Composite or Hardwood Fencing? An Honest Comparison

Choosing between composite and hardwood fencing is about more than looks on day one. A fence frames your garden and your privacy for decades. Here is an honest comparison between composite (WPC) fencing and Ipe hardwood fencing, from the team that supplies Ipe slatted fences across the UK and Europe.

Ipe hardwood fencing: strong by nature

• Lifespan: Ipe is durability class 1 and lasts 25+ years, even without maintenance.
• Looks: real timber has warm, varied tones and weathers to an elegant silver grey. Oil it if you want to keep the brown colour.
• Value: a well built hardwood fence adds a sense of quality to your home that composite rarely matches.

Composite fencing: easy, with limits

• Maintenance: composite needs no oil, but it attracts dust and can show dark spots in damp corners.
• Temperature: the plastic content makes it expand and contract with heat and cold, which can lead to sagging or warped boards over the years.
• End of life: composite is often sold as recycled, yet it is hard to recycle once it comes down. Hardwood is 100% natural.

How our Ipe slatted fences are built

Our fences are made of slats 2.1 cm thick and 5, 7 or 9 cm wide, or slat bars of 4 x 4 cm, fitted horizontally with hidden clips in a groove along the long side. The ends have a tongue and groove joint, so the slats click together in length, with a 5 mm gap between slats. They are fixed to 6 x 6 cm Azobé posts that the slats cover completely. Behind the slats you can add EPDM privacy membrane for less noise and no overlooking. See slatted fence fixings for the details.

Price: closer than you think

Because we import directly and supply from our own warehouse, premium Ipe is often only a little dearer than a good quality composite fence, and it lasts 25+ years. Read our guide to fence costs for real prices per metre.

Our verdict

For a quick, temporary solution composite can do the job. For a fence that stands for a lifetime, does not warp in the sun and looks timeless, there is no real substitute for Ipe hardwood. Comparing woods as well? Read teak vs composite fencing or see the Ipe slatted fence range.

Advice from our team

Call us on +49 2821 7483051, or send us a photo of your garden. Want to feel the timber first? Order a free sample.

Frequently asked questions

Is composite fencing better than wooden fencing?

Composite needs no oil, but it moves with temperature, can warp over time and is hard to recycle. Ipe hardwood fencing lasts 25+ years, even without maintenance, and weathers to a silver grey.

How long does an Ipe fence last?

Ipe is durability class 1 and lasts 25+ years. The 6 x 6 cm Azobé posts are just as durable.

Is an Ipe fence much more expensive than composite?

Often less than people expect. We import directly, so premium Ipe is usually only a little dearer than good quality composite, and it lasts much longer.

Can I add privacy and noise reduction to a slatted fence?

Yes. EPDM privacy membrane fits behind the slats and reduces noise and overlooking.