Composite Fencing vs Wood UK: Which Is Worth It in 2026?

Composite (WPC) is the material behind most modern garden screens and fencing — but how does it actually stack up against timber and metal once you look past the sticker price?

Composite vs Wood

A basic 6ft timber panel costs less upfront (£30–£60 vs £90–£150 for composite), but timber needs annual treatment (£40–£80 a time) and typically needs full replacement within 7–10 years. Add that up over a decade and composite comes out ahead on total cost, with zero maintenance in between — no staining, no sealing, no rot.

Composite wins on weather performance too: it's fully waterproof, UV-stabilised, and won't crack in frost or warp in heat the way timber can.

Timber still makes sense if: you're renting, need a very low upfront cost, or want a traditional look composite can't fully replicate.

Composite vs Metal

Aluminium and corten metal screens are the other durable option, and the comparison is closer:

• Maintenance: both are low-maintenance, but WPC needs slightly less — an occasional soapy-water clean vs the same for powder-coated metal.
• Weight and installation: WPC panels are lighter than metal, making DIY fitting easier.
• Look: WPC gives a warmer, wood-like finish; metal (especially Alhambra or Moucharabiya laser-cut designs) leans contemporary and architectural.
• Heat: metal can get hot in direct sun; composite doesn't.
• Cost: broadly comparable, with intricate metal patterns sometimes costing more for the cutting work involved.

The Verdict

If you want the lowest lifetime cost and cleanest maintenance, composite fencing wins. If you want a specific decorative pattern as a garden focal point, metal screens in Alhambra, Moucharabiya, or Frond designs are worth the (similar) investment. Either way, timber is the option to think twice about if you're staying put for more than a few years.

Browse all garden screens or see our full composite fencing buyer's guide.