and re-used in different sections of the porch/deck).
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Why PVC?Our panels are made from cellular PVC because we wanted a product that was low-maintenance and would not rot, warp or twist like wood. Because porches and decks have so much exposure to the elements, this is the perfect solution to keeping your railing in like-new condition year after year. Also, because we are cutting the panels out of large sheets of PVC rather than carving wood, we have many more options when it comes to design.
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Have your porch panels been tested by an authorized testing agency?Although our panels have not yet been tested by an authorized testing agency, we did some testing of our own. Please take a look at the incredible strength of our panels in this video: Testing Porch Company Panels
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Every product has pros and cons. What are the cons with your product?What other supplier tells you this?! But there is not – nor will there ever be – a perfect product. The only down side we can find is that the cut edges expose the slightly porous core of the PVC sheet product. Dirt can collect in these pores. We have determined that the cleaner “Chomp Pro Gutter Cleaner” does a great job of cleaning the panels. Painted panels have less of a problem. We don’t see this as major problem except for those very particular clients. Click here to purchase Chomp.
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Can I get panels in different sizes or designs other than what’s available on the web site?Yes. For a one-time design fee of $100 per design, we can create your own custom size and/or design. Just give us a call and we can work out the details of this.
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I’m having trouble determining the number of panels I need. Can you help?Certainly! If you can send us (porchstore@porchco.com ) a simple sketch of your porch or deck with locations of posts, dimensions and the panel you are interested in purchasing, we can let you know exactly what you will need to order to finish up your project.
DecKorators® Products
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Why Deckorator’s CXT railing, post sleeves and post caps?We’ve looked at other railing systems but we really like the fact that there are no visible fasteners with the CXT system. There are many good systems out there but we need to focus on one. We’ve selected Deckorator’s CXT railing. Not only do they have a great railing system, but they have lots of options.
Please go to www.deckorators.com to see all of their products. If you would like one of their products but do not see it on our site, call us and ask if we can get it for you.
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Do you have instructions for installing DecKorator rails with PVC Panels?Why, yes! Thanks for asking. Please click here to read our instructions.
Bed Swings
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How strong does my structure need to be?Your structure should be strong enough to support 1,000 lbs. Please consult a structural engineer to make sure your structure is strong enough.
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Can I purchase ropes on the Porch Store?Absolutely! You can purchase our ropes here: Swing Bed Hanging Rope.
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Where should I place my eye bolts?The placement of your eye bolts will depend on whether you are using our 4 point or 2 point rope system. This diagram should help you plan the placement of your eye bolts: Dimension Drawing
