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composite vs aluminum privacy fence kits
composite vs aluminum privacy fence kits

Composite vs Aluminum Privacy Fence Kits: Which Should You Buy?

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If you are choosing between a composite fence kit and an aluminum privacy fence kit, start with the look you want, the width of each fence section, and how you plan to install the project.

Choose composite if you prefer a warmer wood grain appearance and want a 6 foot wide full privacy section. Choose aluminum privacy fencing if you prefer a clean matte black finish and want an 8 foot wide full privacy section.

Both Cypress systems are available for DIY projects, and both include the main components needed to build a fence section. The better choice is the one that fits your yard layout, design preference, and material plan.

You can compare both options in the Cypress fencing collection.

Composite Fence Kit vs Aluminum Privacy Fence Kit at a Glance

Feature Composite Fence Kit Aluminum Privacy Fence Kit
Privacy Full privacy Full privacy
Current section width 6 feet 8 feet
Current height options 4, 5, and 6 feet 4, 5, and 6 feet
Appearance Wood grain style Matte black modern finish
Current colour options Antique, Cedar, Grey Matte Black
DIY option Yes Yes
Professional installation option Yes Yes
Gate options Plan separately Aluminum gate options available separately

Cypress currently lists composite and aluminum privacy fencing as separate product families, which makes this comparison more useful as a buying decision than as a general material guide.

Choose Composite If You Want a Wood Inspired Look

The biggest visual difference between the two systems is the finish.

Cypress composite fencing is designed with a wooden grain style and is currently available in Antique, Cedar, and Grey. That makes it a good option if you want the fence to feel warmer and blend naturally with a deck, garden, patio, or traditional backyard.

The current 4 foot composite fence panel kit is 6 feet wide and 4 feet high.

Its package includes composite fence boards, an aluminum post, top and bottom rails, a post cap, and angle brackets.

If you like the appearance of wood but want to buy a coordinated fence system rather than assemble individual materials separately, composite is worth considering.

Choose Aluminum Privacy If You Want a Cleaner Modern Finish

The Cypress aluminum privacy system has a very different look.

The current panels use horizontal aluminum boards with a matte black finish, creating a cleaner and more architectural appearance.

This works especially well if your home already includes black windows, metal railings, modern landscaping, concrete, or other contemporary finishes.

The current 4 foot aluminum privacy fence kit is 8 feet wide and 4 feet high.

The kit includes aluminum fence boards, an aluminum post, a rail, a post cap, and angle brackets.

If you want a solid privacy fence with a consistent metal finish, aluminum is the more natural fit.

The Panel Width Can Change Your Material Plan

This is one of the most practical differences between the two kits.

The current composite sections are 6 feet wide, while Cypress aluminum privacy sections are 8 feet wide.

That means the same fence line may require a different number of sections depending on which product you choose.

Imagine you have a straight 48 foot fence line.

With 6 foot composite sections, you would begin with:

48 ÷ 6 = 8 sections

With 8 foot aluminum privacy sections:

48 ÷ 8 = 6 sections

This does not automatically mean one system will cost less.

The kits contain different components, and your project may also include gates, corners, additional posts, or shorter final sections.

The important point is that you should calculate your material quantity using the actual width of the product you plan to buy.

Do not estimate the project using a generic fence panel size.

Compare What Comes in Each Kit

The word “kit” can make it sound as though every fencing system contains the same parts.

They do not.

The current Cypress composite kit uses composite boards with an aluminum structural system. The 4 foot package includes eight composite boards, one aluminum post, one top rail, one bottom rail, one post cap, and four angle brackets.

The current 4 foot aluminum privacy kit includes twelve aluminum boards, one aluminum post, one rail, one post cap, and four angle brackets.

Both give you a coordinated set of main fencing components, but the construction is different.

That is why comparing the price of one panel without looking at the complete package can be misleading.

Before ordering, open the exact product page and confirm what is included in the size you are buying.

Which Kit Gives You More Privacy Options?

If you know you want full privacy, either product family can work.

Composite fencing in the current Cypress collection is positioned as full privacy fencing.

Aluminum gives you an additional choice because Cypress also sells a separate aluminum semi privacy fence system.

That may matter if you like the aluminum look but do not want every section of the yard completely closed.

For example, you might want full privacy behind a patio but prefer a more open fence in another area.

