Many of our clients are asking about composite wood vs. real wood for dumpster enclosures and for privacy fencing. Composite wood has come a long way in the past ten years and depending on your end need, might be the right choice for you.
Composite wood is more durable and requires less maintenance than real wood, resisting moisture and rot, while real wood offers a natural appearance and lower initial cost. Composite materials have a longer lifespan, are often more resistant to extreme temperature changes, and come with warranties, but are more expensive upfront and may retain heat in direct sun. Real wood requires regular cleaning, sealing, and staining to maintain its appearance and prevent rot, which can add to its long-term cost.
Composite wood
- Pros:
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- Higher durability and longer lifespan. Can last up to 25 years.
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- Less maintenance; does not require staining, sealing, or painting.
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- Resistant to rot, moisture, and insects.
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- Variety of colors and textures available.
- Cons:
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- Higher initial cost compared to wood.
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- Can retain more heat in direct sunlight.
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- Difficult to change the color once installed.
Real wood
- Pros:
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- Lower initial cost.
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- Natural look, feel, and smell.
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- Easy to change the appearance by sanding and staining.
- Cons:
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- Requires frequent maintenance, including cleaning, sanding, staining, and sealing.
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- Susceptible to rot, warping, splintering, and insect damage.
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- Shorter lifespan compared to composite if not properly maintained.
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- Can absorb moisture, which can lead to degradation.
Let Hartsell Brothers Fence Company guide you in your decision of which material is best for your application. We still provide free estimates to our commercial and industrial customers.
