After a few seasons, a wooden fence starts to lose its colour, cracks in the sun and rots from moisture. It needs impregnating every year and, after a decade, replacing. Yet there is a material that looks just as good, needs no maintenance and lasts several decades without visible signs of ageing: recycled plastic boards – made 100% from recycled industrial plastic.
Table of contents:
1. Why a wooden fence loses out over time
2. What makes recycled plastic boards so durable
3. Which boards and posts to choose for a fence
4. Installing a fence made of recycled plastic boards
5. How much does a fence that never needs renovating cost?
Why a wooden fence loses out over time
Wood is a natural material, which means it is subject to natural decay. Moisture gets into the fibres, freezes in winter and splits the wood from the inside. In summer the sun dries out the surface, causing cracks and warping. Then there are insects, fungi and mould.
The result? Even a well-impregnated pine fence needs re-treating every 1–2 years. The costs add up, and the appearance never returns to its original state anyway. Exotic hardwood lasts a little longer, but costs several times more – and eventually succumbs to the same processes.
What makes recycled plastic boards so durable
Ecoplank boards are made from post-industrial plastic waste – polyethylene, polypropylene and polyamide. Unlike WPC boards (wood-plastic composite), they contain no wood fibres. This means nothing for fungi and mould to feed on, zero water absorption and full resistance to rot, insects and UV radiation.
The colour is blended through the entire cross-section of the material during production, so it does not peel or wear off. The boards do not crack, warp or splinter. You can read more about the production process in the article How are Ecoplank boards made? From waste to terrace.
Which boards and posts to choose for a fence
The best choice for building a fence is the tongue-and-groove board. Thanks to the tongue-and-groove joint, the individual elements fit tightly together, forming a stable, uniform surface. This solution works well both for solid fences and for panels that need greater rigidity.
The structure is supported by 90×90 mm square posts – also made from recycled plastic and available in lengths of 1 and 2 metres. The posts can be set directly in the ground or fixed to pad foundations. They need no impregnation or painting, even in the part buried in the ground.
The full range of boards and posts is available in the categories Recycled plastic boards and Posts and poles.
Installing a fence made of recycled plastic boards
Recycled plastic boards can be cut, drilled and routed with standard woodworking tools. Installation does not differ much from working with traditional material, with one important exception: you need to allow for the thermal expansion of plastic. Leave expansion gaps between the boards so that the material can respond freely to temperature changes.
The fence itself can be put up at any time of year. The boards do not need acclimatisation or seasoning, and the finished structure is fully functional straight away. It does not need varnishing, oiling or coating with any protective product.
How much does a fence that never needs renovating cost?
The initial cost of a fence made of recycled plastic boards can be higher than for pine or spruce. However, the difference quickly evens out. A wooden fence needs impregnating every 1–2 years (PLN 150–400 for materials), and after 10–15 years it usually has to be replaced entirely.
A fence made of Ecoplank boards has no maintenance costs. For 30–50 years it needs no painting, sanding or replacement of individual elements. Over two decades, the savings can exceed the original investment.
Recycled plastic boards offer similar durability in other applications too – from terraces and balconies to stable fencing and lunging rings.
A fence for years, without compromise
A fence made of recycled plastic boards combines durability, good looks and zero maintenance in one solution. It does not rot, crack or need annual protective treatments. Once put up, it will easily last several decades unchanged – whatever the weather, the season or the proximity of damp ground. And along the way, Ecoplank production puts 200 tonnes of plastic a month back into use instead of sending it to landfill.
See the range of Ecoplank boards and posts.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a fence made of recycled plastic boards last?
For 30–50 years it needs no painting, sanding or replacement of individual elements. The material does not rot, crack or lose its colour, because the pigment is blended through the entire cross-section of the board.
Which boards and posts should I choose for a fence?
The tongue-and-groove board works best – the elements fit tightly together and form a uniform surface. The structure is supported by 90×90 mm square posts, available in lengths of 1 and 2 metres.
Do posts set in the ground need impregnation?
No. Recycled plastic posts can be set directly in the ground or fixed to pad foundations, and they need no impregnation or painting, even in the buried part.
Can recycled plastic boards be cut like wood?
Yes – with a saw, drill and router, using standard woodworking tools. The difference concerns expansion: you need to leave gaps for the thermal movement of the material.
Can a fence be built in winter?
Yes. The boards do not need acclimatisation or seasoning, and the finished structure is fully functional straight away – with no varnishing or oiling.
Is a recycled plastic fence cheaper than a wooden one?
Usually more expensive at the outset. Wood needs impregnating every 1–2 years (PLN 150–400 for materials) and usually has to be replaced entirely after 10–15 years. Over two decades, the balance favours recycled plastic.
How do recycled plastic boards differ from WPC?
Ecoplank boards contain no wood fibres – they are made from post-industrial polyethylene, polypropylene and polyamide. WPC is a composite with a wood component that absorbs moisture and feeds fungi.