Stock & Noble
Which is the Best Horse Fencing for Australian Weather Conditions?
- BY Tripti Kakkar
When it comes to choosing the right horse fencing several factors can influence your choice, from personal preference to the type of horses you have, from the cost of the fencing to your vision and from desired longevity to standard of horse safety.
However, don’t forget climate is a crucial consideration as well. Especially when your property is exposed to the harsh weather conditions of Australia.
The diverse Australian weather can impact the longevity and performance of your horse fencing materials, making it important to select an option that can withstand the challenges of nature.
So whether you’re dealing with the hot and dry climate of the Outback, the wet conditions in coastal areas, or the seasonal rains in the Queensland and Northern Territory, selecting the appropriate fencing is crucial for ensuring durability, safety, and aesthetics.
At Stock & Noble, we provide the finest fencing solutions to properties across Australia and New Zealand. Over the years our wide range of fencing has tested the waters of every state and region leaving us with valuable insights that help us guide our customers.
In this blog, we’ll explore the impact of weather on different types of horse fencing, and provide region-specific recommendations based on Australia’s varied climates.
Finally, you’ll be well-informed about choosing the right horse fencing based on the location of your property.
Understanding the Impact of Weather on Horse Fencing Materials
Fencing, exposed to the elements year-round, faces challenges that go beyond mere aesthetics—it must stay strong and safe. Whether in wet, coastal, or hot and dry areas, the choice of fencing material becomes crucial.
Below are some of the conditions different fencing types become exposed to and their performance:
Horse Fencing for Moist Conditions at High Altitude
Timber Fencing
In extremely high-altitude and moist conditions, timber fencing can face issues. The wood stays damp, fostering adverse effects like rot and moss growth, ultimately compromising its structural integrity.
PVC Fencing
In wet areas, PVC can still perform well, although it tends to attract moss. To avoid this, it is advisable to choose locally made PVC products specifically designed for Australian conditions. Some manufacturers in Australia rigorously test and tailor their PVC products to withstand the diverse climate.
Steel Fencing
Steel has no issues in wet conditions, except being prone to rust. Cattle Rail or steel mesh can pose a problem but not a superior quality fencing system like Buckley Fence. It has 3 levels of protection – made with 2-side pre-galvanised steel, treated with a phosphate conversion coating and finished with an architectural grade polyester powder coat.
So if you want to have steel post and rail fencing for your property that’s located in a wet area it’ll be best to explore different steel fencing options and their performance against rust.
Horserail
A flexible fence like Horserail used in conjunction with plastic posts is ideal in this scenario. Often in these areas, it is prone to get very cold which can make the rail contract. However, if the fence is installed correctly using the right type of end assemblies, the cold shouldn’t be an issue.
Horse Fence Considerations for Hot and Dry Conditions
Timber Fencing
When timber posts and rail fencing sourced from one region encounter the hot and dry conditions of another, problems arise.
For example, timber from Victoria, originally from the Gippsland Forest, may face challenges when placed in the hot and dry Outback of NSW.
This is why sourcing timber locally is recommended, ensuring it is accustomed to the prevailing conditions.
Add checking the source of your timber post and rail fencing to the list of questions you should ask your timber supplier in Australia.
Steel Fencing
In contrast, steel fencing (both steel mesh and steel post and rail) in hot areas might become warm to the touch, but it remains unaffected by the heat. Especially if it’s an engineered system like Premium Steel Post and Rail where each piece of horse fencing is thermally independent with allowance for the slight thermal expansion and contraction that occurs in metal. The rails remain straight, and the posts are perfectly aligned no matter what the temperature.
PVC Fencing
Under the harsh rays of the Australian sun, PVC tends to lose its colour and turn yellowish. The aesthetics are compromised over time; however, a bigger concern is that it becomes brittle and if a horse hits the rails the fence can easily break leaving sharp shards. This might be unsafe for the horses and pose a safety risk.
Horserail
Flexible plastic fencing like Horserail works well in these conditions, it doesn’t deteriorate like other fencing materials. The only thing you may need to do is check the tension as part of your regular maintenance, as it can expand in the heat.
Challenges Faced by Fencing for Horses in Coastal Areas
Timber and Steel Fencing
Coastal areas, with high salt levels in the air, pose a challenge for both steel and timber fencing. Timber is possibly the better choice here though the tops of rails and posts being continually exposed to moisture can impact longevity.
It’ll be worth finding out if Steel Post and Rail Fencing can be considered for coastal areas or not.
Steel mesh, depending on the manufacturer and range, comes with varying levels of galvanisation. While higher-grade galvanization is available, coastal areas remain a challenge.
Also, Cattle rail fencing becomes more prone to rust due to constant exposure to moisture and stainless-steel fixings are often required in such environments.
