Composite fencing is for homeowners who love the warmth of wood but don’t want to spend weekends staining it. Made from a blend of wood fibers and plastics (think of Trex-style composite decking, made into fence boards), composite looks and feels much like wood while resisting rot, insects and splintering. 76 FENCE Main Line installs composite privacy fences and screens for homes and businesses across the Main Line and nearby Chester, Delaware and Montgomery County communities.
What makes composite different
Wood-like beauty
Grain textures and rich colors, from warm browns to modern grays, without the knots, checking and warping of natural lumber.
No staining or sealing
Composite doesn’t need refinishing. Occasional washing is typically all the maintenance it asks for.
Resists rot and insects
The plastic content protects the wood fibers from moisture and pests, a real advantage in our humid summers and wet springs.
Full privacy
Solid board designs block views completely, ideal for patios, hot tubs and pool areas. See privacy fences.
A natural match for Main Line homes
Composite’s earthy tones pair well with fieldstone, brick and cedar-shake homes, and its clean board profiles look great on contemporary houses too. Gray and charcoal shades work especially well next to stone walls and patios; warmer browns blend into wooded lots like the ones common in Berwyn, Villanova and Newtown Square.
Because the color is consistent from board to board, a composite fence has a refined, finished look from day one, and it stays that way instead of weathering unevenly like untreated wood.
Composite vs. wood vs. vinyl
Composite sits between wood and vinyl in a lot of ways:
- Compared with wood: similar warmth and texture, far less maintenance, and more resistance to rot. The trade-off is a higher upfront cost.
- Compared with vinyl: a richer, more natural appearance with more substance and heft. Vinyl is usually the more economical low-maintenance option.
Composite is in the premium tier for material cost, but many homeowners find the savings in time and refinishing make it worthwhile. See the full materials comparison and our pricing guide.
Installation matters with composite
Composite boards are heavier than typical wood fence boards, and like any solid privacy fence, a composite fence catches wind. A quality install accounts for both:
- Posts set below the frost line, typically 30″–36″ in our area (local code governs), to prevent heaving in freeze-thaw winters.
- Post systems and framing matched to the manufacturer’s specifications, so the fence stays eligible for warranty coverage.
- Proper spacing for seasonal expansion and contraction.
- Careful layout on sloped lots, where composite panels are typically stepped.
We work through the clay, rock and root conditions common on Main Line lots so your posts are solid. More details are on our installation page.
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Composite for commercial screening
Composite is also an excellent choice for dumpster enclosures and equipment screens at restaurants, offices and multi-family properties. It resists moisture and grime, cleans up easily, and looks far more polished than chain link with slats. See our commercial fencing page for more.
Caring for composite
- Wash occasionally with a hose, mild soap and a soft brush to remove pollen and mildew, especially on shady sides.
- Avoid high-pressure washing that can damage the surface.
- Keep sprinklers and wet mulch from constantly soaking the bottom of the boards.
- Check gate hardware seasonally.
Like any material exposed to sun, composite colors can mellow slightly over time. Quality products are designed to minimize fading.
Permits, warranty and financing
Tall privacy fences often require a municipal permit and may need HOA approval. Rules vary; we check them for you. See fence permits and HOA fencing. We offer and honor manufacturer warranty coverage on every fence we install, and financing is available through our partner Wisetack; check your options on our financing page.
Want to see composite colors against your house? Call or text 484-779-6307 or book a free estimate.