If you are comparing timber and composite fencing, you are in good company. I get asked this question on every site visit, from small terraces to big rural plots. The honest answer depends on what you want your fence to do, how much care you want to give it, and how your garden sits in the wind and the weather. If you are at the early stage and searching for fencing near me to get a feel for options and costs, this guide will help you set a clear brief before you invite quotes.
What matters before you pick a material
Start with the job you need the fence to do. Privacy, security, screening a view, or marking a boundary call for different builds. Style matters as well. A slatted screen suits a modern extension. Featheredge panels sit well with older brick and stone. Budget is a factor, but so is lifetime cost. Think about how much care you want to give the fence. Some people like the look of fresh stain on timber. Others prefer a set-and-forget option. The ground also plays a part. Soft or wet soil needs more robust posts and footings. Exposed gardens need designs that spill wind.
Timber fencing at a glance
Timber is the classic choice across the UK. It suits most homes. It is easy to work with on tricky sites. It feels natural and it weathers in a pleasing way.
Common timber options include featheredge, closeboard, lap panels, picket, post and rail, and slatted screens. Pressure-treated softwood is the usual pick for value and performance. Hardwoods exist but are rare in domestic use due to cost.
Strengths of timber
It is flexible. You can cut, step, and scribe panels to suit odd levels and curves. Repairs are simple. A single board or rail can be swapped with basic tools. Upfront price is attractive. You can phase work in runs if the budget is tight. Timber takes stain or paint well, so you can refresh colour or match new sections later.
Limits of timber
It needs care. Expect to re-coat every few years depending on exposure. Posts are the weak point if poorly installed or undersized. Water and soil contact shortens life. Gaps can open as boards shrink in hot spells. None of this is a deal breaker if you build well and maintain to a plan.
Composite fencing at a glance
Composite boards mix wood fibre and polymers. The result is stable, uniform, and low care. Systems often include aluminium or steel posts and rails. Colours range from light grey to deep brown. Textures aim to mimic timber but keep an even tone.
Strengths of composite
It needs little care. Wash it down now and then. No staining cycle. Boards do not warp like poor timber can. The look stays even, which helps on long runs. Many systems hide fixings, so you get a clean face.
Limits of composite
Upfront cost is higher. You need the branded components for best results, so mixing parts is risky. Repairs can be slower if a system changes or stock is short. Boards expand and contract a little. You must leave correct gaps and use the right screws.
Cost, value, and the budget call
People ask me about composite fencing cost in the same breath as timber quotes. A fair way to judge value is to look at the life of the fence, how long you will stay in the home, and how much your time is worth. Composite often wins on lifetime care. Timber often wins on upfront cost and flexibility. Both can be the right choice. It depends on your plan.
What drives price for both types
Length and height. Post type and spacing. Groundworks and access. Corners, steps, trees, and services you must work around. Old fence removal and waste. Gates, locks, and hardware. These are the same drivers whether you search fence installation near me or bring a contractor in from a referral.
Installation differences that matter
Setting posts
Good posts are the spine of any fence. Timber posts are common with timber panels. Concrete posts add mass and resist rot. Steel or aluminium posts are standard for composite. I assess soil type and exposure, then size the post and the footing to match. On a windy plot, I tighten post centres or add rails. On clay, I dig deeper and use more concrete. This keeps the fence plumb and straight over time.
Handling levels and curves
Timber is easy to step neatly over slopes. Composite can also step, but you plan the module sizes in advance. For curves, timber rails and boards bend to a point. Composite needs a faceted approach with short runs.
Fixings and movement
Composite boards need expansion gaps set by the maker. Follow that and you will not see buckling in hot spells. Timber fixings must be stainless or coated to avoid stains and premature failure. This detail work separates a tidy job from one that ages fast.
Maintenance and care
Timber care plan
Wash with a soft brush and water to remove dirt and algae. Let timber dry before any coating. Use a quality oil or stain. Check posts, rails, and gravel boards each spring. Tighten fixings and swap split boards early. Small fixes prevent bigger ones.
Composite care plan
Wash down with water and mild detergent. Do not use harsh solvents. Check caps and trims. Make sure drainage and gaps stay clear. That is it for most gardens.
If your priority is low upkeep, composite makes sense. If you like the look of real grain and do not mind a simple care routine, timber is strong.
Durability and lifespan
The life of a fence comes down to good design and proper install. Treated timber can last for many years if you keep it off wet ground and protect the base with a gravel board. Composite boards resist rot and insects. Metals in the system need a good coating, which reputable systems have.
Wind is the true test of any fence. Solid panels catch gusts. Slatted designs spill air and lower the load. In exposed spots, I advise slatted or semi-solid designs in either material. It is a simple tweak that pays back each winter.
Appearance and style
Timber wins for natural feel. It fits older brick, stone walls, and cottage gardens. It also softens large plots and blends with planting. Composite suits modern builds with clean lines. Its even tone helps where you want the fence to fade into the background. Both can look smart at the front of a property when you match the gate and the path edging.
If you want a light, bright look, consider pale stains on timber or light grey composite. For warmth, rich brown works in both materials. Pickets and ranch styles read as friendly. Closeboard and solid panels read as private and secure. Slatted screens look crisp and let light through.
