Fencing can increase the privacy and security of a property and will even provide protection from the wind and minimise external sound.
Choosing a fencing material will determine what your fence looks like, how much it costs, and how easy it is to install.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about composite fencing, including what they are made of, their benefits, and how to install them.
What is Composite Fencing
Ecoscape composite fence boards are made from recycled plastics and reclaimed wood fibres. They are moulded with a bonding agent to create durable, long-lasting fencing.
Composite Fencing Benefits
Investing in the highest quality composite products for external use in the UK ensures long-lasting items that require minimal maintenance. Here are some of the most significant benefits of composite fence boards;
Durable
The durability of composite fencing is a significant selling point. It offers an excellent scuff and scratch-proof material that won’t succumb to the UK’s ever-changing weather.
Long Lifespan
Ecoscape composite fence boards come with a 20-year warranty, offering property owners an easy way to enjoy a long-lasting fence.
Low-Maintenance
Unlike timber fencing, you will not have to paint, stain, or treat composite fencing. Occasionally cleaning them down is all you will have to do.
Cleaning the Ecoscape composite fencing range is as easy as cleaning the great quality composite decking. All you will need is a soft bristle brush and warm soapy water.
Great Appearance
The Ecoscape composite fencing range is available in five colours; charcoal, walnut, graphite, spiced oak, and silver birch.
Each board is dual-sided, giving property owners a choice between 28 mm and 63 mm battens.
The excellent range of fencing is perfect for anyone looking to match it with composite decking. Composite decking is a great alternative to other materials and removes the risk of a rotting wooden deck.
Tools & Equipment Needed for Composite Fencing Installation
The proper installation of composite fencing is essential to its performance and for the product warranty.
Professional installation is advised unless you have adequate experience to carry out the job safely and to the manufacturer’s specifications.
The following tools are required for installing the Ecoscape composite fencing system;
- String
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Equipment to dig a hole
- Mitre saw
- Hand saw
- Eye goggles / Protective facemask
- Gloves
- Dust mask
- Cordless screwdriver
- Electric drill
How to Install Ecoscape Composite Fencing
Always follow the supplier instructions and use the components and accessories provided. This is because the parts and directions are designed specifically for the material and composite products designed by this manufacturer.
Failure to follow the provider’s installation guide or use the parts provided can result in the warranty being invalidated and poor performance from your fencing.
Fencing Components
The components provided for the Ecoscape composite fencing system include;
- Fence board
- End Fence Post
- Top Fence Board
- Intermediate Fence Post
- Corner Fence Post
- Aluminium Bottom Rail
- Post Cap
- Security Nail
- Fence Base Plate
- Plastic Security Clip
- Steel Insert
- Base Plate Fixing Bolts & Caps
Installing Ecoscape Composite Fencing in Grass or the Ground
The following steps will help you install Ecoscape’s high-quality composite fencing in-ground or grass.
Step 1
Use your string to mark out the fence line. You should clear the area and ensure your fence posts will be on your side of the boundary line.
You should then dig holes between 600 mm and 850 mm in depth. The base of the holes must be level.
Step 2
Place your steel insert into the hole and use your spirit level to ensure it is level.
Fill the hole around the steel insert with 2.5-3 noâ20k post mix concrete. However, the concrete you choose will depend on the ground conditions.
The concrete should be filled to 25 mm below the top of the hole and angled slightly away from the post for drainage.
Step 3
Your composite fence post can be placed over the steel insert, checking to ensure it is level. This can be supported until the concrete has fully set.
You can then measure out and set the remaining fence posts.
Step 4
Install the security clips before installing the bottom rail for the fence boards to rest on.
Step 5
Slide the bottom rail down between fence posts by inserting it into the fence post’s H groove and align each end.
The bottom rail should then be level and can be sunk into the ground in some cases.
Step 6
You can begin inserting the fence posts allowing for an adequate thermal expansion gap.
You can stack the fence boards either way, depending on the pattern that you want, and fence boards can be cut to a specific size.
Step 7
After installing all the boards, insert the top fence panel to finish it off.
After installing all the fence boards, you can insert the post cap.
Installing Ecoscape Composite Fencing onto Concrete Foundations or Block Wall
The following guide will help with the installation of Ecoscape’s composite fencing to block walls or concrete footing.
The first thing you should do is ensure the structural foundation is adequate for installation. It must be at least 150 mm thick.
Step 1
You will start by positioning your metal support posts. You should pre-drill pilot holes of 3 to 5 mm and pre-drill the structure for the supplied M10 x 80 mm anchor bolts if you are using them.
You will typically need a 13 mm or 14 mm masonry drill bit, depending on the material being drilled into.
The insert must be plumb and secure, and you will be able to use steel packers or shims.
Step 2
You will now be able to secure the steel insert before installing the fence post over it.
Step 3
The composite post H section should be pre-drilled, and a self tapper inserted 300 mm and 150 mm from the bottom.
