Composite Fencing: Reviews & DIY Installation Overview

Composite Fencing Reviews: What is the Best Fence Material?

Whether you intend a new fence to serve as a privacy barrier that shields your backyard from the neighbors, or you’d prefer a purely decorative picket fence for your front yard, composite fencing can meet your needs.

Unlike wood, composite fencing panels won’t warp or rot. In terms of style, composite fencing offers homeowners a variety of options, including fencing that mimics the look of rich wood, wrought iron, or striking solids in classic and contemporary shades. For example, Trex composite fencing is made from recycled plastics, is easy-to-clean and is backed by a 25-Year Limited Residential Warranty.

Installing a fence can increase your home’s resale value, if and when you choose to sell. Not only does it add privacy, but it also adds curb appeal. Even if you don’t plan to sell your home in the near future, composite fencing creates a more attractive outdoor living environment for years to come.

Composite Fencing

Composite fencing is made from a blend of materials that, when fused together in the manufacturing process, produce a material stronger than their components. Composite fencing is usually made from recycled plastics, such as milk cartons and grocery bags, blended with a mixture of sawdust and/or wood pulp. These materials may then be mixed with resins and pressed into molds to create the final product.

Composite fencing can cost between $25 to $45 per linear foot. However, once installed, composite fencing requires little to no maintenance and offers the look of wood without the meticulous upkeep.

Wood Fencing

Wood fencing is cheaper than composite fencing or vinyl but requires significantly more upkeep. The type of wood you choose impacts your costs greatly as costs can range between $10 to $20 per linear foot. For instance, a more common wood like pressure-treated pine can put you on the less expensive end of the spectrum, while more exotic tropical hardwoods are pricier.

While their initial cost may be cheaper, the amount of time spent on maintaining the beauty of natural wood fencing can be a drawback. Fluctuating temperatures between winter and summer can cause the wood to expand and contract, which can crack or splinter the wood. These fractures can compromise the structural integrity of your wood, as well as lead to the growth of mold and rot. Wood fencing also needs to be treated, re-stained, and / or repainted every few years to look its best.

Vinyl Fencing

Vinyl fencing is easy to install for both professionals and DIYers because it typically has notches that fit together without nails or screws. Vinyl fencing costs between $20 to $25 per linear foot, making it a mid-priced option between wood and composite fencing. While vinyl fencing is easy to clean, it’s prone to mildew and fading.

Another drawback of vinyl fencing is that if a portion is damaged, you’ll need to replace an entire panel as opposed to one or two slats.

Map the Fence Line

How much composite fencing will you need? Once you’ve measured your yard to determine the length of your fence length, use that figure to help you determine how many fence posts and fence panels you will need. For example, if your composite fencing panels are four feet long, then you’ll need fence posts every four feet for stability. Planning your fence before purchasing materials and digging can help you minimize costs and avoid purchasing excess material. You can also use a composite fencing estimator to help you more accurately calculate the right amount of materials for your project.

Draw your fence on paper, then use stakes and a can of spray paint to mark where the post holes will go.

Digging Post Holes

Once you’ve mapped your fence line, you’ll be able to determine where you will need to dig post holes. The standard is to dig post holes at least 1/3 of the fence height for stability.

Before you start digging, decide where you will mount your composite fence, which will determine the location of your first fence post. If you’re building a fence for your backyard, it’s common to mount it to your home or other stable structure for stability.

Once you've dug holes, pour cement to create footers. Before pouring, use your digging tool to create a curved channel. Then, pour the cement and station your post. This helps prevent water from entering the post and helps the post adhere to the cement.

Install Composite Fencing Panels

It will take a day or two for the cement to cure. Once cured, identify the desired height for your panels and use that as a gauge as to where to connect them. Before installing your panels, please keep ground height in mind. Your new composite fence should be close enough to the ground to keep pets inside and to keep other critters from being able to burrow their way into your yard from the other side of the fence.

Run a String Line and Set the Corners

To keep your new fence straight and level, run a string line from corner to corner. This will be your guide for installing the fence panels. Corner bracing can also provide added stability. If you use corner bracing, you’ll need one diagonal brace for each side of your fence.

Hang Your Gate

If your design includes installing a fence gate, you’ll need heavy-duty screws and a level to install your gate and make sure it’s straight. (Make sure your gate has proper clearance to swing inward or outward!) Once installed, open and close your gate a few times to be sure it’s fully functional.

Building a DIY composite fence is a rewarding task that can increase your property value and add to the beauty (and privacy) of your home’s backyard.