One of the most common questions we hear after installing a new timber fence is:

“Why are small gaps appearing between my palings?”

The simple answer is:

Timber is a natural product, and it moves.

Unlike steel or concrete, timber expands and contracts as its moisture content changes throughout the seasons. This movement is completely normal and should be expected.

Why Does Timber Shrink?

Fresh treated pine contains moisture from both the timber itself and the treatment process.

As the timber dries, some of this moisture evaporates, causing the timber to shrink slightly.

This is why new fences often look different a few months after installation than they did on day one.

Is Shrinkage Normal?

Absolutely.

Shrinkage is a natural characteristic of timber and is not considered a fault.

You may notice:

• Small gaps between palings.

• Fine surface cracks (checking).

• Slight twisting or cupping.

• Minor movement during seasonal weather changes.

These are all normal characteristics of natural timber.

Why Don’t We Install Palings Hard Against Each Other?

At Crawfords Fencing, we install palings with minimal spacing because we know timber will naturally shrink as it dries.

If palings are installed tightly together while still holding moisture, they can create pressure against one another as they expand during wet weather, leading to distortion or uneven lines.

Allowing for natural timber movement helps produce a straighter, longer-lasting fence.

Does Every Piece Shrink the Same?

No.

Every piece of timber is different.

Factors that influence shrinkage include:

• Moisture content.

• Timber density.

• Growth rings.

• Weather conditions.

• Sun exposure.

• Wind exposure.

• Rainfall.

Even two palings cut from the same log may dry differently.

Can Shrinkage Be Prevented?

No.

Timber movement cannot be completely prevented because it is a natural material.

However, it can be managed by:

• Using quality treated timber.

• Correct installation techniques.

• Allowing timber to dry naturally.

• Applying protective coatings once the timber has adequately dried.

• Maintaining good airflow around the fence.

Does Painting Stop Timber Shrinkage?

No.

Paint protects timber from UV exposure and moisture penetration, but it does not stop timber movement.

As Director Tyrone Crawford often explains:

“Timber is alive long after the tree has been cut down. It will always move with the seasons—that’s just the nature of timber.”

Painting too early can actually trap excess moisture inside the timber.

As we often tell customers:

“Painting fresh treated timber too early is like putting wet timber in a plastic bag on a hot day. The moisture has nowhere to go.”

Allowing the timber to dry before painting gives the best long-term results.

Is Colorbond Better Because It Doesn’t Shrink?

Colorbond fencing doesn’t experience timber shrinkage because it is manufactured from steel.

However, every fencing product has its own advantages.

Many homeowners still choose timber because of its natural appearance, affordability and ease of repair.

Neither material is universally “better”—it simply depends on what best suits your property and preferences.

Why Choose Crawfords Fencing?

At Crawfords Fencing, we believe in educating our customers about what to expect from natural timber.

A quality timber fence is designed to perform for decades, but understanding how timber behaves helps homeowners appreciate why small changes over time are completely normal.

As Director Tyrone Crawford often says:

“A perfectly straight timber fence on the day it’s installed won’t look exactly the same twelve months later—and that’s okay. Timber moves with nature, and a quality fence is built with that in mind.”

Need a Timber Fence Built to Last?

Crawfords Fencing proudly services Ringwood, Ringwood East, Ringwood North, Croydon, Heathmont, Blackburn, Mitcham, Vermont, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Templestowe, Warrandyte, Bayswater, Wantirna, Ferntree Gully, Boronia, Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Chirnside Park, Montrose, Coldstream, Yarra Glen and surrounding suburbs throughout Maroondah, Whitehorse, Manningham, Knox and the Yarra Ranges.

Contact Crawfords Fencing today for a free, no-obligation quote and experience the difference quality workmanship makes.