Treated Pine Single Paling Timber Fencing

What a single paling fence is

A single paling fence carries one layer of vertical treated pine palings, fixed side by side to horizontal rails that span between the posts.

Because the palings sit in a single plane, the finished face is flat and even. It is the fence most Sydney homeowners picture when they think of a timber boundary fence.

The paling face is the presentation side. The opposite side shows the rails and post faces, which is normal for this style and is usually the side that faces your own yard or the neighbouring property, depending on what is agreed.

How it is built

1. Posts are set out along the boundary, then dug and concreted before any rails or palings go on.
2. Horizontal rails are fixed between the posts to carry the palings. The number of rails depends on the height of the fence.
3. Palings are then fixed to the rails one at a time, kept plumb and aligned, working to a consistent line along the top.
4. Where the fence changes direction or steps down a slope, each bay is set out individually so the top line stays deliberate rather than wandering.

Privacy and appearance

A single paling fence blocks direct view across the boundary. Palings are fixed next to each other, and because timber moves with the weather the joins between palings can tighten and open slightly through the year. If you want no sight line at all through the fence face, a lapped or lap and cap fence is the better choice.

Height considerations

Common finished heights are 1.5m, 1.8m, 2.1m and 2.4m. 1.8m is the usual height for a residential side or rear boundary. Height can be affected by ground level, existing retaining, and what applies to your property, so it is confirmed at the site measure.

Replacing an existing fence

Most single paling work in Sydney is replacement of an older timber fence. The existing fence and its footings are removed and disposed of, the line is re-established, and the new fence is built. Removing the old fence is quoted as part of the job.

Site conditions

• Sloping ground: the fence is stepped or raked so the top line is deliberate and the bottom follows the ground.
• Existing retaining walls and block walls: the fence can be built above them, which changes the effective height.
• Tree roots, services and rock: these affect where posts can be dug and are assessed on site.
• Soft or filled ground: post depth and concrete are set with the ground conditions in mind.

Access

Palings, rails, posts and concrete all have to reach the fence line. Narrow side paths, steps, locked rear yards and shared driveways all affect how the job is run. Bring it up at the measure and take a photo of the access if you can.

Installation

1. Free site measure and quote, on site, with the boundary walked end to end.
2. Existing fence removed and disposed of where that is part of the job.
3. Fence line set out, posts dug and concreted.
4. Rails fixed, then palings fixed and lined up.
5. Gates hung and adjusted, site cleaned up, offcuts and old material taken away.