Recycled plastic fencing is a long-lasting, low-maintenance alternative to traditional timber fencing, manufactured from 100% recycled UK plastic. British Recycled Plastic supplies a full range of plastic fence posts, pails, and rails designed for durability, weather resistance, and decades of use without rotting, splintering, or warping. Backed by a 25-year guarantee, our recycled plastic fencing is widely used across schools, councils, parks, NHS sites, and conservation areas throughout the UK.
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Recycled Plastic Fencing: Key Questions Answered
- British Recycled Plastic fencing is made from 100% UK-sourced waste plastic and will not rot, splinter, warp, or suffer weather damage, unlike timber fencing which deteriorates over time and requires ongoing maintenance.
- Recycled plastic expands and contracts with temperature changes more than timber, so correct spacing must be left between fixing points during installation to allow for this movement and prevent buckling.
- Pilot holes are essential when fixing into recycled plastic because the material is extremely dense, and driving a screw directly into it without one can cause the screw to strip, snap, or bind too tightly.
- British Recycled Plastic supplies a full range of fencing profiles, including pales, rails, posts, knee rail fencing, and tongue and groove boards, all manufactured from recycled plastic.
- Updated installation guides for recycled plastic fencing, including technical data sheets and post and rail installation guides, are available to download from the British Recycled Plastic fencing page.
- Recycled plastic fencing can be quoted and ordered by contacting British Recycled Plastic directly by phone or by completing a customised lumber project quote form, as fencing is not available to purchase online.
Most fencing is designed to be replaced – but not ours. Unlike timber, our recycled plastic fence posts won’t rot, splinter, or suffer weather damage, no matter what the British climate throws at it. Backed by a 25-year guarantee and manufactured from 100% UK-sourced recycled plastic, it’s a long-term investment that pays for itself many times over.
But we’ll be upfront: recycled plastic fencing does behave differently to timber, and getting the installation right matters. It’s not difficult, but it does require a bit of preparation and the right guidance. That’s why we’ve recently updated our installation guides and introduced some handy new tools to make the process as straightforward as possible.
Here’s everything you need to know before you start installing your recycled plastic fencing.
Why Recycled Plastic Fencing Is Different
Those working with timber and metal fencing will be familiar with the usual installation process: posts in the ground, rails fixed across, job done. However, recycled plastic fencing behaves differently to timber. It follows a similar principle, but there’s one key factor that sets recycled plastic apart: thermal expansion.
Recycled plastic expands and contracts with changes in temperature more than timber does. This is a natural property of the material, and it’s nothing to worry about — as long as you account for it during installation. Fail to leave the right gaps, and you may find your fencing buckling in warm weather or pulling at fixings in the cold.
This isn’t a weakness of the product — our fencing comes with a 25-year guarantee and is built to stand for decades. It simply requires a slightly different approach, one that’s very easy to manage when you know what to look out for.
Key Installation Guidelines for Plastic Fencing
Post depth and reinforcement
For most applications, our recycled plastic fence posts can be used directly as a straight replacement for timber or metal equivalents. Posts can be secured with concrete, mechanically driven into the ground, or surface-fixed, depending on your setting and soil conditions.
However, there is one important rule: for fencing over 1.5 metres high, posts must be made of concrete or reinforced. This is a structural requirement, not a recommendation — please read our Installation Guide for post and rail fencing before fitting any fencing above this height.
Accounting for thermal expansion
Thermal expansion is the most important thing to get right when working with recycled plastic fencing. Thermal expansion means that your boards, rails, and pales will move slightly as the temperature changes throughout the year. Leaving the correct sized gaps at rail ends and around fixing points allows this movement to happen freely, without causing the fencing to buckle or warp.
To help our customers get this right every time, we’ve introduced our new distance marker keyrings — a simple tool that lets you measure the correct gap when installing fence brackets, without needing to look up figures or carry a separate gauge. Perfect for busy days on-site where getting it right the first time is crucial.
With our handy tool, all you’ll need to know is the temperature on the day of installation to ensure you’ve left the correct space.
Further technical information about our recycled plastic lumber can be found on our Fencing page, including how to calculate the correct contraction and expansion gaps for your project.
Pilot holes are essential
We advise against driving screws directly into recycled plastic without a pilot hole first. Our material is extremely dense — which is part of what makes it so durable — and that density means stainless steel screws can strip, snap, or bind too tightly if forced straight in.
Drilling a pilot hole removes this risk and makes installation much easier. It takes seconds and saves a lot of frustration. You can find our full guidance on drilling recycled plastic on our How to Drill Recycled Plastic Lumber page.
Fixings and fasteners
We recommend stainless steel fixings throughout. Our fencing can be fixed using face-fixed screws or mortise and tenon joints depending on your chosen style. For rail ends specifically, we strongly recommend rail sleeves which are supplied on our website, as these help ensure installation is secure and accurate.
For a full breakdown of the best fixings and fasteners for recycled plastic, visit our Best Fixtures & Fittings guide.
Cutting to size
If you need to cut your fencing to fit, our recycled plastic can be worked using standard saws and power tools — just as you would with timber. Unlike wood, it won’t splinter during cutting, and there’s no risk of the material degrading at the cut edge. For guidance on the right blade speeds and tools, see our How to Cut Recycled Plastic Lumber guide.
Updated Installation Guides — Now Available on Our Fencing Page
We’ve recently updated all of our technical documentation for fencing, and everything is now available to download directly from our fencing product page.
