Composite Fencing: What Is It?

Fences are a widely used structure that you will most likely find in every garden. Over time, they have adapted and you are no longer restricted to your common wooden fencing.

Historically, the word 'fence' comes from the term 'defence' meaning to protect something. In modern-day, the definition of a fence is an upright structure, typically made of wood, that is used to enclose an era in the prevention of controlling access and escape.

This is a concept that links the land to a privately owned space, rather than a communal area in terms of property keep. However, you will also find that fences can mark spaces and separate land.

Over time, you will also find that the materials used to construct fences have started to adapt, leading to the most modern form of composite fencing. Initially, fenced structures would have been made from stone, particularly in the Bronze Age. This was the most solid and well-constructed material at the time, so it seems plausible that this would have been the most commonly used material.

We then saw the construction of fences being made from wood and then iron in the Victorian era. However, wood still remains one of the most commonly used materials.

What Is Composite Fencing?

Composite fencing is a type of fence that is made from a range of different materials. It is similar in design to composite decking, which you can find information on here: (Insert our article). It is an easy material to maintain and it offers a plethora of benefits to those who decide to use it.

The types of materials used to create composite fencing are a mixture of wooden fibres, plastics and bonding agents which combine to create a sturdy and durable fencing structure. The materials are heated and mixed before being formed into fence shaped styles and cooled.

Advantages of Composite Fencing

There are plenty of advantages that come with choosing composite fencing for your garden, but let's explore them in more detail. Because the materials used are a mixture of different materials, you will find that it is made from recycled materials.

The combination of substances makes it incredibly durable and it can actually last much longer than a wooden fence. There is a lowered risk of damage and rot. The plastic in the mixture allows for stronger and longer-lasting structures. This will mean that you can find yourself with fewer repaired fixtures needed for your fence.

You can achieve a natural-looking finish for your garden with composite fencing. You can find composite fencing that looks like natural wood, but you can use any colour to fit the aesthetic of your home and garden. Additionally, you will find that there are many more options with composite decking that differs from the traditional wood.

If you are looking for a low maintenance fencing option, then composite decking is absolutely for you. It will remove the need for you to regularly treat the wood with oil or stain. Apart from cleaning the fence, you will find that you have little to no maintenance required.

If you are wanting to instal your garden fences yourself, then composite decking has a very easy installation process. They are also splinters proof which means that you are not a risk of injury through the wooden splinters. They are lightweight and easily attach to other fence posts and planks.

You may find that wooden fences become victims of certain insect attacks that ruin the state of the wood. Composite decking is resistant to this type of damage as well as damage caused by harsh weather conditions.

Disadvantages of Composite Fencing

In terms of pricing, composite decking is typically more expensive than wooden fencing as it will last longer. However, it is definitely worth the investment and you might find that you end up spending a similar amount on wooden fencing should it need replacing later on. However, in comparison to other materials, like iron, you will be paying considerably less.

Whilst the fencing is long-lasting, you might find that it can fade over time. This is because it is under the conditions of ultraviolet rays and this can cause the colour to fade or produce spots. Typically in this instance, the fence will either have to be replaced or you can find suitable paint, though this may be difficult to find.

Whilst composite fence panels are durable, this doesn't mean that they are not susceptible to marks and scratches. It can be difficult for deep scratches to be replaced. However, they can be sanded and repaired should they be superficial.

Types of Composite Fencing Panels

There are two types of composite fencing, which are wood fibre and bamboo fibre. This means that they offer different qualities because they are made of different materials.

Wood Plastic Composite - WPC

This type of composite fencing is produced mainly using wood fibres, like hardwood dust and recycled plastic. This affects the quality of the fencing as it can produce a different strength and roughness for the panels. However, the ratio of plastic to wood fibres is also important as this can affect the strength.

You can also find that if there is more wood, the stronger the fencing will be. However, this will influence the price and this can often be more expensive. In comparison, if the plastic content is higher, the strength may be slightly less but this could be cheaper.

Bamboo Plastic Composite - BPC

Another type of composite fence is where they are made in the same way as wood plastic composite, but instead of wood fibres, they are made from bamboo fibres mixed with plastic. The bamboo actually makes this stronger than the wood plastic composite.

There are also a lot of other benefits with bamboo fencing, such as that it is sourced sustainably and bamboo is biodegradable. However, with the additional materials, the fencing may not become completely biodegradable.

You will typically find that there is less plastic in these panels.

Composite Gates

Gates were traditionally used for those who were royal in order to protect castles and entrances to areas of land, such as towns and cities. However, over time they have become much more common and most people have a gate leading them to their property.

