Last Updated on November 27, 2022 by Jason Nguyen
There are many choices if you want to put up a new fence to keep your backyard private or just for looks. Put up a fence that meets your needs and is made of a mix of different materials. In more ways than one, composite fencing is better than wood fencing. Because of this, the most common type of fence is now a composite fence. So, why is composite decking fencing a good idea?
The pros and cons of a composite fence
Wood fence panels warp and rot, but composite fence panels don’t. A composite fence is also easy to put up, requires little upkeep, is resistant to water and mildew, and is simple to clean. Composite fencing, on the other hand, can last up to 30 years or more, making it more durable than most traditional wood fences.
It gives people a lot of options for how they want their homes to look. Composite fencing looks like real wood, and it comes in both classic and trendy colors that make it stand out. So, it doesn’t matter what kind of decorations you have in your home. With the right composite fence, you can make your yard look nicer.
Composite fencing is made of both recycled plastic and wood fiber. Horizontal composite fencing is a good way to protect the environment. Another reason why composite fencing is better than wood fencing is because of this.
If a home has composite decking fencing, it may be worth more when it comes time to sell. I think people would rather buy an outdoor fence that doesn’t need much or any maintenance. Instead of getting a fence made of wood, which needs to be fixed often. The second option will not only take up a lot of the homeowner’s time, but it will also cost more and more to keep up with.
How much does each kind of fence cost?
One of the most important things to think about when building an outdoor living space is how much it will cost. So, how much do different kinds of fences cost?
Wooden walls
When compared to composite and vinyl fencing, wood fencing costs the least to put up. Depending on the type of wood you use, the cost can range from $10 to $40 per linear foot. For example, pressure-treated common pine can be very inexpensive. On the other hand, better-working tropical hardwoods can cost a lot.
A wood fence may cost less to build, but it takes more work to keep up. Temperature changes can make wood grow and shrink as the seasons change. This is the main reason why most wooden fences break or crack.
Also, these cracks can weaken the wood’s structure and make it easier for mold and rot to grow. To keep their good looks, wood fences also need to be fixed every few years. This also takes longer to fix and costs more money for the homeowner.
Plastic Fencing
Vinyl fencing is also easy to set up because it usually has notches that fit together without screws. The cost to put it up ranges from $20 to $25 per linear foot. Still, the first cost of vinyl fencing is higher than the first cost of wood fencing.
But vinyl fencing does have a few problems. If a piece of the vinyl fence breaks, you will have to replace the whole panel, not just one or two slats. It’s easy to clean vinyl fencing, but it can get moldy and lose its color. This also means that you have to take care of it regularly if you want it to look good.
Composite Fencing
The first cost of composite decking fencing is the most than vinyl fencing. Putting up a composite fence costs between $25 and $40 per linear foot. Composite fencing, on the other hand, is more resistant to the effects of the environment because of the way it is made.
Composite fencing won’t break, get moldy, or lose its color. This means that once composite fencing is put up, it doesn’t need much care. It gives you more time to have fun instead of working to keep your life going.
How do I install a composite fence?
It’s important to keep that in mind before you buy the material.
Check your local building codes to see if you need a permit to build something. Local building rules that aren’t necessary can cause trouble.
Composite fencing is very easy to put up. You can still put up your own outdoor fence, even if you’ve never done it before. Next, we’ll show you step-by-step how to put up a composite fence by yourself. You could also get help from a local building contractor.
Make the line between
There are a few things that need to be done before putting up the composite fence. You will need to measure the yard to figure out how long the horizontal composite fencing should be. You can figure out how many fence posts and fence panels you need based on this number.
For example, if you have composite fence panels that are 4 feet long. Then, you’ll need to put in fence posts every four feet to keep the fence stable. This work will keep you from buying too much material, which will save you money.
Digging post holes
Draw your fence on paper after you’ve drawn the fence line. Then, use stakes and spray paint to mark where the post holes will be. We start digging the post holes after we have marked where they will be. For the fence to stay stable, the holes for the posts should be dug at least 1/3 of the fence’s height deep.
To make the footer, you will need to pour cement into the holes after you have dug them. Make a curved path with your digging tool before you pour. Then, put the post in place and fill the area around it with cement. This keeps water from getting into the post and helps it stick better to the cement.
