DIY Fence, what timber to use?

IamTheWalrus95

Hi Folks, i'm looking to build a fence in back garden, similar to one in picture. Will be putting down several posts then attaching lengths to to. Looking for a durable cheap timber to use. Pressure treated. Any recommendations? i need enough for a 6ft high fence, 10m in length. Some quick advice would be great as hoping to buy timber today or tomorrow :-)

CreadanLady

You'd be better off putting up a concrete panel fence or one of the ones with powder coated aluminium posts and panels.

Will cost more but a far better job and won't rot.

I never understood the trend of timber panel fences. They rot and you've to replace them. And all the messing around with paints and preservatives every year if you want it to last more than a few years. Waste of time and energy.

IamTheWalrus95

thanks for the advice, but this is just to get something up to last a few years. have looked at the h post fencing but have decided we're gonna go this way

awec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118945976#Comment_118945976

The concrete panel fences are fairly fugly, real prison yard vibe off them.

Timber will need more maintenance and eventually replaced but it will be much easier on the eye.

ted1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118945976#Comment_118945976

Timber panels tend to look better

CreadanLady

You could get the powder coated aluminium or PVC ones with woodgrain finish.

Timber fence panels are a false economy.

ted1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118946167#Comment_118946167

they don’t look as good. And Wood Grown from a managed forest is a hell of a lot better for the environment than a plastic fence

mikehn

There will be fair pressure on the fence in the photo in a high wind. you'd want to take that into account when fixing your posts.

SuperBowserWorld

Hedge (maybe light wire fencing also) ?

Native hedge, good for the birds, bees, ... environment. Cheaper ?

Painting wooden fences every year and hoping your neighbor does the other side is a PITA and an expense.

Allinall

OP. Perhaps you should direct your query to one of the big DIY shops- Woodies, Homebase etc.

They may just answer the question you ask, rather than one you haven't asked.

IamTheWalrus95

thanks folks, it's only a small fence in a small heavily sheltered area. Just looking on recommendations for the type of timber to use?

mickward

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118946277#Comment_118946277

oh you cannot say that! the OP did ask "Any recommendations?" 😂

Allinall

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118946397#Comment_118946397

I'm just surprised nobody suggested they get a BMW 5 series M Sport instead.

mickward

No mate, you need planning permission to get one of them!

The Continental Op

Don't think you will have much choice OP, it will be pressure treated "wood" and thats about as much as the seller will probably know.

I was in a timber yard this morning and the treated softwood could have come from a variety of sources and are obviously different timbers but they are all sold as being pressure treated and thats about it. Even the labels on the pallets give no more information.

If you want quality timber then it probably won't be pressure treated.

Traditionally larch was considered one of the best timbers for fence panels.

CreadanLady

Might as well ask the cat as ask the part time pimpled staff in the likes of Woodies and homebase.

keno-daytrader

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118946878#Comment_118946878

You're a terrific help to the OP and this thread.

OP I went to my local builders supply, just get pressure treated there, will be much cheaper than the big home stores.

Fine Cheers

That looks like standard treated timber probably 4 x 1 or 5 x 1 (inches) which should be available in your local builders providers. Call in to them and walk around their yard where timber is stored or just ask at counter. Tell them it is for fencing. Goodwins website is very useful for guidance on sizes available and prices. Post size and bedding detail is important - wrap post in dpc or something similar to protect from surrounding soil and dampness.