One of the biggest challenges with many ready-to-install fence systems—or alternative materials to wood like vinyl and metal—is that they can’t easily be cut without damaging the product. They often require specialized tools like metalworking equipment or custom ordering to fit specific dimensions. That is not the case with Natures Composites!
Our proprietary wheat-based composite formula is designed to cut just like wood using standard woodworking tools. Plus, because the color runs evenly throughout our products, there's no need to worry about visible discoloration or rough edges when you make a cut—it’ll look clean and consistent every time. That said, each product has its own best practices and limitations when it comes to modifications.
🦺 Safety First: Before You Cut & General Rules
Cutting composite creates fine dust, so it's important to prep your workspace and protect yourself.
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Wear protective eyewear and a dust mask or respirator.
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Work in a well-ventilated outdoor area whenever possible.
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Clamp your board before cutting to reduce movement and improve accuracy.
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Measure Twice: Use a tape measure to determine the cut line.
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Mark Clearly: Use a pencil or chalk line to draw a straight, accurate cut line.
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Choose the Right Tool: A circular saw with a carbide-tipped blade is ideal. For finer cuts, a jigsaw or handsaw can work too.
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Cut From Either Side: Our composite slats can be cut from either side—just ensure you're consistent and steady.
✅ Products You Can Cut
Our composite boards and posts are designed to be as versatile as they are durable. The following products can be trimmed to fit your space:
Dog Ear and Square Top Pickets
These are solid composite pickets that can be cut to any desired length or width with wood tools. No additional hardware or adjustments are required.
Modern Horizontal Fencing (*gates cannot be cut)
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Length: Yes – horizontal boards can be shortened. Be sure to cut all boards to the same length and cut the top cable to maintain alignment.
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Cutting the Top Cable: After cutting the boards, you must also modify the Top Cable Assembly:
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Cut the cable to the new panel width.
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Remove the end bracket and install a new aluminum ferrule and stop set.
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Use a hammer to crimp it in place and restore proper cable tension.
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Height: Yes – posts can be cut from the bottom only.
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Never cut the top, as that would remove the routed openings needed for proper panel installation.
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Modern Ranch Rail (*gates cannot be cut)
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Length: Yes – horizontal boards can be shortened. Be sure to cut all boards to the same length and cut the top cable to maintain alignment.
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Cutting the Top Cable: After cutting the boards, you must also modify the Top Cable Assembly:
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Cut the cable to the new panel width.
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Remove the end bracket and install a new aluminum ferrule and stop set.
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Use a hammer to crimp it in place and restore proper cable tension.
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Height: Yes – posts can be cut from the bottom only.
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Never cut the top, as that would remove the routed openings needed for proper panel installation.
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Traditional Ranch Rail (*gates cannot be cut)
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Length: Yes – rails can be cut to shorten the span between posts.
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Height: Yes – posts can be cut from the bottom only.
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Cutting from the top will remove the routed post holes, making them unusable.
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Width: We don't recommend this but, yes you can shorten the width, although it's more complicated than with the modern fences.
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After cutting, you must drill a new hole to accommodate the arch clip that secures the rail.
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Raised Garden Beds and Planters
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Length: Yes – posts can be cut from the bottom only.
- Boards can be cut to your ideal size using the same wood tools.
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Length: Yes – posts can be cut from the bottom only.
- Do not cut vertically. These boards are hollow and cutting the height will compromise their structure. Instead, we offer multiple heights — just choose the one that fits your project.
🚫 Products You Cannot Cut
To preserve the safety and integrity of certain components, some Natures Composites products should not be modified:
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NC Gates: These are precision-built and must not be cut under any circumstance.
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Vertical Fencing: These panels contain metal inserts and require professional tools and skills to modify. Only licensed contractors should handle any vertical fence adjustments. Need help? Contact us for step-by-step instructions.
Still Have Questions?
We’re always here to support your install—from your first cut to the final panel. Reach out to our team for personalized guidance or to make sure your modifications are done right the first time. Contact Us Here.
⚠️ Please note any modification to our products voids the warranty and renders the item non-returnable.
