Timber Fencing in Melbourne: Everything You Need to Know

Jake Bunston
Sep 25
5 min read

Why Timber Fencing Remains Melbourne's Top Choice

Melbourne timber fencing offers the best blend of natural beauty, privacy, and security for your property. Whether you're improving kerb appeal, creating a private backyard, or securing your boundary, timber provides timeless style and versatility. From classic paling fences to contemporary batten screens, there's a design to suit every Melbourne home.

This guide will walk you through the popular styles, timber species, costs, and maintenance tips to help you make an informed choice. As the director of Make Fencing, I'm Jake Bunston, and with over a decade of hands-on experience, I'm here to share what makes a timber fence both beautiful and durable.

Your Complete Guide to Melbourne Timber Fencing

When you choose a new fence, you're making a statement about your home's character. A well-chosen timber fence improves kerb appeal, provides privacy, and can significantly boost property value. This guide covers everything you need to know about melbourne timber fencing.

Popular Timber Fencing Styles and Species

Timber's versatility means there's a style for every Melbourne home, from heritage terraces to modern townhouses.

Paling Fencing: The classic choice for privacy and security, typically built with durable and cost-effective treated pine. Its solid construction also acts as an effective windbreak.
Picket Fencing: Offers traditional charm for front boundaries, defining your space without blocking light. Picket tops can be customised to match your home's character.
Merbau Fencing: A premium hardwood with rich, dark tones, perfect for creating a luxurious statement with feature fences or contemporary batten screens.
Batten Fencing: A modern style using horizontal or vertical slats with planned gaps, offering a balance of privacy and architectural appeal. Premium timbers like Merbau or Silvertop Ash are popular choices.
Lapped and Capped Fencing: An upgrade to paling fences, the overlapping palings provide superior privacy and sound reduction, finished with a protective top cap for a polished look.

A classic Treated Pine paling fence offers timeless privacy and security for your home.

The timber you choose impacts your fence's look, longevity, and budget. Treated Pine is a versatile and budget-friendly option, treated to resist decay and termites. Cypress Pine offers natural termite resistance with a rustic, knotty appearance.

Hardwoods like Merbau and Silvertop Ash provide exceptional strength, density, and natural beauty for a premium finish. Our team can help you find the perfect match with custom fences Melbourne homeowners love and share inspiring backyard fence ideas.

The Benefits of Choosing Timber for Your Melbourne Property

Timber fencing is an investment that delivers more than just a boundary.

Natural Beauty and Value: Timber's organic texture and warm tones offer a timeless aesthetic that boosts kerb appeal and can increase your property's market value. It complements any architectural style, from classic to contemporary.
Privacy and Security: Solid timber fences create a private sanctuary for your family, free from prying eyes. A well-built fence also clearly defines your boundary and acts as a physical deterrent, enhancing security.
Durability and Versatility: Modern treated timbers and quality hardwoods are built to withstand Melbourne's 'four-seasons-in-a-day' climate. Timber can be stained, painted, or left to weather naturally, offering endless customisation to match your home and garden.
Eco-Friendly Choice: When sourced from sustainably managed plantations, timber is a renewable resource with a lower carbon footprint than many alternatives.

Explore more about our residential solutions to see how we can improve your home.

Timber vs. Other Materials: What's the Right Choice?

While materials like Colorbond steel and aluminium have their place, timber offers unique advantages.

Aesthetics: Timber provides a natural warmth and texture that metal can't replicate. It can be customised with paints and stains, whereas Colorbond steel offers a uniform, modern look in a set range of colours. Aluminium is sleek and minimalist, often used for pool fencing or modern screens.
Maintenance and Repairs: Timber requires periodic re-staining or sealing to protect it from the elements, but this also allows you to refresh its look. Individual boards are often easy to repair or replace. Metal fences are low-maintenance but can be difficult and costly to repair if dented or scratched.
The Verdict for Melbourne: For homeowners who value natural beauty, customisation, and a timeless look, timber is the ideal choice. It suits both heritage and modern Melbourne properties perfectly. For those prioritising a uniform, low-maintenance finish, steel options from brands like Colorbond may be suitable.

Cost of Timber Fencing Installation in Melbourne

A professional general installation in Melbourne typically costs between $70 and $200 per linear metre. This is a guide, and your final investment will depend on several key factors:

Timber Species: Budget-friendly Treated Pine is the most economical, while premium hardwoods like Merbau cost more.
Fence Design: A standard 1.8m paling fence is more affordable than taller fences or complex designs like lapped and capped or custom picket styles.
Site Conditions: Difficult access, sloping ground, or rocky soil can increase labour costs. Removal of an old fence will also add to the total price.

While a DIY approach might seem cheaper, it involves hidden costs for tools, potential mistakes, and a significant time investment. Professional installation helps ensure your fence is built correctly and looks great, offering better long-term value. For an accurate price, it's always best to get a custom quote for your project.

Maintaining Your Melbourne Timber Fence and Common Issues

With proper care, your timber fence can stand strong for many years against Melbourne's variable climate. Regular cleaning with a brush and water prevents grime build-up. The most crucial task is re-staining or sealing every 2-5 years to protect the timber from moisture and UV damage, which prevents fading and preserves its colour.

Common issues like rot and termites are best prevented by using quality treated pine and ensuring good drainage around the fence posts. Warping can be minimised by using properly seasoned timber and correct installation techniques. While some tannins may leach from new hardwood fences like Merbau, this is a natural process that can be managed with proper sealing.

Regular checks help you spot and fix minor issues before they become major problems. For expert help, see our information on timber fence repairs or get tips for dealing with an old wood fence.

How to Choose the Right Timber Fencing Contractor

The quality of your fence depends heavily on the skill of your contractor. Look for a company with proven experience, a strong portfolio of past work, and positive customer testimonials. A reputable contractor uses high-quality materials and demonstrates superior craftsmanship.

Clear communication is also key. Your contractor should listen to your needs, offer expert advice, and provide a transparent quote. At Make Fencing, we bring over a decade of hands-on experience to every job. Our customer-first approach ensures we deliver a custom solution that meets your vision and is built to the highest standards. This commitment to quality and service is what you should look for. Learn more about what to look for in timber fencing contractors.

Ready to Improve Your Property with the Perfect Timber Fence?

A quality timber fence is an investment in your Melbourne home's style, privacy, and value. From classic paling to contemporary hardwood screens, the right design can transform your property, providing security and boosting kerb appeal for years to come.

At MAKE Fencing, we combine 10+ years of experience with a passion for quality craftsmanship. I personally oversee projects to ensure they meet our exacting standards. We take a customer-first approach, working with you to create a custom solution that perfectly suits your home and budget. Using only high-quality materials, we build durable fences.