The full suite of guides includes:
- Technical Lumber Data Sheet — key material properties and specifications
- Crucial Info When Ordering Lumber — what to consider before you place your order
- Fencing Data Sheet — product-specific guidance for our fencing range
- Lumber Working Tips — practical advice for cutting, drilling, and fixing
- Lumber Installation & Handling Tips — on-site guidance for a smooth installation
- Technical Lumber Info Sheet (including expansion) — detailed information on thermal movement and how to account for it
- Post & Rail Fencing Installation Guide — step-by-step guidance for post and rail installations
We recommend downloading and reading the relevant guides before you start any fencing project. If you’re unsure which guides apply to your specific installation, our friendly team is on hand to point you in the right direction.
Our Fencing Range
We supply a comprehensive range of recycled plastic fence posts, rails, and fencing profiles to suit a wide variety of applications:
Pales and Rails — available in a range of profiles including 25 x 100 fence pales, 100 x 50 rails, and a selection of lumber sizes suited to post and rail fencing.
Posts — including 80 x 80 posts with pyramid tops, 100 x 100 posts with points, and V-shaped head posts for knee rail applications.
Knee Rail Fencing — a classic countryside solution for paths, parks, and open spaces, using our V-shaped head posts with dedicated fence straps.
Tongue and Groove — ideal for privacy screens, bin enclosures, stable linings, and garden fencing. Our tongue and groove boards are particularly well-suited to equestrian settings, where durability, hygiene, and resistance to moisture and impact are essential. Unlike timber, our recycled plastic is highly resistant to horse urine, muddy water, and wear from moving hooves.
All profiles are available in a range of colours to suit your project, and can be cut to your exact specifications.
Who Uses Our Fencing?
Our recycled plastic fencing is trusted across a wide range of sectors, including councils and local authorities, schools, NHS sites, conservation areas, country parks, equestrian facilities, and highway environments. Customers include the National Trust, Environment Agency, Canal & River Trust, and the British Army.
It’s also an excellent choice for housing developments, where low maintenance and long-term durability reduce ongoing site management costs.
Thinking About Your Next Fencing Project?
Please note that our fencing is not available to buy online — please call us or fill in our Customised Lumber Project Quote form for the best price and tailored advice.
Our friendly team is available five days a week and can help you select the right profiles, work out quantities, and answer any installation questions before you place your order.
📞 Call us: 01422 419 555
📧 Email: info@britishrecycledplastic.co.uk
🌐 Visit: britishrecycledplastic.co.uk/products/recycled-plastic-fence-panels/
You can also request a free sample of our recycled plastic lumber before committing to an order — just fill in the form on our website.
British Recycled Plastic is a UK manufacturer and supplier of 100% recycled plastic products, ethical business since 2009. ISO9001 certified, Made in Britain accredited, Real Living Wage employer.
Written by Molly Barrett and British Recycled Plastic team
Published 24th June 2026
Yes, fence panels can be cut to size, including those made by British Recycled Plastic. Our recycled plastic panels are easy to work with using standard tools like saws or power tools. Unlike wooden panels, they won’t splinter, warp, or degrade after cutting, ensuring a clean and durable finish.
For precise adjustments or custom installations, our support team is available to guide you through the process, helping you achieve the perfect fit for your fencing project
Traditional wooden fence panels often require treatment with preservatives or stains to protect against rot, pests, and weather damage. However, British Recycled Plastic fencing panels eliminate the need for treatments altogether.
Made from 100% recycled plastic, our fencing panels are naturally resistant to rot, moisture, and UV damage. They are completely maintenance-free, saving you time and effort while offering long-lasting durability. With no need for painting or staining, they provide a sustainable, hassle-free alternative to traditional wooden panels.
For a durable, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance solution, British Recycled Plastic fencing is an ideal choice for your garden. Unlike traditional wooden fencing, our recycled plastic fencing doesn’t rot, warp, or require regular treatments. It’s weatherproof, long-lasting, and available in a variety of styles to complement any garden design. Whether you need to secure your garden, create privacy, or simply add aesthetic appeal, British Recycled Plastic fencing offers a sustainable and hassle-free option that’s built to last for decades. Explore our range online and find the perfect fencing for your garden!
If you’re looking for fencing near you, British Recycled Plastic fencing is conveniently available online. Our durable, sustainable fencing solutions can be ordered directly from our website and delivered to your location. With a range of styles and sizes to suit any project, British Recycled Plastic offers the perfect sustainable fencing option, no matter where you are.
British Recycled Plastic fencing stands out as the best choice for durability, sustainability, and long-term value. Here’s why:
- Unmatched Durability:
Made from 100% recycled plastic, our fencing is completely weatherproof, resistant to rot, and impervious to moisture, ensuring it lasts for decades without deteriorating. - Eco-Friendly:
By repurposing waste plastic, our fencing reduces environmental impact and supports sustainability, making it a green choice for any project. - Low Maintenance:
Unlike traditional wooden or metal fencing, British Recycled Plastic fencing requires no painting, staining, or regular upkeep. A quick clean is all it needs to stay looking new. - Versatility and Aesthetics:
Available in a range of styles and finishes, our fencing combines functionality with a modern, attractive appearance to suit any property. - Cost-Effective:
While the upfront investment may be higher, the long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements make it a cost-effective solution over time.
When it comes to fencing that offers superior performance, sustainability, and style, British Recycled Plastic fencing is the ultimate choice. Durable, sustainable, and hassle-free, it’s the best option for those looking to invest in long-lasting quality.
