Fence style
Timber paling*
Warm, natural and timelessly Aussie.
Vertical timber boards (palings) nailed to horizontal rails between posts, usually treated pine or hardwood. The classic Australian backyard fence, often capped and lapped (overlapping) for full privacy.
Honest advice
Is a timber paling fence right for you?*
After 20+ years of building them, here’s when we’d recommend a timber paling fence, and when we’d point you to something else.
It’s a great fit if…
You’re fencing a long boundary on a budget
Paling is usually the most affordable fence per metre, which adds up on a 30–50 m back fence.
You want a natural, garden-friendly look
Timber suits almost any home and planting, and weathers to a soft silver-grey if left unstained.
You like having options later
Stain, oil or paint it any colour, now or in years to come.
You want cheap, easy repairs
A broken paling or rail can be swapped individually for a few dollars, with no need to replace a whole panel.
You might prefer something else if…
You want zero maintenance
Timber needs a stain or oil every few years to slow greying, splitting and cupping.
Consider: Colorbond-style steelThe fence line is damp, shaded or has termites
Timber in wet or shaded ground rots faster and can attract termites. A steel fence avoids this entirely.
Consider: Colorbond-style steelIt’s your street front and you want a modern look
Paling reads as a backyard fence. A slat fence makes a sharper first impression.
Consider: Vertical or horizontal slat
Request a quote or want to know more?
Tell us a little about your property and we’ll reply with honest advice on whether a timber paling fence suits, plus a fixed price in writing. No obligation.
Colours and finishes
What colours can I choose?*
Leave the timber natural to weather to a soft silver-grey, or have it stained or painted. Stains keep the timber grain showing; paint gives a solid, even colour.
Popular stain colours:
- Natural (clear)
- Golden oak
- Red cedar
- Walnut
- Silver-grey wash
Popular paint colours:
- Charcoal
- Black
- Dark olive grey
- Mid grey
- Off-white
- Sage green
- Any other paint colour can be matched on request, e.g. to suit your house or a neighbour’s side of the fence.
Compare side by side*
- Relative cost
- $ · Most affordable
- $$ · Mid-range
- Typical lifespan
- 15–20 yrs
- 20–30+ yrs
- Maintenance
- Medium: stain every 2–4 yrs
- Very low
- Privacy
- Full when lapped
- Full
- Best for
- Budget boundaries with a natural look
- Private side and back boundaries
- Biggest upside
- Most affordable per metre; easy repairs
- No painting, no rot, no termites
- Biggest downside
- Weathers, can split or rot; shorter life
- Can dent, and looks more industrial than timber
- Relative cost
- $ · Most affordable
- $$$ · Upper mid-range
- Typical lifespan
- 15–20 yrs
- 15–25+ yrs
- Maintenance
- Medium: stain every 2–4 yrs
- Low (aluminium) / medium (merbau)
- Privacy
- Full when lapped
- Partial: small gaps
- Best for
- Budget boundaries with a natural look
- Modern front fences and screens
- Biggest upside
- Most affordable per metre; easy repairs
- Strong street appeal with light and airflow
- Biggest downside
- Weathers, can split or rot; shorter life
- Costs more per metre; not fully private
- Relative cost
- $ · Most affordable
- $$ · Mid-range
- Typical lifespan
- 15–20 yrs
- 15–20+ yrs
- Maintenance
- Medium: stain every 2–4 yrs
- Medium (timber) / low (aluminium)
- Privacy
- Full when lapped
- Low
- Best for
- Budget boundaries with a natural look
- Period homes and front yards
- Biggest upside
- Most affordable per metre; easy repairs
- Classic, welcoming look for heritage homes
- Biggest downside
- Weathers, can split or rot; shorter life
- Little privacy; timber needs repainting
- Relative cost
- $ · Most affordable
- $$ · Mid-range
- Typical lifespan
- 15–20 yrs
- 20+ yrs
- Maintenance
- Medium: stain every 2–4 yrs
- Low
- Privacy
- Full when lapped
- None: see-through
- Best for
- Budget boundaries with a natural look
- Pool barriers on a budget, secure front fences
- Biggest upside
- Most affordable per metre; easy repairs
- Affordable, compliant pool barrier
- Biggest downside
- Weathers, can split or rot; shorter life
- No privacy; chips can rust near the coast
This guide is general information to help you compare options. Lifespans and costs vary with materials, site conditions and care. We’ll give you honest, specific advice when we measure up, even if it means a cheaper option.
Vertical or horizontal slat
The street-front upgrade that makes people stop and look.
Learn more about Vertical or horizontal slat
Imagine pulling into your driveway tonight and loving what you see.
Book a free, no-pressure measure today. 20+ years of experience*, one simple form.
Or call Nick on 0403 594 745