Composite Fencing Materials

Function

• Composite fencing works in place of other fencing materials in almost all applications, and works in some areas where wood isn't a good choice. Composites won't rot or swell like unsealed wood when exposed to moisture, and are completely resistant to termite and carpenter ant damage if their plastic content is more than 70 percent, according to Rick's Custom Fencing & Decking. A wood pulp percentage of more than 30 percent makes the finished product less durable against environmental wear.

Types

• The type of plastic binder used in the composite fencing material changes the environmental impact of the finished product. For example, recycled plastics work fine in fencing planks and give the product a smaller carbon footprint, according to the American Fence Association. The color and wood grain pattern of the product doesn't affect its strength. Plastics such as polyethylene tend to be stronger than PVC or vinyl binders, which soften and may sag in hot weather.

Features

• Composite fencing doesn't require yearly sanding and resealing like some wood products do. Hollow-cored fencing panels are filled with foam, making them much lighter than sheets or boards of wood for an easier installation process, according to Veranda Composite Decking. Most composite materials also come with a warranty, often as long as 10 or 20 years, that pressure-treated pine wood can't compete with. If your fence cracks or fades before the warranty ends, many manufacturers will replace it for you.

Considerations

• Composite decking materials cost at least double, sometimes triple, the cost of real-wood fencing, according to building inspector Mark Visser. Many homeowners feel that the lower maintenance requirements justify a higher initial cost. Composites also fade to a weathered look after about a year of use, losing their initial coloring, so don't choose a color without seeing a weathered sample first, because you won't be able to paint or restain the plastic planks.