When it comes to choosing a boundary fence for your property or development, the debate between timber and composite materials is one that many homeowners and developers face.
Both have their merits, but understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision that suits your needs now and well into the future.
The Timber Fence: Traditional but High-Maintenance
Timber fence has been a popular choice for decades. It's natural, versatile, and can look stunning when freshly installed. However, timber comes with some significant drawbacks that are worth considering.
Over time, timber naturally warps, bends, and can develop gaps as it shrinks. Splinters are a common issue, especially in environments like kindergartens or playgrounds where children are present. Timber also requires regular maintenance, including staining, sealing, and treating to protect against rot and weathering. While the initial cost might seem reasonable, the ongoing upkeep can add up over the years.
Height restrictions can also pose challenges with timber, depending on your local council regulations and the structural limitations of the material. Plus, as timber ages and gaps appear due to shrinkage, its effectiveness as a privacy fence and acoustic barrier diminishes.
The Composite Fence: Modern, Durable, and Low-Maintenance
Composite fencing, like StabiFence, offers a smarter alternative. Made from a blend of recycled wood and plastic, composite materials combine the natural look of timber with the durability of modern engineering.
StabiFence doesn't warp, bend, flake, or splinter, making it a safer choice for families and childcare facilities. The tongue-and-groove design ensures no gaps or shrinkage, maintaining its integrity and performance as a privacy fence and acoustic barrier for years to come.
Yes, the upfront cost of composite fencing can be higher than timber. However, once you factor in the lack of ongoing maintenance (no staining, sealing, or repairs), StabiFence becomes the more cost-effective option long-term. When you stain timber, the costs even out initially, but composite pulls ahead by requiring zero upkeep.
There are no height limits with StabiFence, and it handles wind loading just as effectively as timber. It's also pre-engineered for balustrade applications, so you can contact Urban Group to request a PS1 if needed for your project.
Ready to see the difference for yourself? Download our fencing guide to explore the full range of StabiFence options and specifications.
Acoustic Performance That Lasts
One standout benefit of StabiFence is its acoustic performance. The solid, gap-free construction provides excellent noise reduction, which is backed by independent testing.
While timber fences might perform well initially, gaps caused by shrinkage over time reduce their effectiveness. StabiFence maintains its acoustic integrity because the boards stay locked together without movement or degradation.
Safety and Aesthetics
Composite fencing stays cooler to the touch than metal alternatives, even in summer heat. While composite can experience minor bowing towards the heat source in extreme conditions, it won't reach dangerous temperatures that could harm children, unlike full metal panels. This makes StabiFence a safer, family-friendly option.
The smooth, splinter-free surface is ideal for kindergartens, schools, and residential properties where safety is a priority. Plus, the combination of metal posts and composite infill means your fence line stays straight and true, maintaining that clean, modern appearance.
StabiFence also offers full design customisation. You can mix solid boards with slats to create a unique look that suits your property's style while still delivering the privacy and security you need.
What About Hybrid Systems?
Some hybrid systems combine timber infill with steel rails and posts. While this might seem like a good middle ground, the timber components still face the same issues: weathering, shrinkage, and maintenance.
The images below show a hybrid system installation just one year after completion, highlighting how quickly timber can deteriorate compared to the lasting quality of StabiFence.
The StabiFence Advantage
Choosing StabiFence means investing in a boundary fence or swing gate solution that's built to last. It's environmentally friendly, low-maintenance, and delivers superior performance in terms of aesthetics, acoustics, and safety.
Whether you're a homeowner looking for a long-term privacy fence, a developer seeking a reliable boundary fence for a new subdivision, or a facility manager prioritising child safety, StabiFence ticks all the boxes.
Make the smart choice for your property. Explore StabiFence today.
.png)
