If you’ve been weighing up the options of which material to use for a new fence then you’ve probably noticed that composite fencing appears to be more expensive than other materials.
One of the main reasons for this is that the manufacturing process is more labour intensive than it is for other materials like wooden fencing.
However, the upfront costs don’t tell the whole story.
So, is composite fencing actually worth the costs?
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the average costs of a composite fence and examine the many reasons why it is definitely worth it.
How Much Does Composite Fencing Cost?
Cost of materials
The costs of composite fencing depend on the supplier and manufacturer that you use. However, on average a composite fence panel will cost you around £120. This is the price for a standard panel that would be 6 ft tall, 6 ft wide, and 21 mm thick.
The cost will be higher if you also buy any additions to the composite fence panels such as finishing profiles, post bases, and post caps. A composite fence post usually costs around £35 and a post base is usually around £13.
For a composite fencing finishing profile, you would expect to pay around £12, and a post cap should be around £35. In general, composite fence panels with convex or concave tops are more expensive than panels without them.
Our composite fencing boards cost just £15.31 per panel which makes them one of the most affordable options on the market.
Cost of installation
If you hire a contractor to install composite fencing at your property then you’ll also need to factor this into the overall upfront costs. Composite fences usually cost around £28 per metre to install which will also include concreting the post bases.
The installation costs will be higher if the contractor needs to carry out any significant groundwork such as removing existing tarmac or concrete, or any existing timber fencing.
For smaller jobs where the contractor will only be installing a small number of composite panels, the labour costs may have a minimum day rate. For instance, the price may be increased to around £130 per metre.
The costs to install composite fencing will be much lower if you have existing concrete posts that the composite panels can be slotted between. If you don’t have any existing fence posts then installing new ones will lead to extra costs.
Before installing a composite fence you should contact the contracting company and ask for a quote so that you have an idea of the costs before you begin.
Factors affecting the cost
There are a number of variables that could make your composite fencing more expensive.
- The height of your fence – if your composite fence needs to be taller than a normal garden fence then the cost of the materials and installation will be increased.
- The number of panels – your composite fencing costs will increase or decrease depending on the number of composite fence panels you require.
- Composite fence location – if the intended location of your composite fence is hard to access then the installation process will take longer and the costs will increase.
- Wooden fence removal – if you have a wooden fence that needs to be removed by the composite fence installers then this will increase the overall installation costs.
- Composite fence accessories – if you want to add things to your composite fencing such as garden gates then you will need to factor this into the overall costs.
Why Is Composite Fencing Worth The Upfront Costs?
Low-maintenance
One of the main benefits of composite fencing which makes it well worth the upfront costs is its lack of maintenance needs. Unlike traditional wooden fencing, composite fences don’t need to be treated, sealed, stained, or painted.
The plastic content in composite fence panels makes them very water-resistant which means they’re naturally resistant to rot and mould. This eliminates the need for any added protection.
This means that you will save money over the course of your fence’s lifespan and also won’t need to worry about the hassle of regular maintenance.
Longevity and durability
Composite fencing is very resistant to fading and scratching. It’s also unlikely to be damaged during strong winds and other extreme weather conditions.
This means that composite fences last much longer than wood fences, and are also less likely to need repairs over the course of their service life.
A timber fence may need to be replaced after around 10 years but a composite fence shouldn’t have to be replaced for between 25 to 30 years. This will save you money in the long term as you won’t need to pay for repairs or replacements.
All of our composite fencing boards come with a 20-year guarantee so you can be confident that your new fence will be around for many years to come.
Eco-friendliness
Composite fencing boards and panels are made with recycled materials. This is a mixture of reclaimed wood and recycled plastics.
Due to this, composite fencing is much more eco-friendly than wooden fencing as no trees need to be cut down to make it. It also means that less plastic ends up in landfills.
Wood fencing is also less eco-friendly because it must be maintained using treatments, stains, and paints. These often contain toxins and are harmful to the environment.
None of these chemicals is required for the maintenance of composite fencing which makes it a far more environmentally friendly choice.
Aesthetics
A composite fence can also be very aesthetically pleasing and can revitalise your outdoor space. Whereas a wood fence will likely fade, rot, and crack over time, a composite fence will retain its appearance for the whole of its lifespan.
Our range of composite fencing boards comes in five contemporary colours, including graphite, walnut, and spiced oak. You can choose from darker or lighter colours to find something that will perfectly complement your home and garden.
Easy installation
A composite fence is much easier to install than a wood fence and is something that you should be able to do yourself. Unlike wooden fencing panels, composite panels are very light and are easy to manoeuvre.
Our composite boards come in small modules that simply need to be stacked on top of each other to reach the desired height of your new fence. This eliminates the need to pay for a professional contractor to install the fence for you.
If you buy wooden fencing you’ll most likely have to hire professional fence installers or enlist outside help to install it.
FAQs
Is composite fencing better than vinyl fencing?
In some ways, vinyl fencing is similar to composite fencing. It also requires very little maintenance and is long-lasting. However, it doesn’t tend to be as aesthetically pleasing and is far less eco-friendly than composite fencing.
For these reasons, a composite fence is usually a better choice than a vinyl fence.
Which type of fencing is the cheapest to have installed?
On average, UPVC fencing has the lowest installation costs in the UK. This is partly because they can be installed using UPVC posts which are easy to install and this decreases the labour costs.
However, composite fencing is easy to install yourself and so you may not have to pay any costs of installation if you choose a composite fence instead of a UPVC one.
Will a composite fence add value to my property?
Installing a composite fence will add value to your property. Its pleasing aesthetics will increase the curb appeal of your home and make it a more attractive prospect to potential buyers.
It will also give buyers confidence as they will be aware that composite fences will save them money in the long term, and won’t need to be replaced for a very long time.
Do fence posts need to be set in concrete?
Fence posts don’t need to be set in concrete but doing so will create a strong foundation for your fence. If you’re using wood fence posts then setting them in concrete will actually cause them to rot more quickly. If you’re using composite fence posts then this won’t be an issue.
Browse Ecoscape’s Range Of Composite Fencing Boards Today
If you’re ready to install your new composite fence then explore our exciting range of composite fencing boards today. They’re resistant to scratching, staining, fading and much more.
They’re also easy to install yourself and are an affordable option for any budget. The versatility of the colours in our range means that you’re certain to find a look that’s right for you.
