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Composite fence installation · Galveston County, TX

Composite Fence Installation in Galveston County, TX

Wood-look privacy fences in vertical or horizontal boards that you clean instead of stain. Here is what composite is made of, how a section goes together, and how to look after it in Gulf Coast heat and humidity.

  • Reviewed Sept 27, 2026
  • Sources: USDA Wood Handbook, Trex install & care guides
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Horizontal board fence panels in several wood-grain colors and gray, set between black posts along the side of a metal building on raw dirt
Board panels in several wood-grain colors and gray between black posts.
The short answer

Composite fence boards are wood fiber or wood flour mixed into plastic (polyethylene, PVC or polypropylene) and extruded. The USDA says wood usually makes up less than 60% by weight, and that composites resist decay and swelling better than solid wood but are less stiff. You don’t stain them; you clean them, about twice a year. In the published Trex systems, posts are 5 × 5 in, 8 ft on center, set at least 30 in deep (36 in for an 8-ft vertical fence).

<60%Typical wood content of a wood–plastic composite, by weight
8 ftPost spacing, on center, in the Trex Seclusions and Horizontal drawings
30 inMinimum post embedment for a 6-ft fence (36 in at 8 ft, vertical)
2×/yrCleaning Trex recommends: spring and fall

Sources: USDA Forest Products Laboratory, Wood Handbook (FPL-GTR-282, 2021), Ch. 11–12; Trex drawings FDS 106/108; Trex Horizontal Fencing installation guide; Trex Fence Care.

What composite fencing is, and what we install

A composite board is a blend: wood flour, fibers or particles mixed into a molten plastic and pushed through a die into a board shape. Some manufacturers add a harder surface layer for durability and color. Because every formula is proprietary, the USDA advises getting design data from the manufacturer; the properties vary from brand to brand.

We install composite fences for homes and businesses across Galveston County:

  • Vertical board privacy, a full-height wall of boards between posts.
  • Horizontal board privacy for a modern look; see our horizontal fence page for the style itself.
  • Matching gates, built on a frame; see composite gates.

Deciding between materials? Composite sits between wood and vinyl: it looks more like wood than vinyl does, and needs less upkeep than wood. See composite vs vinyl and what composite fencing is made of.

Elevation of two 8-foot composite fence sections: 5 by 5 inch posts with caps 96 inches on center and 91 inches clear between them, a 4 by 5 inch top rail, 19 vertical boards 1 by 5 and three-quarter inches per section, and an aluminum bottom rail. The fence is 72 inches tall. Posts sit 30 inches deep in 12-inch concrete-filled holes; an 8-foot fence needs 36 inches of embedment and 144-inch posts. 96 IN (8 FT) ON CENTER 91 IN BETWEEN POSTS 72 IN 30 IN MIN. 12 IN HOLE CONCRETE FILL 8 FT FENCE: 36 IN MIN. EMBEDMENT, 144 IN POST (FDS 108) 4 × 5 in top rail 19 pickets, 1 × 5¾ in Aluminum bottom rail 5 × 5 in post, 108 in long
A-1
DrawingHow a vertical composite section goes together
BasisTrex Seclusions 6 ft drawing (FDS 106); 8 ft figures from FDS 108
ScaleNot to scale
One manufacturer’s published layout, drawn to rough scale. Other brands use different posts, rails and spacing, and local codes can call for deeper footings.

Plan a composite fence run

Enter the length of a straight run. You’ll get the number of 8-ft sections, posts, boards and concrete holes, using the published Trex Seclusions (vertical) and Trex Horizontal drawings as the example system.

15SECTIONS
Posts
Boards
Concrete
Last section
Humidity
CareClean after installation, then every spring and fall: soap, hot water and a soft brush. No pressure washer over 1,500 psi or closer than 12 in.

Straight run, no corners, gates not included (each gate needs its own posts and frame). Counts follow Trex drawings FDS 106/108 and the Trex Horizontal installation guide: 8 ft on center, 5 × 5 in posts, 19 vertical boards per section, 14 horizontal boards per 6-ft section and 19 per 8-ft section. Concrete is arithmetic: a 12-in round hole minus a 5 × 5 in post, times the embedment. Other brands and local codes differ, so the estimate sets the real numbers. No prices.

