Fencing is an important element in defining the appearance and functionality of any New Zealand home’s outdoor space. With the right fence choice, homeowners can add security, privacy, and aesthetic charm, and even increase property values. However, the range of fencing options available can make selecting the ideal style a challenging decision. This guide provides an overview of three of the most popular timber fence designs for NZ homes – Palisade, Picket, and Privacy – to help homeowners understand the pros and cons of each option.

We’ll briefly introduce the key characteristics and benefits of Palisade, Picket, and Privacy fences. By understanding the differences between these three classic styles, and considering factors like budget, lifestyle needs, and garden style, homeowners can make an informed decision when choosing timber fencing that fulfills both form and function. The following sections will explore the materials, maintenance needs, cultural associations, customization options and costs of each fence variety in detail, providing Kiwi homeowners the knowledge to pick the perfect fencing for their home.

Palisade Fences

Palisade fences are characterized by vertical wooden slats or palings that are tightly spaced to form a solid, opaque barrier. They often feature pointed tops, reminiscent of medieval defensive walls. The most common materials used for palisade fences in New Zealand are western red cedar and treated pine.

Cedar offers natural rot resistance and weather ability, though treated pine can also be quite durable. Compared to picket fences, palisade fences provide increased privacy and security due to their solid, non-see-through design. Their height and close spacing prevent climbing or passage between the palings. This robust structure makes palisade fencing a popular choice for perimeter boundaries.

Palisade fences can provide an elegant, distinguished look with traditional crossover Appeal. The vertical lines and capped points create a bold statement that enhances curb Appeal and establishes definitive property lines. For those seeking enhanced security with an eye-catching style, palisade fences are an ideal choice.

However, the materials and tightly-spaced construction of palisade fencing make it one of the more expensive wood fence options. Regular maintenance and repairs may also be needed, as moisture getting trapped between the palings can accelerate decay. Proper sealing and allowing space at the bottom for drainage can help maximize durability. Overall, palisade fencing provides unmatched security combined with a stately presence, though the costs require careful consideration.

The Simple Charm of Picket Fences

Picket fences hold a special place in the New Zealand landscape. The classic white picket fence evokes a sense of nostalgia, perfectionism, and wholesome living. Though picket fences originated in England and France, they quickly became a fixture of colonial life in New Zealand. Today, picket fences can be found surrounding quaint cottages, elegant villas, farmyards, and more.

Picket fences come in a variety of styles that allow homeowners to match their fence with the architectural style of their home. Simple styles with closely spaced pickets work well with traditional cottages. Wider-spaced pickets have a more rustic farmhouse feel. Ornate picket fences with pointed finials suit Victorian homes. Even contemporary homes can incorporate picket fences if they opt for sleek, modern materials like steel, wire, or composite wood.

In addition to complementing classic Kiwi architecture, picket fences hold cultural significance in New Zealand. They represent a romantic notion of an ideal family home. Picket fences and rose bushes are practically synonymous with the classic Kiwi backyard. Many homeowners choose picket fences to invoke feelings of nostalgia.

To keep picket fences looking tidy, they require regular maintenance. An annual inspection of the posts and gate is important. Pickets may need re-straightening if they get knocked askew. Every few years, sanding and repainting will maintain that crisp, clean white appearance. For longevity, use an outdoor wood primer before repainting. And be sure to clear any vegetation that grows alongside the fence line. With proper care, a charming picket fence can last for decades.

Privacy Fences Provide Seclusion and Enhance Property Value

Privacy fences are a popular choice for homeowners seeking an enclosed, secluded outdoor space. The primary role of privacy fencing is to provide visual and noise separation between a home’s backyard and neighboring properties or public areas.

Constructed using tightly spaced wooden boards or other opaque materials, privacy fences block views and muffle sounds from outside the enclosed area. This allows homeowners to enjoy solitary recreation or entertainment without being seen or heard by others. The seclusion offered by privacy fencing fosters a greater sense of comfort and freedom in the yard.

To optimize privacy, most homeowners in New Zealand choose fences constructed from solid wood panels or a combination of overlapping boards. Wooden privacy fences are often 1.83 meters high, though taller heights of up to 2.74 meters can provide even greater seclusion. Pre-assembled vinyl or composite privacy panels are also available for low-maintenance durability.

When designing a privacy fence, homeowners must balance optimal seclusion with aesthetics. Opaque materials can feel imposing if used for the entire perimeter. Combining privacy sections around patios or seating areas with open-slat fencing keeps the yard from feeling boxed-in. Curved fences with landscape buffers also create seclusion while maintaining an appealing streetscape.

Investing in privacy fencing can increase a property’s value by creating a usable, enjoyable outdoor living space. Homebuyers are willing to pay more for privacy and tranquility. By shielding backyards from noise and views, privacy fences enhance relaxation and recreation and make a home more attractive on the market. They also boost the value derived from swimming pools, hot tubs, and landscaping.

Comparison of Timber Fence Styles

When comparing the three main timber fence styles in NZ – palisade, picket, and privacy – there are several key factors to consider.