Most commonly, you will find that gates have a traditional lock, but as technology has evolved they can be powered by electric, as well as automatic unlocking systems. However, this isn't the only thing that has evolved over time. The materials have changed a lot, much like fencing, gates were made from wood and iron.

A composite gate is made from the same materials as explored above. WPC gates are made from a mixture of wood fibres, binding agents and other plastics. They look the same as composite fencing and are often sold alongside them to match the exact design.

They can have the same natural look that matches the traditional style of genuine wood. You can also benefit from the lack of splinters and the ability for it to be easily installed. The gates offer the same benefits as the composite fence.

Its maintenance levels are low and you do not need to maintain them anywhere near as much as traditional wood. They are durable, strong and last much longer than your average wooden garden gate. They are much more eco-friendly too.

It is worth noting that they do cost more on average. 

If you are buying composite fencing and you require a gate, it makes a lot of sense to match the aesthetic and purchase a composite gate. It can offer a sense of additional security and the fence can be designed as a safety precaution if that is something you desire.

Buying Composite Fencing in the UK

If you are located in the UK and you are wanting to buy composite fencing and composite gates, then we have constructed a list of some of the most popular chain stores where such features can be bought. 

B&Q

301 stores in the UK

Founded in 1969, B&Q are a popular home improvement retailer, gaining its place are the largest in Europe. They have continued to adapt their business and brand since the 1960s, growing to reach the number of stores that they have around the UK today.

They sell a range of different composite options, from doors to fences and decking. On average, you are looking at £31 (prices subject to their change) for their composite products. 

GoodHome Neva Composite Fence Slat - £31

This particular fence is a part of their Neva modular fencing range. It has an easy installation process for it is designed to slot horizontally into Neva fence posts (explored below). They are a mixture of wooden, metal and composite components.

Each pack consists of 3 slats. The following specifications are as followed:

• You will require 4 packs (each consisting of 3 slats) to form a full-height panel
• One pack (3 slats) will form be 450mm high
• They are dark grey
• Length - 1791mm
• Weight - 11kg

They are made with reinforced composite materials, they are resistant to mould, as well as scratch-resistant. This is a particularly great product because they are UV protected which means they will not fade under the sun.

You can find this product here: GoodHome Neva Composite Fence Slat

GoodHome Neva Composite Fence Slat - £31

This varies from the one above as it requires being installed with aluminium posts that are sealed into the ground. They are the same material as above with them being a part of the Neva modular fencing system too.

They are easy to instal, stylish and offer a flexible system that is suitable for domestic use. The specifications are as followed:

• Length - 660mm
• Weight - 1.1kg
• Width - 157mm
• The colour is taupe

It is worth noting that these come in a set of three. You can find this product here: GoodHome Neva Fence Slat

Alongside those products, you can find additional finishings like top profiles and the fence posts needed. Ensure that you speak to the supplier before you make your purchase to ensure you have the correct range of equipment and materials needed.

Eurocell

200+ branches in the UK

Founded in 1974, Eurocell was originally a plastic extrusion business, but they have grown and become a brand of building products, mainly in 1991. They are now well established as a manufacturer, distributor and recycler of building products.

WPC Fence Panel - £15.60

They sell a wide range of different composite products, which are WPC. Their products are low maintenance and this is made from recycled wood polymer. This fence panel is durable and can last a long time without warping or splintering.

They need to be placed in existing concrete posts, which can be found on their website.

The individual specifications are as followed:

• Length - 1.8m
• Colours: 2

You can find the product here: WPC Fence Panel

Eco Fencing Panel in Natural - £18

This eco-friendly composite fencing has the look of real wood but proves to have an extra tough and hard-wearing look about them. They have many benefits, such as being easy to clean, which is always helpful when they're located outside and are suspectable to different weather conditions.

They can be easily cut to shape and they adapt well to weather conditions proving to be sturdy and durable. The individual features are as followed:

• Length - 1.8m
• Stackable to reach the desired height
• Natural coloured

You can find the product here: Eco Fencing Panel in Natural

Eco Fencing Post in Natural - £16.63

We thought it best to mention the posts and these are integral to the process of installing composite fences. They are easy to instal and they can be cut to size and fixed into the ground using a spike that is driven into the ground and the post is fitted over the top.

You will need to buy post caps if you purchase these as they are not included. They are tough and durable against all weather conditions. They do not require any painting or treatments that traditional wood would require.

The individual features are as followed:

• Length - 1.8m
• Easy to clean

You can find the product here: Eco Fencing Post in Natural