What holds a composite fence straight

Composite is less stiff than solid wood, so the systems lean on metal where it counts. In the Trex drawings:

  • Posts are 5 × 5 in, set in concrete-filled holes 12 in across. The 6-ft fence calls for at least 30 in of embedment; the 8-ft vertical fence calls for 36 in, on a 12-ft post.
  • Rails carry aluminum. The vertical system runs an aluminum bottom rail; the horizontal system slides an aluminum insert into the top rail and uses an aluminum bottom rail and L-channels at the posts.
  • Spacing stays at 8 ft on center. The horizontal guide says its bottom rail and top-rail insert shouldn’t need cutting at that spacing.
  • Heat and humidity: for horizontal boards, Trex suggests a back-bracing rail to reduce the risk of warping.

Both Trex documents tell installers to check local building codes before digging. That’s part of the estimate here, along with the City of Galveston fence rules below.

Dark horizontal board privacy fence between black posts, running along the edge of a new concrete slab
Dark horizontal boards between black posts along a new slab.

Care in Gulf Coast heat and humidity

“Low maintenance” is not “no maintenance”. The upkeep is cleaning, and in Galveston’s humidity it matters more:

  • Routine cleaning: soap, hot water and a soft-bristle brush, or a composite deck cleaner. Trex suggests cleaning just after installation and then every spring and fall.
  • Mold and mildew: humid air alone is enough for mold to grow, according to the USDA. Trex recommends equal parts water and white vinegar, or a cleaner with sodium hypochlorite and detergent, scrubbed with a soft brush and rinsed.
  • Pressure washers: Trex says one over 1,500 psi, or held closer than 12 in, can damage the fence and void the warranty. Sanding voids it too.
  • New-fence discoloration: tannin leaching and scuffs usually weather out in about 12 to 16 weeks, per Trex.
  • Cracks: the USDA notes that decay fungi can form voids in composites after water gets in through cracks in the surface layer. Better decay resistance than wood doesn’t mean immunity.
  • Staining later: film-forming finishes such as paint and solid stain may not stick to composite; the USDA suggests a tape pull-off adhesion test first. Composites with a durable surface layer are meant to hold their color without it.

More on this: composite fence fading and mold in a humid climate.

Back view of one horizontal composite fence section 8 feet on center: an aluminum insert inside the top rail, 14 boards stacked between the posts, aluminum L-channels at each post, an aluminum bottom rail under a cover, and a back-bracing rail at mid-span, which Trex suggests in high heat and humidity. A red callout marks a surface crack: water can get in and decay fungi can then form voids. Posts are set 30 inches deep. ALUMINUM INSERT INSIDE THE TOP RAIL BACK-BRACING RAIL AT MID-SPAN: TREX TIP FOR HIGH HEAT AND HUMIDITY ALUMINUM L-CHANNELS AT EACH POST A CRACK IN THE SURFACE LETS WATER IN; DECAY FUNGI CAN THEN FORM VOIDS (USDA) ALUMINUM BOTTOM RAIL UNDER A COVER 8 FT ON CENTER 30 IN
A-2
DrawingHorizontal composite, seen from the back
BasisTrex Horizontal Fencing installation guide (THF-0620); USDA Wood Handbook Ch. 14
ScaleNot to scale
The back-bracing rail is optional in the Trex guide; in Gulf Coast heat and humidity it is worth asking about. On an older fence, surface cracks are worth a look.

Composite, wood and vinyl at a glance

CompositeWoodVinyl
What it isWood flour or fiber in PE, PVC or PP, extrudedSawn boards; cedar or treated pine hereRigid PVC profiles
FinishNone needed; film finishes may not stickSeal or stainNone
CleaningSpring and fall; vinegar or hypochlorite for mildewWash before re-stainingWash occasionally
DecayBetter than wood; fungi can enter through cracksDepends on species and treatmentDoesn’t rot
StiffnessLess stiff than wood; systems add aluminumStiffest of the threeVaries with the profile and reinforcement

Composite and wood rows: USDA Wood Handbook (2021) Ch. 11, 12, 14, 16 and Trex Fence Care. General guidance, not a product warranty.

Long gray horizontal board fence with black posts behind a bare dirt yard and trees
A long gray horizontal run with black posts.
Black horizontal board privacy fence enclosing a concrete pad under a clear sky
Black horizontal boards enclosing a concrete pad.

