8 Tips to Maintain Your Timber Post and Rail Fence
Best Practices for Protecting Your Timber Post and Rail Fence
If you’re lucky enough to have a timber post and rail fence, you probably already know how sturdy and charming it can be. Compared to a standard picket fence, which might last around 10 years, a post and rail fence can stand tall for 30 years or more, thanks to its solid timber posts and design that keeps the rails well off the ground. But, like anything outdoors, it still needs a bit of care to keep it looking its best. With these simple tips, you can ensure your fence stays strong and lasts even longer.
1. Oil the timber
Oiling your fence is the best and easiest way to protect your fence. It doesn’t just make your fence look fresh and tidy—oil acts like a shield against the elements. The Australian weather can be tough on wood, and moisture is the number one enemy. A good coat of penetrating oil soaks deep into the grains of the timber and stops water from seeping into the wood, which can lead to rot over time. Plus, it helps protect against pests, UV damage and mould growth. So, grab that brush and give your fence a fresh coat every few years!
2. Seal the post tops
Timber is a natural product and minor cracking or checking is normal and occurs as the timber expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations. This can add character to the fence, and whilst minor cracks are a normal occurrence there are simple ways to minimize checking, these are: Keeping the timber well oiled as mentioned in Point 1. and sealing any exposed ends. Moisture loss/gain is the greatest at the ends of a post, by sealing the ends, this slows down the rate of change and keep the timber at an even moisture content.
3. Re-oil for Longevity
If you’ve already oiled your fence, that’s great! But remember, it’s not a once-and-done deal. Re-oiling your fence every few years not only freshens its look but also adds an extra layer of protection. Over time, the oil wears away, and the wood becomes exposed to moisture and UV rays. Regular re-coating to the oil manufacturers specs. will protect your fence and prevent more significant issues.
4. Improve Soil Drainage Around the Fence
Good drainage around your fence posts is vital. Water pooling at the base of the posts can lead to rotting, even with treated timber. You can improve soil drainage by adding gravel or soil around the posts to help divert water away or simply ensuring no dips or low spots allow water to sit.
5. Regular Pest Inspections
Even if timber is treated or naturally termite resistant, it doesn’t mean that pest won’t get into timber. It's always a good idea to look for pests and termites, especially in warmer climates. Consider getting a professional inspection annually, or you can use termite repellent and ground treatments to keep the little critters away. (If you live in a classified termite zone, you can get this treatment done at the same time as your regular home treatment)
6. Remove Surrounding Vegetation
While it looks nice to have plants growing near your fence, they can cause more harm than good. Overgrown vegetation, moss, or vines trap moisture against the timber, which can lead to rot. Moss, in particular, holds onto water and creates the perfect environment for decay. Keep plants and vines trimmed back, and if possible, remove anything growing directly on or around your fence to prevent moisture buildup.
7. Timely Repairs to Avoid Bigger Problems
Whether it’s a loose rail or a cracked post, repairing your wooden fence is essential to maintaining its integrity. Fixing minor issues when they first pop up is much easier and cheaper than waiting until they become major structural problems. So, keep an eye on your fence and tackle repairs as soon as you spot them.
8. Apply bitumen coating to the base of posts
While bitumen coating is best applied during the initial installation, it can be applied as a remedial coating as well. Timber generally rots at ground level (Not below the ground). If you notice any rot starting to form at ground level you can fix this by digging around the post, scratching back the rotten section of the timber (A wire wheel on an angle grinder can work well here) and then coating the post with 2 coats of a quality bitumen coating, ensuring the coating goes from around 100mm below ground level to 50mm above ground level.
By following these tips, your timber post and rail fence can stay in top condition for decades. A little bit of maintenance goes a long way in keeping your fence looking great and standing strong. Plus, it’ll save you time and money in the long run by preventing larger, more costly repairs down the road.
To learn more about timber and rail fences, read our guide to installing timer and rail fences and the complete guide to timber and rail fencing.
