How To Plan Your Composite Timber Fencing Project

When installing a composite timber fence into your space, there are many things you will need to consider. What colour fencing are you going to choose? Are you going to install on hard or soft ground? Are you retrofitting your existing timber and concrete fencing posts, or are you starting from scratch? In this fencing article, we will explore everything you need to know about planning your garden with composite timber fencing, from the initial installation to the finishing touches. Let’s take a look…

Every composite timber fence project will have different requirements, so working out exactly what you need before purchasing is of paramount importance. With our online shop, you have the option to use our kit-builder, which provides all the individual components you need to build your fencing in one order, or you can buy the components separately, building up your order piece by piece. To find out how many fencing panels and composite timber posts you will need for your project, all you need to do is measure the linear metreage of your proposed perimeter, and input this information into our handy fencing calculator. This will give you an approximation of how many continuous runs you will need for your build, as well as the price. Again, you can use the calculator for complete panels or individual components. Please note; the calculator is only designed to offer an estimate of your needs. We would still recommend contacting our dedicated sales team about your order prior to purchasing, so nothing is missed.

Unlike other fencing options available, NeoTimber’s composite timber fencing system is designed to be customisable and modular, meaning there are many different ways that it can be installed. For example, you have the option to choose from soft ground or hard ground inserts, depending on the specifics of your space. Either way, the metal post is then covered by a composite fence post sleeve, which has a channel for you to easily stack capping rails and individual fencing boards into place. This internal metal skeleton helps to keep your fencing rigid and firmly in place. Compare this to traditional timber fencing, which is prone to uprooting in high winds, or breaking apart completely if subjected to strong external pressure.

When looking to upgrade your fencing, we understand the frustration of having to completely do away with any fencing investments you may have already made. In recognition of this, we have also designed special inserts that allows you to build composite timber fencing panels between any pre-existing timber or concrete posts. This helps you to reduce wastage, keep part of your earlier fencing investments, and save on costs. For sheer longevity though, we recommend opting for the complete NeoTimber® solution, which will be supported by our 25-year residential warranty, or 10-year commercial warranty, depending on the project.

Once you have planned how your composite timber fencing will be installed, you can start to focus on the decorative details, namely what colour and texture you are going to choose. Our composite fencing is available in five gorgeous colours, the naturalistic teak and chocolate, the neutral antique and grey, or the sumptuous, sophisticated charcoal. If you’re not sure which of our stunning colours to choose from, use our digital colour visualiser to see an approximation of what your fencing could look like when installed into your space. You can also explore our gallery and case studies page for some photography of other projects, or order your own free samples to see the fencing in person. All of our colours have been especially chosen to match with our other NeoTimber® composite ranges, including our decking, cladding, and balustrades.

The textures available are the reversible Deluxe brushed and woodgrain, or a Slatted fascia, designed to look like stacked battens. The realistic woodgrain helps your fencing both look and feel like real timber, whereas the Slatted texture is perfect for more contemporary garden designs. Choosing composite timber fencing allows your outdoor space to boast rich, full colour that lasts, all without the time consuming maintenance that would come with other kinds of fencing alternatives. In fact, the composite surface of the fencing ensures you do not have to spend time painting or staining the boards, with it only needing an occasional basic clean. Read our cleaning and care guide to learn how to keep your composite timber fencing looking spick and span.

Beyond the design choices of colour and texture, you also have the option to swap out the top two boards of the completed composite timber fencing panels with one of our four decorative metal screens. With a series of metal inserts and metal capping rails, these screens seamlessly slot into place in the composite post channel, and on top of the last fencing board. You can choose from our scattered cut out Contemporary, intricate Geometric, nature-inspired Leaf, or subtle Linear screens. These screens serve a decorative purpose, as well as allowing slightly more light and airflow into your space, and can help to create interesting shadows and visual texture in your outdoor space.

If you are looking to build your panels to surround an entrance to your space, you may want to pair them with our composite timber fencing gate. The gate consists of stacked fencing boards housed in a metal frame, which will hang suspended from two fencing gate posts. Like the fencing, the composite gates are available in your choice of colour and texture. Read our full installation guide for more information.