Teak vs composite fencing: real teak or teak effect?
In short: on composite, 'teak' is a colour name. Teak composite fencing is wood fibre bound with plastic in a teak like shade. Our teak fencing is solid plantation teak. Real teak has grain and varies from slat to slat; it turns silver grey or stays golden with oil. Composite needs no oil, but it is still plastic and moves with heat and cold.
What does 'teak' mean on composite?
Search for teak fencing and you will find teak composite fence panels, teak coloured fence paint and green or honey teak vinyl fencing. In all of these, teak is a colour, not a timber; there is no teak in them. Composite (also called WPC) is wood fibre bound with plastic and moulded into boards.
The differences side by side
| Real teak | Teak effect composite | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Solid plantation teak | Wood fibre and plastic |
| Looks | Real grain, each slat different | Even colour, often with a moulded wood texture |
| Colour over the years | Silver grey, golden again with oil | Changes in the sun, cannot be oiled back |
| Movement | Teak moves very little | Plastic expands in heat and contracts in cold |
| Upkeep | None needed; oil if you want to keep the colour | Cleaning, no oiling |
| Fixing with us | Hidden clips, 5 mm gap, Azobé posts | Depends on the system |
| End of life | Timber | Wood and plastic mix, harder to separate |
When to choose real teak
When you want timber that looks like timber close up. Every slat is different, which gives the fence calm and depth. Teak is pale, light and stays straight. Left alone it goes grey; oiled it turns warm again. All designs are on teak fencing, and the costs on teak fence cost.
When composite suits better
When you never want to touch the fence and an even colour matters more than real timber. Composite needs no oil. Bear in mind that its colour changes in the sun and cannot be brought back with oil.
Teak colour without composite: paint or oil?
Painting a cheap fence in a teak colour gives you the colour, not the timber. An opaque fence paint needs redoing every few years and hides the grain. On real teak you use a clear oil, so the grain stays visible. How that works is on teak fence care.
Teak vs composite FAQs
Is teak composite fencing made of teak?
No. Teak is a colour name there. Composite is made from wood fibre and plastic.
Which is better, teak or composite?
If you want real timber with grain, choose teak. If you never want to do anything and like an even colour, composite suits.
Does teak fencing go grey?
Yes, untreated teak turns silver grey. Oil keeps it golden.
How much is real teak fencing?
From £296.92 per metre, complete with Azobé posts and clips. See teak fence cost.
Written by Tom Wegter (team leader IT) and Marc Westerhuis (team leader communications) at Hardwood Discount · last updated: 21 October 2026 · Facebook · Instagram · YouTube · Pinterest