Can you use hardwood decking boards as fence pickets?

[NickTheGreek]

Hi Team, 

I am looking to build a 1.8m front yard fence in order to eliminate as much road noise as possible. We've decided on a modern type picket fence, hardwood, capped, stained. I am just struggling to find any hardwood pickets that are for sale. Would using something like a hardwood (spotted gum?) decking board for the pickets be a wise and aesthetic choice? Maybe I could use a wider deck board as the top rail?

The pergola/arch is also something that I will be building. I imagine that photo is of cypress pine pickets? On the same topic, is there any reason for me to not build the arch/pergola from KD F17 hardwood?

[EricL]

Hello @NickTheGreek 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your fencing project.

I don't see any reason why you can't use spotted gum for your fence. Spotted Gum is a popular hardwood known for its strength and natural durability, making it ideal for an array of structural projects. This includes construction of sheds, picket fencing, paling fencing, and decking stumps.

If you are after a particular size, I suggest speaking to your local stores trade specialist and they can investigate for you on what's available. In regards to the KD F17 again it is a strong timber piece, but for uniformity I recommend thinking about using a spotted gum post.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @NickTheGreek 

I dont see why not I have used a bunch of it on a front facing overtall privacy screen and it looks great after a year of being in place.

Courtyard privacy fence and gate build, Part 2  if you want to take a look. Imposing but stands out.

I like the finished hardwood look, and the look of spotted gum, yellow gum would be outstanding. Only thing I would add to suggestions would be make sure you oil it and probably oil it annually for the first 5 years at least otherwise it will want to fade to that grey look, still good but not what you started with. (You have reminded me that I should do my merbau screen again as its been a year)

Last thing to take on board is that you may not be able to lay your hands on close to the correct lengths so you will have a higher rate of wastage. You could go Horizonal which would also look pretty nice but more posts would be needed. Hardword does want to twist and turn so you do need a gap between the boards. Ive never tried to lay them without a gap but you could do a test section and see if it holds up? 

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @NickTheGreek Spotted gum is becoming a hard to get species as mills around the country shut down so, and as such comes at great cost/mtr. My personal opinion of SG is that it makes awesome furniture as long as it's not exposed to the sun and weather. It splits, bows and deforms regardless of how well it's looked after if left in the elements. I tend to use Cyprus, albeit it has its faults but a lot cheaper and more durable. 

Nailbag