Different Species of Timber Used for Fences

 

The Different Species of Timber Used for Fences

When it comes to building a long-lasting fence, the type of timber you choose makes a real difference. Each species of wood has its own strengths, weaknesses and appearance. Some are naturally durable, while others rely on treatment to perform well outdoors. Whether you're buying pre-made fence panels or considering building your own, it's helpful to understand the characteristics of different timber species.

Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used timbers in UK fencing, with real examples of how they're used.

Stacked Timber 

 

Redwood (Scots Pine)

Redwood, also known as Scots Pine, is one of the most popular timbers used in fencing across the UK. It’s a softwood with a finer grain than many others, which gives it a smooth, clean finish – ideal for creating high-quality fence panels.

When pressure treated, redwood offers impressive resistance to decay and insects. It’s often the timber of choice for closeboard fencing, hit and miss panels and premium horizontal slatted panels.

Best for: Long-lasting garden fencing, professional-quality fence panels and a polished finish.

Cedar (Western Red Cedar)

Western Red Cedar is prized for its natural resistance to moisture, rot and insect damage. It contains oils that make it highly durable even without treatment, and it has a warm tone and a pleasant scent.

Cedar is commonly used in contemporary slatted fencing, decorative screens and premium garden boundaries, especially in areas where maintenance is a concern. It weathers gracefully to a silver-grey over time if left untreated.

Best for: Modern designs, low-maintenance fencing and high-end installations.

Corsican Pine

Corsican Pine is a fast-growing softwood often found in British forestry. It’s slightly coarser than Scots Pine but strong and very receptive to pressure treatment. Once treated, it performs well outdoors and is often used in fence posts, structural rails and support framing for heavier fence panels.

Best for: Treated structural fencing, posts and heavy-duty installations.

Chestnut

Chestnut, particularly Sweet Chestnut, is a traditional hardwood commonly used in rustic and agricultural fencing. It splits easily, making it ideal for cleft chestnut fencing, where upright pales are split rather than sawn for a more natural look.

It’s also highly durable due to its tannin content, which offers good resistance to rot without needing treatment. Chestnut fencing is a popular choice in countryside settings and areas where a natural appearance is preferred.

Best for: Post and rail fencing, cleft fencing and traditional rural boundaries.

Radiata Pine

Radiata Pine grows quickly and has a smooth, even grain. On its own, it doesn’t offer much natural durability outdoors, but it responds very well to pressure treatment – essential for fencing longevity. It’s widely used in countries like New Zealand and is becoming more common in the UK for cost-effective treated fence panels.

Best for: Budget fencing projects where timber is properly treated before installation.

Southern Yellow Pine

Southern Yellow Pine is a dense, high-resin softwood with great structural strength. Its density allows it to absorb treatment deep into the grain, giving it excellent resistance to rot and insects. It’s often chosen for heavy-duty fencing, posts, and gates where strength is key.

Best for: Exposed locations, wind-prone areas and structural fencing components.

Larch (European or Siberian)

Larch is a naturally durable softwood known for its rustic character. It contains high levels of resin, which help it resist decay and pests. Siberian Larch, in particular, is slow-grown and denser, offering better performance outdoors.

You’ll often see Larch used in larch lap panels, which provide a traditional and budget-friendly option. However, Larch does not absorb pressure treatment effectively, which limits its long-term durability. Compared to a properly treated pine, untreated or lightly treated Larch may have a shorter service life.

Best for: Traditional lap panels, slatted panels with natural weathering, and fencing where aesthetics outweigh lifespan.

Spruce (Norway Spruce)

Spruce is a lightweight, fast-growing softwood and one of the more economical options for fencing. While not naturally durable, it responds reasonably well to pressure treatment. It has a pale finish with visible knots and is widely used in featheredge pales – commonly found in closeboard or traditional fencing setups.

When treated, Spruce can perform well, but it’s generally better suited to shorter-term projects or fences in sheltered spots.

Best for: Featheredge fencing, simple boundary panels and cost-effective solutions.

Douglas Fir

Douglas Fir is a tough, stable softwood that offers excellent structural integrity. When treated, it resists decay and pests well, and its straight grain makes it ideal for construction. It’s commonly used in gate frames, post and rail fencing, and other areas where strength matters.

Best for: Framework, high-stress fencing areas and large gate structures.

Oak

Oak is a dense, slow-grown hardwood that offers outstanding durability and timeless character. It’s not commonly used for standard fence panels due to cost and weight, but it’s occasionally chosen for bespoke fencing, statement gates, and post and rail fences.

Oak can last for decades with minimal upkeep and weathers to a soft grey over time. It’s typically left untreated thanks to its high natural resistance.

Best for: High-end bespoke fencing, decorative features and heritage landscapes.

Elm

Elm, while not as commonly used as some other timbers, is occasionally chosen by manufacturers for posts and gravel boards. However, the longevity of Elm can be inconsistent, and guarantees on Elm fencing products are generally shorter compared to more reliable, treated timbers. Its durability can vary, and its performance in the long term may not be as predictable as pressure-treated pine or oak.

Best for: Budget fencing projects or areas where longevity isn't a primary concern, such as low-traffic areas or temporary solutions.

Timber Treatment and Responsible Sourcing

While timber species matters, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Most fencing timber goes through important processes before it’s ready for use. These include:

• Drying (to reduce moisture and prevent warping)

• Planing (for a smooth, uniform finish)

• Pressure treatment (to protect against rot, decay and insects)

It’s important to understand that just buying raw timber won’t guarantee a long-lasting fence. Untreated or poorly prepared timber, even if it's from a good species, won’t perform well outdoors.

In addition, responsible timber manufacturers source their wood in line with strict environmental standards such as the UK Timber Regulation (UKTR). Look for products certified by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification). These certifications ensure the wood is harvested sustainably, with minimal impact on forests and wildlife.

In Summary

Each timber species has its place:

• Redwood and Cedar: Premium looks and long-term performance

• Corsican, Radiata and Yellow Pine: Strength, treatability and value

• Larch and Spruce: Traditional styles with natural character

• Douglas Fir, Chestnut and Oak: Structural strength and rustic charm

• Elm: Budget-friendly, but with shorter lifespan guarantees

Whether you're after slatted fence panels, lap panels, featheredge fencing or a one-of-a-kind bespoke installation, the right timber – treated and sourced properly – makes all the difference.