Durability and maintenance are two of the most important factors to consider when investing in new fencing. Your fence needs to stand the test of time, while ensuring privacy and creating a clear boundary between you and your neighbours.
Choosing the right material is essential. An untreated wooden fence is prone to mould and cracking, and it requires more upkeep. On the other hand, a composite fence is low maintenance and weather resistant.
Types of fencing
When choosing a fence, think long-term. If you buy a lower-quality fence, you may end up replacing it sooner than you’d hoped, and it could show signs of deterioration earlier on too.
Timber
Timber fences are popular with homeowners but if you live in a cold wet climate like the UK, it might not be the best choice. While stylish and natural looking, untreated wooden fences are prone to rotting, warping, splinters, mould, insect damage, cracking and more. Wood also expands and contracts in different conditions, so it does have a limited lifespan.
A softwood fence is typically manufactured from pine or cedar. It’s a low-cost option and tends to last around five to 10 years. But a quality hardwood fence can last around 20 years, although it will cost more. For example, solid oak fence panels can set you back around £300, while softwood fence panels cost around £30 in 2025.
Wooden fences also require treatment and regular maintenance like sealing, staining and painting. Without treatment, the fence can end up looking shabby, impacting your garden’s aesthetic.
Metal
Aluminium fences create a contemporary feel, while steel is tough, making it ideal for locations with more security requirements. But be aware that metal can rust and corrode.
Metal fences are one of the strongest types of fencing, but they might not suit your home’s aesthetic. Metal fence styles also tend to have gaps between the bars, so offer less privacy compared to an alternative like composite or timber.
You can opt for a premium style, which costs around £200 per panel in 2025, and lasts around 30 years if well looked after. Steel fences need regular cleaning to remove any rust and can be painted for protection/aesthetics. Metal fences, in general, need regular lubrication to stop rust and protect against the elements.
Composite
Composite fences are a solid option if you want a low maintenance and long lasting fence.
Eurocell’s composite fences are manufactured from recycled wood and polymer, which is moulded under high pressure. This makes it stronger than a timber fence and resistant to issues like rotting, insects, splinters, warping and cracking.
The fences have a higher tensile strength compared to timber and come with a natural grain wood pattern. Panels can last for more than 30 years and come with up to 20 years’ warranty with Eurocell for added peace of mind.
Composite fences come in different colours as the dye is added during manufacturing, so it’s more uniform in colour and if any chips/scratches do occur, they’re less noticeable.
The average cost per panel is £120 but composite fences are more durable, so you’re less likely to pay for replacements. One of the biggest benefits is that composite requires little upkeep and no treatments, so you can make long-term cost savings compared to steel or timber.
Best type of fencing for gardens
Composite fencing is one of the best options for homeowners because it doesn’t need treatment and it's resistant to many of the issues facing timber fences. In the first six months, a composite fence can fade slightly as it settles in but it’s a natural process.
Steel fencing is also a durable option but it can rust, so needs lubricating and painting to protect it. Remember that metal retains heat, so your metal fence could become hot to the touch in hot weather.
Timber
- Durability: Up to 10 years
- Maintenance: Requires treating, painting, and staining
- Risks: Prone to rot, mould, warping, insect damage, cracks, and discolouration
Metal
- Durability: Up to 30 years
- Maintenance: Requires painting, greasing, and rust removal
- Risks: Can suffer from rust, corrosion, chips, bending, and heat retention
Composite
- Durability: Up to 30 years
- Maintenance: No maintenance required
- Risks: Potential for fading over time
Colour and style inspiration
With Eurocell, you have five colour options with your composite fencing – black, charcoal, graphite, natural and walnut.
Darker fencing, like charcoal or black, is striking and ideal for modern homes, while graphite is slightly softer. If you’re after a natural look, opt for walnut or natural, which blends in with your surrounding landscape.
You’ll get horizontal slats to build the fence up to your required height and you can get a matching gate. The fence pictured above has been installed with an aluminum top cover to protect it, and create a sleeker finish.
Composite eco fencing is manufactured from 75% recycled PVC-U and it’s strong like normal composite fencing. With eco fencing, you can add a fence topper in a convex style (pictured above) or concave.
Choose a fence that lasts
Get the best out of your investment by choosing a durable fence with minimal maintenance. Composite fencing is easier to maintain compared to wooden fencing because it doesn’t need treatments and it’s generally longer lasting.
Transform your garden with Eurocell’s range of composite fencing.
FAQs
What is the life expectancy of a composite fence?
A composite fence can last for up to 30 years’ and more, if you look after it well. It needs regular cleaning with water and soap to prevent any mould or algae building up, but unlike metal and timber fences, it doesn’t need painting or sealing.
What type of fence is easiest to maintain?
Timber fencing needs painting, sealing and staining to prevent damage, while metal fencing has to be lubricated regularly using something like WD40 to prevent rust. Composite fencing is the lowest maintenance compared to the two as it doesn’t need to be maintained or retouched.
What is the cheapest fencing in the UK?
The cheapest fencing in the UK is likely softwood timber fencing but it’s not the most cost effective over time. Cheaper wooden fencing may need to be replaced after just five years and any damaged panels more regularly, compared to composite which lasts around 30 years. Wooden fencing also comes with treatment and upkeep costs.