The self-tappers will come with the base plate, and they will help to secure the fence post to the base plate.
Step 4
After securing your fence posts, the fence boards should be inserted. Remember that there are different finishes on either side, so planning your desired pattern beforehand is advised.
After installing all the panel boards, check the fixing bolts and put the plastic cover caps on each of the bolts.
Step 5
Choose between the fence post caps or fence capping board for the perfect finish for your garden.
Installing Ecoscape Composite Fencing into Existing Concrete Fence Posts
The final guide will help you if you plan to install Ecoscape’s composite fencing into existing concrete posts.
Step 1
Ecoscape composite fence boards measure 1830 mm x 45 mm. They can be retrofitted into existing concrete fence posts that have a 46.5 mm slot.
If the measurements of existing concrete posts vary, they can be packed to suit the board size and allow for thermal extension.
Ecoscape designs fencing boards to be the same thickness as traditional timber panels, so they should fit existing structures.
Step 2
Remove the existing timber fence panels and insert the composite replacement boards.
Step 3
As you fit the boards, ensure the pattern is uniform and uses packers if any are loose.
Ecoscape Fencing
Ecoscape’s innovative composite fencing system is a versatile and durable option for all UK gardens.
Enjoy a range of styles and colours, and benefit from a long product warranty with these long-lasting fencing options.
The unique, low-maintenance fence boards offer a contemporary style that can be matched with Ecoscape’s other excellent composite products, including gates, balustrades, decking, and cladding.
Boards measure 1830 mm x 45 mm x 157 mm and weigh 3.15 kg per meter.
Ecoscape composite fence boards cost ÂĢ15.31 per board and are available in five colours.
You will find out more about Ecoscape’s composite fence boards by visiting the dedicated page. There you will find product details, a complete installation guide, warranty details, and much more.
FAQs
How do you clean composite fencing?
Low-maintenance composite fencing options are easy to wash. You don’t need to worry about painting, staining, or treating them against the weather or wood-boring insects.
Keeping the boards clear of dirt and debris will keep them looking great and minimise the risk of them deteriorating.
Using a soft bristle brush and warm soapy water will help to keep them clean.
If you need to give your fencing a deep clean, a jet wash high-pressure cleaner can be used. Using a fan spray, so the beam isn’t as concentrated, will help, and you should hold the power washer a minimum of 20 cm from the board.
Cleaning once or twice a year is typically sufficient to keep the fence looking great.
How should Ecoscape composite fence boards be stored?
Before installation, composite fence boards should be stored in a cool, shaded, and dry area.
Fencing panels should be stacked on top of one another, no higher than 3 m.
They must be stacked on a level surface to ensure the boards are not bowed.
Because composite materials expand and contract in extreme temperatures, keeping them away from direct sunlight until you are ready to use them is essential.
Care should be taken when handling the boards, so you don’t damage them.
You should never drag composite fence boards; they should be kept clean to avoid marks or stains.
Is composite fencing worth it?
Yes, composite fencing is worth investing in as it is a hard-wearing surface that looks great.
Composite fence boards are typically more expensive than traditional timber fencing. However, composite is an excellent option when you factor in the time and cost of maintaining timber fencing.
Timber fencing will have an average lifespan of between 10 and 15 years and will require regular painting, staining, and treatments.
Composite fencing provided by Ecoscape and installed correctly has a warranty of 20 years. Composite boards can last well beyond this 20 years when properly looked after.
Can you install composite fencing near the sea?
Composite fencing is ideally suited for installation near the sea. Many fencing materials are not suitable for the corrosive salt air of coastal towns.
Timber or metal options can deteriorate quickly, and concrete can also be broken down by the salt air and weather.
Composite is long-lasting and will perform well as long as it is regularly cleaned to remove salt deposits.
How hard is it to calculate how much fencing material is needed for your garden?
Calculating the fencing material you need for your garden is relatively straightforward. The Ecoscape composite fencing installation guide has a breakdown of how to calculate the fencing needed.
You will have to consider the length and height of the planned fence project.
Not only will you have to calculate the boards needed, but also the fence posts, post caps, bottom rails, clips, and top fence boards.
Expansion gaps needed will differ depending on the temperature. The following guide lets you know what will be necessary;
- A 4 mm expansion gap is needed for an installation temperature of 0°C.
- A 3 mm expansion gap is needed for an installation temperature of 10°C.
- A 2 mm expansion gap is needed for an installation temperature of 20°C.
- A 1.5 mm expansion gap is needed for an installation temperature of 30°C.
Final Thoughts
The quality products installation advice provided by Ecoscape ensures easy installation is possible for anyone with the right experience.
Ecoscape’s excellent range of composite products is ideal for fencing, decking, cladding, gates, and creating raised garden boards.
The durability and weatherproof qualities make it ideal for use in the UK. Professional installation is recommended to ensure it adheres to the warranty terms and conditions. Only those with prior experience should take on a fencing job with composite materials.
