Timber Fencing

Q: What are the best timbers for fencing?

While this depends on the purpose of your fence, the most durable timber you can buy are considered Class I timbers. These include tallowwood, ironbark, grey gum, forest red gum, cypress, and yellow cedar.

Q: Are timber fence posts treated?

Both treated and untreated timber is available. Treated timber posts typically last between 10-15 years, while untreated timber may need replacing in under 5 years.

Q: How far apart should I put fence posts?

While this depends on a variety of factors, including timber and style of fence. Most fence posts can be spaced 2.5 to 3.5 metres apart.

A wooden fence is a functional feature, but also a decorative enhancement of a property. Timber fencing can complement any landscape and architectural style, from rustic to inherently modern. Its character is, above all, defined by design and the type of wood. That’s why in ArchiPro, we feature a fine collection of wooden fence panels suitable for every taste.

What is Timber Fencing

Wooden fencing is a traditional method that lost nothing of its attractiveness in modern times. Timber is an excellent material to use for many reasons, starting from a great natural appeal that elevates the style of a property boundary. Timber fencing features a variety of types and two crucial material choices: hardwood and softwood.

Although commonly associated with a farm-style look, timber fencing has its place in urban areas and modern neighbourhoods.

Timber and Wood Fencing Advantages

One of the best benefits that come with timber screening is privacy. Wooden panels make it difficult to see through and can also block noise up to a certain degree.

With a broad range of timber fencing types and styles available, timber fencing delivers unbeatable versatility. While a tall fence with palings secures a cosy retreat, a shorter picket fence appeals whimsically welcoming. A post and rail fence is a decoration that discreetly defines a boundary without blocking the view.

A timber fence can be stained or painted in, more or less, any colour, easily changed for an update. It offers an aesthetically pleasing boundary marker that integrates the home into nature.

Types of Timber Fencing

A picket fence is a very traditional style, featuring wooden pales attached to a rail, leaving gaps in between. It can be commonly found as a garden picket fence, marking a boundary while allowing light to pass through. The versatile design of picket fencing blends equally well in both rural and urban environments.

Timber paling fence is usually built from treated pine, but hardwood fence palings are an option too. It’s a convenient and often affordable choice that can offer long term resistance against decay and insects with the proper treatment. Furthermore, it’s designed to provide privacy, with posts, rails and timber fence palings butted up against each other.

While concrete is a more durable choice of material for a fence post, pressure-treated wooden posts can be made to last for over 15 years. At the same time, a timber post is more environmentally-friendly, with a more attractive appeal. A timber fence post is not only a functional feature but also adds a touch of class to the garden, especially with decorative finishings.

Types of Wood for Timber Fencing

There are several types of wood fencing available.

Hardwoods timber fencing is exceptionally strong and durable, highly appreciated for unique and varied appearances, each with its own character, texture, colour and grain. Some sorts of hardwood also feature high levels of natural protection against termites and fire.

Softwood is less sturdy, but it is still reliable fencing timber. Its advantages are lightweights and softness and, up to some point, affordability. For example, treated pine comes with a lower price tag compared to hardwood timber fencing. Still, pine is an excellent option due to its ability to absorb finishes such as oil and paint. Wood fences offer a timeless and classic look that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any property.

Popular Timber Fencing Styles

Horizontal timber fence is one of the few fencing options that features an inherently modern design, highly customizable with different shades of wood stains. It provides privacy, appeal and practicality.

Cedar privacy timber fence is another popular choice, mostly due to the durability and attractiveness of this type of wood. Cedar pickets provide crisp, clean lines and a minimalist style that can complement any landscaping. Cedar privacy timber fences can also be customized with colour and top accents.

A so-called Good Neighbor Fence is an excellent solution for a barrier between two properties. The fence panels alternate on either side, creating an equal, clean look which is perfect for split-cost fencing.

A board-on-board fence is the fencing solution for those looking for high levels of privacy. Fence pickets on top of other pickets cover all gaps that may exist between the planks, keeping all curiosity out and away.

Things to Consider Before Buying Timber Fencing

It’s crucial to assess the site before making any steps towards building a timber fence, for a number of relevant factors. For instance, accidentally digging into a live gas or power line can be dangerous and bear consequences.

Also, local zoning laws define some specific fencing regulations that need to be addressed and complied with. The height and position of a timber fence, although customizable, come with a limit. Crossing it may result in order to remove the fence or to pay substantial fines.

Some areas allow individual fence styles only on specific portions of the property. A building permit is often necessary, as well as an agreement between neighbours. However, it’s possible to share the cost of a fence if it’s built on a common boundary.

How long does a wooden fence last?

In New Zealand, a high-quality timber fence typically lasts 15 - 20 years, with minimal upkeep required. If it is looked after and properly maintained, its life can be prolonged even longer.