Is composite fence or wooden fence better?

Choosing between fencing materials will have a huge bearing on the cost, performance, and life expectancy of your new fencing.

Composite fencing is typically more expensive than traditional wooden fencing. Your budget will play a significant part in the material you choose.

Investing in high-quality fencing will provide a number of benefits, and this guide will explore these, letting you know why composite fencing is more expensive than timber.

The Difference Between Composite and Wooden Fence Boards

The main difference between wooden fence boards and composite fence boards is the materials. You will be able to choose between a low-cost softwood option or hardwood, which is a bit more durable.

Composite is a synthetic material made from plastic and wood fibres. Vanjoin uses reclaimed wood fibres and recycled plastics to create high-quality composite materials that are durable, long-lasting, and look great.

The Cost of Composite Fencing vs Traditional Timber Fencing

Anyone conducting home improvements will have a budget. Understanding the costs of different fencing materials will let you select the best quality products to carry out your project.

Prices will vary depending on the quality of timber or composite and the supplier, so browsing can be a great way to make savings.

If you do choose to browse, you should always take the time to check the quality of the product, the testing that has been carried out, and any warranty provided.

Composite and Wooden Fencing Compared

Making a decision on whether standard wood fences or composite wood fences are the more suitable choice for you should not be based purely on cost.

Here are some of the most significant reasons that wood plastic composite fencing is a more expensive option but often a more suitable one as well.

Durability

The durability of composite fences makes them an ideal choice for installation . Vanjoin composite fence panels are a part of the first-generation clarity range.

They are rigorously tested for strength, impact resistance, scratch and indentation resistance, and UV weathering to ensure they can perform to the highest standard.

Appearance

A natural wood fence will always have an aesthetic appeal. However, composite fencing panels provide an excellent contemporary feel that can be matched with other composite products such as decking or cladding.

Vanjoin composite fencing is available in five colours; graphite, charcoal, spiced oak, silver birch, and walnut. Each board is dual-sided, meaning that you have the choice between 38 mm or 63 mm battens or mixing them up to create unique designs.

The ability to match your fencing with other Vanjoin composite products allows you to create a colour scheme for your exterior that is long-lasting.

Rot and Mould Resistance

Another significant benefit that composite fencing panels have over wooden fencing is their rot and mould resistance.

Composite is better than wood in repelling moisture, and it won’t rot. Even timber that is well cared for can suffer in time, especially with the inclement weather that is so common.

Continuous exposure to moisture can cause timber to soften and rot over time. Because composite is weatherproof and the wood fibres in it are protected by plastic, you don’t need to worry about this being an issue.

Mould can form on damp or dirty areas, but composite materials make it difficult for mould to form. It is not impossible for mould to grow on composite, but it is significantly less likely than on wooden fencing.

Low-Maintenance

Another significant factor in the popularity of composite fencing is how easy it is to maintain. If you have a wood fence, you will have to regularly treat it to protect against the weather, moisture, and pests like wood-boring insects.

Wood fencing will also need to be painted or stained regularly to ensure it looks good. This can take a lot of time, is inconvenient, and is also expensive. Many people won’t factor in the time, effort, and cost of maintaining a wood fence when looking at costs.

Composite fence panels do not need to be treated or waterproofed, and wood-boring insects don’t harm this type of material.

Cleaning a composite fence is relatively straightforward and can be done with a soft bristle brush and warm water.

Alternatively, you can use a power washer carefully on composite materials. It is advised to use a jet spray and keep the nozzle at least 20 cm from the fence boards. Using a low pressure is best, so you don’t mark the composite, and moving along each board individually will also get the best results.

Easy Installation

Installing composite fencing is straightforward, and you will be able to purchase all the components needed at Vanjoin.

Lifespan

The lifespan of your fencing should always be a priority. Even fencing at the more affordable end of a budget can be costly, so investing in a long-lasting product is essential.

