Composite fencing materials offer a range of benefits that make it a popular choice in UK gardens. Composite is long-lasting, durable, low-maintenance, and looks great.
Installing composite fencing is relatively straightforward, but it is essential that the installation process is completed correctly.
Failure to correctly install composite fencing can result in the performance and longevity of the materials being compromised. The terms and conditions of the product warranty may also depend on following the supplier guidelines.
This guide will help you to avoid the most common mistakes when installing composite fencing.
The Most Common Mistakes Made When Installing Composite Fencing
Installing composite fencing will be straightforward for professionals and those with adequate experience.
If you are planning a fence installation project with composite materials, you should take the time to study the supplier installation guide that will provide you with each step and the tools needed to carry out the job.
Even with an extensive plan in place, mistakes can happen. Knowing the most common fence installation mistakes will help you to avoid them.
Fence Post Hole Depth
Digging fence post holes to a depth of between 600 mm and 850 mm for all fence posts and ensuring they are level is an important part of installing your composite fence.
Shallow fence post holes can result in the structure being too weak and can cause a fence to tilt and fall in some cases.
Properly Concreting Fenceposts
As well as ensuring fence posts are set deeply, fence posts need to be solidly held in place. Quick drying concrete is an essential part of the installation process.
Concrete should fill the hole to 25 mm from the ground level and should be angled so water can run away from the fence posts.
Planning for Uneven Gardens
Not every garden will be completely even. In fact, very few are. Unless you want your fencing to go up and down, you will have to take into account the dips and rises in your garden when setting your fence posts.
This can be challenging for inexperienced installers, and hiring a professional can be wise.
Always Check Property Boundaries
Thoroughly checking property boundaries before starting is one of the most important parts of installing a composite fence.
If your fence crosses over the property line, your neighbour will have the right to demand the fence be removed. You will be able to reinstall it correctly, but the time and inconvenience of doing this, as well as the cost of materials, make this a costly and frustrating error.
Getting Permission from Neighbours
If you plan on installing fencing, it is worth speaking to your neighbour to let them know of any plans.
In some cases, boundaries to the left of a property will be that property’s responsibility, but it is not always the case.
If an existing fence is located on a neighbour’s property and you want to replace it, speaking with them should be the first step.
If your neighbour does not want to replace an old or damaged fence, you can install a fence on your own property without their permission.
Getting Planning Permission
Planning permission is not always needed for fencing, but checking your plans to adhere to the guidelines set by your local planning authority is essential.
Fencing is typically allowed up to 2 m in height without planning permission, but it is always best to check first.
Incorrectly Calculating Measurements and Materials
The correct measurements are essential to calculating the materials needed to complete a fencing project.
The Ecoscape Installation guide provides a calculating guide to help you work out exactly what is needed.
If you aren’t sure, contact your composite fencing supplier with your measurements and asking for advice is advisable.
Avoid Pipes
Nobody starts a fencing project hoping to hit a water, gas, or sewage pipe, but with so many things to consider, people can forget to check.
Always be careful when digging on your property in case you come across underground pipes or wires.
Planning Gates
Not all gardens will have a gate, but if you plan to install one, you should consider footfall in your garden to find the best location.
Level ground beneath a gate is a must, and depending on which way it opens, the ground around the area should be considered. A gate could be installed and end up catching on the raised ground behind it.
Use the Materials Provided
Using the materials provided by your supplier will ensure the quality of your build meets the warranty standards.
Suppliers design accessories and components to fit specifically with their own products. Using generic parts can result in a poor fit, or they may be of inferior quality.
Spacing Fence Posts
It is a good rule of thumb to have too many posts then too few. Your fence posts add stability and strength to support the fence boards. Always follow the supplier installation guide that will advise on fence post spacing.
Choose the Right Materials
Choosing a fencing material will determine the cost, style, quality, and longevity of the fence. Your budget will typically play a significant part in the fencing you choose, but you should always take the time to research the material and supplier.
If you have decided on composite materials for your fencing, you must understand that all composite products are not the same. Difference manufacturers will produce composite fence panels that differ in quality.
