Is a Composite Fence Better Than Wood?

Is a composite fence better than wood? If you have doubts about which is better a composite or a wooden fence, this article is for you. To know which is better between using composite panels or timber to build your fence, you need to consider the benefits and limitations of the two materials.

Wood as Fence Material

To know whether a composite fence is better than wood, let’s consider the advantages and limitations of using wood as a fence material. Wood is a natural building material commonly used in construction. It’s affordable and versatile, meaning you can use it for different purposes. You can use it to build decking, fences, house furniture, and so on.

There are different kinds of wood species you can use for your building project.

We have untreated wood, pressure-treated wood, hardwood, and softwood with some more durable than others. For instance, pressure-treated (PT) wood is more durable than untreated wood, mainly since PT wood contains chemicals that help increase its lifespan.

Pressure-treated wood is resistant to insects and the chemicals help to prevent it from rotting. The downside of pressure-treated wood is that the chemicals can be harmful to the environment and depending on the pressure treated wood you have, they can be challenging to recycle. Disposal can be by means of burning which release toxic chemicals into the atmosphere.

Other woods like hardwood, cedar, and redwood are also durable and don’t contain harmful chemicals. These woods also offer resistance to rot and insect damage. These are the kinds of wood you can use to build a garden fence. The good thing about wood is that it is affordable and cheaper to purchase than composite fencing.

However, when using wood as a fence material, it is good to know its limitations beforehand. Woods are not resistant to water or moisture. The wood will swell and eventually rot if it absorbs water. Apart from that, insects can damage an untreated wooden fences. If you use untreated wood to build a fence, its service life is between 5 to 10 years if regularly maintained.

Additionally, the colour of wood will eventually fade and is susceptible to warping, cracking and splinters. To make a wood fence last longer, you will have to waterproof your fence with a suitable sealer to prevent it from absorbing water. A wooden fence will also require treatment with staining or painting annually to to keep it looking good for longer. In short, wood fences require a lot of maintenance at additional costs.

Composite as Fencing Material

Composite fencing is more expensive than wood, but for that extra investment it goes a long way in reducing the level of maintenance required, increases its appearance with longer lasting colour and offers resistance to rot and decay. Overall composite fencing is a longer lasting product in durability, longevity and appearance. So lets take a look a little further?

Composite fence panels don’t warp, rot, decay, break, crack or splinter. Composite panels will retain their colour, are modern and stylish and will enhance the appeal of your home and garden for many years.

Composite fences are easier to maintain, since they don’t need annual sanding, painting or staining compared to wood. They are resistant to wood eating insects and don’t require sealing since they are naturally resistant to moisture. Building a fence from composite panels will look great and save you time and money on maintenance during their long service.

Longevity is something important to many homeowners, how long does the product last and how much maintenance do I have to do? these are the questions we hear a lot form customers. Switching or upgrading to composite fencing as discussed above requires minimal maintenance and better colour consistency, but how long does it last.

Composite martials can last for 20 to 30 years and even beyond. The reason customers are making the switch is for all the above reasons but life span as well, its a product that you will install and not replace for many decades. First generation composite materials will last 10 to 20 years depending on the level of maintenance done e.g. simple regular washing. Capped fencing will 25 years and beyond, will a further added benefit of ultra low maintenance and fade and stain resistance.

Composite fencing offer many benefits to a wooden fence, they require less maintenance, longer lasting appearance and will stand the test of time. They do cost more but they will add value to your exterior space and you wont be replacing or looking at an old cracked and dull grey fence in 5 years time.

Conclusion: Is a Composite Fence Better Than Wood?

In a word, Yes. WPC fencing has a lot of advantages over wood. WPC fencing is stronger than wood with a longer lifespan and requires little to no maintenance. They do cost more to install, but the benefits come in time. So, if longevity, time and appearance is key for when your purchasing, then composite fencing is for you. If your looking for a short time solution then wooden fencing is for you.

Is a Composite Fence Better Than Wood?

Wood as Fence Material

Composite as Fencing Material

Conclusion: Is a Composite Fence Better Than Wood?

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