DURAPOST URBAN SLATTED PANELS AND THE BENEFITS OF COMPOSITE
Composite fence panels offer a number of benefits over traditional timber.
Not only do they provide a sleek and modern aesthetic, but they are also simple to install and offer a long-lasting, maintenance-free solution. Here, John Abernethie, Managing Director at Birkdale, discusses the advantages of composite panels and delves into the expanded DuraPost URBAN Slatted range.
Traditionally, timber has been the most common material used for fence panelling in the UK. However, timber’s tendency to warp and rot makes it an unreliable option. The need for regular treatment also makes it laborious to maintain. The simple fact is, while timber has always been used, there are now better options available.
Composite panels combine the texture of timber with the durability of high-performance materials. This delivers a modern solution that provides the benefits of timber without the drawbacks, making composite panels an excellent choice for any exterior project.
At Birkdale, all of our composite panels are manufactured using 60-70% recycled materials, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and rice husks, a natural by-product from the food production industry. This creates a stable material that won’t rot, warp, or degrade over time, and will never need treatment. As a result, composite panels represent a low-maintenance alternative to timber for those seeking a clean, modern finish that will stand the test of time.
Our range of composite panels also comes in different styles and colours, so we have options for any exterior project. For example:
•DuraPost Prima offers a minimalist style with a simple stackable installation.
•DuraPost Vento utilises the popular ‘hit and miss’ design, providing more visual interest.
•DuraPost URBAN Slatted achieves versatility with a deep wood grain texture.
The URBAN Slatted panels consist of six boards with two horizontal, powder-coated, galvanised steel u-shaped rails at the top and base of the panel. This combination of durable materials ensures that DuraPost URBAN Slatted Panels come with a 15-year guarantee and are tested to EN 1794-1-2018. This not only provides great value for customers but also gives installers confidence that the product will continue to perform throughout its lifetime.
The URBAN Slatted range has recently expanded further with the addition of the Light Grey Panel, now available alongside Natural, Charcoal, and Brown. This new colour, requested by customers, allows for even greater design flexibility.
As with all our products, the needs of the installer have been considered alongside those of the end customer. Each panel requires just six pan-head screws to secure it, which are supplied in a matching colour to reduce visual impact. Efficiency can also be gained by installing the panels with DuraPost steel posts, which are 80% lighter than traditional concrete posts. These steel posts can be specified to either complement or contrast with the panels, depending on the design preference.
To learn more about Birkdale’s DuraPost URBAN Slatted Panels or its range of steel posts, visit www.birkdalesales.com/urban.
