A timber fence adds a sense of rustic glamour that will transform your garden site into a peaceful retreat.
Timber fencing is the most traditional fencing solution on the market. It consists of a series of smooth vertical stakes and rails striped horizontally in different woods and height gaps, which can last up to 30 years if properly maintained. Timber fencing is made up of a series of staggered stakes, which are either smooth or fluted. It's not just about looks, as timber fencing offers so many benefits. It's low maintenance, easy to install in ground and incredibly cost-effective. By choosing an eco-friendly option you'll be doing your bit for the environment too. The timber fence posts structure can easily adapt to any garden design requirement. The paling fences and rails can be built by steel posts and galvanised screws to give more support. Whether straight or curved, its openwork design allows the creation of very good privacy screens without obstructing light contact in interior spaces. Timber provides protection from dampness in basement ground exposed to water seepage from the exterior. If properly treated and oiled, timber fencing will last up to 30 years in an exterior project settings. For a natural-looking garden that evokes that quintessential sense of peace and security, it's hard job to look past a timber fence. They're available in all kinds of finishes including left untreated, brown or green oxide treated or even pressure-treated for extra durability.
When it comes to timber fencing, there are two main types of timber that are used, softwood or hardwood. Softwoods are grown in plantations and harvested on a regular basis, which means they're quick-growing and sustainable woods. The most common type of softwood is pine which has a tight grain structure making it very easy to work with. Hardwood grows much slower than softwoods but has a much higher density. Hardwood make an incredibly durable fence panel as the wood is dense, meaning it's highly resistant to insects and rot. Some examples of hardwood timber include oak, ash, walnut and iroko.
The main benefit of using a fence made from timber is that it provides a high standard neat look for your garden while also being incredibly low-preservation. Most styles of wooden fences require very little work to keep them looking their best and last a long time too. They do a great job keeping pets and children from going into neighbours garden which means you don't have to spend hours tidying up after them. Plus, they come in a range of styles from traditional picket fences to more contemporary paling fences, so whatever your garden design is like, you should be able to find a style that suits it perfectly. Picket fencing looks beautiful in domestic property boundaries while paling fencing in residential property boundaries. They're also really easy to install - especially when compared with other types of fencing materials such as brick or concrete or cement which can pose more of a challenge. They require very little work to keep them looking great and last for many years, they're also available in a different range of styles- paling fences or timber fences depending on your preference.
The most common type of timber used for fencing is CCA treated pine as this pine and grows quite quickly meaning the supply of fencing products never runs out. Treated pine is very light in weight which makes it easier to handle when installing or carrying around the garden. Pine comes with an attractive grain pattern which gives the timber fence panels its unique look and no extra cost involved, just some little effort required to protect against weather damage.
Treated pine posts will not split or crack over time making for a durable fencing option that provides excellent security throughout all seasons. Timber fences are available at many price points.There are a few factors to consider when choosing your timber.
Will the fence posts be visible from the house project? Is there anything in the garden property that you want to compliment or contrast with your fence posts? Would you like horizontal or vertical board fences, for example?
Most wood will be pressure treated to prevent insect infestation and rot. The type of treatment job varies depending on the construction materials used - for example, treated pine tends to have a brown or green oxide finish while other types such as iroko are oiled instead. This treatment job isn't only essential for ensuring your paling fence rails looks great for years to come, it also prevents damage from UV rays so if your fencing is exposed to sunlight, you'll want it to be treated. Pressure-treating can add a lot of time to the process of making a fence post but is definitely worth considering if you're looking for an exterior-facing ground fence that stands up against harsh weather conditions.
Wooden fences come in a wide variety of styles depending on your fencing project preference - picket fences are traditional and require little maintaining but you can also find modern-looking designs if that's what you'd prefer. Some other styles include lapped paling fence, quality fence, boundary fence and many more. The style of your fencing is up to you so think carefully about what sort of look you want to achieve when choosing one. Picket fencing looks beautiful in domestic property boundaries while paling fencing in residential property boundaries. The paling fences can be built by steel posts and rails to give more support.
A traditional picket fence is a popular choice as it doesn't require much upkeep and will suit most outdoor use areas. Timber posts have the advantage of being easy to install but a tendency to warp after time if not treated properly so you may need to consider this when making your purchase.
Slatted fences tend to be better for areas that receive a high range of rainfall as they're far more water-resistant than other trees. The design features vertical boards with gaps in between which allow rainwater through without causing damage or warping. Once again, slat materials are best suited for external use due to their weather-resistant qualities as coming in contact with rainwater can damage the rails and posts.
Solid wood fences are far more expensive than other types as they're harder to make and require a high level of craftsmanship job. They tend to be made from top-quality timbers such as Merbau and iroko which make them very strong and durable but this results in a much higher price tag. Solid material fences can last for decades if well taken care of and treated properly so if you have the money, you may very well get your money's worth.
Wood fencing can actually be more expensive than colorbond fencing (made from galvanised steel). The cost of labour plays a large part in this but there are also other factors to consider - hardwood timbers such as iroko tend to be pricier than treated pine or cedar for example. Colorbond can be purchased pre-treated so fence installed will be cheaper than treating your own wooden fence. Even though the final price tag of a wooden fence may appear higher, it's possible that your initial expenses will save you money in the long run with less preservation required and lower costs if left untreated over time.
Timber fencing does not need to be painted unless you intend on changing the colour - some homeowners advise matching their fence colour with exterior features such as garage doors and front doors. If you decide to change the colour, try to opt for discretion rather than a bold statement. Choose a darker tone or neutral shade that will suit your yard design best.
Even though timber fencing is weather-resistant, it does require regular preservation if you want it to stay in good condition over time. Washing the fence post once or twice a year with soap and water will remove any grease or dirt buildup which may lead to warping over time. Sanding the fencing down every few years can help protect your wood from exposure but be sure not to sand too frequently so you don't risk splitting the wood. If you're in a backyard area where termites are a problem, it's good advice to treat your fence with termite protection paint to keep them at bay.
It is possible for wooden fencing to last decades if maintained and treated properly but if the fence comes in contact with factors such as rainfall and certain types of timber can cause problems. If you intend on using your new fence post anywhere near the coast, make sure you choose cedar or radiata pine rather than Merbau or iroko. Merbau tends to splinter easily when wet while iroko warps over time and both deal with moisture very badly. If you are hiring someone to install your fence, make sure they are licensed, according to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission.