BLOG ARTICLE

Pine vs Hardwood: Which Timber is Best for Your Fence Posts?

March 17, 2025

Fence posts are an integral part of your outdoor property. Aside from holding up your panels, they provide the necessary strength, structure and long-term stability for your space to thrive. This factor makes picking the right material essential to any fencing project!

Here at Sunstate Timbers, we supply both treated pine posts and hardwood fence posts for a wide range of residential and commercial applications across Brisbane. If you’re deciding between pine and hardwood, this guide breaks down the key differences in cost, strength and lifespan to help you make a confident choice.

Treated Pine Posts: Practical & Affordable

Treated pine posts are a popular choice for residential fencing owing to their balance of affordability, ease of use and dependable performance. These pine posts are pressure-treated to resist termites and decay, making them a solid option for most soil types and suburban settings.

Lightweight and easy to work with, treated pine posts are ideal for straight fence lines, level ground and projects where cost control is a priority. They also take paint and stain well, allowing for greater design flexibility and enhanced aesthetic appeal.

Hardwood Fence Posts: Strength That Lasts

For projects that require added strength and longevity, hardwood fence posts are a strong investment. Hardwood offers greater resistance to moisture, movement and wear, which is especially valuable on sloped blocks, exposed sites or boundary fences that need to withstand more pressure over time.

These fence posts also have a natural, polished appearance that suits both modern and traditional fencing styles. While hardwood costs more upfront than pine, it often pays off through reduced maintenance and longer service life.

Considering Longevity and Maintenance

Two key factors in choosing between pine and hardwood are the longevity you have in mind for the fences and the capacity for upkeep. Hardwood fence posts generally outperform pine when it comes to lifespan, particularly in high-moisture environments or where movement in the ground is common.

However, pine posts can still provide years of reliable service, especially when installed correctly and maintained over time. Hardwood is often the better long-term solution for fences, which is expected to last decades with minimal attention. For those with a smaller budget, pine fencing is the way to go, especially for its design versatility.

Soil and Site Conditions Matter

The type of soil on your property, local drainage and weather conditions all influence how well your fence post material will hold up. We at Sunstate Timbers have years of experience helping Brisbane residents select the right timber for their specific location and site conditions.

Our team is here to guide you on the best option for your ground type, exposure level and property needs, ensuring you get a lasting result.

Reliable Timber Fence Post Supply in Brisbane

We stock treated pine and hardwood fence posts in various sizes to suit all fencing applications. Whether you’re a contractor ordering in bulk or a homeowner working on a weekend project, we have the timber, tools and skills to help you get it done right.

For high-quality timber fence posts and expert recommendations tailored to your site and budget, contact the expert team at Sunstate Timbers today.