Installing decorative composite fence panels
It will take the cement a day or two to get hard. After the cement has set, you need to figure out how high the panels will be. Think about how high the floor is before you put up the panels. The new fence made of composite materials needs to be kept high enough. Small animals won’t be able to get into your yard, and neither will your pets.
Put lines and corners in place.
To keep your new fence straight and even, run a line from one corner to the other. This will show you how to put together the fence panels. Another way to add stability is with corner braces. If you are using corner braces, you will need a diagonal brace on each side of the fence.
Putting up the fence’s gate
We need to put up a fence gate after we put up the composite fence. To make sure the fence gate is straight when we put it up, we’ll need strong screws and a level. One thing to keep in mind is to make sure your gate has enough room to open and close. After the installation is done, open and close your gate a few times to make sure it works.
Conclusion
It can be fun to put up a composite fence on your own. It will give you a private space and also raise the value of your property. If you want to put up a fence made of wood and plastic yourself. The company that makes the composite can also tell you exactly how to put it in place.
FAQs
Can you put composite fence panels in concrete posts?
The answer is yes. While wooden fence panels need to be secured in place with nails or screws, composite fence panels are designed to fit into concrete posts without needing additional hardware.
Installing a composite fence panel in a concrete post is as easy as lining up the edges and pushing the panel into place.
The interlocking design of these panels makes them extremely secure and ensures that the panels stay firmly in place. With a little bit of preparation, you can install your composite fence panels quickly and easily.
Before installation, make sure to dig out a trench at least six inches deep along the perimeter of your fence line. Once you have prepared the trench and set up your concrete posts, it’s time to install your composite fence panels.
To start, place the first panel against one of the posts and line up the edges. Then, apply pressure to fit it into place. Make sure that the panel is securely connected to the post by using a mallet or hammer to gently tap along the edges of the panel until it is snug and secure.
You can then continue to add panels in the same manner, making sure that each panel is securely connected before moving onto the next one.
With a little bit of time and effort, you can easily install composite fence panels into your concrete posts. Once installed, these panels are extremely secure and will last for years to come!
Is a composite fence worth it?
The answer is yes! Composite fences are an attractive and long-lasting alternative to traditional wood or steel fencing. They offer several advantages, including low maintenance requirements and a natural look that will never fade or war with age.
Additionally, composite fences require far less repair and replacement than other materials do, making them the perfect choice for those who want a secure, attractive, and long-lasting fence.
Composite fencing is also more cost effective than traditional wood or steel fencing over time. While the initial installation costs are higher than other materials, composite fences typically require no additional maintenance or repairs beyond regular cleaning to stay in top condition.
This means you won’t have to worry about fixing broken boards, sanding or painting fading wood, or dealing with rust and corrosion on steel fences.
How long do composite fence posts last?
Composite fence posts are made from a mix of plastic and wood fibers, which helps them resist weathering, rotting, insect damage and other problems that can shorten the life of wooden fences.
Typically, composite fence posts can last between 25 and 40 years when properly installed and maintained. Factors such as the quality of materials used, location and climate may influence how long the posts last.
For example, posts installed in areas with high humidity or extreme temperatures may not last as long. Additionally, posts that are not properly installed or regularly maintained may suffer from rot or insect damage, which can reduce their lifespan substantially.
Which is better vinyl or composite fence?
Both fence materials offer advantages and disadvantages, so it really depends on your preferences and budget.
Vinyl fencing is more affordable than composite fencing, making it a great option for cost-conscious consumers. The installation process is also typically easier as well since no special tools are required.
Vinyl fences are generally very durable and require minimal maintenance; they can also last up to 40 years. Furthermore, vinyl fences are available in a wide range of colors and styles, allowing you to customize the look of your fence to your liking.
On the downside, vinyl fences can become brittle over time particularly if they’re exposed to extreme temperatures or sun exposure.
Composite fencing is more expensive than vinyl fencing, but it also offers several advantages. Composite fences are very durable and require minimal maintenance; they can last up to 25 years with proper care.
They are also available in a variety of colors and styles, meaning you can customize the look of your fence to complement the style of your home or yard. In addition, composite fences don’t warp or rot, meaning they will look great for years to come.
The downside is that composite fences require more complex installation than vinyl fences and can be challenging to repair if damaged.