Composite vs Wood Fence Guide: Benefits, Costs

Miura Board^® is one of many plastic composites on the market. Like other composite fencing materials, Miura Board^® allows users to create strong and reliable fences that stand the test of time. However, Miura Board^® is a superior alternative to both wood and wood composites for a variety of reasons.

This blog post will compare Miura Board^® to competitive solutions to help you determine if our proprietary product is right for your fencing project.

Composite vs. Wood Fence

Wood composite fencing and wood fencing differ from one another in several ways. Wood fencing had few market competitors until fairly recently, but wood composites have offered an appealing alternative. Composite fences are made of a mixture of plastic and real wood to create an eco-friendly alternative to standard fencing.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding between wood and wood composites.

Installation Costs

One of the most notable differences between wood and wood composites is their upfront cost. Cost plays a central role in most projects and standard wood fences are cheaper to purchase than their composite counterparts. Wood fences tend to cost around $15 per foot, while composite wood fences may run $25 per foot or more.

While increased upfront costs may be a deterrent, it’s important to consider the overall lifespan of the product. The significantly longer service life of wood composites makes them much more affordable over time by delivering a lower cost of ownership. With a minimum service lifespan of 15–20 years, composite wood is ultimately much more cost-effective.

Maintaining Composites

When comparing maintenance requirements, wood and wood composite fences vary considerably. While wood fences require frequent repainting and/or repair, composite wood fencing simply requires occasional wash downs with water. Composite holds up better than wood when exposed to weather, UV rays, and other environmental factors such as insects and mold.

The natural decomposing process of wood can only be delayed through frequent treatments and coatings. Wood must frequently be repainted, repaired, or replaced. In climates with significant moisture, inclement weather, or insect problems, a wood fence may only last a few years.

Miura Board^®: The Ideal Composite Fencing Solution

Fiber-reinforced composites present several advantages over conventional FRP counterparts. They last longer, require much less maintenance and tend to be cheaper in the long-term. Miura Board^® fiber-reinforced composites are not simple blends of plastics and fibers like other FRPs, but rather a molecular scaffolding of fibers that enable commingled plastics to be used instead of a single type of plastic (typically just HDPE).  The resulting strength and durability make it suitable for use in a variety of private and municipal projects for:

• Boardwalks
• Stadiums
• Parks
• Ramps
• Bleachers
• Fences

Miura Board^® is the highest-quality fiber-reinforced, composite solution on the market. Compared to other (wood-plastic) composites, Miura Board^® offers comparable or superior performance while remaining a sustainable solution. We use 100% recycled materials only, to help divert plastic waste from landfills.

The below photo illustrates how regular wood fences require regular maintenance and repair, and when a new wood board is added, it creates this “eye-sore” contrast between the new and old pieces. Miura Board^® doesn’t have this “weathered” look and can seamlessly be replaced for a more consistently cohesive look.

             Common contrast seen between the new and old wood boards

Advantages of Miura Board^® Composite Fencing

Compared to common conventional wood and wood-plastic composite fencing, Miura Board^® offers a broad range of benefits, including:

• Longer service life
• Low maintenance requirements
• Better weather resistance
• Pest-immunity
• Higher strength and durability
• Easy installation
• Can be pressure washed
• Solvent resistant
• Graffiti can be removed
• UV resistant
• Can be painted

If you’d like to learn more about the advantages of Miura Board^® composite fencing, contact our team today.