The ultimate guide to timber fencing types & styles

Choosing the right fence can help improve your property’s curb appeal, offer added security, and improve privacy. Thanks to its affordability and visual appeal, timber fencing remains one of the most popular choices.

Used across Australia in all different climates, timber fencing is the ideal choice for security and privacy fencing, boundary marking, or creating feature spaces within a garden.

What is timber fencing?

There are many different types and styles of timber fencing available, meaning there is something for all tastes and budgets. Usually constructed from either hardwood or treated softwood, timber fences can be constructed in a wide variety of sizes and can be varnished or painted to suit any home style.

A timber fence typically includes four components; the palings (sometimes called pickets or slats), the posts (which provide support to the fence), the rails (which connect the posts and support the palings), and the cap (which is added to the top of the fence to offer a decorative finish and protection from the elements). 

Pros of timber fencing

There are many benefits of choosing a timber fence, from the ease of installation to cost-effectiveness and durability. Pros include:

• Many different styles and sizes available
• Environmentally friendly and sustainable
• Easy to paint and customise, with a natural look and feel
• High security if a tall fence is installed
• Easy to install with wooden or steel posts
• Individual palings can be repaired, without the need for a full fence replacement
• Cost-effective choice compared to other types of fencing materials due to the wide availability of timber
• Durable and long-lasting if installed and maintained correctly
• Can help with noise reduction

Cons of timber fencing

There are some cons to choosing a timber fence, which can be minimised with the correct installation, treatment, and maintenance.

Timber can be prone to pests such as ants and termites as well as rot or warping if the timber has not been treated correctly
Timber can be prone to weather damage such as rain, extreme heat or extreme cold, if not maintained or treated correctly
It has a potentially shorter lifespan than other fencing options such as Colorbond, but a timber fence will still last around 15-30 years

While there are a few drawbacks with timber fencing, a qualified fencing installer will help choose the correct timber and treatments for your area and climate, making sure your fence looks great and lasts for years. 

What are the different types of timber fencing?

There are many styles of timber fencing to choose from, whether you enjoy a modern aesthetic or you want a more traditional feel. 

Standard Paling Fence

One of the most popular styles of timber fences in Australia, a standard paling fence is often made from CCA-treated (Chromated Copper Arsenate) pine timber or — in areas of high wind — hardwood is a popular choice. This type of timber fence features vertical palings which shrink over time to leave small gaps between them.

These gaps are ideal for water drainage, but if you prefer more privacy and a tidier finish, you could consider a lapped paling fence. Easy to install and maintain, a standard paling fence can be made in various sizes and is the perfect choice if you need a high fence for privacy or to keep the doggo safe and secure.

Lapped and Capped Paling Fence

A clean and tidy option for a timber fence is a lapped paling fence. It is similar in style to the standard paling fence, but with overlapping palings to close all gaps and offer 100% privacy. Fence capping is used along the top of the fence offering an elegant finish, as well as adding extra strength, sturdiness and protection from the rain.

Picket Fence

Does anything conjure up the idea of the perfect home more than a white picket fence? While this might be the style of picket fence that springs to mind, picket fencing is available in myriad colours and styles. But they all have one thing in common — they offer a traditional look and feel and are ideal for creating visually-appealing boundary fencing or outdoor feature areas.

Colonial-style or Federation-style Fencing

Combine a lapped panel fence with a lattice top for a heritage, colonial or federation feel. This has all the benefits of a lapped timber fence, but with added height as well as an aesthetic that is perfect for older-style cottages and houses. 

Post and Rail Fencing

Popular in rural areas, post and rail fencing is a very economical choice for fencing large areas. Sometimes used to manage livestock or horses, a post and rail fence is functional but also looks tidy. It is easy to maintain and very durable thanks to its simplicity. 

Timber Fence with Steel Posts

Make your timber fence last even longer by combining timber palings with galvanised steel posts, which will not warp over time as wooden posts can. They’re also impervious to pests like ants or termites.

Mixing the traditional look of timber with the modern look of steel, this is a good choice for those looking for a tidy and clean visual appeal. Steel posts are also easy to install, meaning you can replace the fence palings in the future without any major installation work.

Slat Screen Fencing

If you’re seeking a fence to complement a modern home, consider slat screen fencing. Often featuring horizontal slats, the look is contemporary and ideal for feature areas or boundary creation.

What are the best types of timber fencing for different climates in Australia?

When choosing a type of wood for your timber fence, choose a timber that can withstand anything that the temperamental and changeable Aussie weather can throw at it.

Timbers in Australia have a class grading system, with Class 1 timbers being the most durable and the least likely to rot and warp. Class 1 timbers that are ideal for fencing include ironbark, tallowwood and Cyprus.

If you are on a budget, a popular choice is CCA-treated pine, which although it is a class IV, due to the CCA treatment still offers adequate protection against fungus and insect damage.

However, it’s always advisable to combine pine palings with hardwood or steel posts to help minimise rot, add more water protection, and ultimately improve the service life of your fence. You can also oil or stain the fence for added protection. Note that CCA-treated pine isn’t suitable for decking or inside use.

If you live near the coast with all that salty ocean air, choose cedar or radiata pine if possible, which are ideal for coastal climates. Merbau or iroko do not hold moisture well. If you’d like to find out more about the properties of Australian timber, you can do so here. 

What are common mistakes to avoid with timber fencing?

1. Choosing the wrong type of timber

The soil, topography of the land, local climate, and the likelihood of pests, will all impact the choice of timber. A qualified fencing professional can help advise what timber is best and will last the longest. 

2. Choosing low-quality materials

While cost will always be an important part of the equation, choosing low-cost materials means that your timber fence will not be as durable as it should be. Always purchase your timber from a reputable supplier.

3. Incorrect installation

Correct installation is imperative; a common mistake includes not putting the fence posts deep enough, which means the integrity and strength of the fence is impacted. Another common issue is incorrect post spacing.