Choosing the right fencing material is a high-impact decision for privacy, security, maintenance, and the overall look of your garden. This guide compares the most common materials—timber, composite, concrete, metal, PVC, bamboo, gabions, and living screens—so you can weigh durability, style, cost, and care with confidence. Along the way, we’ll point you to dependable components from East Coast Fencing, including robust fence panels, matching fence posts (concrete or timber), protective gravel boards, and an extensive range of trellis panels to customise height, airflow, and style.

Use this as a practical reference: scan the comparison tables, shortlist materials that fit your budget and maintenance appetite, then jump to the detailed sections for pro tips, installation notes, and smart component pairings.

At-a-Glance Comparison of Fencing Materials

Material Look Typical Lifespan Maintenance Upfront Cost Privacy Wind Handling Best Use
Pressure-Treated Softwood Natural; stainable 10–20y+ Low-moderate £ High (solid panels) Good with strong posts Most domestic gardens
Hardwood Premium timber 20–30y+ Low-moderate £££ High Excellent High-end contemporary
Composite Modern slatted 20–25y+ Low £££ Medium-high Very good with gaps Low-care modern schemes
Concrete Post + Timber Panel Mixed material 25y+ Low-moderate ££ High Excellent Exposed, long runs
Steel/Aluminium Sleek/industrial 20y+ Low ££–£££ Medium Excellent Security; modern edges
PVC/Vinyl Clean; uniform 15–25y Low ££ Medium-high Good Low-maintenance needs
Bamboo/Cane Natural; textural 5–10y Low £ Medium Moderate Screening; quick fixes
Gabions Architectural 25y+ Very low £££ Medium Outstanding Retaining; noise break
Living Screens Green; seasonal Variable Moderate-high £–£££ Medium-high when dense Good with wind gaps Biodiversity; soften edges

How to Choose: Five Fast Filters

  • Wind exposure: In gusty plots, rigid systems need reinforced structure; consider concrete posts with panels or slatted designs that bleed wind.
  • Privacy vs light: Solid runs maximise privacy; slatted or lattice work with trellis let light in while screening sightlines.
  • Maintenance appetite: Timber rewards a little care; composite and metals suit set-and-forget owners.
  • Budget staging: You can phase works by starting with strong posts and gravel boards, then upgrading panels later.
  • Style language: Contemporary? Look to single slatted or double slatted. Traditional? closeboard or waney lap.

Timber Fencing (Softwood & Hardwood)

Why choose timber: Warm, natural, and adaptable, timber is the most popular fence material in Britain. You can select solid privacy panels, airy lattice for climbers, or modern horizontal slats for crisp lines. Pressure treatment protects against rot and fungal decay, and you can stain or paint to match your scheme.

Best-fit components: For privacy and longevity, pair closeboard panels or ultra heavy duty closeboard with concrete posts and concrete gravel boards, or keep a timber look throughout with wooden posts and wooden gravel boards. For lighter, modern runs, explore single slatted, double slatted, or hit & miss fence panels. Top with panel capping and reinforce rails with cant rails.

Pros

  • Natural aesthetic; easy to integrate with planting and trellis panels.
  • Flexible styles from classic waney lap to premium closeboard.
  • Repairable in small sections; parts and ironmongery are widely available.
  • Can be stained or painted to evolve with the garden.

Cons

  • Requires periodic checks and occasional recoating for best life.
  • Lower-spec, untreated timber can deteriorate quickly.
  • Weight adds load to posts; ensure correct post specification and depth.

Installation note: Keep any timber panel off the ground with gravel boards to prevent splashback and wicking. Use the right screws & fixings for exterior use, and seal cut ends during installation.

Composite Fencing

Composite boards blend wood fibres with polymers for long-lived, low-care fencing that keeps a consistent finish. The look is clean and modern, especially in horizontal formats. Slatted options allow airflow, helping in windy spots.

Pros

  • Low maintenance; no painting required.
  • Resistant to rot and insect damage; stable colour ranges.
  • Works beautifully with robust concrete posts for exposed sites.

Cons

  • Higher upfront cost than standard timber panels.
  • Less “organic” than natural wood; colour choice at purchase matters.
  • Individual board systems can be slower to install than pre-built panels.

