Composite vs timber: what’s best for fencing?

Modern fencing solutions are designed to achieve a long lifespan, remaining sleek and polished for many years to come. 

Composite and timber are the two most popular materials for fencing systems. While timber is the traditional choice – having featured in countless fences across the decades – composite fencing is an equally popular material, known for its impressive durability. 

Both fencing types offer their own specific advantages. The question of which to choose largely comes down to your top priorities as a property owner. 

So, to help you decide which fencing material presents the best match for your property, Planet Timber’s expert team have shared their guidance below. 

Timber fencing

Timber is the traditional material for fences, renowned for its elegant natural aesthetic. It is also a great affordable option, with a low upfront cost and a long predicted lifespan. 

Advantages

• Natural aesthetic – The natural, classic aesthetic of wood is highly sought-after. Its warm appearance is a great match for any property type, be it modern or traditional. 
• Low upfront cost – Compared to other materials, timber is generally cheaper to both buy and install.
• Design flexibility – Timber fencing can be either painted or stained, with a huge variety of colours and effects available. 
• Ready customisability – In addition to flexibility with colours and finishes, timber panels can be cut and reshaped easily (to suit your preferred design style). This also means that there are a wide range of timber fencing types to choose from, including decorative panels.

Drawbacks

• Higher maintenance requirements – As it is a natural material, timber fencing has higher maintenance requirements. This includes the need for regular painting or staining, plus ongoing treatments (to prevent weather damage, rot, cracking or warping). 
• Shorter predicted lifespan – In most cases, timber fencing has a lower lifespan, even if it is carefully. Typically, timber fences have a 10-15 year lifespan. But, this can vary considerably, depending on the quality of the fence and the degree of exposure.

Composite fencing

Composite fencing boasts the same classic aesthetic as timber fencing, but uses modern technology to achieve a high performance, low-maintenance and long-lasting solution.

It is made by combining recycled wood fibres, with plastic, to add durability and resistance. 

Advantages

• Low maintenance requirements – Unlike timber fencing, composite fencing doesn’t require re-painting or re-staining. All it needs is an occasional clean.
• High resistance to common causes of deterioration – Composite fencing is highly resistant to rot, warping, cracking, temperature fluctuations, weather damage and pest damage. 
• Long predicted lifespan – Composite fencing has a typical predicted lifespan of 20-30+ years.
• Consistent visuals – Even under long-term weather exposure, composite fencing retains its colour, finish and shape very consistently.

Drawbacks

• Higher upfront cost – Typically with more expensive materials and installation than alternative materials (especially timber).
• Less natural appearance – Although modern composites provide a super realistic replication of real wood grain, some still prefer the authentic appearance of real timber.
• Reduced flexibility for reshaping – It’s usually less easy to cut or reshape composite boards (compared to timber).

Key factors to compare

Both timber and composite tick a lot of boxes for fencing. 

Their main differences – and so, the question of which material provides the best match for you – usually boils down to a matter of a property owner’s priorities. 

• Upfront cost – Timber comes with a lower upfront cost than composite. 
• Maintenance requirements – Composite has much less maintenance requirements than timber. 
• Predicted lifespan – Timber is around 10-15 years, while composite is 20-30+ years. 
• Natural appearance – Timber has the more authentic natural appearance. 
• Durability – Composite is more durable, weather-resistant and moisture-resistant.

To summarise: 

• If your preference is a traditional fence with a natural appearance, which has a lower upfront cost, go for a timber fence.
• If you want to prioritise a fence with a long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements, choose composite fencing. 

At Planet Timber, we supply and install premium quality compositing fencing and timber fencing to properties across the UK. 

To explore our product range, or to speak to one of our specialists, don’t hesitate to get in touch.