Cost

• Palisade Fences: Typically, palisade fences are known to be one of the more cost-effective fencing options. Their simple vertical plank design requires fewer materials and simplifies the construction process, which contributes to their affordability.
• Picket Fences: Falling within a mid-range price bracket, picket fences consist of decorative horizontal slats. The design complexity and material volume slightly increase the cost compared to simpler fencing types, such as palisade fences.
• Privacy Fences: Privacy fences, being a premium option, tend to be more expensive. They feature overlapping horizontal boards that demand a significant amount of timber and increased construction efforts, which in turn, elevates their price point.

Durability

• Cedar and macrocarpa are two quality timber options commonly used for fences in NZ. Cedar offers good weather resistance, while macrocarpa is highly durable and rot-resistant.
• With proper installation and maintenance – such as sealing or staining every 2-3 years – all three fence styles can provide 10+ years of service life when using quality timber.
• Privacy fences may need a bit more maintenance given the horizontal overlapping boards are more prone to warping and moisture retention.

Environmental Impact

• Using sustainably harvested timber for fencing has a low carbon footprint. Cedar and macrocarpa are two renewable options.
• Compared to concrete, steel, or vinyl fencing, timber fences are far easier to recycle at the end of life. They can be chipped or re-purposed.
• Stained fences minimize environmental impact since stains soak in vs surface coatings. Unstained, they weather naturally over time.

Suitability for Styles

• Palisade fences suit formal gardens and traditional homes well with their vertical, clean lines.
• Picket fences deliver classic charm perfect for cottage gardens, seaside homes, and countryside villas.
• Privacy fences help create intimate spaces and seclusion for any property wanting a visual barricade.

Personalization and Customization

When selecting a timber fence for your New Zealand home, you’ll want to consider options to make it your own through custom designs, staining, or painting. This allows you to match your fence to your home’s personality and style.

Custom Staining and Painting

Staining or painting a timber fence allows you to customize the color to your preferences. However, this can impact the fence’s durability and appearance over time. Timber fences are naturally protected by the tannins, oils, and resins in the wood, but staining and especially painting can reduce this natural weather resistance.

When painting a fence, use high-quality exterior paints and prepare the wood properly with sanding and priming for best results. Expect to have to regularly maintain the paint with new coats every 5-7 years. For staining, use a semi-transparent stain to allow the wood’s natural grain to show through while providing protection and color. Reapply stain every 2-3 years.

Impact on Durability and Appearance

In New Zealand’s climate, unprotected timber will weather to a grey patina over 1-2 years. While some prefer this natural, coastal look, staining or painting provides much longer color retention. However, moisture trapped under solid stains or paint can accelerate rotting. Proper preparation and maintenance will be key.

Plan to reapply your chosen paint or stain regularly. Painted fences may bubble or peel more quickly than stained. Inspect your fence for wear each season and address any problem areas promptly to maintain its curb appeal.

Custom Fence Designs

Beyond color, you can also customize your timber fence design. Some options include:

• Mixing board widths and orientations for a unique pattern
• Adding custom arbors, trellises, or gates
• Incorporating decorative post caps and ornamental hardware
• Alternating board styles, like wider palisade boards with narrower pickets
• Choosing a three-rail vs four-rail fence height
• Setting posts at an angle for a more dynamic look

Work with your fencing contractor to brainstorm ways to modify a standard fence style into one that reflects your personal taste and complements your landscape. With the right materials and creative customization, you can achieve both privacy and aesthetic appeal with your New Zealand timber fence.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Timber Fence Style

When selecting a timber fence style for your home, there are several important factors to weigh before making a decision. The main considerations include:

Yard Size

The size and layout of your property will influence what style of fence is most suitable. Larger yards offer more flexibility, while smaller spaces may dictate a need for privacy versus a decorative fence. Evaluate the amount of space you have to work with.

Privacy Needs

Think about your privacy needs and those of your neighbours. If seclusion is a priority, a solid privacy fence is best. More open picket or palisade styles allow for airflow and views. Be sure to check local regulations on fence height and other restrictions.

Aesthetics

Timber fences range from rustic and natural to refined and ornamental in style. Consider your home’s architecture and outdoor landscape. Select a fence that complements the look you want to achieve. Palisade and picket designs provide classic curb appeal.

Budget

Cost will be influenced by the linear meters required, materials chosen, and fence style. Though vinyl is often cheaper upfront, wood fences have a cozier, upscale look. Be sure to factor in long-term maintenance costs as well in your budget.

Local Regulations

Most councils have specific rules around the maximum height, setbacks from property lines, and opacity for fencing. Be sure to check the guidelines for your area first before deciding on a style. This can help narrow down options.

Future Plans

Think ahead of any planned renovations or landscaping projects. You’ll want a fence style that is flexible enough to work with potential changes. Avoid choices that could limit you later on.

Prioritize the factors above that are most important for your home. This will make it easier to select the ideal timber fence style for your needs and preferences. Considering all the key criteria first allows for an informed decision.

Installation & Maintenance

Installing a timber fence on your property can be a big project, so you’ll need to decide whether to tackle it as a DIY job or hire a professional fencing contractor.

