The Ultimate Guide to Composite Fencing: Types, Prices & Installation Options

The Cost: Composite vs. Wood Fencing

One of the first questions we get is: “How much does it cost compared to wood?”

Let’s be honest—composite fencing has a higher upfront cost. However, it is an investment that pays for itself over time through its durability and lack of maintenance costs.

The Comparison: Wood vs. Composite vs. PVC vs. Iron

The Honest Truth: Pros, Cons & Fading

We believe in total transparency. For a deep dive into the specific material science, read our full breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of composite fencing. Whilst our belief that composite is the best material on the market stands firm, it is important to us that customers know exactly what they are buying.

Installation Options: Which System Do You Need?

Installation is often perceived as difficult, but it’s much simpler than most people believe. If you are doing the work yourself, you can follow our complete DIY composite fence installation.

We offer two distinct systems depending on your current garden setup:

Option A: Existing Concrete Posts (Retrofit)

This method is growing in trend due to its ease of installation. With over 80% of UK homes having concrete posts already installed in their garden, combined with the low maintenance investment and simple install of our kits, it is easy to see why this product is growing year-after-year.

When we say, “simple install” – we mean it. It involves using two U-shaped channels adapted to allow the boards to slide in. You simply slot them into the groove of the concrete posts, slide in the aluminium bottom rail, then the boards, and finish with the top rail. It’s just that easy.

Most customers overcomplicate this, and for good reason—there are few products in the kit. But it is key to remember that composite fencing isn’t sold as a whole fence panel as you are used to; it is composed of boards and aluminium rails that slot in with ease to create the panel.  The total number of boards needed for 2ft height is 3, and for a 6ft height it is 10.

Top Tip: It is key to note that most UK homes have a gravel board (a concrete bottom), and these are normally built into the panel height sold online. So, check if you have a gravel board first before purchasing. If you don’t, let the supplier know, as you may need to purchase extra boards to fill the gap.

Option B: Aluminium Post System (New Build)

This method is designed for when you don’t have existing concrete posts or are planning a fresh installation. With the aluminium post system, we recommend sinking the post into concrete to a depth of 750mm into the ground for stability.

Using aluminium is great for no rust, no rot, and long-term durability in mind. However, if you are in an open field or a location with high winds, you will need to reinforce the boards with aluminium inserts for extra support. Within these environments, our advice is to sink your posts into the ground, not bolt them to the concrete. This could save you hundreds of pounds and a lot of headaches.

Expert Tip: High-wind locations and open fields will need reinforced boards and posts—don’t miss this key information!

Types of Composite Fencing

Just like cladding and decking, composite fencing comes in a variety of colours and styles, and these can enhance and modernise any garden with ease. Not sure which hue suits your property? Read our guide on how to choose the right composite fence colour before you order. Composite fencing in the UK comes mainly in Smooth, Grooved, and Wood Grain. Recently, inspired by our best-selling slatted cladding, we have launched a Slatted Fencing variant, and we think that this fencing choice will be the new trending product of 2026.

Smooth & Grooved

The classic appearance. These come in reversible boards giving you the option of a classic ‘smooth finish’ (seen with our smooth cladding boards) or a ‘grooved finish’ (like our decking boards). The rich colours of Anthracite Grey, Grey, Bold Black, and Natural Warm Brown can instantly bring your new garden design and landscape to life.

*Note*: If you choose the smooth side, just like our cladding, tannin leaching (watermarks) will occur. These will weather and disappear in the first 6 months, so note this is perfectly normal.

Woodgrain

The natural woodgrain pattern has been a popular selection for UK customers for well over a decade now. This is the chosen solution for many customers as the woodgrain pattern successfully captures an enhanced authenticity of traditional wood in most customers’ eyes.

Using our enhanced woodgrain treatment, our boards differentiate themselves from others with sharper, richer colour and a woodgrain texture that is more authentic (especially in our mixed-colour Browns). But the benefits don’t stop here—our new surface treatment also increases colour stability!

Slatted Fencing

The ‘slatted finish’ and style is powered by our recently launched slatted composite cladding range. It is a trending and fast-growing fencing option due to our menu of mixed colours and unique woodgrain feel. This product captures the growing popularity of both slatted and batten fencing combined as a low-maintenance solution.

These panels and boards will instantly enhance your garden landscape with something unique and different that your neighbours are sure to find envy, for more fencing ideas review our real life customers images. The product images included below speak for themselves:

Summary: Why Choose Composite?

To recap, here is why homeowners are making the switch:

Lifespan: 25–30 Years (vs 10-15 for wood).

Maintenance: No extra effort or investment. Just clean with warm soapy water. See our complete composite fence care guide for more details on maintenance.

Eco-Friendly: Made from recycled wood fibres and plastics, promoting healthy practices and reducing environmental impact.

Privacy: Unlike wrought iron or chain link, composite offers full privacy from prying eyes or onlookers.

Ready to transform your garden?

Whether you are retrofitting old concrete posts or designing a new slatted masterpiece, we have the kits to help you build better!