{"id":6133,"date":"2026-04-30T13:23:35","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T05:23:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/?p=6133"},"modified":"2026-04-30T14:02:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T06:02:51","slug":"composite-screening-panels-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/composite-screening-panels-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Composite Screening Panels: Complete Guide for Builders"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Timber fencing warps, bleaches, and needs repainting every two to three years. In a termite-prone or coastal climate, it wears down even faster. Composite screening panels fix most of those problems \u2014 but only if you choose the right product for the job. This guide covers what these fence panels are, where they perform best across Australian conditions, how they compare to other materials, and what trade buyers should check before placing an order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are Composite Screening Panels?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Composite screening panels are boards made from a blend of wood fibre and HDPE plastic, shaped into fence or privacy screen profiles. A protective outer cap layer \u2014 bonded to the core during production \u2014 shields the board from UV, moisture, and insect damage. They look like natural wood but need far less upkeep and hold up better in harsh Australian conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"885\" data-id=\"6137\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-11-1024x885.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6137\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-11-1024x885.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-11-300x259.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-11-768x664.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-11.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" data-id=\"6138\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-12-1024x765.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6138\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-12-1024x765.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-12-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-12-768x573.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-12.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The cap layer is what separates quality composite from basic extruded boards. In a co-extruded product, the cap bonds to the core under heat and pressure \u2014 it&#8217;s part of the board, not a surface coating. That&#8217;s what stops it from peeling or cracking over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At <strong>LastElegance<\/strong>, we use hardwood fibre sourced from Guangxi with an HDPE density of 0.95 g\/cm\u00b3. The cap layer is 0.8 mm thick \u2014 thicker than many comparable products. Recycled content sits at 60%, with 40% virgin material for structural consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/composite-screening\/\">See full product specs \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Can You Use Composite Screening For?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Composite screening is versatile across both residential and commercial projects. Here are the most common uses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"687\" data-id=\"6139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-05-1024x687.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6139\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-05-1024x687.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-05-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-05-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-05.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"687\" data-id=\"6140\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-07-1024x687.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6140\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-07-1024x687.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-07-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-07-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-07.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Boundary fencing<\/strong> \u2014 residential blocks, subdivision perimeters, commercial sites<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pool surrounds<\/strong> \u2014 slip-rated for wet areas (R11 under AS\/NZS 4586)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Garden screening<\/strong> and raised planter enclosures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Balcony and rooftop privacy panels<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Decorative screens<\/strong> for commercial outdoor areas \u2014 restaurants, hotels, entertainment zones<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Carport and alfresco enclosures<\/strong> \u2014 any outdoor space that needs a clean, low-maintenance finish<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>One detail most competitor articles miss: the same panel system can be installed in three configurations \u2014 <strong>closed<\/strong> (full privacy), <strong>semi-open<\/strong> (partial screening), or <strong>open<\/strong> (decorative effect). That flexibility matters when you&#8217;re specifying across different project types or client briefs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For distributors, this range of applications means a single product line serves across residential, commercial, and hospitality jobs. That&#8217;s fewer SKUs, more versatility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Composite Screening vs Timber, Colorbond, and Aluminium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the comparison most buyers want to see before they commit. Here&#8217;s an honest side-by-side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"558\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-vs-timber-colorbond-aluminium-1024x558.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6148\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-vs-timber-colorbond-aluminium-1024x558.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-vs-timber-colorbond-aluminium-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-vs-timber-colorbond-aluminium-768x419.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-vs-timber-colorbond-aluminium.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th><\/th><th><strong>Composite Fencing<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Traditional Timber<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Colorbond Steel<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Aluminium<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Lifespan<\/strong><\/td><td>15+ years<\/td><td>10\u201315 years (with upkeep)<\/td><td>15\u201325 years<\/td><td>20\u201330 years<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Maintenance<\/strong><\/td><td>Wash 1\u20132\u00d7\/year<\/td><td>Sand, stain, treat every 2\u20133 years<\/td><td>Wipe down as needed<\/td><td>Low<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Termite Resistance<\/strong><\/td><td>Yes \u2014 no organic material<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Appearance Options<\/strong><\/td><td>Many colours and textures, natural timber look<\/td><td>Natural grain, weathers to grey<\/td><td>Limited colour range<\/td><td>Powder-coat colours<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Slip Resistance (AS\/NZS 4586)<\/strong><\/td><td>R11 rated<\/td><td>Varies \u2014 can be slippery wet<\/td><td>Varies<\/td><td>Varies<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Upfront Cost<\/strong><\/td><td>Moderate\u2013high<\/td><td>Low<\/td><td>Moderate<\/td><td>Moderate\u2013high<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditional timber looks great when new. But in Queensland or coastal New South Wales, you&#8217;re back for repainting within two to three years. CSIRO research consistently puts termite damage costs in Australia at billions of dollars annually, and treated pine gives termites exactly what they need to feed. Builders who track callbacks know this cost compounds quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Composite fencing sits between the two in terms of upfront cost. For projects where appearance, privacy, and low maintenance all matter, it&#8217;s a strong case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Not sure which material suits your project?