Don’t let anyone tell you that timber fencing doesn’t last. Most hardwoods, because of naturally occurring rot-resistant chemicals in their composition, have a very long lifespan. I prefer to say, simply, that due to their high-density, moisture has little effect on the cellular structure of these woods making them very durable.
Pine – a softwood – without treatment, is a no-no for outdoor use! But when impregnated with a highly effective preservative, deep into the core of the wood, it’s lifespan can be extended to a similar range as the hardwoods. Be wary of treatments that have been ‘applied’ to pine, as they are not nearly as effective as the Tanalith pressure-treatment referred to above.
On top of this, one can apply oils and other coatings to timber to keep Tanalith treated pine and hardwoods looking neat and smart. Another consideration with timber is that it can warp, leaving a timber feature looking forlorn. The answer to this is that if the workmanship is done with a sound substructure (framework) and the right fixings the timber feature will retain its original shape and respectability – so ask your contractor how he intends to do something before committing to anything.
Brick walls and palisade fences also require maintenance to keep in shape. So if you were torn between the ‘practical brick or palisade’ and the ‘beautiful timber’ options, you have it on my recommendation to choose what you prefer. Go on, give timber a fair chance. You won’t be disappointed.
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