Fence strip materials compared — PE, PVC, wood, metal, composite
Choosing the right material for fence panel strips is a key decision that affects durability, appearance, and maintenance costs. We compare the most popular materials: polyethylene (PE), PVC, wood, metal, and composite.
Polyethylene (PE)
Pros
- Easiest installation — no tools needed
- Excellent resistance to moisture, frost, and UV
- No painting or maintenance required
- Flexible — easily adapts to panel mesh openings
- Lightweight — doesn't strain the panel
- Best price-to-durability ratio
Cons
- Less rigid than metal
- May need replacement after 10–15 years
Estimated price: 280–440 PLN per set for one panel span (250 cm). Polyethylene (PE) is the material used in RattanArt strips available at CRAZYSHAPES.PL. Thanks to UV stabilizers and flexibility, PE is perfect for fence panel infills — it's more durable and crack-resistant than PVC, while remaining lightweight and easy to install.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
Pros
- Easy installation
- Good moisture resistance
- No maintenance required
- Low price
Cons
- More brittle than PE — cracks in severe frost
- Worse UV resistance (fades faster)
- Less flexible — harder to fit mesh openings
- Stiff and fragile at low temperatures
Estimated price: 200–380 PLN per span. PVC is a popular construction material, but for fence strips it has limitations — it's more brittle than polyethylene, degrades faster under UV exposure, and can crack on frosty days.
Wood
Pros
- Natural, warm appearance
- High rigidity
- Easy to work with (cutting, drilling)
Cons
- Requires regular treatment (every 1–2 years)
- Rotting, swelling, warping
- Heavy — more load on the panel
- Susceptible to insects and fungi
- Harder installation (tools required)
Estimated price: 150–350 PLN per span + maintenance costs. Wooden strips look natural but require regular maintenance. After a few years without treatment, wood turns grey and loses its appeal.
Metal (aluminium / steel)
Pros
- Highest durability (20+ years)
- High rigidity and mechanical resistance
- Modern appearance
Cons
- Highest price
- Heavy — may require fence reinforcement
- Steel rusts without proper protection
- Installation requires tools and experience
- Gets hot in summer
Estimated price: 400–800 PLN per span. Metal is a premium solution. Aluminium doesn't rust but is more expensive. Galvanized and powder-coated steel is cheaper but requires coating inspection.
Composite (WPC)
Pros
- Wood look without maintenance
- Resistant to moisture and insects
- Good durability (15–20 years)
Cons
- High price
- Heavier than PE and PVC
- May fade in intense sunlight
- Harder to cut
Estimated price: 350–700 PLN per span. Composite combines the advantages of wood and plastic but is more expensive than plastic strips and requires precise installation.
Comparison table
| Criterion | PE | PVC | Wood | Metal | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $$ | $$ | $ | $$$$ | $$$ |
| Durability | 10–15 yrs | 8–12 yrs | 5–10 yrs* | 20+ yrs | 15–20 yrs |
| Installation | Very easy | Easy | Medium | Hard | Medium |
| Maintenance | None | None | Every 1–2 yrs | Minimal | Minimal |
| UV resistance | Very good | Average | Poor** | Good | Good |
| Frost resistance | Very good | Poor | Average | Very good | Good |
* Wood durability depends on regular treatment. ** Untreated wood turns grey under UV exposure.
Which material to choose?
For budget-conscious, convenience and durability-oriented
Polyethylene (PE) — best price-to-quality ratio, zero maintenance, tool-free installation, excellent frost and UV resistance.
For natural wood lovers
Wood — beautiful natural look, but requires maintenance commitment.
For maximum durability seekers
Metal (aluminium) — investment for years, but highest price and harder installation.
For a balance of looks and durability
Composite — wood appearance without its drawbacks, but pricier than PE.
Summary
For most homeowners with fence panels, polyethylene (PE) strips are the optimal choice. They combine affordable pricing, durability, easy installation, and zero maintenance. Compared to PVC, polyethylene is more flexible, more frost-resistant, and better withstands UV radiation. RattanArt strips, available at CRAZYSHAPES.PL, are made from durable polyethylene and available in 6 natural colours that blend aesthetically with any fence.