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

Rightmove reaction to Bank Rate hold

Matt Smith, Rightmove’s mortgage expert says: “In a rollercoaster year for the mortgage market, we end the year with a hold in the Bank Rate at 4.75%. “While not the early Christmas present that many would have wanted, it was widely anticipated, and must be considered against a backdrop of inflation being at the top end…
Read More
Software & Tech

Top B2B E-commerce Application Development Trends in 2024-25

The B2B eCommerce landscape is always evolving, leveraging technologies so advanced that firms can enhance and refine the customer journey from search to delivery. The important trend of modern B2B eCommerce is based on digitalization. Addition to artificial intelligence (AI), and the integration of the eCommerce platforms and other software used for resources, warehouses, and…
Read More
Love or Hate Rightmove
Breaking News

Rightmove unveils new marketing campaign

Rightmove is launching a new marketing campaign from Christmas Day, just ahead of the Boxing Day bounce and New Year jump in home-mover activity. The new campaign is called ‘If they can find it, so can you’. It communicates that, with the UK’s largest choice of homes, everyone can find a home that fits their…
Read More
Breaking News

Zoopla research: Recent homemovers spent an average of nine years in their previous home

The data shows two peaks in seller activity over the last 18 months, those who bought just before the Global Financial Crisis and those who bought just before or during the pandemic. Homeowners in smaller homes outgrow them quickly spending nine years in a two-bed flat vs 13 years in a larger home Sellers in more affordable…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

The Role of IT Support in Facilitating Seamless eLearning Experience

The eLearning industry has increased, driven by technological advances and the need for flexible, accessible education. Online platforms offer a world of opportunities for students and professionals alike, but behind every seamless virtual classroom experience lies a robust IT infrastructure. IT support is the backbone of eLearning, ensuring platforms run smoothly, are secure, and can…
Read More
how to present your property for sale
Breaking News

Private rent and house prices, UK: December 2024

Main points Average UK private rents increased by 9.1% in the 12 months to November 2024 (provisional estimate); this is up from 8.7% in the 12 months to October 2024. Average rents increased to £1,362 (9.3%) in England, £772 (8.0%) in Wales, and £980 (6.5%) in Scotland, in the 12 months to November 2024. In…
Read More