DIY Installation

Installing a timber fence yourself can save money compared to hiring a pro, but it requires proper planning, tools, and construction skills. Be sure to get any necessary permits, mark utilities lay out precise measurements, and excavate post holes before setting posts in concrete. You’ll need post-hole diggers, a shovel, level, nails, a hammer, a circular saw, and potentially a concrete mixer. Use extreme caution when digging and handling heavy materials.

Professional Installation

Hiring a professional fencing company takes the hassle out of installing a new timber fence. Experienced contractors have the right tools, materials, and skills to construct the fence properly and efficiently. They can provide guidance on selecting the optimal fence style and materials for your property. Though more expensive than DIY, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing the job was done correctly.

When securing your property, professional installation is the way to go – and Real Fencing excels at it. This seasoned team of experts simplifies what might seem like a daunting process by bringing their skills, tools, and high-quality materials to each project they undertake. They offer comprehensive guidance on selecting the most suitable fence style and materials for your specific needs. While hiring professionals might be a bigger initial investment compared to DIY, the peace of mind you gain from knowing the job has been flawlessly done outweighs the cost. Choose Real Fencing – it’s choosing excellence and longevity.

Maintenance & Repairs

All timber fences will require some degree of ongoing maintenance. Expect to pressure wash, clean, and re-stain or seal your fence every 2-3 years. Check for loose nails, damaged pickets, warped boards, and rotting posts. Make repairs right away to prevent further deterioration. Replace severely damaged sections. With regular upkeep, a timber fence can last over 15 years. Professional maintenance services are available if you don’t want to tackle fence repairs yourself.

Sourcing Timber

When selecting timber for your new fence, you’ll need to decide between using native timber species or treated pine. Both have their advantages and drawbacks to consider:

Native Timber

• Native trees like totara, manuka, and kauri are excellent choices for fencing. Their dense, durable wood makes them naturally resistant to rot and insect damage.
• Using native timber helps support local forestry and reduces environmental impacts from shipping and manufacturing.
• However, native timber is becoming increasingly rare. Old-growth native forests are protected, so any new timber will be from regenerating forests or timber plantations.
• The cost of native timber can also be 2-3 times higher than treated timber. But it may last over 50 years, offsetting the upfront price.

Treated Pine

• Treated pine is the most common and affordable fencing timber. It undergoes a pressure treatment process to infuse chemicals into the wood.
• This protects against moisture damage, rot, and insects like borer. Treatment ensures a service life of 15-25 years.
• Opt for responsibly sourced treated pine from sustainably managed pine forests. This reduces habitat destruction.
• Avoid older treated pine produced using toxic chemicals like CCA (copper chrome arsenate). Modern treatments use less hazardous chemicals.
• Disposing of treated timber may have environmental impacts, so reuse/recycling should be maximized.

Ultimately the choice comes down to budget, sustainability aims, and desired lifespan. Chat with your local timber suppliers to source environmentally responsible, quality timber for a durable, long-lasting fence.

Trends & Innovations

In recent years, there have been some exciting new trends and innovations in timber fence styles and materials in New Zealand. Homeowners today have more options than ever when it comes to customizing, personalizing and adding unique flair to their fencing.

New Materials

While traditional woods like pine have long been the go-to for fencing, new composite materials are now gaining popularity. These can offer benefits like being more durable, low maintenance, and resistant to rot and insect damage. Some composites blend wood fibers and recycled plastics to create faux wood plastic versions of picket and privacy fences. Others use a mix of wood, cement, and vinyl. These innovated materials provide the beauty of real wood with added resilience.

Creative Designs

Kiwi homeowners are moving beyond basic designs and exploring creative new looks with their fencing. Some popular trends include accent fences with bold colors or patterns, mixed material combinations, and artistic details like decorative cut-outs, built-in planter boxes, or decorative post finials. Using fences as a decorative focal point, rather than just a utilitarian border, allows homeowners to integrate their unique personality and style into their outdoor space.

Overall, new trends in materials, solar integration, and artistic fence elements allow Kiwis to have a tailored, high-end looking fence that expresses personal taste and enhances the aesthetics and functionality of any backyard. There’s never been more room for creativity and customization when it comes to timber fencing possibilities.

Conclusion

When choosing a timber fence for your NZ home, there are three classic styles that each have their own aesthetic appeal and functional benefits.

Palisade fences offer sleek, vertical lines that provide security through visibility while maintaining an attractive, traditional look. Their simple design pairs well with modern architecture. Picket fences evoke a charming, storybook feel with their low horizontal lines, often painted white. They lend cottage gardens old-world character. Privacy fences maximize seclusion and shelter with solid, opaque panels that block views. This allows you to extend your home’s intimate spaces outdoors.

In the end, selecting a timber fence comes down to your priorities. Do you want to enhance curb appeal or create private spaces? Does low maintenance matter more than customization? Consider how the style complements your home’s architecture and landscape. The timeless elegance of these three classic looks ensures your new fence will increase your property’s value for years to come.

We encourage you to explore all the possibilities. With the right fence choice, you can welcome visitors with a cozy charm or a relaxing retreat. Discover the timber fence that expresses your unique sense of home.