13/10/2025 12:00 AM
When investing in timber fencing or wooden garden products, one of the first things many customers look for is the guarantee.
It’s a sign of trust between the manufacturer and the buyer. But not all guarantees are created equal. From vague promises to clever marketing tricks, it can be difficult to work out what a guarantee really means and what protection you have if something goes wrong. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between types of guarantees, the common whitewashing tactics some manufacturers use, and the key points consumers should check before purchasing timber fencing or wooden garden products.
The Types of Guarantees
Material Guarantees
This is the type most relevant to timber fencing. A material guarantee should cover the actual wood against premature failure, such as rotting or insect attack. For example, at Jacksons Fencing we provide a 25 year timber guarantee, which is a genuine material guarantee against structural failure caused by rot or insect attack.
Service Life Guarantee
A service life guarantee is a formal promise from the manufacturer that the product will last for a stated period, with a commitment to repair or replace it if it does not. The guarantee provides accountability, and offers reassurance the manufacturer has confidence in its products longevity. All our metal products carry a 25 year service life guarantee.
It’s important to understand the difference between desired service life and a service life guarantee. Desired service life is simply an estimate of how long a product is expected to last under normal use, it is not legally binding and offers no protection if the product fails earlier. For example, a fence panel advertised with a “desired service life of 15 years” might only last half that time, and the manufacturer is under no obligation to replace it.
Desired Service Life
Some manufacturers go a step further and use the term desired service life. This is even more confusing for consumers. Desired service life is not a guarantee at all, it is simply an estimate, or even just a wish, for how long the product might last if everything goes perfectly. What does it really mean? In practice, very little. If your fence fails after a few years, you have no comeback, because “desired” does not equal “promised.” It’s language designed to make products sound reliable without the manufacturer taking any responsibility.
Workmanship Guarantees
These are usually offered by installation companies or contractors; it guarantees the workmanship. These typically cover how the product has been installed, but they may not cover the raw materials themselves. If the product hasn’t been installed correctly, or there is snagging that needs to be completed post installation, a workmanship guarantee covers any fixes that need to be actioned.
Common Marketing Tricks to Watch Out For
Unfortunately, not every guarantee is as straightforward as it sounds. Here are some of the ways less scrupulous manufacturers make their products appear more reliable than they really are:
“Up to” guarantees: If a fence panel is sold with a guarantee of “up to 15 years,” this means it may last considerably less. The “up to” wording allows manufacturers to avoid accountability.
Desired or service life promises: These sound reassuring, but neither is a guarantee. They are simply claims of how long the product might last, with no protection if it fails early. Short guarantees that sound long: A 10 year guarantee might sound reassuring, but when you consider that high quality timber fencing can last 25 years or more, it’s a sign that corners may have been cut on treatment or timber selection.
Painted-over issues: Some products are marketed with treatments or coatings (such as whitewashing, staining, or pressure painting) that make them appear more durable. In reality, these finishes may only be cosmetic and do little to protect against rot or decay.
Guarantees with maintenance terms and conditions: These are guarantees that require work to be put in by the customer, sometimes as frequently as once a year. This could include staining or painting the timber to give it a layer of protection and without this, the guarantee is void.
What Should Consumers Look For?
When choosing timber fencing or wooden products, it’s worth asking the following questions:
Is the guarantee clear and unconditional?
Avoid vague wording like “up to” or “desired service life.” Look for guarantees that specifically cover rot and insect attack as these are the two largest threats to timber. How long is the guarantee compared with industry standards? A genuine long-term guarantee of 20–25 years is a strong indicator of quality. Is the treatment permanent? Timber should be pressure treated with preservatives that penetrate deep into the wood, not simply coated or dipped on the surface. Vacuum pressure treatment takes it a step further and ensures deep penetration into the centre of the wood.
Does the company have a long-standing history?
A guarantee is only useful if the company is still around to honour it. Choosing a manufacturer with decades of proven history gives you real reassurance that they’ll be there in the future if you need them.
A guarantee should be more than a marketing slogan. It should give you peace of mind that your investment will last. For consumers, the key is to look beyond the headlines and read the details carefully. For timber fencing and wooden products, the most reliable guarantee will cover the material itself against structural failure caused by rot and insect attack, and will last for decades, not just a few years.
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Why Guarantees Matter for Sustainability
A strong guarantee is not only about protecting your investment, but it also plays a vital role in sustainability. Timber is a natural, finite resource, and every time a poorly made fence fails prematurely, it contributes to unnecessary waste and puts more pressure on forests. Products that end up in landfill before their time also add to environmental harm. Choosing timber products with long guarantees means they are built to last, reducing the need for replacements and lowering the overall environmental footprint. By supporting manufacturers who back their products for decades, consumers can make more sustainable choices that respect natural resources and promote a circular economy.
Learn about our sustainability and values