From estimate to finished fence

1. Free on-site estimate. We walk and measure the line, and note grade, drainage, utilities, trees and where gates go. We check the local rules for your address and any HOA requirements.

2. Choosing a system. Vertical or horizontal boards, color and surface finish, height, and gate style. Ask whether the boards have a protective surface layer and what the manufacturer’s care rules are, since warranties can depend on them.

3. Installation. Posts set in concrete at the depth the system and code call for, rails and boards installed, gates hung and adjusted. We walk the finished fence with you.

What affects cost and timing: length and height, vertical or horizontal boards, the product line and color, the number and width of gates, corners and slopes, removing an old fence, soil and access, and permits or HOA review. Financing is available through the providers on our financing page, subject to credit approval.

What customers say on Google

5.0
91 Google reviews · read them all on Google
★★★★★
Mustang Fencing exceeded my expectations! Durable and attractive fencing options available. Excellent customer service. Highly recommended for quality fencing solutions.
Mudassir Inam · Google review · a year ago
★★★★★
My new fence looks fantastic and has added both privacy and style to my yard. Highly recommend their services for anyone in need of fencing!
Jaweria Malik · Google review · 2 years ago
★★★★★
Love the quality and service. Totally recommend this for people who are looking for some nice finishings and top quality.
Vikas Paruchuri · Google review · 2 years ago

Reviews shown word for word from the Mustang Fencing Services Google Business Profile (Galveston), captured 2026-09-27.

Questions we get about this

What is a composite fence made of?
Wood flour, fibers or particles mixed with plastic (polyethylene, PVC or polypropylene) and extruded into boards. The USDA Wood Handbook says the wood content is typically less than 60% by weight. Some brands add a durable surface layer for color.
Does a composite fence need staining?
No. Composite is made to be cleaned, not stained. If you ever want to change the color, the USDA notes that paint and solid stains may not adhere well, so test adhesion first, and check the manufacturer’s warranty.
How do I clean mold or mildew off a composite fence?
Trex recommends equal parts water and white vinegar, or a cleaner containing sodium hypochlorite and detergent, scrubbed with a soft-bristle brush and rinsed well. In humid areas, clean every spring and fall.
Can I pressure wash a composite fence?
Trex does not recommend it: a pressure washer over 1,500 psi, or used closer than 12 inches, can damage the fence and voids its warranty. Check your own brand’s care guide.
Does composite rot?
It resists decay better than solid wood, according to the USDA, but it isn’t immune. Decay fungi can form voids after water gets in through cracks in the surface.
How far apart are composite fence posts?
In the Trex Seclusions and Trex Horizontal systems, posts are 8 feet on center (91 inches between posts), 5 × 5 inches, set at least 30 inches deep for a 6-foot fence. Other brands differ.
Do you install matching composite gates?
Yes. See our composite gate page for gate options.

Sources

Checked September 27, 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the City before you build.

  1. USDA Forest Products Laboratory, Wood Handbook (FPL-GTR-282, 2021) — Ch. 11–12: wood–plastic composites, wood content, stiffness, decay resistance; Ch. 14: decay voids in composites, mold in humid air; Ch. 16: finishing composites.
  2. Trex Seclusions drawings FDS 106 (6 ft) and FDS 108 (8 ft) — post size, length and spacing, embedment, hole size, picket count and size, aluminum bottom rail.
  3. Trex Horizontal Fencing Installation Instructions (THF-0620) — 8 ft on center, 30 in embedment, 12 in holes, aluminum top-rail insert and bottom rail, back-bracing tip for heat and humidity.
  4. Trex Fencing, Fence Care — cleaning schedule, mold and mildew cleaners, pressure-washer and sanding limits, tannin leaching.
  5. City of Galveston Land Development Regulations, Sec. 2.501 — residential fence heights.
Free on-site estimate

Thinking about a composite fence?

We’ll measure the line, walk you through vertical and horizontal options, and explain the care each one needs in Gulf Coast humidity. Free on-site estimates across Galveston County.

Call (346) 910-8641Request an estimate

Keep planning

ServiceComposite gatesServiceVinyl fence installationStyleHorizontal fences in GalvestonStylePrivacy fence installationGuideComposite vs vinyl fenceGuideComposite fading and mold in humid climates
Page reviewed September 27, 2026 by Mustang Fencing Services, Galveston. Next review due March 2027.

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Prefer to talk? Call (346) 910-8641.

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