Composite fencing is an option for homeowners who are looking for more longevity in their boundary treatment.
But exactly what is composite fencing and what are the pros and cons of using this man-made alternative to timber? It's a more expensive fence type but you may find that the benefits over other materials might be worth the investment.
What is composite fencing?
Lee Trethewey, garden design expert at Sustainable Furniture explains: "Composite fencing is made from a blend of recycled wood fibres and plastic, which is usually sourced from recycled materials. This combination is both a durable and low-maintenance fencing solution that mimics the look of natural wood, all while offering extended longevity and resistance to external elements."
One of the main differences between composite and wooden fence ideas are the maintenance requirements. "Wooden fencing generally requires staining, painting, or frequent maintenance. However, composite fencing on the other hand does not. In fact, composite fencing is resistant to rot, algae, warping, and insect damage, whereas wooden fences can suffer from weathering," says Lee.
Then there are the differences in appearance. Whilst composite fencing is available in a variety of colours and finishes, how closely it can mimic the appearance of wood will greatly depend on the price and the quality of the product.
Shop composite fencing
Klikstrom Neva Dark Grey Composite Fence Slat
Part of a modular system for composite fencing that can be purchased alongside other panels to create a bespoke look for your garden
Composite Plastic Fence Panels
Designed to mimic the appearance of wood with a natural colour and slight textured effect on the panels.
Composite Fencing Panel | Walnut
Made of 90% recycled materials this is a great eco option for composite fencing. Available in a range of natural shades.
Lee Trethewey is general manager at Sustainable Furniture, a family-run, Cornwall-based furniture retailer specialising in sustainable, high-quality furnishings for both the home and garden.
Pros and cons of composite fencing
Lee Trethewey outlines the benefits of composite fencing below:
It's low maintenance: You don't need to use fence paint, stain, or seal composite fencing.
Weather resistance: Unlike wooden fencing, it won’t rot, splinter, or warp. This can lead to wooden fencing needing replacing more frequently than composite fencing.
Longevity: It can generally last upwards of 20 years with minimal upkeep.
Durability: It's much more resistant to impact and weather damage than wood.
Eco friendly: As it's made from recycled materials, it's a great way to prevent waste from ending up in landfill.
Below Lee lists some disadvantages to be aware of with composite fencing:
It's more expensive: Composite had a higher fence cost than standard wood.
It offers less of a natural look: While some designs replicate wood better than others, composite fencing will never be able to offer that authentic texture of natural wood. This means that sometimes it can look less high quality than wood, and stand out from its surroundings slightly more than natural wood would.
It can fade over time: Some of the lower-quality composite fencing may experience slight fading due to UV exposure. In the UK, this will likely only be a problem in the summer or in particularly sunny parts of gardens
The longevity of your composite fencing will vary depending on the quality of your product. "The most high-quality composite fencing can last 20 to 30 years – this is significantly longer than most wooden fences," says Lee Trethewey, garden design expert at Sustainable Furniture.
"This is because it has good durability and strong resistance to both rot and pests, which make it a good long-term investment if you're looking for sturdy, low-maintenance fencing."
Which is better, composite or PVC fencing?
"This all depends on personal preference, but in terms of strength and durability, I would say that composite fencing would be the best," says Lee Trethewey, garden design expert.
"PVC fencing is still durable, but it doesn't have that wood-like appearance which makes composite fencing so popular. As well as this, PVC fencing may likely be cheaper to buy, but it may become brittle over time, unlike composite fencing," he adds.
Is composite fencing eco-friendly?
"Yes, composite fencing is often considered an eco-friendly choice because it's made from recycled materials, therefore reducing the demand for brand-new wood and plastic. It also eliminates the amount of waste going to landfill, as the materials are being used again instead of thrown out," says Lee Trethewey, garden design expert.
"However, how eco-friendly it is really does depend on the manufacturer’s production methods, as well as whether the fence panels can be recycled at the end of their life. Always do some research into how the fencing is made and whether it can be recycled at the end or not before you purchase anything," adds Lee.
One of the most eco choices for a boundary treatment is a hedge. Have a look at our guide comparing the pros and cons of fences vs hedges.
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Teresa was part of a team that launched Easy Gardens in 2018 and worked as the Editor on this magazine. She has extensive experience writing and editing content on gardens and landscaping on brands such as Homes & Gardens, Country Homes & Interiors and Living Etc magazine. She has developed close working relationships with top landscape architects and leading industry experts, and has been exposed to an array of rich content and expertise.
In 2020 Teresa bought her first home. She and her partner worked alongside architects and builders to transform the downstairs area of her two bedroom Victorian house in north London into a usable space for her family. Along the way she learned the stresses, woes and joys of home renovation, and is now looking to her next project, landscaping the back garden.
