Composite Fence: Cost, Installation, and Repair - Sept 2025

Cost of Composite Fencing

Here are the factors and typical cost ranges you should expect when considering composite fences in your area.

Major Cost Factors

• Fence length and height: The more linear feet, and the taller the fence (e.g. a 6-8 foot privacy fence vs. a 4-foot decorative panel), the higher the cost per foot.

• Panel style: Solid privacy, semi-private styles, decorative or lattice-top, thicker boards or heavier profiles raise costs.

• Material quality / brand: Higher-end composite products tend to have better finish, longer warranties, better color retention, and often use more recycled content.

• Post & frame materials and hardware: Posts, rails, mounting hardware, screws, and fasteners; proper hardware (e.g. stainless or galvanized) adds to cost.

• Site conditions / prep work: Terrain (sloped ground), soil type, ground clearance, removal of old fence, grading, drainage issues. All can add labor and material costs.

• Permits & codes: Local zoning, height restrictions, homeowner association (HOA) requirements, or needing to get inspections.

Typical Price Ranges (Chicagoland / North Shore Estimate)

Based on recent industry data and local market comparisons:

For an average backyard (say ~150-200 linear feet), a mid-range composite privacy fence may cost between $6,000 and $14,000 depending on style, gates, and site prep. This aligns with national averages, which estimate composite fencing installation to be between $11 to $45 per linear foot, depending on height and type.

What Adds Extra Cost

• Gates: A composite or wood-composite gate, or a drive-through panel gate, adds several hundred to a few thousands of dollars, depending on size and hardware.

• Thick/fancier panels or accent styles (lattice, shadowbox, premium finishes).

• Complicated terrain (lots of grading needed, removal of old fences, heavy ground prep).

• Permitting, inspections, or HOA approvals.

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Installation Process

Proper installation is key to getting the full lifespan and benefit from composite fencing. Here’s what to expect.

1. Planning & Layout

   • Mark property boundaries; identify where gates will go.

   • Measure for linear footage and determine height needs (privacy, code restrictions).

   • Check for underground utilities if fence posts will be dug.

2. Permits & Regulations

   • Many North Shore suburbs will require a permit for fencing, especially for higher fences or fences along public sidewalks or roads.

   • Check HOA rules if applicable—they may have design restrictions (colors, styles, panel width).

3. Materials & Preparation

   • Choose composite panel product, posts (often treated wood, metal, or composite), hardware (fasteners, hinges).

   • Prepare site: remove old fence, clear vegetation, level grade, ensure drainage and ground clearance so moisture doesn’t collect at base.

4. Footings & Posts

   • Posts must be anchored securely. In Chicagoland winters, freeze-thaw cycles demand posts set below frost line and in concrete footings or otherwise secured.

   • Ensure spacing between posts per manufacturer recommendations to reduce stress and movement.

5. Panel / Board Installation

   • Composite boards or panels fitted to frames, rails; ensure proper spacing for expansion/contraction (because composite expands a bit with heat / moisture).

   • Gate installation with sturdy hardware; ensure gate swings correctly and doesn’t sag.

6. Finishing & Inspection

   • Check alignment, ensure top rails are level.

   • Trim off any excess, install post caps if desired.

   • Verify gates, latches, locks.

   • Clean up site.

7. Warranty & Maintenance Advice

   • Most composite products come with 20-30 year warranties; check what is covered (color fade, warping, structural integrity).

   • Provide homeowner care instructions: e.g., occasional washing, avoiding harsh cleaners or power washing too close, monitoring posts or hardware.

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Repair & Maintenance

Composite fences are lower maintenance than wood, but repairs will still be necessary over time. Here’s how to keep your fence looking good and lasting long.

Common Issues

• Color fading: Particularly with darker composite panels exposed to strong sun.

• Mold, mildew, or surface staining: Especially in shaded or damp areas.

• Hardware wear: Hinges, screws, post fasteners can corrode or lose tightness.

• Panel damage: Cracks, chips, or impact damage (e.g. from lawn equipment or storms).

• Uneven ground or shifting soil: Posts might shift or lean, leading to sagging or misalignment.

Repair Steps

• Clean mold / mildew with mild soap, composite-safe cleaners.

• Replace damaged panels or boards; many systems allow panel-by-panel replacement.

• Tighten or replace hardware (use stainless or galvanized where possible).

• If posts are leaning or loose, remove soil, reset in proper footing / concrete.

• For fading, lighter colors tend to hide fading better; some composite manufacturers offer color refresh or fade warranties.

Maintenance Tips

• Wash fence annually or semi-annually depending on exposure to dirt, pollen, or lake water spray.

• Trim nearby vegetation to reduce dampness and mildew risk.

• Inspect after winter—look for damage from snow, ice, salt.

• Touch-up or replace caps or rails if needed.

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Pros & Cons of Composite vs Other Materials (Wood, Vinyl, Metal)

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Local Considerations in Chicagoland & North Shore Suburbs

• Climate: Cold winters with freeze/thaw cycles, snow load, humidity, and possible lake effect weather means materials must be resistant to moisture, expansion, contracting, and durable hardware. Composite tends to hold up well when installed correctly.

• Salt Exposure: Properties closer to Lake Michigan get salt spray or road salt, which can be tough on hardware; using stainless/galvanized hardware helps.

• Sun Exposure / UV Rays: Light colors show less fading; pick composite grade with good UV protection or manufacturer warranty for fade.

• Permits & HOA Rules: Many suburbs (Evanston, Lake Forest, Northbrook, etc.) have design or height restrictions; some require drawings or reviews.

• Style Matching: In historic or upscale neighborhoods like Highland Park or Lake Forest, style and color matter — composite panels that mimic natural wood or have decorative tops are popular.

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Is Composite Fencing Worth It?

For many homeowners around the North Shore suburbs, composite fences hit a sweet spot: looks close to natural wood, significantly fewer maintenance headaches, long lifespan (often 25-30 or more years), and good durability against Illinois weather.

If your priority is long-term value, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal, composite is often a strong investment.

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Composite Fence Cost Summary

Here’s a quick summary:

• Expect $40-$70+ per linear foot for a standard 6ft composite privacy fence in Chicagoland/North Shore area, depending on style, gates, hardware, and site prep.

• Decorative or premium composite panels with custom features or taller height may cost more.

• Adding gates, removing old fences, and difficult terrain or grading will add to cost.

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Choosing Pro Installers: First Class Fence Approach

At First Class Fence, we specialize in composite fence design, installation, and repair. Here’s what we provide for homeowners in Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park, Glenview, Skokie, Evanston, Lake Forest, and greater Chicagoland:

• Free on-site estimates, including assessing site prep needs and terrain

• Help selecting composite fence styles, colors, and hardware that match both your home’s architecture and local climate factors

• Skilled crews with experience installing composite fences properly (correct post depth, expansion gaps, durable hardware)

• Repair services for composite fences: replacement panels, fixing gate hardware, leveling posts, cleaning and maintenance guidance