Switching from traditional wood fencing to innovative composites offers numerous benefits like ultra-low maintenance, long-lasting durability, and minimal environmental impact. But with all the different brands, materials, styles, and options on the market, choosing the right composite fence can quickly become overwhelming.
If you’re exploring composite for the first time, this comprehensive buyers guide will walk you through everything you need to know before investing in this premium, long-term fencing solution. From understanding costs to selecting styles and installation considerations, we’ve got you covered.
Understanding Composite Fence Materials
Not all composite fencing is created equal. The materials and formulation can vary between manufacturers. Most products consist of wood fibres like sawdust or wood chips encased in recycled plastic polymers like polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polypropylene (PP). The ratio of wood-to-plastic blends differs and impacts performance.
Typically, wood fibre concentrations range from 30% to 60%, with higher wood fibre content resulting in a more natural wood-like look and rigidity but less moisture resistance. The plastic percentage provides moisture protection, durability, and colour retention. Premium composites go through additional chemical treatments or capping for enhanced defences against fading, staining, and scratches.
Cost Factors for Composite Fencing
When it comes to costs, composite ranks higher than traditional wood fencing upfront but offers major long-term savings. On average, overall composite fence installation runs anywhere from $20 to $40 per linear foot, including materials and labour. This is about 15% to 30% more expensive than wood initially.
However, composite fences literally pay for themselves over time, thanks to:
- No painting, staining, or sealing costs (easily $1,000+ over wood’s lifetime)
- No replacing rotting, cracked or insect-damaged boards
- Fewer repair costs from impacts or weather
- Composite fences average 20–25 years vs. 10–15 years for wood
So while the upfront investment for composite might be higher, factoring in those long-term savings results in composite fencing costing less overall.
Composite Fencing Styles and Design Options
Composite fencing has made tremendous strides from its early days of being available only in basic wood hues. Now homeowners can find endless design possibilities to match any home style and aesthetic. In addition to traditional wood tones like cedar and redwood, composite comes in contemporary greys, blacks, whites and even vibrant colours like sage, blue and fire-engine red.
As for fencing styles, composite products can achieve any of the following designs:
- Privacy Fences: Solid tongue-and-groove planks for complete backyard seclusion
- Semi-Private Fences: Horizontal, vertical or diagonal slat board spacings
- Picket Fences: Space pickets apart with decorative tops for a classic look
- Post & Rail Fencing: Upright posts connected by perpendicular rail boards
- Composite can also be blended with other fencing materials, likealuminiumm
Some composite brands produce specialty styles like lattice-topped fences or decorative pergola configurations. Others mimic the natural grain textures of specific wood species like cedar or redwood. No matter your fencing goals, there’s a composite solution to achieve your dream design.
Composite Fence Installation Considerations
Proper installation and framing techniques directly impact the structural integrity and longevity of a composite fence. While DIY installation is possible for experienced homeowners, many opt for professional installation to ensure correct application and avoid voiding product warranties.
Some important factors for installation include:
- Appropriate post depth and sound concrete footings to prevent leaning or sinking
- Precise gate, rail, and board measurements to prevent future gaps or swelling
- Whether to use a wood-framed core or all-composite framing techniques
- Using branded composite screws or hidden clips/hardware specific to that material
- Allowing slight expansion gaps at posts and gates
- Properly waterproofing posts set in concrete
- Meeting fence height restrictions and local permit regulations
The best composite fencing installers are trained and certified by the specific brand manufacturers on how to correctly install their proprietary systems and hardware. An expert installation helps your fence maintain a flawless look for years without any issues.
Composite Fence Maintenance and Care
One of the primary benefits of composite is its ultra-low maintenance requirements. Unlike wood fences that need constant upkeep and treatments, composite fencing simply needs occasional light cleaning to keep it looking pristine.
Most experts recommend an annual gentle cleaning using a soft brush, mild soap, and water solution. Rinse thoroughly after. Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or pressure washing, which can wear down and damage the protective shell. Also, keep plants and vegetation well-trimmed back to prevent moisture traps and debris buildup.
For surface scratches or damage, there are specialised touch-up products, paints, and sealants made specifically for composite materials. With proper care and maintenance, your composite fence should maintain its beautiful appearance for over two decades without excessive labour or cost.
There’s certainly a lot to think about when it comes to composite fencing materials, costs, designs, installation methods and long-term maintenance needs. Whether you’re upgrading an ageing wood fence or installing a new fence from scratch, take the time to research brands, carefully consider your style preferences, establish a budget and engage a certified installer. Making the upfront investment into composite fencing now ensures you’ll enjoy decades of effortlessly beautiful and durable fencing for years to come. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
Leave A Comment