Pairing ideas: Combine composite slats with trellis sections near patios to balance screening and light. Use garden gates in a complementary timber tone for warmth.

Concrete Systems (Posts, Gravel Boards, and Infill)

Concrete increases rigidity and service life. The most common approach is concrete posts with timber or composite infill panels and a concrete gravel board elevating the panel away from soil splash and moisture.

Pros

  • Outstanding durability and stability; excellent in wind.
  • Slotted posts simplify panel swaps and future maintenance.
  • Concrete gravel boards protect panels and keep lines straight.

Cons

  • Heavier to handle; plan labour and delivery access.
  • Cooler look; soften with planting or decorative toppers.

Shop the essentials: concrete posts and concrete gravel boards, paired with closeboard panels or decorative fence panels.

Metal Fencing (Steel & Aluminium)

Metal offers a sleek, secure envelope with minimal upkeep. Powder-coated aluminium resists corrosion well; galvanised steel is rugged and can be finished in durable coatings.

Pros

  • Very low maintenance; long service life.
  • Strong security; narrow profiles give a modern edge.
  • Excellent wind performance with slatted or open designs.

Cons

  • Higher upfront cost for premium systems.
  • Less forgiving on slopes without stepped design planning.
  • Less tactile warmth than timber; soften with planting or trellis.

Good companions: Mix metal panels with timber features such as railway sleepers for edging and integrate a sturdy timber gate for contrast.

PVC/Vinyl Fencing

PVC panels provide a clean, uniform appearance and are popular for low-maintenance boundaries. They don’t require painting and are simple to wash down.

Pros

  • Low maintenance and easy cleaning.
  • Consistent colour and finish; no staining required.
  • Lightweight elements can be quicker to erect.

Cons

  • Less natural look than timber; fewer texture variations.
  • Thermal movement needs correct fixings and allowances.
  • Scuffs can show on lighter colours; choose finish accordingly.

Design tip: If you prefer a softer look, combine neutral PVC sections with horizontal slatted trellis for a hybrid style.

Bamboo, Cane & Reed Screens

Fast, inexpensive, and textural, bamboo and cane rolls are ideal for cosmetic screening and quick upgrades where the underlying boundary still provides structure.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly; easy to install.
  • Natural texture; light to handle.
  • Good for softening hard edges and creating seasonal zones.

Cons

  • Shorter service life than structural fence panels.
  • Needs a solid support behind; not a structural boundary by itself.
  • Limited height stability in exposed sites.

Pairing: Fix to a sturdy run of closeboard panels or picket fence panels for quick makeovers.

Gabion Walls & Cages

Gabions are wire baskets filled with stone. They absorb sound, handle slopes, and create dramatic modern boundaries. While typically more “wall” than “fence”, they’re increasingly used in landscape schemes as low-maintenance, long-life partitions.

Pros

  • Exceptional durability and wind performance.
  • Great for retaining, levelling, and acoustic dampening.
  • Architectural look with local stone options.

Cons

  • Higher initial cost and labour to fill baskets.
  • Industrial aesthetic may need planting to soften.
  • Requires careful foundations to avoid settlement.

Design tip: Combine low gabion plinths with timber trellis or slatted infill above to balance weight and lightness.

Living Screens (Hedges & Trained Plants)

Green boundaries provide screening, biodiversity, and seasonal change. From yew and beech hedges to pleached hornbeam or espaliered fruit, living screens can be sculptural and forgiving on windy sites due to inherent permeability.

Pros

  • Beautiful, biodiverse, and noise-softening.
  • Flexible shapes and heights over time.
  • Can be combined with low fencing for dog-proofing and structure.

Cons

  • Regular pruning and care; slower to reach full privacy.
  • Seasonal variation (deciduous hedges) may reduce winter screening.
  • Roots and width need space; not ideal for tight boundaries.

Hybrid approach: A timber privacy fence topped with fence topper trellis gives instant screening while climbers establish.

Which Material Works Where?

