Choosing the right fence for your garden or outdoor space is an important decision, as it could be there for the next 30 years.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of fencing to help you determine the right material, type, size and style for your space, as well as highlight essential accessories and fixings.
Whether you’re considering a DIY installation or working with a professional, this guide will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Material: Why choose composite?
When it comes to buying a new fence one of the first decisions to make is which material to choose.
While traditional wood fencing can be beautiful, it requires maintenance, can warp over time, and is susceptible to rot. Whereas composite fencing is made from a blend of wood fibres and plastic, which gives it the best of both worlds — the appearance of wood but the durability and low maintenance of plastic.
The main benefits of choosing composite are:
- Durability: Composite fences resist rot, warping, and cracking, unlike timber fences that can deteriorate over time.
- Low maintenance: With no need for regular staining, sealing, or painting, composite fencing is a hassle-free choice. A simple wash with soapy water is all it takes to keep it looking great.
- Weather resistance: Composite fences stand up to harsh weather conditions, including rain, sun, and snow, without fading or deteriorating.
- Environmentally Responsible: Composite fence panels are made from recycled materials, helping to reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
- Aesthetically pleasing: Composite mimics the look of timber. Plus, they come in a variety of colours and textures to suit your style.
Learn more: Composite vs Wood Fencing: Which is Better?
Choosing your fencing panel type
Settled on composite fencing? Great choice! Next you need to choose which type of composite fencing panel boards you want to buy.
Eurocell’s composite fencing range includes a variety of board styles, each offering unique benefits:
Eco Composite Fencing
Eurocell’s Eco Fence composite fence boards, our most popular fencing range, are made from a blend of recycled wood and plastic materials, offering a sustainable, environmentally responsible solution for your garden.
These boards are perfect if you’re looking for a fence that fits in with natural surroundings. They are lightweight, easy to install, and highly resistant to moisture, making them an excellent choice for any garden.
WPC Fence
Eurocell’s WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) fencing range combines affordability with durability and style. These boards have the aesthetic appeal of wood but with the longevity of plastic, resulting in a sleek, long-lasting solution.
They are resistant to warping, cracking, and fading, which makes them perfect for gardens that need a bit of structure and style. WPC fences are also very easy to maintain.
Ecoscape Clarity Fence
The Ecoscape Clarity range offers a premium fencing solution, with light panel boards and accessories that are incredibly strong and easy to install. Clarity fencing is ideal for those seeking a contemporary fence with high performance and low maintenance. It’s resistant to moisture, mould, and mildew, making it a long-term investment for your garden.
What size and how many boards do you need?
When planning your composite fencing, you need to know the total length and height of your fence. This will determine how many boards you need to order.
Eurocell’s fencing panel boards come in 6ft (1.8m) and 8ft (2.4m) lengths, and you can stack the panels to reach the height you desire for your fence. A standard height for fences in the UK is 6ft.
The table below shows how many Eurocell boards you need to order based on your desired fence height:
| Height (ft) | WPC composite fence boards | Composite eco fence boards |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 8 | 4 |
| 5 | 10 | 5 |
| 6 | 12 | 6 |
On all of our product pages you can find this table in the product description, to see how many you need to buy for your desired fence height.
Height restrictions
In the UK, garden fences can typically go up to 2m (6ft 6in) without needing planning permission. If you’re considering a taller fence or installing near a boundary with a neighbour, it’s always best to check with your local authority to ensure compliance with any regulations.
Accessories and fixings
To complete your fencing project and ensure a clean, professional finish, consider adding some essential fencing accessories.
Eurocell offers a range of accessories that work perfectly with composite fences, enhancing both the function and look of your new fence:
Eco Fence
Accessories:
- Corner utility strip: This strip ensures a tidy, secure finish at the corners of your fence, enhancing stability and appearance.
- Flat top cap: A simple but effective cap that provides a clean finish to the top of your fence panels.
Fixings:
- Steel supaspike: Ideal for anchoring your fence posts into the ground, the Supaspike provides extra stability and support.
- Steel bolt down: A strong, durable option for securing fence posts to hard surfaces such as concrete or patios.
- Anti-theft clip: Provides extra security by preventing panels from being removed without the proper tools.
See all Eco Fence accessories and fixings here.
WPC fencing
Accessories:
- Aluminum top cover: This top cover adds a sleek, modern look to your fence while protecting it from the elements.
- Fencing bottom edge: The bottom edge provides a neat finish and helps protect the bottom of the fence panels from wear and tear.
Fixings:
- Steel clips and screws: Essential for securing composite fence panels to posts. These clips are designed for a secure, long-lasting hold.
- Aluminium support seal: A high-strength support seal that helps reinforce the fence structure, ensuring that your panels stay in place.
- Plastic post cap and skirt: A neat finish for your posts, protecting them from the elements and giving your fence a polished look.
See all WPC fencing accessories and fixings here.
Ecoscape Clarity Fencing
Accessories:
- Bottom rail: Provides additional structural support for your fence, ensuring the panels stay securely in place.
- Post cap: A finishing touch for the tops of posts, providing both protection and aesthetic appeal.
- Full top cap: A larger cap that gives a smooth, uniform finish to the top of your fence.
- Top finishing boards: These boards are perfect for completing the look of your Clarity fence, giving it a sleek, polished appearance.
Fixings:
- Bottom holder/Security clip with screw: These clips secure the bottom of your Clarity fence panels, preventing any movement or shifting.
- Steel base plate with bolts: Offers extra support for the posts, ensuring that your fence stays securely in place, even in windy conditions.
See all Ecoscape Clarity fencing accessories and fixings here.
Installation
If you’re confident in your DIY skills, installing composite fencing is a straightforward task, especially with the right tools and guidance. However, if you’d prefer a professional touch, find a trusted local installer or handyman.
Read our step-by-step planning and installation guide for more detailed instructions.
Maintenance
One of the key benefits of composite fencing is its low maintenance. Unlike timber, composite fences don’t require regular painting, staining, or sealing. To keep your fence looking its best, all you need to do is keep it clean.
You might want to clean it once or twice a year using household products such as a soft bristled brush, soap like washing up liquid, and water. Avoid using bleach or any other harsh chemicals as this can stain it and ruin the finish.
With just occasional cleaning, your composite fence will maintain its appearance for years to come, saving you time and money on ongoing upkeep.
Ready to buy?
Now that you’ve got a better understanding of composite fencing options, installation, and maintenance, you’re ready to choose the perfect fence for your garden.
Browse our full range of composite fencing online and get free delivery to your nearest branch for collection or straight to your front door.*
*Free delivery on orders over £100.