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/contact\/\">Order a free sample<\/a> and compare in your own conditions.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are the Downsides of Composite Fence Panels?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No material is perfect. Here&#8217;s what these fence panels don&#8217;t do well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Higher upfront cost vs treated pine.<\/strong> A composite fence will typically cost more per metre to supply and install than treated pine. For large-scale or tight-budget projects, that gap matters. The long-run cost picture changes \u2014 but the initial outlay is real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Heat retention on dark colours.<\/strong> Dark boards absorb more heat than light ones. This matters more for decking than fencing \u2014 a fence in partial shade is rarely a problem. But for a fully exposed, dark-coloured fence in Darwin or western Queensland, lighter colours are worth recommending to clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Colour fading over time.<\/strong> Gradual and real. Most visible after 5\u201310 years on dark shades. Quality composite materials with a HALS + UV absorber system reduce this. Our products are tested to \u0394E \u2264 4\u20135 colour difference after 3,000 hours of QUV accelerated weathering \u2014 but some change is normal in any outdoor product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Damaged boards need replacing.<\/strong> You can&#8217;t sand or patch composite the way you can timber. A cracked board means removing and replacing that section. In practice, this is rare with a quality co-extruded product \u2014 but it&#8217;s worth telling clients upfront.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are real limitations. For most Australian conditions, a quality co-extruded composite fence still outperforms timber over a 15-year horizon \u2014 lower maintenance cost, no termite risk, and a finish that holds up better over time. But the trade-offs are worth knowing before you specify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Does Composite Fencing Hold Up Across Australia?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Australia&#8217;s climate is not one thing. A product that performs well in Melbourne does something different in Cairns. Here&#8217;s how composite fencing holds up by region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"687\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-08-1024x687.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6149\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-08-1024x687.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-08-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-08-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-08.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tropical and subtropical (QLD, NT, northern WA).<\/strong> High humidity and termite pressure both favour composite strongly. There&#8217;s no organic material for termites to feed on. Lighter board colours are worth specifying to manage heat absorption \u2014 dark fencing in direct Cairns sun gets hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Temperate (VIC, SA, southern WA).<\/strong> Moderate UV and lower humidity slow fading and reduce thermal stress. All colours suit these conditions. This is the least demanding climate for composite boards to perform predictably across a long lifespan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Coastal (within roughly 5 km of saltwater).<\/strong> Composite holds up well against salt air \u2014 the HDPE core doesn&#8217;t rust or corrode. But posts and fixings need to be marine-grade too. Our screening system includes stainless steel clips as standard. That&#8217;s the right call for any coastal site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Arid and semi-arid (inland NSW, SA, WA).<\/strong> Intense UV and heat make thermal expansion gaps during installation critical. Allow the correct gap at board ends and between sections \u2014 skip this step, and boards can buckle in summer. Co-extruded composite with strong UV protection performs best here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Are Composite Fence Panels Installed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Composite fencing uses two main installation methods \u2014 <strong>slot-in<\/strong> and <strong>clip-fixed<\/strong>. Clip-fixed is the most common for lightweight panels. Boards slot into clips that grip the posts. No exposed screw heads on the fence face, which keeps the finish clean and the surface easy to maintain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The process is straightforward: fix posts at the correct spacing, attach clips, slot boards in from the side, then apply top and bottom trim strips to finish. Two people can work through a run efficiently without specialist tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Complete system components include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Posts (aluminium alloy or WPC)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Top and bottom trim strips<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Angle brackets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spaced clip fasteners<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Post caps, post skirts, and post edge trims<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Sourcing the full system from one supplier matters on-site. Every component is designed to work together \u2014 no guessing whether a third-party post cap will fit the trim profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Post spacing sits between <strong>0.8 m and 1.4 m<\/strong>. Don&#8217;t exceed 1.6 m. Beyond that, wind load performance drops, and boards can flex between posts, especially in exposed or coastal sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Posts and Fixings Do You Need?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Post options are aluminium alloy or WPC. Both suit most Australian sites. For coastal projects, aluminium alloy with stainless steel or marine-grade fixings is the better call \u2014 WPC posts can absorb moisture over time in very wet conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stainless steel clips come standard with our screening system. For a coastal fence, this is the detail that makes a difference over five to ten years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sourcing boards, posts, and all accessories from the same supplier removes the fit issues that show up on site with mixed-brand systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Long Do Composite Fence Panels Last?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A quality composite fence is built to last at least 15 years under normal use. Cap layer quality, UV stabiliser performance, and correct installation all affect the final lifespan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"687\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-01-1024x687.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6150\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-01-1024x687.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-01-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-01-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-01.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Compare this to traditional timber \u2014 which needs regular staining and termite treatment just to reach 10\u201315 years \u2014 and composite holds its structure and appearance with far less work. Hardwood timber \u2014 merbau, spotted gum, blackbutt \u2014 can reach 15 to 25 years, but at a higher material cost and with similar upkeep demands. Composite sits well on this comparison: a predictable lifespan, lower maintenance cost, and a warranty that spells out its scope in plain terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does Composite Fencing Cost in Australia?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Composite costs more upfront than treated pine. That&#8217;s a fact worth stating plainly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But the 10-year picture looks different. Treated pine needs staining every two to three years, termite treatment, and periodic repairs. Those costs add up across a decade of ownership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th><\/th><th><strong>Year 1<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>10-Year Total (est.)