When it’s time to upgrade your outdoor space, one of the biggest decisions homeowners face is choosing between composite and aluminum fences. Both materials offer modern aesthetics, durability, and privacy—but the right choice depends on your climate, budget, and maintenance preferences. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between composite and aluminum fencing so you can make an informed, long-term decision for your property.
Understanding the Materials
Before comparing performance, it’s important to understand what each material actually is and how it behaves over time.
What Is a Composite Fence?
A composite fence is made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibers. It’s designed to imitate the look of real wood without the need for staining, painting, or constant upkeep. Composite panels are dense, giving them good sound insulation and privacy. However, since they contain wood particles, they can absorb moisture over time—especially under high heat or humidity, which can lead to swelling, fading, or warping if not properly sealed.
What Is an Aluminum Fence?
An aluminum fence, on the other hand, is built from non-combustible, rust-resistant metal—typically 6063-T6 architectural-grade aluminum. Unlike steel or wrought iron, aluminum doesn’t rust, corrode, or fade when powder-coated to AAMA 2604 standards. It’s lightweight yet extremely strong, making it perfect for both residential and commercial installations. Aluminum fences are also fire-resistant, eco-friendly, and built to last decades with minimal maintenance.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing
While both materials have benefits, your ideal choice depends on where you live, how much maintenance you’re willing to do, and what look you’re going for.
1. Climate and Location
Los Angeles, Orange County, and inland areas like Rancho Cucamonga experience intense UV exposure and heat. Composite materials can expand and contract, leading to visible gaps or board distortion. Aluminum fences stay stable, even under direct sunlight, and are resistant to fire, making them safer for brush-area properties.
2. Aesthetic Preferences
Composite offers a warm, wood-like appeal that suits traditional homes. Aluminum fences deliver a modern architectural style—available in matte black, bronze, or custom powder-coat finishes. For homeowners who prefer clean lines, aluminum is the go-to choice, especially when paired with minimalist landscaping or contemporary architecture.
3. Maintenance Requirements
Composite requires more attention. To maintain color and prevent mold, you must pressure-wash and re-seal panels periodically. Aluminum fences, by contrast, need only an occasional rinse. Their non-porous surface repels dirt and moisture, making them ideal for homeowners who value low upkeep.
4. Cost and Long-Term Value
Composite panels can cost slightly less upfront but tend to require replacement or refinishing after a decade. Aluminum fences maintain their finish and structure for decades, often saving thousands over their lifespan. For contractors or developers, this translates to higher resale value and lower warranty claims.
Choose Composite or Aluminum Fences
Here’s a detailed comparison of the most important characteristics homeowners should consider when deciding between composite and aluminum fencing:
| Feature | Composite Fence | Aluminum Fence |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Moderate — may swell, fade, or warp over time | Excellent — resists corrosion, heat, and weather |
| Maintenance | Requires periodic cleaning and sealing | Virtually maintenance-free |
| Weight | Heavy, dense material | Lightweight yet strong |
| Lifespan | 10–20 years with upkeep | 25–40 years or more |
| Aesthetics | Wood-like appearance | Modern, sleek, and architectural |
| Fire Resistance | Low — contains plastic and wood | High — fully non-combustible |
| Eco-Friendly | Made from recycled materials | 100% recyclable, long lifespan |
| Cost | Moderate to high depending on quality | Similar upfront, lower lifetime cost |
| Color Stability | May fade under UV exposure | Long-lasting powder-coated finishes |
Aluminum for Fences and Gates
This option offers considerable advantages. The most noteworthy one is that they are corrosion-resistant, making them the best choice for coastal places with salty air. Such gate fencing will stay solid and not rust longer than other types. Aluminum is also light but resilient. This material can also be 100% recycled.
However, aluminum is not as resistant to strong external influences, so there may be better options for high-security requirements. It can easily bend in strong winds. Remember it when you decide how to build a gate fence.
Aluminum fences are great for manual or low-power automatic gates and fencing in Melbourne due to their lightweight. This metal is also less expensive than steel.
Fencing and Gates of Composite Materials
Wood fibers and plastic ingredients are usually used for producing composite fences. Because of this, such panels are much lighter than aluminum, steel, etc. This factor can significantly reduce the load on load-bearing walls, fasteners, and fence hinge gates of the sub-facing system and reduce its total weight.
The main advantages of these fences and gates
Lower operating prices. Installing retractable fence gates can be a one-time investment. Once purchased and installed, clients can save money on annual caring procedures.
Durability and withstanding weather conditions: hot sun, hail, or snow. A composite retractable fence with a gate will not spoil.
No risk of developing fungus, mold, etc. Composite fences are not subject to termites, unlike gates and wood fences.
Easy to clean from dust and dirt. They do not require special cleaners.
But the major weakness of composite wood fence gates is their price. They are more costly than aluminum, steel, stone, and other materials. Also, despite the possibility of an extensive color palette, it is only possible to repaint them like a wooden gate fence. If there are signs of fading or damage, the hedges will have to be replaced. It is impossible to change one fence gate chain link.
The Criteria for Choosing Options
Homeowners face a vast range of products on the market. Deciding which option to choose can take time and effort. There is always a feeling that the other option could have been a better one. To understand which fence will meet your expectations, it is crucial to understand what criteria are essential to you.
A closed fence or an open one?
A closed gate & fence will look like a wall. It has narrow through slots and perfectly protects the privacy of the territory. But it is only sometimes possible to build it in permitted places. You can adjust the closeness of the fence by selecting a different profile width.
Open fences limit the territory and protect against break-ins but will not preserve privacy. Open ones are made of metal profiles, decorative with ornaments, segmented, and made of mesh.
How to take care of aluminum and composite gates?
