Best Fence Post & Rail Material Choice

LGelf54 on 14/12/2017 - 12:58

Hi, I need to have a 1.8m high treated pine overlapped & capped paling dividing fence replaced in (wet, windy, termite-prone) Brisbane.
What's the best choice for the fence posts that might see me out (25+ years) at a non-ridiculous price these days?
Most hardwood posts on offer appear to be a poor substitute for what used to be available a few decades ago.
Any advice on minimum specifications would be welcome.
I'm also tempted to go for suitable-sized H3 pine rails this time, instead of hardwood.
Thanks.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • steff on 14/12/2017 - 13:07
    +1

    colourbond?

    • Gelf54 on 14/12/2017 - 14:50
      +1

      Considered it, but it doesn't match the look of the other existing fencing. Also a bit concerned about possible dents.

      • steff on 14/12/2017 - 15:14

        true. it does look a bit weird if you're matching with wooden fencing.

    • try2bhelpful on 14/12/2017 - 15:51

      I agree with the colorbond, if you can afford it. We just replaced all the weatherboard cladding on our house with this stuff. It looks good, it is easy to maintain and you don't have to keep painting/staining it.

      • Gelf54 on 14/12/2017 - 15:54

        What type of posts are used? Are they Duragal (which I believe has to be painted where the concrete touches them), hot dip galv, hot dip with powdercoat, something else?

  • HighAndDry on 14/12/2017 - 13:14

    Tungsten Carbide.

    Seriously though, this site and this site seem to concur on either Red Cedar for its natural properties, or pressure treated pine as being more budget-friendly.

    • nocure on 14/12/2017 - 13:42
      +2

      Both sites are american and don't apply to Au conditions.

      @OP Use galv steel posts 50x50, hardwood rails 75x50, Treated pine cap 100x38 and 100x15 treated pine palings.
      Go to Woodstock Timbers at Slacks Creek.

      • HighAndDry on 14/12/2017 - 13:47
        +2

        Fair enough, not a handyman myself. OP: Listen to this guy!

      • Gelf54 on 14/12/2017 - 15:12

        Interesting. One installer was suggesting 65x65 galv steel posts. Been looking, but haven't yet found any definitive information on what size is needed, other than USA sites talking about 60+mm Sch 40 round pipe.
        Can't find any good info on how long it might last either, but I'm leaning this way, I think. I'll have to find someone willing to paint the posts with epoxy mastic before concreting to prevent acid attack. Or powder coating?

        Cypress (if available) sounds good for rot & termite resistance, but I'm not sure it has the strength required for posts.

        I liked the idea of concrete posts but I don't know if they're suitable.

        I'm guessing Aluminium isn't comparable in strength & price.

        PVC? Haven't found any post suppliers yet.

        The fence we tore down was professionally erected and the hardwood posts and rails succumbed to rot and termites, hence my thinking 90x35 H3 pine rails this time.

  • Euphemistic on 14/12/2017 - 15:28
    +1

    Don't imagine you'd get 25years out of treated pine. Hardwood possibly, but either concrete or gal steel for real longevity.

    • Gelf54 on 14/12/2017 - 15:43
      +1

      That was originally my assumption too, but this document seems to suggest that treated pine is the best (at least if you're only using stakes).
      http:\pfsq.net/wp-content/2010/10/Durability-study-eucs-and-accacias.pdf

      One installer is offering a 40-year warranty on their fences with treated pine posts…sounds too good to be true though ???
      I've learnt to never trust a warranty 100%.

      Most sawn treated pine posts I've seen have a lot of exposed pith & heartwood at the ends, so I don't know if the treated outer sapwood is enough to prevent the heartwood ever getting attacked.

      Another site suggest the only treated pine you should ever put into the ground are round poles, but fence installers are reluctant. Perhaps there's no good way to mount the rails securely.

      • HighAndDry on 14/12/2017 - 16:04
        +2

        I've learnt to never trust a warranty 100%.

        A warranty only realistically lasts as long as the company stays in business. At most.

      • coin saver on 14/12/2017 - 18:27

        "One installer is offering a 40-year warranty on their fences with treated pine posts" But he is 85yrs old

  • Gelf54 on 14/12/2017 - 16:08

    Has anyone used these for a domestic fence?
    http://www.concreteposts.com.au/residential-posts/
    Wonder if any installers will use them?

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join