Sustainability notes
Timber is renewable when sourced well. Ask for responsibly managed stock. Composite often uses recycled content and reduces coating cycles over time. End-of-life differs. Timber can be repurposed or chipped. Composite may need specific recycling streams. If this matters to you, ask the maker or your contractor for options in your area.
Repairs and upgrades
With timber, repairs are simple and fast. A new board, rail, or post can restore a run. With composite, repairs need the same system to keep the look. Keep a spare pack of boards if you can. It helps down the line.
Upgrades like trellis, a slatted top, or a change of gate are simple with timber. They are also possible with composite if the system supports it. Check this before you buy.
Security and privacy
For rear gardens, height and solidity drive privacy. For front gardens, sight lines and gates matter more. Timber and composite both deliver privacy when built as solid runs. For security, strong posts, well hung gates, and proper latches are vital. A lockable gate with good hinges beats a taller fence with a weak frame.
If pets or young children use the garden, check the gap size on slatted designs. A semi-solid panel can give airflow with fewer climb points. This is a safe and neat solution.
When timber is the better choice
Choose timber if you want a warm, natural look and are happy to follow a light care routine. It is also the best call when the site is complex, access is tight, or you want bespoke details. If you plan to add sections over time, timber blends new work into old with stain and good craftsmanship.
When composite is the better choice
Pick composite if you want clean lines, long colour hold, and little to no coating work. It suits busy lives. It also helps in spots where shade keeps timber damp. If a crisp, uniform style fits your home, composite delivers that finish.
What affects composite fencing cost the most
Height and length set the base cost. System choice and colour can shift price. Posts and rails in aluminium or steel add value and strength. Trims, caps, and hidden fixings improve the look. Groundworks and removal add labour. Think about gates, lock options, and any screening or bin stores you want to match.
If you collect quotes, ask each firm to break out materials and labour. This helps you compare like for like. It also shows you where the money goes.
Choosing the right installer
A good fence starts with a good brief and a careful site survey. When you shortlist fencing contractors, ask how they set posts, what concrete mix they use, and how they handle slopes. Ask about lead times, waste removal, and what the quote excludes. See examples of similar jobs. A tidy finish is a strong sign that the basics are done well. If you are based in West Yorkshire or close by, the team at Care Fencing work to these standards and set clear expectations from day one.
If you like to compare firms, your search might include fencing companies near me, fence company near me, or fencers near me. Read recent reviews with photos. Focus on installation quality, not just price. A low quote that cuts corners on posts or footings costs more in the end.
Local choice and regional factors
Wind exposure varies across the UK. Coastal plots, hills, and open fields feel stronger gusts than built-up streets. In these places a slatted or semi-solid layout reduces strain. In dense terraces, privacy is often the main aim. Solid closeboard in timber or solid composite boards work well. In cities, access can drive method. Hand-mixing concrete and carrying out panels is slower than barrowing or lifting with a machine. Plan time with your neighbours if you share boundaries.
Design tips that work in real gardens
Keep the bottom of timber off the soil with a gravel board. This extends life and keeps boards straight. Match the gate style to the run. A heavy gate needs a deeper post and better hinges. Think about bins, bikes, and oil tanks early. If you hide them with screens, allow space for access and air.
On long boundaries, break the run with a change of rhythm. You can step height near seating or use a feature panel by a patio. In small gardens, horizontal slats make spaces feel wider. Vertical boards make spaces feel taller. Use one strong direction, not both.
Common mistakes I still see
Posts too shallow or too far apart. No gravel boards under timber. Panels forced into tight gaps with no room to move. Concrete not bell-mouthed to shed water. Cheap fixings that stain and fail. Forgetting to plan gates as part of the run. These are simple to avoid with a careful survey and an installer who explains the why as well as the what.
A quick chooser: Timber or composite?
- Pick timber if you want a natural look, flexible design on a tricky site, easy repairs, and a lower upfront price. Pick composite if you want low care, uniform colour, hidden fixings, and a modern style that stays tidy with a quick wash.
What to ask when you request quotes
Ask each firm to confirm the post type, depth, and concrete volume. Ask how they handle wind on your plot. Check if removal and disposal are included. Confirm the lead time and the length of the workmanship guarantee. If you share a boundary, confirm who will talk to the neighbour and how access will work. These checks make the job smoother and reduce surprises.
If you are in or near Leeds and are shortlisting fencing contractors near me, look for clear drawings, neat photos of recent work, and a simple maintenance plan in the handover.
Planning and neighbours
Most garden fences go up without formal hurdles. Still, it pays to check boundary lines on your title plan and agree positions with neighbours. Discuss height, style, and gate swing. Good will at the start helps the job and keeps things friendly.
Final thoughts and next steps
There is no single winner in the timber vs composite debate. The right choice fits your home, your taste, your budget, and the time you want to spend on care. Set your brief. Decide the look you want. Match the design to the wind and the ground. Then get two or three quotes that follow the same spec, so you can compare like for like.
If you want to talk specifics on posts, rails, and footings, read how proper post work underpins reliable fence installation. A strong foundation is the best investment you can make in any fence.
With a clear brief, a sensible spec, and the right team, you will end up with a fence that does its job well and looks the part for years to come.