PVC Fencing
PVC fencing emerges as a versatile solution suitable for various environments. It excels in coastal areas due to its salt-resistant nature and can withstand hot conditions. However, being plastic, its aesthetics and lifetime are limited, especially if not bought from a reliable supplier.
Horserail
Flexible rail fencing when used in conjunction with timber posts in coastal areas is a good option. You will just need to be mindful that the hardware used is steel and is susceptible to corrosion.
The inevitable reality is that things, including fencing, do not last as long near the beach. The corrosive effects of coastal elements are universal, impacting even the most robust materials.
In conclusion, understanding the intricate relationship between weather conditions and fencing materials is key to making informed choices. Whether opting for timber, steel, or PVC, careful consideration of local conditions ensures the longevity and effectiveness of the chosen fencing solution.
Exploring Horse Fencing Options Across Different Australian Regions
Australia is beautiful, vast and has diverse weather from one coast to another. One fencing type might not perform the same in all areas.
So based on where your property is located, find out what would be the best horse fencing for you.
Also, it’s important to note that weather conditions influence soil types and the presence of termites, which are crucial factors in choosing fencing materials.
Northern Territory: Hot and Dry with Some Rain
In the Northern Territory, where it’s mostly hot and dry with occasional and seasonal rains, the choice often boils down to the type of soil and if termites are around.
Timber fencing works well if your region is termite-free, but for something tougher, you might want to consider Premium Steel Post and Rail or Cattle Rail. Make sure whatever you choose can handle wet weather without falling apart. As for PVC, it tends to get brittle when exposed to a lot of sunlight.
Queensland: Different Conditions from North to South
Queensland has a mix of climates from north to south, a bit like the Northern Territory and Northern New South Wales. So, you would see a lot of hot sun and also humid wet weather.
Termites are also an issue in some regions of Queensland and that is where Steel fencing shines.
Timber, especially hardwood, is easy to find in Queensland and also makes for a popular choice of fencing around the state.
If you’re not too close to the coast, Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing is a great choice. But be mindful of PVC and its performance in highly exposed situations. Depending on your needs, you might also use mesh and wire.
New South Wales (NSW): Termite Capital
In the Hunter region of NSW, they prefer hardwood for fencing because it’s tough and resists termites and soil issues. But it’s expensive and not always easy to get. That’s why people often go for a reliable steel post and rail fencing option.
In our experience, across the state, property owners use a mix of timber and steel – around 50-50 – depending on what they like and if there are termites or soil considerations.
PVC will work, however you’ve to consider your location and the perceived lifetime expectancy.
Victoria: Wet Outskirts near Melbourne
Outskirts around Melbourne in Victoria get more rain, and that can make the timber rot.
PVC is good because it doesn’t mind wet weather, but it might get mossy. Steel is a good choice since it doesn’t grow mould or rot. If you’re worried about rust, go for premium steel or powder-coated post and rail fences.
You can compare different steel post and rail fencing suppliers in Australia and choose the best for your property.
South Australia and Western Australia: Hot and Dry Conditions
In South Australia and Western Australia, where it’s usually hot and dry, equine property owners often use timber. But in Western Australia, termites can be a headache. That’s where steel comes in handy. PVC could be an option, but if you’re building a forever property, it might not last too long.
Understanding what works best in each region is key to choosing the right fence, and making sure it can handle the unique challenges of the Aussie climate.
Which Horse Fencing is Right For the Weather at My Property?
You want to build your dream property with fencing that looks beautiful, is horse-safe, stays strong and stands up to the unique weather challenges of your region. Now you know which horse fencing is best suited for which area.
Overall, when it comes to selecting a sturdy fence that can handle whatever nature throws, premium Steel Post and Rail fencing looks promising. It’s like the fortress of fences, equipped with a three-layer defence system – galvanisation, powder coating, and a zinc epoxy layer. This robust protection package works wonders in most areas. However, it’s essential to stay mindful, especially when faced with harsher weather conditions near the coast.
The next contender is a hardwood fence. A good quality Timber Post and Rail Fencing has a knack for standing resilient and maintaining a natural appeal, making it a reliable choice.
If you’re on a budget, PVC or treated pine are economical alternatives. Among these, PVC takes the lead, but it comes with its own set of considerations. Looking at it from a cost perspective, you’ve got options ranging from the top-tier Steel fence to the classic hardwood, followed by PVC, and then treated pine.
Other horse fencing choices, include Sighter Wire, mesh, and Equirope, which perform well in all kinds of weather. Some mesh even offers additional protection with heavier galvanisation, allowing you to tailor your choice to suit your specific region.
While creating your forever equine property, planning is as important as choosing the right horse fencing. Here are interactive fence planning tools that will help you make the right start.
Each horse fencing comes with its unique strengths, and you want the one that fits seamlessly into your landscape. Our fencing experts can further help you identify the right fencing solution based on your vision, needs, animals and budget. Feel free to connect for a personalised consultation and build a safe and beautiful equine property.