Cypress fence posts are rot-resistant and will last longer than pine however pine is cheaper.
The best type of fence to use depends on your specific needs, budget, and general weather conditions in your area. The treated pine pickets and posts are the most ideal for grounds infested with termites. In wet weather where fence posts are exposed to excessive moisture, cypress posts and picket fencing is recommended. Yard posts and fences in areas experiencing a lot of sunlight are generally susceptible to moisture loss that causes splitting and cracking. If you are looking for a long-lasting fence that will not rot, cypress is a good option. However, cypress pine may be a more affordable option if you are on a tight budget. Keep in mind that pine may not last as long as cypress, so you may need to replace it more often.
A cypress privacy fence brings warmth and natural beauty to any home. With its light to reddish-brown colour, cypress offers a great deal of privacy without obscuring views with shrubbery (although plenty can be planted around one). Since many varieties of cypress trees contain high levels of tannin, an anti-fungal anti-oxidant that resists rot, cypress pickets are a highly sought after fencing material.
A pine fence brings a natural look to any home, and most varieties contain lower levels of tannin than cypress. Pine is also less expensive. The reddish brown colour of pine pickets improves the visual appearance of the fence. It often serves as an excellent backdrop for planting shrubs or vines around the perimeter if you desire more privacy from neighbours. Pressure treated pine is the only material suitable in areas infested with termites, such as the American South states of Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. The ability of pine to absorb moisture is the feature that makes it suitable for pressure treatment. Treated pine palings are pine lumber materials injected with an oil or a water-based preservative that makes them resistant to fungal and termite attacks. Unfortunately, pressure treated pine is prone to warping, which occurs when the moisture in it evaporates.
Softwood is a tree that produces cones and has needles. Examples of softwoods include pine, cedar, and spruce. Softwoods are not as dense as hardwoods and are easier to cut and carve. Hardwoods are from trees that have broad leaves, such as oak and maple. Hardwoods are much denser than softwoods. Hardwood has fine grains and is more resistant to decay than softwood. Hardwoods are also slow-growing.
Hardwood is better for outside use because it is more resistant to elements. However, expect to pay more for hardwood fences.When choosing the best wood for fencing, there are a few factors to consider. The most important factor is the climate. In cold climates, you'll need a harder wood that can withstand the cold temperatures, such as oak or cedar. In warm climates, you can use softer wood like pine. Another factor to consider is the type of soil in your area. If your soil is wet and boggy, you'll need wood that resists rot and decay, like cedar or redwood. If your soil is dry and sandy, you can use a less expensive wood like pressure-treated pine. The most common types of wood offered by fence companies is listed below.
Cedar is a very hard and durable wood that resists rot. However, cedar can be expensive.
Redwood has long been a favourite choice for picket and fencing posts because of its resistance to rot and weathering. It's more expensive than pine but less expensive than cedar.
Pine timber is less expensive than either redwood or cedar and doesn't suffer from any significant weakness except in wet soils. It's also more likely than the hardwoods to warp after installation due to changes in humidity or precipitation levels. Hence, it isn't a good choice if you live in a place with wide swings in temperature and moisture levels. When it comes to the style of your fence, there are also a range of options.
A horizontal board privacy fence is made up of boards that are laid horizontally across the posts. This type is easy to build and relatively inexpensive. However, it doesn't provide much privacy or security.
A vertical board fence is made up of boards that are laid vertically on the posts. This type of fence provides more privacy and security than a horizontal board fence, but it's more difficult to build and costs more money.
A picket fence is made up of short, vertical boards that are spaced out evenly. This type of fence is very popular because it provides both privacy and security. It's also one of the most affordable types of fences.
A few alternatives to cedar and pine fencing are listed below.
A chain link fence is made up of metal wires that are woven together to form a mesh. This type of fence is very durable and easy to maintain, but it doesn't provide much privacy or security.
A wrought iron fence is a beautiful option, but it's also one of the most expensive options. Wrought iron fences are very sturdy and long-lasting, but they require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best.
The best thing about wooden fencing is that not only does it work well for decorative purposes, but it's also incredibly strong. Wood fences are particularly effective around backyards because they provide high security while still looking aesthetically pleasing.
As an added bonus, because they're made out of natural materials, you can easily stain or paint them any colour to match your existing decor or landscape design. No matter which material you use for your fence's construction, make sure it fits within your budget and provides what you need in terms of function and appearance. Colorbond is an ideal timber alternative and popular fencing material.If you're building a horizontal board fence, all you'll need is a saw, measuring tape, hammer, and nails. If you're building a vertical board fence, you'll also need a drill and screws. If you're making pickets, you'll need a saw, measuring tape, hammer, nails, and drill. And if you're building a chain link fence, you'll also need a wire cutter.
Sinking your fence post ensures that it's stable and secure. Follow these steps to sink a fence post: Decide and measure out the location for your fence poles, keeping in mind where you'll be attaching the boards and how far apart you want them spaced. Dig your holes using a shovel so they're at least two feet deep and two feet across. Ensure that when you remove the dirt from each hole, it all comes out in one go; don't leave any in the bottom of the hole because this could cause your post to shift position when you add concrete. Add four inches of gravel to the bottom of each hole before adding concrete. This will help with drainage around your fence post, preventing rot. Mix your concrete according to the package directions and pour it into each hole. Use a level to ensure that the post is standing straight, and use a shovel to pack the concrete around the post until it's firmly in place. Once the concrete has had time to set (usually 24 hours), you can add your rails, pine palings, fence boards, or panels. If you're not comfortable with doing any of these steps yourself, there are plenty of contractors and fence companies who can help you build your perfect wooden fence.
Timber is a natural product that degrades due to exposure to outdoor conditions. Pressure treated pine will last longer as it's resistant to pests, fungal, and termite attacks. Sunlight will breach the timber above the ground, making its original colour fade. Paint or staining the lumber will prolong the intended colour of the fences.
The post section below the ground is prone to attack by insects and mould, especially in wet conditions. Generally, if the lumber is treated and proper fencing maintenance is observed, fences can last for many years. Also, note that fencing sections under shade will breach more slowly than those exposed to the sun.
Having an issue with a neighbour over fencing? Take a look at the laws in New South Wales regarding dividing fences and approaching the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Check if it applies to your area.