Scenario Recommended Material Suggested Panels Post Type Gravel Board
High Wind; Exposed Garden Timber Slatted or Composite Double Slatted Concrete Concrete
Maximum Privacy; Classic Look Pressure-Treated Timber Heavy Duty Closeboard Timber or Concrete Timber
Low-Maintenance Modern Composite or Metal Single Slatted Concrete Concrete
Budget Refresh Waney Lap Waney Lap Timber Timber
Patio Screening with Light Decorative Timber Decorative Panels or Omega Lattice Timber None or Timber

Understanding Total Cost of Ownership

Upfront prices are only part of the story—maintenance and lifespan affect the 10-year picture. The chart below gives a simplified, illustrative comparison of typical material “cost shape” over a decade (your exact numbers will vary by run length, site exposure, and spec). It’s a helpful way to balance budget and effort.

How to read it: Lower scores indicate lower overall spend/effort. Softwood can remain very cost-effective when well detailed with gravel boards and capped rails; composite and metal cost more upfront but require minimal care; concrete posts with timber panels often strike a sweet spot in exposed plots.

Posts, Footings & Hardware: The Unsung Heroes

Whichever material you choose, the structure beneath determines performance. Invest in posts, footings, and fixings that match your site and panel weight.

  • Post choice: For ultimate longevity and wind resistance, choose concrete posts. For a warmer, unified look, pick wooden posts and ensure cut ends are sealed during installation.
  • Gravel boards: Spec concrete for resilience or timber for visual continuity. They prevent rot and keep panels straight.
  • Depth & spacing: Typical post centres align with panel width; set posts deep enough for soil and exposure conditions.
  • Hardware: Use exterior-grade screws & fixings and quality ironmongery. Finish tops with panel capping to shed water.

Security, Noise & Wildlife Considerations

Security: Solid fences deter casual intruders. Reinforce vulnerable access points with a matching garden gate—choose feather edge for privacy or decorative gates for kerb appeal—and fit robust latches, bolts, and hinges from our ironmongery range.

Noise: Dense materials and staggered barriers help. Gabions, closeboard timber, and mixed planting can significantly soften road noise. Use trellis to mount evergreen climbers for extra absorption.

Wildlife: Where practical, include wildlife gaps and climber-friendly sections. Trellis and fan trellis support nectar sources without compromising boundaries.

Detailing Tips That Extend Lifespan

  • Keep all timber edges off soil with gravel boards and ensure splashback is minimised.
  • Use cant rails on closeboard runs for stiffness and to shed water; add capping to protect tops.
  • Specify taller fences with fence topper trellis instead of full solid height to relieve wind loading and keep gardens light.
  • On slopes, step panels neatly and maintain even post heights for a professional finish.
  • Pre-drill near timber ends and seal cut edges; choose stainless or galvanised fixings from our fasteners range.

Style Guide: Marrying Material and Aesthetic

Planning Your Project: Sequence for Success

  1. Survey: Confirm boundaries and identify services; check for planning constraints or covenants.
  2. Design: Choose material and style; agree heights and sightlines; specify posts, boards, and any trellis sections.
  3. Prepare: Clear lines, mark centres, and excavate post holes; order components and fixings.
  4. Build: Set posts true and plumb; add gravel boards; install panels; top with capping.
  5. Finish: Fit gates, tidy edges with sleepers, and plant climbers where wanted.
  6. Maintain: Quick seasonal checks for fixings, caps, and ground contact; wash down composite/metal; refresh timber finishes as needed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Panels lifting or racking in wind: Upgrade to concrete posts, add intermediate posts, or switch to slatted styles that reduce sail effect.
  • Rot at base: Install or replace gravel boards; ensure soil and mulch sit away from timber.
  • Uneven runs on slopes: Step panels and keep post tops in a consistent line; consider custom infill where needed.
  • Colour fading: For timber, use breathable stains; for composite/metal, wash down to remove pollutants and follow maker’s care advice.

Why East Coast Fencing

With 200,000+ fence panels supplied and a 4.9/5 rating backed by 15,000+ reviews, East Coast Fencing is a trusted partner for homeowners, landscapers, and stockists. Our range spans everything from standard fence panels to decorative options, plus the structure that makes fences last: posts, gravel boards, and finishing touches such as capping, cant rails, and reliable ironmongery.

Ready to Shortlist?

Pick your material, then match a panel style and structure to suit your site:

Next step: Explore fence panels, choose your posts, add gravel boards, and finish with the right hinges, latches, and fasteners for a tidy, long-lasting boundary.