If you don’t want to take the time to care for the gates & fencing in Melbourne, choose an aluminum, galvanized metal fence. It is durable and does not need to be updated.
As far as composite fence materials are concerned, they are environmentally friendly because they are used to producing wood plastic composite products that are recyclable.
You can save even more by ordering the manufacture and installation of gates or fencing in Los Angeles, for example, from wholesalers and contractors. For regular customers and wholesale buyers, special offers and prices are offered. Therefore, a private client can get a barrier at a bargain price. Wholesale prices are available also for contractors too.
Advantages of Choosing Aluminum Fences
If you’re looking for longevity, style, and peace of mind, aluminum is hard to beat. Here are the main benefits:
Fire-Resistant: Perfect for California’s wildfire zones—completely non-combustible.
Rust-Proof: Unlike steel or wrought iron, aluminum doesn’t oxidize or corrode.
Lightweight, Heavy-Duty Strength: Easy to install, yet engineered for stability.
Powder-Coated Finish: AAMA 2604-grade coatings ensure decades of color retention.
Eco-Friendly: 100% recyclable and often made from post-consumer aluminum.
Architectural Versatility: Works with modern, transitional, or commercial properties.
Because aluminum is extruded, it allows for precision engineering—from 45-degree bracing to hidden welds—creating a refined, seamless appearance unmatched by composite fencing.
When Composite Fencing Might Be the Right Choice
While aluminum is ideal for most applications, composite fencing still has its place. It provides excellent privacy, and its textured panels mimic natural wood grains for a rustic appeal. Homeowners in cooler, shaded areas or regions with mild weather may appreciate the warm aesthetic and sound-dampening qualities of composite. It’s also a reasonable choice for shorter accent fences, pool surrounds, or garden partitions where full structural rigidity isn’t required.
However, for high-sun environments or long perimeter runs, composite tends to expand, fade, or delaminate—making aluminum the more practical long-term solution.
Installation and Maintenance Comparison
Proper installation determines how well your fence performs over time.
Composite Fence Installation
Composite fencing panels are heavier and typically require metal posts for support. Panels slide into grooves or brackets and must be installed with precise spacing to allow for thermal expansion. This process can take longer and may require professional assistance.
Aluminum Fence Installation
Aluminum fencing uses pre-assembled panels that snap or screw into structural posts, reducing labor time. Because the material is lightweight, it’s easier for contractors to handle, minimizing installation costs. At Globus Gates, for example, every aluminum system is designed for fast, clean assembly using pre-drilled holes and interlocking beams, ensuring both beauty and structural integrity.
Which One Fits Your Lifestyle?
Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:
You want privacy and a wood-like texture → Go with Composite.
You want modern design, fire-safety, and zero maintenance → Choose Aluminum.
You live near coastal or brush areas → Aluminum withstands salt and heat better.
You prefer eco-friendly, recyclable materials → Both are sustainable, but aluminum lasts longer.
You need lightweight panels for easy DIY installation → Aluminum is simpler to handle.
FAQs
What’s the difference between composite and aluminum fences?
A composite fence is made from recycled plastic and wood fibers, offering a natural wood-like look, while an aluminum fence is made from rust-resistant metal with powder-coated finishes. Aluminum provides superior durability, fire resistance, and low maintenance. Composite gives better sound insulation and a warmer appearance but may fade or swell in extreme heat.
Can I combine aluminum and composite fencing together?
Yes, many homeowners choose hybrid fence systems that combine aluminum frames with composite fence panels. This design delivers the modern, durable structure of aluminum while keeping the privacy and texture of composite boards. It’s a popular solution in Southern California where people want the best of both materials—strength, longevity, and warmth.
How much does a composite fence cost compared to aluminum?
Composite fencing typically costs between $45–$65 per linear foot, while aluminum fencing averages $35–$55 per linear foot, depending on the design, finish, and installation. Aluminum may cost less over time since it doesn’t require sealing, painting, or board replacements. You can use a fence cost calculator to compare exact estimates for your property size and slope.
Is a composite privacy fence better than aluminum?
A composite privacy fence offers total visual blockage and a natural wood-grain look, making it great for backyards or pool areas. However, aluminum fences can achieve privacy by pairing panels with decorative slats or cladding inserts, offering both style and airflow. For windy or fire-prone regions, aluminum remains the safer and longer-lasting option.
How does vinyl compare to composite fencing?
Both vinyl and composite fences are low-maintenance alternatives to wood. Vinyl is lighter and more affordable, while composite has a thicker structure and more natural appearance. Composite can handle impact better but may fade faster in sunlight. Vinyl resists moisture perfectly but can crack under extreme heat. Aluminum still outperforms both in durability and fire resistance.
Are aluminum fence panels easy to install?
Yes, aluminum fence panels are lightweight and designed for quick assembly. Many systems use pre-drilled holes and interlocking rails, allowing clean installation with minimal tools. Unlike composite boards, which need metal posts and precise spacing, aluminum panels can be installed by professionals or DIYers in a fraction of the time.
What are composite fence panels made of?
Composite fence panels consist of recycled plastic, wood fibers, and binding resins pressed into durable boards. They replicate the look of wood without splintering or rotting. However, because they contain wood content, they can expand or fade under constant sun exposure. Pairing them with aluminum framing helps extend their life and structural stability.
Which is better for long-term investment—composite or aluminum fencing?
For most climates, aluminum fencing provides better long-term value. It lasts up to 40 years, requires virtually no maintenance, and doesn’t warp, fade, or burn. Composite offers privacy and warmth but typically lasts 10–20 years before panels may need replacement. If your goal is durability, modern appeal, and low upkeep, aluminum fencing is the clear choice.