Treated pine
Single Paling
One layer of palings fixed side by side to the rails. The most common timber boundary fence in Sydney and the most straightforward to repair paling by paling.
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Australian hardwood
Hardwood Single Paling Timber Fencing
Australian hardwood palings instead of treated pine. A denser, heavier timber with a different look, for projects where hardwood is the right call.
- Material
- Australian hardwood
- Paling layout
- Single layer, palings side by side
- Capping rail
- No
- Posts
- Timber or 65mm x 65mm steel
- Common heights
- 1.5m, 1.8m, 2.1m, 2.4m
- Matching gates
- Pedestrian, single, double, driveway
What a hardwood single paling fence is
Hardwood single paling fencing is built the same way as treated pine single paling fencing, with one layer of vertical palings fixed to horizontal rails.
The difference is the timber. Australian hardwood is a denser, heavier timber than treated pine, with a different colour and a more pronounced grain.
Hardwood is chosen where the look of the timber matters, where a heavier paling is wanted, or where hardwood suits the rest of the property.
How it is built
- Posts set out, dug and concreted before any rails or palings go on.
- Rails fixed between posts, sized for the finished height and the weight of hardwood palings.
- Hardwood palings fixed to the rails one at a time, kept plumb and aligned along the top.
- Hardwood is harder to fix than pine, so fixings and technique are adjusted for the density of the timber.
Privacy and appearance
The same as treated pine single paling. Palings sit side by side rather than overlapping, so the fence blocks direct view across the boundary while the joins between palings can move slightly as the timber moves.
Height considerations
Common finished heights are 1.5m, 1.8m, 2.1m and 2.4m. Because hardwood palings are heavier than pine, height and post selection are considered together. Final height is confirmed at the site measure.
Hardwood Single Paling projects
Our own installations across Sydney. Tap any photo to see it larger.
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Treated pine timber fence built alongside concrete stairs on a steeply sloping Sydney site
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Treated pine timber fence installed along a narrow paved side access path between two Sydney homes
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Treated pine timber fence built on top of an existing besser block retaining wall at a Sydney property
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Treated pine timber fence built along a narrow brick paved laneway at a Sydney property
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Treated pine timber fence enclosing a small courtyard with paved surface at a Sydney property
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Treated pine timber fence bordering a low maintenance yard with artificial turf at a Sydney home
Structure
Posts and rails
A timber fence is only as good as what holds it up. Post depth, post type and rail spacing are decided by the height of the fence and what the ground is like.
Posts
- Timber or 65mm x 65mm steel posts.
- Each post set 600mm deep and secured with at least one full 20kg bag of concrete.
- Posts can be filled with concrete up to one third of their length for extra strength.
- Hardwood palings are heavier than pine, so post and rail selection accounts for the additional weight, particularly on gates and tall runs.
Rails
- Rails carry the full weight of the hardwood palings, so rail sizing follows both the height of the fence and the weight of the timber.
- Gate openings are framed to carry a hardwood gate, which is heavier than the equivalent pine gate.
Gate integration
Gates that match this fence
Hardwood gates are built to match the fence in the same timber and to the same height. Because a hardwood gate is heavier than a pine gate of the same size, the gate posts and hardware are selected accordingly. Pedestrian, single, double and driveway gates can all be built in hardwood.
Replacing an existing fence
Where an existing hardwood fence is being replaced, the old fence and footings are removed and disposed of, the line is re-established, and the new hardwood fence is built.
Site conditions
- Sloping ground: stepped or raked, the same as a pine fence.
- Above retaining or block walls: workable, with the extra weight of hardwood taken into account.
- Rock, roots and services: assessed on site as they affect post positions.
- Handling: hardwood is heavier, so tight access affects a hardwood job more than a pine job.
Access
Hardwood palings are heavier to carry than pine. Narrow side paths, steps and rear yards without vehicle access all matter more on a hardwood job, so mention access at the measure.
Installation
- Free site measure and quote on site, with the boundary walked end to end.
- Existing fence removed and disposed of where included.
- Posts set out, dug and concreted.
- Rails fixed, hardwood palings fixed and aligned.
- Gates hung and adjusted, site cleaned up and old material removed.
Hardwood Single Paling questions
What is hardwood single paling fencing?
Single paling fence construction using Australian hardwood palings instead of treated pine. One layer of palings fixed to horizontal rails, in a denser and heavier timber.
Is hardwood better than treated pine for fencing?
It is a different material rather than a straight upgrade. Hardwood is denser, heavier and naturally durable, with a different look. Treated pine is lighter, easier to work and less expensive. Which one suits depends on the property, the look you want and the budget.
Does a hardwood fence need to be oiled or painted?
No, but it changes appearance if you leave it. Uncoated hardwood weathers to a grey silver. Coating it with oil or stain keeps more of the original colour.
Do you build hardwood gates?
Yes. Hardwood gates are built to match the fence. Because they are heavier than pine gates, the gate posts and hardware are selected for the extra weight.
Sydney
Hardwood Single Paling fencing across Sydney
We supply and install hardwood single paling fencing across Sydney, from Western Sydney and the Hills through to the Inner West, the north and the south. Each quote is based on a site measure, because boundary length, access and ground levels all change what the job involves.
Other timber fencing systems
Same trade, different face. Here is how the alternatives differ.
Treated pine
Lap & Cap
Palings overlap so there is no sight line through the face, and a capping rail runs along the top to finish the fence and protect the paling ends.
View fence Treated pine
Lapped Only
Palings overlap to close the sight line through the fence, and the paling tops are left as the finished top line rather than being covered by a capping rail.
View fence
Free site measure & quote
Get hardwood single paling quoted for your boundary
Tell us the length, the height and how many gates. Add photos of what is there now and you will get an estimate that reflects your actual site.
NSW Fencing Licence 269038C · ABN 76 612 245 594