🌲 1. Australian White Cypress Pine (Callitris glaucophylla)
The Barling's Standard. This is the only timber we use for our fencing posts and rails. It is a native Australian softwood that shares many properties with hardwood.
In-Ground Durability: ✅ Class 2 (15–25 Years)
Above-Ground Durability: ✅ Class 1 (40+ Years)
Termite Resistance: Natural & High. The timber contains natural resins that repel white ants without the need for chemicals.
Chemical Treatment: None. It is 100% natural and safe for families, pets, and livestock.
The Verdict: The ultimate fencing timber. It combines the high durability of premium hardwoods with a natural resistance to decay, all without toxic treatments.
🪵 2. Cypress Macrocarpa (Cupressus macrocarpa)
The "Cheap" Alternative. Often marketed simply as "Cypress," this is an introduced species (often from farm windbreaks) that is visually similar to White Cypress but structurally inferior for fencing.
In-Ground Durability: ❌ Class 3 (5–15 Years)
Above-Ground Durability: ⚠️ Class 2-3 (15-25 Years)
Termite Resistance: Low to Moderate. It lacks the potent natural oils found in Australian White Cypress.
The Risk: Macrocarpa is notoriously unreliable in the ground. It is prone to rot and fungal decay at the soil line. While it is excellent for furniture or internal use, using it for fence posts is a gamble that often leads to expensive replacements within a decade.
🪨 3. Grey Ironbark (Eucalyptus paniculata)
The Gold Standard of Hardwoods. Ironbark is one of Australia's hardest and most durable timbers.
In-Ground Durability: ✅ Class 1 (25+ Years)Above-Ground Durability: ✅ Class 1 (40+ Years)
Termite Resistance: High.
The Verdict: An incredible timber for heavy engineering and structural posts. It is significantly heavier, harder to work with, and more expensive than Cypress, but its longevity is unmatched. We recommend it for heavy-duty structural applications.
🍂 4. Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata)
The Popular Premium Hardwood. Known for its striking grain and strength, it is a favorite for decking and flooring.
In-Ground Durability: ✅ Class 2 (15–25 Years)
Above-Ground Durability: ✅ Class 1 (40+ Years)
Termite Resistance: High.
The Verdict: A fantastic all-rounder. It shares the same Class 2 In-Ground rating as our White Cypress. However, it requires more maintenance to keep its colour and is often at a higher price point due to demand in the decking market.