Composite Garden Fencing / Gates – Pros & Cons

composite gates

As much as many of us enjoy great relationships with our neighbours, we do also relish privacy between our properties / boundaries. Years ago I remember rows of gardens with no more that a wire fence with wooden posts separating each with some having missing sections and even those totally without. Many neighbours would have their daily chats over the fence, passing gifts such as foods, lending the likes of garden tools or simply handing back balls / Frisbees and other toys. Today, as I look left and right at the row of neighbouring gardens it is a series of 6ft fence panels with concrete posts, we live in much more privacy over community.

Most damage occurring to fencing / garden gates / posts will be down to weather (mostly wind) or simply age (wear & tear). Depending on the quality of the products used and the amount of maintenance given will equate to the life span of fencing and gates – Solid construction for example using of concrete or Durapost fence posts with high quality and wood treated panels can offer many years of use. Wind is the biggest burden on fencing, once again solid posts and / or panels will help of using fencing with gaps such as picket fencing.

What is composite fencing? Composite (recycled plastic) fencing is a relatively new material to hit the scene in the world of gardening, an all-plastic or made from a mixture of plastic and wood (similar to composite decking) product that comes in many different colours and designs. Made to last and durable, composite fencing is a growing trend though consumers need to realise that it will be far more costly than conventional wood alternatives.

What are the advantages of composite fencing / gates? There are many and these are what cause the prices to be higher than most wooden options on the market.

  • Rot & mould resistant.
  • Crack /splinter resistant.
  • Not effected by sunlight (UV stable) / rain  / frost etc.
  • Not effected by insects.
  • Does not require maintenance such as varnishing / treatment / spraying.
  • Lengthy lifetime.
  • Variety of colours / finishes / designs to choose from.

Are there some disadvantages of composite fencing? Yes there are a couple though these do not outweigh the positives:

  • Price (likely to be at least 2/3 times the cost of decent wood options).
  • Maintenance (cleaning).
  • More sensitive / prone to scratching than wood.

Christopher Walkey

Founder of Estate Agent Networking. Internationally invited speaker on how to build online target audiences using Social Media. Writes about UK property prices, housing, politics and affordable homes.

You May Also Enjoy

Love or Hate Rightmove
Breaking News

Bank Rate cuts boost optimism for 2025 despite Budget pause

Average new seller asking prices drop by 1.4% (-£5,366) this month to £366,592, a bigger fall than the usual, seasonal 0.8% drop seen at this time of year, likely due to pre- and post-Budget jitters However, despite the dampening effect of the Budget, market activity remains stronger than last year as Bank Rate falls: The…
Read More
Breaking News

How to market to Estate Agents UK

The UK’s property sales and letting industry is quite sizable in both volume of work and those employed within. Some 25 million dwellings in England alone exist and there were estimated to be approximately 55,500 estate agents working in the United Kingdom as of the second quarter of 2024. Up and down the country, in…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

Preventative Measures to Reduce the Risk of Emergencies in a Rental Home

Ensuring that a rental home is safe and well-maintained is essential for both landlords and tenants. Emergencies in a rental property can lead to significant stress, financial loss, and potential damage. However, by implementing preventative measures, landlords and tenants alike can reduce the risk of emergencies and create a safer living environment. This guide provides…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Understanding the Metrics Used by Estate Agents to Determine Your Home’s Worth

Determining the value of a property can sometimes feel like a complex process shrouded in mystery. However, understanding the various metrics and considerations that estate agents use to assess your home’s worth can demystify the process and empower you as a homeowner. This blog will provide a comprehensive guide to the key factors estate agents…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 15/11/24

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Digital transformation of real estate drives profitability Press Release – London 14th November 2024 – Following the October budget, estate agents across the UK are seeking new ways to adapt to an evolving property market. Rising costs and shifting buyer expectations have driven a need…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Labour’s Vision for Homeowners and Renters: Key Changes to Expect

The UK housing market continues to be a complex and often challenging landscape for both homeowners and renters. Labour’s vision for housing reform aims to address longstanding issues in affordability, security, and sustainability, setting out a series of policy proposals that could reshape the property market. Whether you are a homeowner, a renter, or an…
Read More