Timber fences are constructed in vast quantities across the whole of the UK. Timber fence designs differ widely but one of the most impressive forms is Timber lap and cap Fencing. Timber Lapped Timber fencing refers to a type of fencing where boards are overlapped horizontally, similar to that used in roofing. Timber cap Timber Fence refers to a style where raised timbers or planks are laid vertically at certain intervals creating an element of Classical appeal.
Both types have their place depending on the desired appearance of your garden fence but beyond this, there are many other factors you need to consider before choosing which style will best suit your garden space. Timber Lap Fencing can be used in all applications including areas with heavy footfall such as children’s play areas because Timber Lap Timber Fencing is just as durable as Timber Cap Timber Fencing. Timber Lap Timber fencing is, however, much lower in height than Timber Cap. A timber fence once erected can reach a considerable fortitude – this has obvious implications for material usage and installation costs.
Timber Fence Design
It is important to choose the correct design of timber fence for your garden area because although both styles have their place, it’s crucial that your fencing suits the use to which you intend to put it.
Lapped and Capped Fence Treated Pine 1800mm
A timber cap fence adds height, character and distinctiveness to any garden but if the space only requires some form of perimeter demarcation then Timber lap will provide all essential benefits at a fraction of the cost. If choosing between timber lap or timber cap fencing.
What is the Best Timber for Fencing?
The short answer to this question is paling fence. Paling fencing refers specifically to the type of timber used rather than the structure itself. Although other types do exist which can be used for fencing, palings are considered to be by far the best quality and therefore the safest option. Cap fence, for example, requires far more maintenance than paling fencing due to caps rotating in high winds and becoming loose. In addition, they pose a higher risk of injury due to protruding nails and timber posts.
Pine is also another option but many people tend not to use it because it has a tendency to rot quickly at ground level when exposed to heavy rainfall or flooding. For these reasons then, whichever you decide on your type of fence, make sure you use paling fencing, as this is the safest and st sturdiest option available.
What Timber Should I Choose for My Cap Fence?
Wooden Cap fences provide a versatile, cost-effective and attractive choice for your boundary fence. They are designed to give an instant privacy screen but need regular checking due to the gaps between the fence panels which can trap water in severe weather conditions.. Cap fences consist of horizontal rails at about 900mm centres with projecting capping rails at about 400mm centres which support prefabricated decorative finials or gardens.
Pine Wood
Do not use pine timber for fencing, because it requires too much maintenance. Pine has a tendency to rot quickly when exposed to heavy rainfall or flooding after it has been constructed.
Cap fences require more maintenance than paling fencing because caps rotate in high winds and become loose. In addition, they pose a higher risk of injury due to protruding nails. Cap fencing posts can be placed at a maximum of 9m intervals so for this reason it is not the best choice for larger areas requiring longer lengths of the fence line.
Are Timber Fences Treated?
Yes, treated pine fencing is very common in Australia with most treated pine fences using either lapped and capped or weatherboard joint treatment.
Treated Pine Fencing
When treated pine fencing is installed it typically goes through a number of stages to ensure that the timber fence does not rot for as long as possible. They are typically treated before installation, then treated again after installation.
If the treated pine has been used for wide planks, at least two coats are applied to each plank after they have been installed. At least one coat should be applied to fence posts and other areas where the wood comes into contact with the earth and another coat should be applied to all other areas of the fence including:
- End Posts
- Mid and Gate Posts
- Rails
Fence Line Treated with Lapped and Capped Treatment
The treated pine fence is also treated before installation as it is delivered to the site. The wood should be treated as soon as possible after felling. When treated pine fencing is used in exposed areas such as Western or Eastern facing fences, you will require a higher level of protection due to your location.
A number of different coatings can be applied however treated pine fence posts tend to use pentachlorophenol which provides a stronger treated timber for outdoor applications rather than using treated timber that uses creosote which has a shorter life span for outside applications.
How Much does Post and Rail Fencing Cost in Australia?
When it comes to getting fence quotes, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. There are a lot of things that contribute to the cost of fence construction in Australia, including materials (such as steel posts, timber posts or mesh), type (such as post & rail fence, wire fence, electric fence) and the size of your project.
To get an accurate quote, you will need to provide details about what is required. For example:
- Do you require concrete tilt slabs for hard landscaping or gravel boards for soft landscaping?
- What types of fencing would you like – paling fence, wooden post fencing, chain link fence, electric fence?
- What fence height would you like and how long is the fence line?
Based on your specific budget and preferences, a detailed quotation for exactly what you need can be created. Other details that can help your costing includes;
- The number of fence capping posts needed
- The number of panels
- The size of each panel
- Gates – width, swing gate and post height:
- Electric fence required?: If yes, what is the required voltage and fence length?
Fencing quotations are also done based on your location within Australia. The cost of steel posts are higher in urban areas because they require site preparation before installation so this increases the price of installation significantly due to the resources required for each project. However, steel post fences do not need to be treated so this reduces the initial cost of installation.
An average price for different types of fence including:
- Steel Post – $1,000-$2,500
- Post & Rail – $3,000-$5,500
- Wire Fence – $900-$1,200 100 meters
- Electric Fence – $12,000-$15,000
Gates Cost on Average:
- Single Swing Gate – $1,500-2,000+
- Travelling Gate (opening gate) – $450-$1,200+
- Electric Fence Gates – $450-$900 each
