A Buyer's Guide to Composite
Fencing Kits (2025)

• Using Existing Posts is Cheaper

  If you already have concrete posts, buying a compatible kit is the most cost-effective option.

• Measure Before You Buy

  Always measure the height of your gravel boards and the width between your posts before ordering to ensure you get the right number and size of boards.

• Capped Boards Offer a ‘Fit & Forget’ Solution

  For maximum stain and fade resistance, choose “capped” composite boards. They cost more upfront but require the least maintenance.

• Choose Embossed Woodgrain

  For a realistic wood look that lasts, always opt for an “embossed” texture over a “printed” one, which can wear off.

What’s in a Concrete Post Kit?

• U-Shaped Channels

  These are slim aluminium or plastic inserts that fit perfectly into the grooves of your concrete posts. They create a clean channel for the new boards to slide into.

• Composite Fence Boards

  The main body of your fence – These boards stack on top of each other to achieve your desired height. They typically come in 1.83m (6ft) lengths.

• Top and Bottom Rails

  These aluminium rails frame the boards, providing structural integrity and a clean, premium finish.

For those wanting the ultimate modern fence, aluminium fencing kits are the premium choice. This system combines lightweight, rust-proof aluminium posts with composite fence panels that provide a natural wood appearance. The result is a stunning, architectural look that provides complete peace of mind, as no part of it will ever rot.

Key Installation Choices

• 2.4m In-Ground Post

  This longer post is designed to be dug 600mm into the ground and secured with Postcrete – This method offers maximum strength and stability.

• 1.8m Bolt-Down Post

  This post is welded to a steel base plate. It is designed to be bolted directly onto a hard, solid surface like a concrete foundation, structural timber, or stone patio using heavy-duty anchor bolts.

Recommendation:If you are not an experienced DIYer, we recommend speaking with a professional installer or your supplier to ensure you choose the right post type for your ground conditions.

Uncapped Boards

Most standard composite fence boards sold in the UK are uncapped. They are made from a homogenous mix of reclaimed wood fibres and recycled plastics.

• Performance:

  They are durable and will never need painting or sealing. However, they are more porous, which means they will require occasional cleaning with hot, soapy water. Their colour will also lighten slightly over the first year as they weather naturally.

The surface finish of your board defines the final look of your fence.

Wood Grain Finish

• Printed Grain

  This is a smooth, printed pattern applied to the board’s surface. From our experience, this pattern can fade and wear away after a couple of years of exposure to the elements.

• Embossed Grain

  This is a much better choice. The embossed wood grain pattern is physically pressed into the board during manufacturing, creating a deep, durable texture that you can feel and that won’t wear off.

While the choice is always personal, our professional recommendation is based on value and proven performance.

For the ultimate, money-no-object solution, an aluminium fencing kit offers unmatched longevity and a premium, architectural look.

However, for most UK homeowners, the kit for existing concrete posts offers the best combination of cost, ease of installation, and aesthetics. Concrete posts are a tried-and-tested feature of British gardens; combining them with modern, durable composite panels gives you a brand-new look at a fraction of the cost of a full system replacement.