Timber paling fences

What a new paling fence involves

Most town jobs start with what is already there. An old fence comes down and the line is re-established — worth getting right, because boundary lines drift over the years as fences get patched. Ground matters too: Halswell stone country, soft loam near the Heathcote, or fill on newer subdivisions all take a different approach at the post hole.

Heights follow what suits the section. A full-height boundary gives privacy between neighbours; lower front fences keep the streetscape open and still mark the line. Capping boards finish the top, keep weather off the paling ends and give the fence a clean shadow line. Rails go on the side that suits the property, palings face out.

Timber and Canterbury weather

Fences here cop the nor'wester, winter frosts and long dry spells. Timber moves with the seasons, so fixings need to hold without splitting the wood, and palings need consistent spacing that still looks right when boards shrink and swell. Good drainage around posts matters more than most people expect — timber sitting in wet ground rots from the bottom up, and that is what ends a fence's life early.

If you are weighing up stain or paint, both protect the timber; the choice mostly comes down to the look you want and how often you are happy to recoat. Either way, finishing both faces when you can adds years.

Ask about your fence

Every section is different, so every paling job starts with a look. Phone 03 349 0227 with the rough length, what is there now and a photo or two of the site, and we will take it from there. Based in Halswell, working across Christchurch and Canterbury.