Vanjoin composite fencing is better than wood fencing alternatives, thanks to its 20-year product warranty.

As long as your fencing is installed correctly and properly cared for, it should last at least 20 years. Many fences can last even longer if they are regularly maintained.

In comparison to this, wood fencing will typically last between 10 and 15 years. During this time, you will have to regularly treat, paint, or stain the wood fence to ensure it is protected from the elements.

When you consider how much longer you are guaranteed from composite fencing and the minimal upkeep it needs, it is an excellent option for gardens that will see a significant amount of rain.

Is composite fencing environmentally friendly?

Vanjoin composite fencing is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an environmentally friendly option.

95% of the materials used in Vanjoin composite products are recycled, including wood fibres that are rescued from landfills. The wood used in Vanjoin products is also ethically and sustainably sourced with third-party certification from the FSC.

The recycled plastics used help to limit the production of new plastics, and in 2021, Vanjoin recycled 4495 tons of plastic.

It is worth noting that not all composite manufacturers and suppliers will have similar eco-friendly results. If this is a priority for you when purchasing fencing, you should research how a company sources its materials.

What cleaning products can I use on composite fencing?

Low-maintenance composite fencing should only need to be cleaned once or twice a year. When doing this, it is important to avoid harsh chemicals or bleaches, and you shouldn’t use sharp or abrasive cleaning tools.

Regular liquid soap and warm water are usually enough to give composite fencing a good clean. There are some specially designed composite cleaners that are also available.

You should use a sponge or soft bristle brush to clean composite fences and ensure you rinse any soap residue after cleaning.

If you are using a jet washer, a 1,500 PSI should be adequate, and holding it at a safe distance with a fan nozzle should minimise the risk of the composite being marked during the cleaning process.

Can I paint my composite fence?

Investing in high-quality composite fencing means you shouldn’t need to paint it. It is possible if the composite becomes faded or scratched.

If you do plan to paint composite fencing, you should use a bonding primer and then an acrylic paint that is suitable for external use.

Alternatively, you can use a stain on composite fences if they are starting to look faded.

If you start painting a composite fence, you will have to regularly give it a new coat, and it will lose some of the low-maintenance benefits that composite has over wood.

Painting a fence will typically void a warranty, but if it has come to the point a fence needs to be painted, it may have lapsed anyway.

Before painting composite fencing, you should thoroughly clean the area and sand the surface, so the primer holds.

Two coats of paint should be enough after the primer has dried, and regularly going over it will ensure it won’t peel and stays fresh.

Will my composite fence fade?

Composite fencing typically contains ultraviolet agents that help to reduce fading from the sunlight.

Some fencing may fade slightly over time, but this will depend on the exposure to sunlight.

In comparison to wood fences, composite needs significantly less maintenance and a wood fence will need to be regularly stained or painted to combat fading, flaking, or peeling.

Is a composite fence worth the money?

Weighing up the pros and cons of any investment will help you determine whether it is the right choice for you.

Though there is an initial output that can be expensive, composite fencing is typically worth spending the extra money on. You can even save money on installation costs with professional fence installers due to their ease to work with.

You will save money in the long term between the longevity of the product and the lack of paint, stain, or treatments you would have to buy to treat wood fences.

As well as its longevity and durability, composite fencing looks great and offers a stylish alternative to traditional wood.

Composite material offers an excellent alternative to traditional fence panels, and the low-maintenance nature of composite makes it popular with many property owners.

Wood fences tend to need a lot of care after installation, and the upkeep can be inconvenient, time-consuming, and expensive.

It is straightforward to install composite fencing, and the recycled materials used by Vanjoin make it an excellent option for anyone trying to improve their green credentials.

Fencing should provide your home with additional security, shelter from the elements, and privacy from neighbouring properties.

A long-lasting material allows you to enjoy your outdoor space without the worry of maintaining or replacing it.

While it is a more expensive option than a timber fence, composite panels can be perfect for gardens and will tie in well with other composite products.