Ecoscape Composite Fencing Information
Ecoscape composite decking offers consumers a long-lasting fencing material that looks great and requires very little maintenance.
The Ecoscape composite fencing range is available in five colours; silver birch, spiced oak, graphite, walnut, and charcoal. The fencing boards are double-sided, with one side featuring 38 mm battens and 63 mm battens on the reverse.
The natural look fencing panels can be arranged to create a uniform style with wide or narrow battens or mixed to create a unique style.
Ecoscape’s composite fence product range can be matched with its decking, cladding, and balustrade range to create a beautiful outdoor area.
The high-quality fencing boards are 157 mm x 1830 mm x 45 mm and weigh 3.15 kg per meter.
Installation is easy, and the boards can be stacked between Ecoscape fence posts, or existing concrete fence posts can be used as a retrofit option.
The composite fence panels are made up of 45% reclaimed HDPE (High-density polyethene) and 55% reclaimed wood.
Ecoscape composite fence boards come with a 20-year warranty. Warranties must be registered within 90 days of installation and must adhere to the installation guides provided.
The durable material will not splinter, warp, or split, and it has excellent scratch and stain resistance.
For more information, visit the dedicated Ecoscape composite fencing page.
FAQS
How much does composite fencing cost?
The cost of composite decking will vary depending on the manufacturer and supplier. Ecoscape composite fencing costs ÂĢ15.31 per board.
The cost of a complete fencing project will depend on the quantity of material needed for the job. Precise measurements are needed to calculate the fencing materials needed for each garden.
Is composite fencing easy to maintain?
Yes, composite fencing is easy to maintain. In fact, the material’s low maintenance is one of the most significant factors in its UK popularity.
Traditional timber fencing will require regular maintenance, including painting, staining, and treatments to protect it from rot and pests.
Composite fencing will not need to be painted, stained, or treated and will not be affected by rot or pests.
Cleaning composite fencing is straightforward, and you will be able to use warm soapy water, a soft bristle brush, and a jet washer. You should always take care when jet washing composite materials and follow the supplier care instructions to avoid damage.
How environmentally friendly is composite fencing?
Ecoscape composite fencing is made from 95% recycled materials. This offers consumers an excellent way to invest in high-quality fencing that doesn’t have a huge carbon footprint.
The reclaimed wood fibres used in Ecoscape’s composite fencing are sustainably and ethically sourced and have third-party certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The wood chips, sawdust, and other wood fibres would otherwise be landfilled.
Ecoscape also minimises new plastic production by recycling thousands of tons of plastic every year.
Investing in high-quality, long-lasting composite products also minimises the need to replace fence boards and buy paint, treatments, and stains.
How long does composite fencing last?
Composite fencing should last in excess of 20 years. Ecoscape composite fencing has a 20-year warranty, and as long as the terms and conditions of the warranty are met, it should last for at least this length of time.
The factors that will impact how long composite fencing lasts are the installation process and maintenance.
We have already covered that composite is low maintenance, and cleaning it is the most important part. Cleaning composite fencing twice a year is typically enough to keep it in good condition.
Avoiding abrasive or sharp cleaning tools is important, and you should not use harsh chemicals to clean composite.
Installing composite fencing will also affect the warranty and longevity of the fencing. The accessories, components, and guidelines provided by the supplier are designed for the fencing you have bought.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure your fencing lasts as long as possible.
Final Thoughts
Homeowners that are interested in fences for their property will benefit from installing composite fences.
They look great, last for a long time, can withstand moisture without rotting, and are relatively easy to install.
Unless you are experienced with fence installation, there will be more than one common mistake that you need to watch out for, and hopefully, our guide will help you successfully build your fence so it can withstand the elements and stand for a long time.
If you aren’t entirely confident with installing fences, we would advise that you hire a professional installer to ensure it looks good and your warranty is not compromised.
Ecoscape composite fencing is an excellent, contemporary choice that looks great and will complement any existing deck or cladding.
