In This Article You’ll Find:
- A short history on composite fencing materials.
- The key differences between composite materials and natural wood.
- The top benefits of each when building a fence.
In the early 1990s, Trex came out with a new material that was an alternative for wood fencing. Their composite materials combined plastic and wood fibers, promising the best of both worlds.
The real draw at the time was that composite decking and composite fence boards would be virtually maintenance free. While that isn’t entirely true and the first generation of composite materials had their issues, over the last three decades composite have been engineered in new ways to overcome the original shortcomings and provide better performance. One key benefit that is often highlighted is that today’s composite fence panels are environmentally friendly.
Here in Austin where Purple Fencing Company is installing, repairing and replacing fences nearly every day, and sustainability matters a lot to people. With that in mind, we’re exploring how composite fencing compares to a wood fence and if the eco-friendliness really outweighs the authenticity of natural wood.
The Sustainability Factors of Both Wood and Composite Materials
When you have a fence project it’s important to look at all aspects of the material beyond appearance and original purchase price. If environmental friendliness is a top priority there are a handful of things to consider from the bottom rail to the posts to the panels.
What Makes Composite Fence and Deck Materials Eco-Friendly
Made of Recycled Materials – Don’t confuse composite with vinyl fencing. Most composite fencing material is made with wood fibers and recycled plastics. This is considered an environmentally friendly bonus since it’s keeping plastic out of the landfill and repurposing it.
Can Be Recycled at the End of Its Lifespan – There’s another recycling consideration with composite fencing. Once the fence has reached the end of its lifespan the materials can be recycled.
Less Annual Maintenance – The durability of composite fencing helps minimize maintenance. While it does need to be cleaned to clear off mold and debris, it doesn’t require staining, sealing or painting every 2-3 years like wood, which adds to the overall sustainability of the product.
Lifespan – A review of a material’s sustainability isn’t complete without considering its lifespan. The longer the product can be in use, the more sustainable it is. With proper maintenance, a composite fence can last 20-30 years.
What Makes Wood Fencing Eco-Friendly
(Mostly) All-Natural Material – With wood decking and fencing there are two common options: pressure-treated pine and cedar. Redwood can also be used, however, it’s more expensive and less commonly used. Cedar in particular is considered eco-friendly since it is an all-natural material that doesn’t require as much energy and resources to produce as composite materials, nor does it need to be treated with chemicals like pine fencing.
Sustainable Harvested – Today, many wood materials that are used for building are sustainably harvested. That means the trees that are cut down are replaced.
Repurposed After Use – You may not be able to recycle wood fencing, but you can repurpose it. For example, cedar fencing can be turned into mulch that’s used in garden beds.
Easier Repair – Wood is durable, but it is susceptible to rot, warping, cracking and pests, which aren’t a problem for composite. But the advantage with a wood fence or gate is it tends to be easier to repair since it’s constructed with individual boards instead of full panels. Composite fencing may have a warranty to cover some off the cost, but more resources are needed to replace a damaged panel compared to fixing a few boards on a wood fence.
Lifespan – The lifespan of wood fencing typically ranges from 15-30 years depending on the material. Treated pine usually lasts 15-20 years with maintenance while cedar fencing regularly stands strong for 25-30 years if you maintain it.
Why Some People Still Prefer a Wood Fence
Despite the advantages of composite fencing, there are still limitations and for some people the appearance and feel of a natural wood fence is still a top priority. And if you choose cedar it provides all of the eco-friendliness of composite and may even last a little longer making it a solid investment.
All things considered, wood fencing still offers great quality and value along with being sustainable.
Trying to determine which fence material will be the best option around your yard. Customers in Central Texas can give Purple Fencing Company a call for a free consultation with an expert that can explain the options. Give us a call during business hours or contact us online any time.