<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Composite Fencing<\/strong><\/td><td>Higher supply and installation cost<\/td><td>Low \u2014 minimal upkeep required<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Treated Pine<\/strong><\/td><td>Lower supply and installation cost<\/td><td>Higher \u2014 staining, sealing, repairs, pest treatment<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Factory-direct supply removes the import margin. We sell direct to Australian trade partners \u2014 no importers, no resellers in between. That&#8217;s a real lever on the final price, not a tagline. Volume, configuration, and site requirements all affect the exact number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Pricing depends on volume, configuration, and site requirements.<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/composite-screening\/\">Contact our <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/contact\/\">sales <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/composite-screening\/\">team for a trade quote \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Choose the Right Screening Panels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For procurement managers and builders, three things should drive your shortlist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"687\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-10-1024x687.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6152\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-10-1024x687.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-10-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-10-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/composite-screening-panels-complete-guide-10.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Certifications and test standards.<\/strong> These are your first checkpoints before anything else. Slip resistance, formaldehyde emissions, and UV performance all need documented evidence \u2014 not a supplier&#8217;s word. More on the specifics below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cap layer thickness and UV stabiliser performance.<\/strong> This determines how the fence looks after five, ten, and fifteen years. Ask for the cap layer thickness in millimetres \u2014 not just a vague claim about &#8220;superior protection.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Customisation capability.<\/strong> A product that comes in three sizes and four colours won&#8217;t serve across a diverse project mix. If you&#8217;re supplying developers, commercial builders, or hospitality clients, you need a supplier who can handle custom lengths, colours, and surface textures \u2014 and who has the production capacity to back it up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our screening range includes profiles in multiple widths \u2014 90 mm and 180 mm in the Vista range \u2014 with the same colour palette and surface textures as our decking line. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/composite-screening\/vista-composite-screening\/\">View the full product range \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Certifications Should You Ask For?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Slip resistance is the first priority for commercial and pool-adjacent projects. The benchmark is <strong>R11 under AS\/NZS 4586<\/strong> \u2014 that&#8217;s what our screening products are rated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask any supplier for CE, ISO, and SGS test reports as a baseline. For indoor or semi-enclosed applications, check formaldehyde emissions. EN 717-1 &#8220;not detected&#8221; is the standard to look for \u2014 our composite fence panels meet this level, which is why they suit both wall cladding and outdoor fencing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1777526570501\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can composite screening panels be used for both fencing and privacy screens?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes. The same panel system works for boundary fences, pool surrounds, garden screening, and balcony privacy panels. You can install it in closed, semi-open, or open configurations depending on how much privacy the project needs.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1777526571651\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How long will a composite fence last?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>A quality composite fence is built to last at least 15 years under normal use. Cap layer quality, UV stabiliser performance, and correct installation all affect the final lifespan. Check the warranty scope carefully \u2014 what it covers and what it excludes matters more than the headline number.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1777526572170\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Do composite screening panels need much upkeep?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>A wash with soapy water once or twice a year is all they need. They&#8217;re a genuinely low maintenance product \u2014 no staining, sealing, painting, or termite treatment required. That&#8217;s where the long-run cost savings come from.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1777526572794\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I install composite screening panels myself?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, for residential-scale projects. The clip-based design is straightforward, and two people can work through it without specialist tools. Get the post footings right, allow for thermal expansion gaps, and check local council rules before you start. An installation video is available to walk your crew through the process.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1777526609346\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What post spacing should I use for composite fencing?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Post spacing of <strong>0.8 m to 1.4 m<\/strong> is recommended, with a hard maximum of 1.6 m. Both aluminium alloy and WPC posts are compatible with the system.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1777526617850\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">My neighbour and I share a fence \u2014 does composite work for shared fencing?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes. Composite boards have the same finish on both sides \u2014 there&#8217;s no &#8220;good side&#8221; or &#8220;bad side&#8221; to argue over. Before replacing a shared fence, check with your local council. Most Australian councils require a written agreement between neighbours before a shared fence is built or replaced.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1777526626058\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Do composite screening panels need council approval?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It depends on fence height, the location relative to the boundary, and your local council rules \u2014 the same as any other fencing material. Check with your council before starting any fencing project. Approval rules vary by state and by council area.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Timber fencing warps, bleaches, and needs repainting every two to three years. In a termite-prone or coastal climate, it wears down even faster. Composite screening panels fix most of those problems \u2014 but only if you choose the right product for the job. This guide covers what these fence panels are, where they perform best [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6134,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1403],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6133","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-composite-screening"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6133","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6133"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6133\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6134"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6133"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6133"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6133"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}