If you’re considering upgrading your fence or updating the look of your garden, then the choice between composite fencing and timber fencing is a key one to make. While they’re both hugely popular options in their own right, timber fencing and composite fencing do have some significant differences between them. This includes the materials used during construction, the lifespan of the fence and maintenance requirements. Here’s what you need to know.
The materials used
The majority of traditional fence panels are made using either hard or soft wood. However, composite fencing is made from a mixture of timber, recycled plastic, and additives.
Each material performs a slightly different role, enabling them all to complement each other. While the wood creates a natural and authentic look, the plastic retains incredible strength and allows for a longer lasting and more durable solution.
Longevity
The blend of wood and plastic used in composite fencing makes it highly durable. In this respect, composite fences outperform traditional wooden fences, with many composite fences lasting for around 20 years.
If you’ve got an eco-conscious mind, then you’ll be interested to know that this longevity is also reflected in how environmentally friendly composite fences are. After all, the durability of composite fences means that not only does the fence itself last for longer, but nowhere near as many replacement fence panels are needed over time. Ultimately, this means that not as many trees need to be cut down.
Maintenance
Composite fencing is considered to be the low-maintenance option. Due to its plastic component, composite fencing is extremely resistant to rot and mould. In addition to this, you need to do very little to maintain the fence once it has been installed. This is because the fence will never crack or splinter, so you’ll never need to worry about filling in gaps in your fence or getting any splinters when you touch it.
By contrast, timber fencing is less weather resistant than composite fencing. As a result, it requires regular upkeep and will need to be treated, cleaned and sealed annually. You may also need to repair it if it warps or splits.
Cost
At first glance, timber fencing is a little cheaper than composite. But although composite fences require a larger initial outlay, they can be more economical and cost-effective over the long term due to their longevity. After all, a cheap soft wood fence may need replacing multiple times before a composite fence reaches the end of its lifespan. On top of this, if you opt for a soft wood fence, you’ll also need to consider the ongoing cost of purchasing wood treatments, cleaning products and sealants.
Composite fencing provides a fantastic alternative to timber fencing. It offers a number of advantages, including longevity and lack of maintenance requirements. Here at North Valley Composites, we’re proud to stock a wide range of composite fence boards, fence panels and accessories, and even composite gate boards. On the other hand, if you’ve got any questions or need any advice, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01282 677300 to talk to a friendly member of our team, and we’ll be only too happy to see how we can help.
What’s the difference between timber and composite fencing?
If you’re considering upgrading your fence or updating the look of your garden, then the choice between composite fencing and timber fencing is a key one to make. While they’re both hugely popular options in their own right, timber fencing and composite fencing do have some significant differences between them. This includes the materials used during construction, the lifespan of the fence and maintenance requirements. Here’s what you need to know.
The materials used
The majority of traditional fence panels are made using either hard or soft wood. However, composite fencing is made from a mixture of timber, recycled plastic, and additives.
Each material performs a slightly different role, enabling them all to complement each other. While the wood creates a natural and authentic look, the plastic retains incredible strength and allows for a longer lasting and more durable solution.
Longevity
The blend of wood and plastic used in composite fencing makes it highly durable. In this respect, composite fences outperform traditional wooden fences, with many composite fences lasting for around 20 years.
If you’ve got an eco-conscious mind, then you’ll be interested to know that this longevity is also reflected in how environmentally friendly composite fences are. After all, the durability of composite fences means that not only does the fence itself last for longer, but nowhere near as many replacement fence panels are needed over time. Ultimately, this means that not as many trees need to be cut down.
Maintenance
Composite fencing is considered to be the low-maintenance option. Due to its plastic component, composite fencing is extremely resistant to rot and mould. In addition to this, you need to do very little to maintain the fence once it has been installed. This is because the fence will never crack or splinter, so you’ll never need to worry about filling in gaps in your fence or getting any splinters when you touch it.
By contrast, timber fencing is less weather resistant than composite fencing. As a result, it requires regular upkeep and will need to be treated, cleaned and sealed annually. You may also need to repair it if it warps or splits.
Cost
At first glance, timber fencing is a little cheaper than composite. But although composite fences require a larger initial outlay, they can be more economical and cost-effective over the long term due to their longevity. After all, a cheap soft wood fence may need replacing multiple times before a composite fence reaches the end of its lifespan. On top of this, if you opt for a soft wood fence, you’ll also need to consider the ongoing cost of purchasing wood treatments, cleaning products and sealants.
Composite fencing provides a fantastic alternative to timber fencing. It offers a number of advantages, including longevity and lack of maintenance requirements. Here at North Valley Composites, we’re proud to stock a wide range of composite fence boards, fence panels and accessories, and even composite gate boards. On the other hand, if you’ve got any questions or need any advice, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01282 677300 to talk to a friendly member of our team, and we’ll be only too happy to see how we can help.