Frequently asked questions

Q: What screen thickness is best for me?

Screens are available in two thicknesses. The 6 mm panel is ideal for wall-mounting or using as a roof to add shade to an outdoor seating area. The 18 mm panel is sturdier, so better suited for building privacy screens and partitions, or to achieve a chunkier, wall-mounted look.

If you have any questions, please contact our product specialists. We’d be delighted to answer any questions and help you find what you need.

What is your premium composite made of?

Our premium composite is made from 30% recycled wood powder, 45% recycled polyethylene (a lightweight, durable thermoplastic), and 25% calcium carbonate.

What is your metalwork made of?

All of our metalwork is made from high-grade aluminium, which has been powder coated to marine-grade standard to ensure our products won’t corrode in even the worst weather conditions.

How do I place an order?

You can order your products via our website, or by speaking to one of our product specialists over the phone.

Are all of your products fully weatherproof?

Yes. All our products are weatherproof, meaning they can withstand routine exposure to the elements, including temperatures between -40°C to +50°C. Our products are tough and hardwearing; they won’t corrode, rust, or rot.

As with all composite products, there is a natural weathering process known as leaching, which is completely normal and expected. During the first few months of outdoor exposure, customers may notice a gentle lightening or soft fading of the fence’s colour as the material settles into its environment.

Composite fencing is manufactured using a blend of recycled wood fibres and durable plastics. The natural wood fibres contain oils and tannins that contribute to the board’s original rich colour and finish. Over time, exposure to the elements causes these natural compounds to gradually weather, resulting in a slight colour lightening.

This process does not affect the strength, integrity, longevity, or performance of the product in any way and is not considered a product fault. The weathering process typically completes within 4–6 months, after which the colour stabilises naturally.

How heavy are your products? Will I be able to lift them?

Our composite and aluminium products are strong and durable, yet lightweight. You can find the weight of our decorative panels, fence screens and fence posts on each respective product webpage.

How do I clean my composite and aluminium products?

Use a bucket of warm, soapy water (washing-up liquid is fine), and a sponge or a soft, bristled brush to gently clean the surface of your products. If your products are outside, finish by rinsing with a garden hose.

Can I cut the decorative panels to size?

Yes. You can cut our decorative panels to the size you require without compromising their structural integrity or affecting their durability or weatherproofing.

What screen thickness is best for me?

Screens are available in two thicknesses. The 6mm panel is ideal for wall-mounting or using as a roof to add shade to an outdoor seating area. The 18mm panel is sturdier, so better suited for building privacy screens and partitions, or to achieve a chunkier, wall-mounted look.

Can I drill through a decorative panel to fix it to a surface?

Yes. You can drill through our decorative panels to fix them to your required surface without compromising their structural integrity or affecting their durability or weatherproofing.

Can I paint a decorative panel?

Yes. You can paint our decorative panels, but please keep in mind that you will then need to maintain the paint coat you have added as you have covered over your panels’ weatherproof, UV-resistant surface.

What sizes do the decorative panels come in?

6mm thick panels: 180cm x30cm, 120cm x 60cm, 180cm x 60cm, 180cm x 90cm

18mm thick panels: 180cm x 30cm, 120cm x 60cm, 180cm x 90cm

Can I design my own decorative panels?

No. We don’t currently offer a custom design service, but you can follow us on social media and sign up to our enewsletter to be one of the first to hear when we release new designs.

Can I cut the fence screens and slats to size?

Yes. You can cut our fence screens and slats to the size you require without compromising their structural integrity or affecting their durability or weatherproofing. To cut, we recommend using a handsaw or a mitre saw. Remember to wear eye protection.

Can I cut the fence channel and capping to the size I need?

Yes. For the neatest cut, we recommend using a hacksaw or a mitre saw. Make sure you’re using a blade that is suitable for cutting light metals, and remember to wear eye protection.

Can I paint the fence screens and slats?

Yes. Please keep in mind that you will need to maintain the paint coat you have added, as you will have covered over your panels’ weatherproof, UV-resistant surface.

Do I need to use fence slat capping?

Yes. To build a fence using our fence slats, you need to stack the slats on top of each other to your required height. The top and bottom fence capping secures your stacked slats firmly, and also creates clean finishing lines.

Can I use the fence screens vertically or horizontally?

Yes. Our screens are versatile, and can be placed either vertically or horizontally. If you need advice about incorporating vertical screens into your fence, contact our product specialists.

Can I design a fence with just fence screens?

Yes. You can construct a fence entirely out of decorative or slatted fence screens, without using fence slats. Contact our product specialists if you need help designing your fence.

Do I have to use Charles & Ivy's posts in my fence?

No. You can use our fence screens and slats with your own posts. To fit our fencing to your own posts, you will need to use our fence channels. If you need advice about fitting our fencing to your own posts, contact our product specialists.

Can I cut your fence post blanking strips to the size I need?

Yes. For the neatest cut, we recommend using a hacksaw or a mitre saw. Make sure you’re using a blade that is suitable for cutting light metals, and remember to wear eye protection.

What surfaces can I use your fence posts on?

Each of our posts comes with a base plate and a fixing kit. When you purchase your posts you’ll have the option to select one of three fixing kits for each post. The fixing kits are for:

fixing onto concrete
fixing onto wooden decking
fixing into fresh concrete

Can I sink an aluminium fence post into concrete?

We recommend sinking 1ft–4ft posts approximately 1ft into the ground, and 5ft–7ft posts around 2ft into the ground to ensure stability and secure installation.