Pros & Cons of Different Fencing

Every material has its pros & cons. This is a little insight as to what the pros and cons of different materials are.

What materials can be used for fencing?

The materials that can be used are Timber, Concrete, Metal and composite.

What are the differences between different materials?

Timber Pros

Timber is a very popular choice and the most common when it comes to fencing as it is cheaper than the rest and when done properly can last up to 20 years. Timber is the easiest to work with and can be cut into all different shapes and sizes to make sure it's the perfect fit. Timber is strong and aesthetically pleasing. It is light to work with in comparison to the concrete therefore makes for an easier installation. With timber you can get so many different variations of fencing panels to complement your property.. The timber fencing is elegant and adds that natural look to your garden it can also be painted in many different colours the choice is yours. It is also pressure treated so it is made to last.

Timber Cons

The downsides to timber are then eventually it will rot which is down to a number of things, standing water and moisture penetrates the timber and weakens it which will eventually rot the timber. Over time and with being constantly out in the weather timber discolours over time, timber also needs yearly maintenance such as staining it to protect it and give it a better chance of surviving its expected duration. Timber is a living thing so it's constantly moving, in the wet it expands and in the sun it contracts which over time can cause the timber to split and warp. However all in all if it's installed correctly and maintained correctly it should last a long time.

Concrete Pros

Concrete post fencing is also a rather popular choice as they are completely impenetrable to standing water, moisture and are resistant to insect attacks so they should last a lifetime if installed correctly. They are very low maintenance and can be easily cleaned with warm water to remove any discolouration. Concrete posts are very strong and will withstand a lot of force in the winter storms. They can also look very modern with the correct fencing panels.

Concrete Cons

The downside to choosing concrete posts is that they are much more expensive than the timber posts and weigh a lot more therefore the price of installing is higher due to them not being suitable to be handled by a solo individual. With the concrete posts there is a very small margin for error when setting out where the posts will be positioned therefore it may take longer to install them which again may be reflected in the price. If the concrete posts get a crack or chip in them this could allow moisture to get into the post and in the colder winter months begin to crack which could eventually result in the post failing.

Metal Pros

The good things about metal fence posts are their  durability, Galvanised fence posts are very resistant to corrosion which makes them ideal for wet conditions. They do not rot or decay and don't suffer from insect attacks. Metal posts can last up to 20 years without any major maintenance. Metal posts also give a nice modern finnish to your fence. The metal posts are very strong and can withstand high amounts of pressure making them good for heavier fences and anywhere which is likely to take a lot of wind.

Metal Cons

The downsides to the Metal fence posts are that they are more expensive than the timber posts. Also if the galvanised coating gets chipped the moisture can cause the metal to rust, therefore making it weaker and eventually fail. Metal posts also have a higher carbon footprint than the timber posts. 

Composite Pros

Due to composites having a plastic component in it composite fencing is very water resistant as the water and moisture can not penetrate the material like it can with timber which means it doesn't rot meaning composite panels will last a long time and won't need repairing. Composite fencing is also very low maintenance and needs very little care over there lifespan. Composite panels are easy to install and are relatively light so are easy to handle. Composite panels are also environmentally friendly as they are made from recycled plastic. Composite panels are very aesthetically pleasing and leave a very moden premium finish to your garden. Composite also comes in a variety of different colours such as brown, charcoal, anthracite and sand meaning you can choose the best colour to complement your garden and property.

Composite Cons

The cons to composite are that it is very expensive and costs a lot more than timber fencing panels which can put people off, over time the composite panels can fade due to the UV light. Depending on the product composite can be relatively easy to break and chip which will weaken the panel.Composite can all expand and contract like timber but not as drastic as the timber products.

We understand this is a lot of information to digest, In some ways can cause the paradox of choice. If you’d like to speak to us over the phone and in person so we ca break this down. We’d love to talk. Please Get in touch.