Due to its durability, low maintenance, and resistance to rot and mold, composite fencing has become one of the most often used fence materials. Composite fencing offers the appearance of wood without the disadvantages. Composite fencing may last at least 20 years, making it more robust than the majority of conventional timber fences.
So, why is composite fencing so durable? Recycled plastics and wood pulp are combined to create composite fencing. Recycled materials make composite fencing more environmentally friendly than virgin plastic.
Composite Fencing Reviews: What is the Best Fence Material?
Composite fencing can act as a privacy barrier that separates your garden from the neighbors or as a purely beautiful picket fence in your front yard. Composite fencing panels are resistant to warping and rotting, unlike wood fencing panels. Style-wise, a composite fence provides homeowners with a range of options, such as fencing that simulates the appearance of rich wood, wrought iron, or dramatic solids in classic and contemporary hues.
Read more: Best Outdoor Deck Lighting Ideas
If and when you decide to sell your home, installing a fence might boost its market value. In addition to enhancing privacy, it also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the property. Even if you have no plans to sell your property in the near future, composite fencing will make your outdoor living space more aesthetically pleasing for many years.
Composite vs Wood vs Vinyl Fence: What’s the Difference?
Consider the differences in cost, upkeep, longevity, and beauty when deciding between a composite vs. wood or vinyl fence. Before installing a fence, it is prudent to examine the benefits and downsides of each material and before you purchase supplies, you should verify with your local city, town, or township building rules to determine if a permit is required to construct a fence. Once you have the necessary knowledge and permits, you will be able to determine which materials best suit your requirements.
Composite Fencing
A composite fence is constructed from a combination of materials that, when bonded during the production process, generate a material that is stronger than the sum of its parts. Typically, composite fencing is composed of recycled plastics, such as milk cartons and shopping bags, combined with sawdust and/or wood pulp. The final product can be created by mixing these ingredients with resins and pressing them into molds.
Composite fencing can range in price from $25 to $45 per linear foot. However, once constructed, a composite fence requires little to no care and provides the appearance of wood without labor-intensive maintenance.
Wood Fencing
Wood fencing is less expensive than composite or vinyl fencing, but requires substantially more maintenance. The price per linear foot might range from $10 to $20 depending on the type of wood you choose. For example, a more common wood such as pressure-treated pine can be on the cheaper end of the spectrum, but exotic tropical hardwoods are more expensive.
While the initial cost of natural wood fencing may be lower, the time required to preserve its attractiveness can be a disadvantage. Winter and summer temperature fluctuations can cause wood to expand and shrink, causing it to crack or splinter. These cracks can jeopardize the structural integrity of your wood and promote the spread of mold and rot. Additionally, wood fencing must be treated, re-stained, and/or repainted every few years for optimal appearance.
Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl fencing is simple to install for both professionals and do-it-yourselfers because of notches that often interlock without nails or screws. Vinyl fencing costs between $20 and $25 per linear foot, placing it between wood and composite fencing in terms of pricing. Vinyl fencing is simple to clean, but it is susceptible to mildew and fading. If a section of vinyl fencing is broken, you must repair the complete panel as opposed to one or two individual slats.
How to Install a Composite Fence: Step-by-Step Overview for DIYers
The installation of a composite fence is a difficult task that will require multiple days and the assistance of at least one other person to move posts, and panels, and pour concrete. However, you can purchase composite fencing panels that simply attach to fence posts, making installation of a composite fence simpler than that of a standard wooden fence.
Follow these step-by-step steps to install a composite fence yourself, but always consult the manufacturer for more thorough instructions.
Map the Fence Line
What quantity of composite fencing do you require? Once you've determined the length of your fence by measuring your yard, use that number to determine how many fence posts and fence panels you'll need. For example, if the length of your composite fencing panels is four feet, you will need fence posts every four feet for support. Planning your fence before purchasing supplies and excavating will help you save money and prevent you from acquiring surplus materials. You can also use a composite fencing estimator to more precisely determine the number of materials required for your project. Draw your fence on paper, then use stakes and spray paint to indicate the location of the post holes.
Digging Post Holes
Once you have mapped your fence line, you will be able to determine where post holes must be dug. For stability, the requirement is to drill post holes at least one-third the height of the fence.
Before you begin digging, you must pick where you will install your composite fence, which will influence the placement of your first fence post. When constructing a fence for the backyard, it is typical to attach it to the house or another stable structure for stability.
Once you've drilled holes, add cement to make footers. Use your digging tool to construct a curved channel prior to pouring. Then, pour cement and install the post. This prevents water from entering the post and increases its adhesion to the cement.
Install Composite Fencing Panels
Two days are required for the cement to cure. Once the panels have hardened, determine their ideal height and use it as a guide for where to connect them. Before placing your panels, please consider the ground level. Your new composite fence should be low enough to the ground to prevent dogs from escaping and to prevent other animals from burrowing through the fence into your yard.
Run a String Line and Set the Corners
To maintain the straightness and levelness of your new fence, string a line from corner to corner. This will serve as your installation guide for the fence panels. Corner bracing can provide additional support. If you employ corner bracing, each side of your fence will require one diagonal brace.
Hang Your Gate
If your plan calls for building a fence gate, you will need heavy-duty screws and a level to ensure that the gate is installed straight. Once installed, test the functionality of your gate by opening and closing it many times.
Building a composite fence is a satisfying project that may raise the value of your home and add to its aesthetic appeal and privacy.
