Composite fencing is made from wood fibre and plastic. It looks like timber but does not need painting or staining. Many UK suppliers also guarantee it against rot, although the cover varies by product.
Composite fencing cost (2026)
| Item | Typical cost | Guides |
|---|---|---|
| Composite panel (supply only) | £80 – £240 each, by finish | MyJobQuote |
| Composite fencing fitted | £70 – £220 per metre | Trade2Base, MyJobQuote, Less.co.uk, Best Builders |
| Whole 15m garden, fitted | £1,250 – £3,350 | MyJobQuote, Less.co.uk, Best Builders |
The spread is wide because the guides price different products. Trade2Base splits composite into budget at £70 to £100 per metre, mid-range at £100 to £130 and premium at £130 to £160. Best Builders and Less.co.uk sit higher, at £120 to £220.
The 15 metre figure is for the fence only. Gates, removal of the old fence and any groundwork come on top. Trade2Base gives £8 to £20 per metre for removing an old fence and £250 to £600 for a matching fitted gate.
Capped and uncapped composite
Dino explains that capped panels have a polymer layer that protects the core. This helps prevent fading and improves scratch and stain resistance. Uncapped panels cost less. However, they lack that protection and need more upkeep.
As a result, a cheap quote may be for uncapped boards. Ask which type the installer will fit, because the difference shows up in how the fence ages.
Why composite costs more upfront
You are paying for materials that last. MyJobQuote says rot guarantees run from 10 to 25 years, and that composite needs very little maintenance. Timber, in contrast, needs treating, and Jacksons Fencing notes that some timber guarantees require a yearly treatment.
One supplier, Ultra Decking, puts a timber fence at 10 to 15 years and composite at 20 to 30 years or more. However, that is a seller's estimate, so check the guarantee wording on any product you buy.
What else changes the price
Height, ground and access all push the price up, as they do for timber. For example, Trade2Base says going to 2.0m or higher often adds 15 to 25 percent. It also gives £250 to £600 for a matching fitted gate.
Questions to ask an installer
Ask which brand and which board thickness they fit. Ask whether the posts are composite or concrete, because that changes both the cost and the life of the fence. Ask what the guarantee covers, since rot cover and colour cover can differ.
Jacksons Fencing suggests looking for long guarantees, such as 25 years. However, a long guarantee only helps if you can claim on it, so read the terms before you sign.
Is composite fencing worth it?
It can be, over a long period. Ultra Decking's own worked example for 10 panels on existing posts puts the break-even against timber at around 12 to 13 years (composite priced as DIY, wood with professional labour). However, that figure comes from a composite seller, so treat it as a guide and not a promise.
Think about how long you will stay. If you plan to move in two or three years, you may not recover the extra cost. In contrast, if you plan to stay for 15 years or more, the maintenance saving has time to build.
Composite suits some buyers more than others, because the benefits build over time. It is especially worth a look if you:
- Do not want the yearly job of treating a fence
- Want a consistent, modern finish
- Plan to stay in the property long term
Compare composite quotes from local installers. Get free quotes.