How to Install a Paling Fence
Installing a paling fence yourself is a realistic weekend project if you’re comfortable with basic tools and prepared to put the time in. Australian Lattice & Timber supplies the materials, and this guide walks through the installation process step by step, so you know what to expect before you start.
At a Glance
- Posts go in first, set in concrete, and need to cure before rails and palings go on.
- Post spacing is typically every 2.4m to 3m along the fence line.
- Rails are fixed to posts first, then palings are fixed to the rails.
- Safety gear (glasses and ear protection) matters when cutting and fixing timber.
- If the job feels beyond your tools or time, we can recommend an experienced local contractor instead.
What You’ll Need
- Posts (cypress or hardwood)
- Rails and palings (treated pine)
- Concrete or cement for setting posts
- Galvanised screws or nails for fixing rails to posts
- Safety glasses and ear protection for cutting and fixing
- String line, spirit level, post hole shovel or auger, and a saw
If you’re not sure what quantities you need for your fence length, our paling fence packages page runs through what’s included at different lengths and heights.
Step-by-Step Installation
1. Mark Out the Fence Line
Run a string line along your fence boundary to keep posts straight. Mark post positions along the line, spacing them every 2.4m to 3m depending on your fence height, taller fences generally need closer spacing for stability.
2. Dig Post Holes
Dig post holes at each marked position, generally around 600mm deep for standard height fences, deeper for taller fences or exposed positions. A post hole shovel or auger makes this faster than a standard spade.
3. Set the Posts
Stand each post in its hole, check it’s plumb with a spirit level, then fill around it with concrete. Brace posts in position while the concrete cures, this usually takes 24 to 48 hours before you can safely work on them. Don’t rush this step, posts that move before the concrete sets will throw off the whole fence line.
4. Fix the Rails
Once posts are set, fix rails horizontally between them using galvanised screws or nails. Most standard height fences use two to three rails, taller fences may need more for adequate paling support. Keep rails level using your spirit level as you go.
5. Fix the Palings
Fix palings vertically to the rails, working along the fence line and checking regularly that palings are staying plumb and evenly spaced. Small gaps between palings allow for natural timber expansion and contraction, don’t butt them up tight against each other.
6. Add Capping (Optional)
If you’re using capping, fix it along the top of the palings once they’re all in place. Capping protects the exposed end-grain of the palings from moisture, which can extend the life of the fence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Working on posts before the concrete has properly cured
- Spacing posts too far apart for the fence height, leading to a less stable fence
- Butting palings tightly together with no expansion gap
- Skipping safety glasses and ear protection when cutting timber
- Not checking with a spirit level regularly as the fence goes up
DIY or Get a Contractor
A paling fence is a manageable DIY job if you’ve got the time and basic tools, but it is physical work, particularly digging post holes and handling timber. If it’s beyond what you want to take on yourself, we can recommend an experienced Melbourne fencing contractor to install it for you. Either way, budgeting for the job is easier once you know what’s involved, our paling fence cost guide breaks down what affects pricing for materials and installation.
Plan the Materials Before You Build
Use the height guide to confirm the right level of privacy, then compare complete material packages and the main cost factors. If you are still weighing up the material itself, read our timber versus Colorbond comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to install a paling fence?
For a standard backyard fence, allow a weekend for post setting and curing, then another day or two for rails and palings, depending on fence length.
How deep should paling fence posts be set?
Around 600mm is standard for typical heights, with deeper holes recommended for taller fences or exposed, windy positions.
How long does concrete need to cure before I continue?
Allow 24 to 48 hours before working on posts set in concrete, rushing this step risks posts moving out of alignment.
Do I need a gap between palings?
Yes, a small gap allows for natural expansion and contraction of the timber and helps prevent warping over time.
Can I install a paling fence myself without experience?
Yes, with basic tools and some patience it’s a manageable DIY project. If you’d rather not take it on, we can recommend an experienced local contractor instead.