If your decision is strictly between the composite kit and the aluminum full privacy kit, both are designed to create a strong visual barrier.

The difference is mainly the material, finish, section width, and construction.

Think About Fence Height Before Ordering

Cypress currently lists composite and aluminum privacy fencing in 4, 5, and 6 foot height options. Do not automatically choose the tallest fence. Think about what you actually need to screen. A lower fence may be enough for defining a garden or property edge, while a taller option may make more sense beside a patio or neighbouring outdoor space.

Also check the rules that apply to your property before ordering. Fence height requirements can vary by municipality and location on the lot.

From a shopping perspective, choose the height first, then compare the matching composite and aluminum products.

That keeps the comparison consistent.

Which One Is Better for a DIY Project?

Both Cypress product families are offered with a DIY option.

The current composite product page allows buyers to choose DIY or professional installation, and the aluminum privacy system is also marketed for DIY or professional installation.

The better DIY choice depends on your yard.

A simple straight run on level ground is easier to plan than a fence with several corners, slopes, retaining walls, and gate openings.

Before ordering either kit, make sure you know the total fence length and where every change in direction occurs.

You should also decide where the gate will go before calculating the final number of fence sections.

The material itself is only one part of the project.

The layout often has a bigger effect on installation difficulty.

Do You Need a Gate?

Plan the gate before you place the fence order. A gate takes up space in the fence line, so its opening affects how many standard sections you need. Cypress sells aluminum gate options separately from the standard fence kits. Think about what will regularly pass through the gate.

If it is mainly for people, your requirements may be simple. If you need to move garbage bins, bicycles, lawn equipment, or larger items through the opening, plan that access before setting posts.

The gate should be part of the material calculation from the beginning.

Which Finish Works Better With Your Home?

This is where the decision often becomes easier. If your backyard already has wood tones, warm decking, natural planting, or a more traditional style, composite may feel more connected to the space.

Cedar or Antique can create a warmer appearance, while Grey offers a more neutral option. If your home has modern exterior details, black frames, metal railings, or minimalist landscaping, matte black aluminum may be the stronger visual match.

Do not choose the fence from a product photo alone. Look at your house from the yard and imagine the fence as a large surface around the property. The finish will have a noticeable effect on the entire outdoor space.

Which Kit Should You Buy?

Choose the composite fence kit if you want a wood grain appearance, full privacy, 6 foot wide sections, and colour options such as Antique, Cedar, or Grey.

Choose the aluminum privacy fence kit if you want a modern matte black appearance, full privacy, and wider 8 foot sections.

If you like aluminum but want the yard to feel slightly more open, compare the semi privacy options before making the final decision.

There is no need to decide based on a broad question such as which fencing material is better overall.

For a Shop purchase, the more useful question is:

Which kit fits my measurements, desired finish, privacy level, and installation plan?

Once you answer those four points, the choice becomes much clearer.

Ready to Compare Your Fence Kit Options?

Start with your fence measurements, choose the height you need, and decide whether you prefer the warmer appearance of composite or the modern look of aluminum.

Then compare the actual package contents and section widths before calculating your quantity.

Browse the Cypress composite and aluminum fencing collection to compare available kits, or visit the Cypress Shop to view the current product range.

Choosing the product first and calculating the project around its actual dimensions is much more reliable than estimating with a generic fence panel size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a composite fence kit the same size as an aluminum privacy fence kit?

No. Current Cypress composite fence sections are 6 feet wide, while current aluminum privacy fence sections are 8 feet wide. Always check the exact product dimensions before calculating how many kits you need.

Which Cypress fence kit provides full privacy?

Both the composite fence system and aluminum privacy fence system have full privacy options. Cypress also sells aluminum semi privacy fencing for homeowners who want a more open design.

What colours are available for the composite fence kit?

The current 4 foot composite fence kit is available in Antique, Cedar, and Grey and uses a wooden grain style.

What colour is the aluminum privacy fence?

The current Cypress aluminum privacy fence is listed in Matte Black.

Can I install either fence kit myself?

Yes. Current Cypress product pages provide a DIY option, while professional installation is also available.

How do I know how many fence kits to order?

Measure the total fence line, subtract planned gate openings, and divide the remaining distance by the width of the fence section you are considering. Then account for corners, ends, and any additional posts required by your layout.

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from $1,000 to $40,000

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