How long will a timber fence last in Springfield's weather?

It depends mostly on the posts, so there is no single figure. Correctly treated posts, palings kept off the soil and a stain renewed as it fades all add years in the Ipswich region's hot, stormy summers. Bare timber on poorly treated posts in damp ground fails soonest, usually at the base.

Which treatment should the posts on a Springfield timber fence have?

Posts need timber treated for in-ground contact, because the buried section stays damp and is where rot usually starts. Rails and palings sit above ground and face less risk. Ask the contractor to write the post treatment rating on the quote so you can compare like with like.

What footing depth suits timber fence posts here?

The right depth depends on the fence height, your soil and how much wind the solid paling face catches, so no single answer fits every block. A tall boundary fence needs deeper footings than a low front picket. Make sure the footing depth is stated on your written quote.

Is it worth staining a timber fence?

Yes, a stain or oil helps protect timber from sun and rain and slows the greying and splitting of palings. It can go on a new fence, or on an older one after cleaning. Plan to recoat when the colour starts to fade to keep the protection working.

How do I work out how many posts my timber fence needs?

Divide the fence length by the post spacing, then add one for the end post. Add extra posts for each corner, gate and change in direction. Spacing varies with the style and height, so confirm it with the contractor and use their figure when checking the quote.

Timber Fencing in Springfield, QLD

Timber fencing in Springfield: what to understand first

A timber fence in Springfield is usually a paling boundary fence along the side and back of the block, or a picket fence across the front. How well it lasts comes down to three things a quote should spell out: the treatment on the posts, how deep the footings go and the paling type.

Who a timber paling or picket fence suits

Timber suits homeowners who want a warm, natural look, a fence they can stain to match the house, or a boundary that can be repaired a few palings at a time. It also suits anyone with a weathered old timber fence who simply wants the same style back, built properly.

Posts, treatment and footings

Posts carry the whole fence and sit in damp ground, so the treatment rating on the in-ground timber matters more than anywhere else on the fence. Footing depth should suit the fence height, the soil and the wind load on a solid paling run. Ask for both to be written on the quote, not left as a verbal promise.

How long timber lasts in the Ipswich climate

Hot summers, heavy storms and wet spells are hard on timber, and the base of the posts and the bottom of the palings take the worst of it. Correctly treated posts, palings kept clear of the soil and a stain recoated as it fades will outlast bare timber left to grey.

Timber or steel: making the decision

If an old timber fence has rotted at the posts, you can rebuild in timber or switch to a steel fence such as Colorbond. Timber gives a natural look and piece by piece repairs, while steel needs no staining. Weigh the look you want against the upkeep you are happy to do.

What a timber fence quote should list

Look for the paling or picket type, the post treatment, the footing depth and post spacing, the fence height and length, any gates, and whether removing and disposing of the old fence is included. Quotes that list the same items are far easier to compare side by side.

Next step for your timber fence

You can request a free quote here and a licensed and insured local contractor can follow up. Before you do, measure the run along each boundary, decide between paling and picket, mark where a gate should sit and note any old fence that needs pulling out.

Timber Fencing Services We Offer

✓Paling Fencing

Full height timber paling fences for privacy along side and rear boundaries.

✓Picket Fencing

Lower, open picket fences that frame a front yard and suit classic home styles.

✓Timber Fence Replacement

Pulling out a rotted or leaning timber fence and rebuilding the boundary in fresh timber.

✓Staining and Sealing

Applying stain or oil to protect palings and posts from sun and rain.

How it works

1
Measure and choose a style
Measure each boundary run, then decide on paling for privacy or picket for an open front, along with the height you want.
2
Check the old fence
Note whether an existing fence needs removing, where posts have rotted and where any gate should go.
3
Compare quotes line by line
Check that each quote names the post treatment, footing depth, post spacing and paling type so the prices compare fairly.
4
Build and finish
Posts go in first and set before the rails and palings are fixed, then a stain or oil can be applied to protect the timber.