While timber is becoming more expensive than Colorbond for fencing in many cases, sometimes site conditions, customer preferences or just the general ‘ambience’ dictate the more natural alternative.
The most common combination today uses hardwood posts, pine rails and pine palings. If termites are an issue, galvanised steel posts can be used instead.
When a fence is needed over a concrete slab, the hardwood posts can be attached to the slab with galvanised stirrups rather than digging a hole. Posts can also be bolted to house walls if required.
For areas with uneven ground, obstacles, or where an unusual effect is required, timber may be the best option. Both the top and bottom edges can be ‘moulded’ to suit the environment or the customer’s requirements.
When gates are required in timber fences, one great option is to use galvanised steel framing with palings nailed or screwed to the frame. If like us, you have a shop just around the corner that fabricates such frames to order, these are the best option. Otherwise, most hardware stores sell the gate kits that can be adjusted to suit each particular job. If using screws to attach the palings, make sure to get ‘wingteks’ that cut a clearance hole in the timber around the screw before cutting into the steel frame. Alternately you can get special nails to suit most nail guns.
Finally, timber fences are easier when integrating things like letterboxes into the fence.
