Composite fencing has become one of the most requested upgrades in the market — and for good reason. It delivers the warmth of wood aesthetics without the endless maintenance. But here’s the truth most people don’t learn until it’s too late: not all composite (WPC) fencing is made the same.
At Greenwood Fence, our WPC boards are engineered for real-world durability, dimensional stability, and long-term performance. If you’re a homeowner investing in your property — or an architect or contractor whose reputation is attached to every install — quality isn’t optional. It’s the entire point.
First, What Is WPC?
WPC stands for Wood Plastic Composite. It’s a blend of wood or cellulose fibers and plastics designed to create a board that looks great, holds up outdoors, and resists the failure points of traditional wood fencing.
Greenwood Fence WPC boards are made from a mixture of recycled PE plastics and cellulose fiber. That blend is chosen intentionally: it supports strength, stability, and weather resistance, while also making our boards a more environmentally responsible option than virgin-material products.
Why Some WPC Boards Fail
Composite is not automatically “premium” just because it isn’t wood. Many cheaper WPC products cut corners in ways that show up later:
- Inconsistent material blends that weaken boards or create uneven expansion.
- Lower-density cores that can feel spongy or become brittle over time.
- Inferior surface protection that stains easier and fades faster in direct sun.
- Thinner profiles that are more prone to flexing, bowing, and warping.
Cheaper is not better. Cheaper is cheaper for a reason. And when a board bows, warps, or stains prematurely, the “savings” disappears fast — especially when labor, callbacks, and replacements enter the picture.
What Greenwood Fence WPC Is Made Of
Our WPC boards are engineered with performance in mind, not price cutting. Greenwood Fence composite boards are made from:
- Recycled PE plastics for waterproof performance and long-term durability
- Cellulose fiber for rigidity, structure, and a natural-looking finish
This combination creates a board that holds up in wet climates, resists pests, and stays consistent through seasonal changes — an essential factor for contractors and architects planning long-term installations.
Board Thickness That Supports Real Structural Stability
One of the simplest indicators of quality is the physical build of the board itself. Greenwood Fence composite boards are approximately .78 inches thick, providing a stronger, more stable feel than many thin, bargain-grade WPC alternatives.
Thickness matters because it supports:
- Better rigidity across spans
- Reduced flex in windy environments
- Improved alignment for clean, modern sightlines
Capped Composite: A Surface Shield That Protects the Look
Greenwood Fence focuses on capped composite materials — meaning the boards have a protective outer layer designed to defend against stains, residue, and weather exposure.
That protective cap helps keep stains and grime on the surface (instead of soaking in), which reduces the risk of permanent discoloration and helps the fence stay looking new longer. Many traditional, lower-cost composite boards are uncapped, making them more susceptible to staining, fading, and surface wear over time.
Heat, Expansion, and Warping: The Real Test for WPC
Heat is where cheap composite often shows its weakness. Low-quality WPC boards can bow, warp, or look wavy during hot seasons — especially when installed too tightly or built from inconsistent blends.
Greenwood Fence systems are designed with expansion and contraction in mind. For example, our installation guidance includes setting posts at 74 inches center-to-center to accommodate our 72-inch boards, leaving room on each end for weather-related movement. That space is intentional — it helps the fence stay straight and stable through temperature swings.
In other words: the product isn’t just strong — it’s engineered as a complete system.
Why Architects and Contractors Choose the Higher Standard
For professionals, fencing is never just “materials.” It’s reputation. It’s referrals. It’s the difference between a one-time job and a long-term relationship with a client.
Architects and contractors choose Greenwood Fence because:
- Consistency matters — modular components fit predictably on every project
- Clients expect premium results — especially on modern builds and high-end rehabs
- Callbacks destroy margins — cheap materials create problems that take time and money to fix
- Long-term performance protects reputations — and keeps projects looking right for years
If you’re specifying fencing for residential or commercial projects, explore our systems here: Greenwood Fence Systems and Commercial Fencing Solutions.
Invest With Confidence: Built for Decades
Greenwood Fence products are built for the long haul — and we stand behind them. Our warranties reflect our confidence in the materials and engineering:
- 20-Year Limited Warranty for residential applications
- 10-Year Limited Warranty for commercial applications
You can review warranty and care details here: Product Care & Warranty.
The Bottom Line
Composite fencing is an investment — and WPC quality is what determines whether it becomes a long-term asset or a long-term headache. Greenwood Fence WPC boards are engineered with premium blends, capped protection, reliable thickness, and installation systems designed to handle real weather conditions.
Don’t buy “cheap composite.” Buy composite you can trust. If you’re ready to plan your project or specify Greenwood Fence for an upcoming build, contact our team to get started.
