Close Board Fencing

[dogfonos]

Would appreciate advice/opinions from those with experience...

I am about to order materials to replace a 33m run (approx) of closeboard fencing. Fortunately, the old mortised concrete posts are in good nic, still vertical and stable so I'll make use of them. I purchased materials (arris rails & brackets and feather edge wood (100mm x 1800mm) for just one panel from the nearest wood merchant (Alsford Timber) and replaced one section of the fence. It went well so I intend to replace the lot myself.

My question concerns wood quality. Firstly, is the 30% price difference I've noticed between local, long-established wood merchants likely to reflect wood quality? Only the wood I purchased for the one panel I've completed wasn't impressive - the featheredge boards felt as light as balsa wood when dry. In contrast, the old wood, whilst rotten at the bottom, is noticeably heavier/denser when dry and it's probably around 45 years old and not been treated in the last 25 years, if ever. Can't see the new wood lasting anywhere near as long. Of the three arris rails I purchased, one had a bad knot/crack that affected strength. I collected the wood from the yard so should have been more vigilant but if I order the remainder, I'll have to get it delivered - god knows what may turn up! Any tips on getting the best quality wood for the money? I don't mind paying for quality but I do mind paying for substandard materials. Do some wood merchants have particularly good or bad reputations? Thanks.

 

[Belboz]

Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast rule for this in my experience. Just because you pay more it doesn't necessarily mean better quality wood. Ideally, a merchant you can visit and choose your own stuff is best - even if you choose it and have them deliver it. Of course, this is not practical for everyone but it does negate the 'picker' just putting any old stuff in your order (and sometimes the inferior stuff like your arris rail to get rid of dodgy stock) Whilst many timber merchants will also do fencing, for many of them the fencing is secondary to their main business (general timber) and I have found that specialist fencing suppliers (who just do fencing components and who erect fencing as well) have better stuff. They tend to have a higher turnover of stock and tend to have more decent materials because they fit the stuff as well.

Of course, there is no gurantee of that and it is really a case of 'suck it and see' or going on recommendations. It is worth trying to visit a firm or speaking to someone there because they are all needing the business (there are so many about) and the suggestion that you are looking for decent stock for a large order can often prompt them to supply decent materials and even potentially a discount.

Just IMHO though.

B

 

[dogfonos]

Thanks for the tips, Belboz. I hadn't considered the difference between a general timber merchant and a specialist fencing materials supplier so I've taken a look around and managed to find a (reasonably) local fencing specialist and have requested a quote which, judging by prices given on their website, should be (by far) the cheapest I've found so far. If the quote turns out as expected, I'll visit the supplier, Orchard Fencing, to place the order. Probably won't have the opportunity to pick and choose the wood but I'll take a look at the quality of stock generally and of course, haggle.

Can hardly believe the difference in prices between some suppliers - now over a 110% price difference between local, long-established suppliers (comparison based on low volume takeaway).

 

[Belboz]

Orchard are very good. Never used their Erith branch but Welling and Catford are great.