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If you've already decided on a picket fence for its classic look and open feel, the next question is simple: timber or aluminium?
Both materials can give you that traditional picket aesthetic, but they perform very differently over time. Understanding the trade-offs between upfront cost, maintenance demands, and durability will help you pick the right option for your property.
Upfront Cost vs Long-Term Value
Timber fence pickets will almost always be cheaper to buy and install initially. That lower entry price is attractive if you're working within a tight budget or need something installed quickly.
The catch? Timber needs regular maintenance. You'll be repainting or restaining every few years, replacing warped or rotted boards, and constantly managing the effects of New Zealand's harsh UV and moisture. Over 10 to 15 years, those costs rack up.
Aluminium picket fence options cost more upfront but require virtually no ongoing maintenance. No repainting, no replacing individual pickets, and no structural degradation from rot or insect damage. When you factor in the lifespan, aluminium often works out cheaper.
Maintenance: Set and Forget vs Ongoing Work
As we mentioned earlier, timber looks great when it's freshly installed and properly maintained, but keeping it that way takes effort. You're committing to regular inspections, touch-ups, and eventually full refinishing jobs. Miss a maintenance window, and you'll see paint peeling, boards warping, and moisture damage setting in.
Aluminium doesn't demand that attention. A quick hose-down once or twice a year is usually enough to keep it looking good. Powder-coated finishes hold their colour without fading or flaking, even in full sun and coastal conditions. For anyone who'd rather spend weekends doing anything other than fence maintenance, that's a big win. This can make it ideal for rental properties or developments where the curb appeal needs to remain for many years to come.
If you're leaning towards aluminium, it's worth looking at what's available in premium systems. Explore our fencing range to see how advanced powder coating technology delivers long-lasting performance.
Durability and Weather Resistance
New Zealand's climate isn't kind to timber fences. High UV exposure, heavy rain, coastal salt, and fluctuating temperatures all take their toll. Even treated timber will eventually rot, warp, or split. In particularly harsh environments, you might only get five to ten years before sections need replacing.
Aluminium doesn't rot, warp, or rust. It's built to handle coastal conditions, intense sun, and everything in between. Picket fence panels that NZ homeowners install will look the same in 20 years as they did on day one. That durability makes it a smart choice for properties exposed to tough weather or located near the coast.
Achieving the Classic Look
One of the biggest misconceptions about aluminium fencing is that it can't replicate the traditional white picket aesthetic. That's outdated thinking. Modern powder-coating technology means you can get a smooth, clean white finish that looks just like painted timber but without any of the upkeep.
You're not sacrificing style for practicality. You're getting both.
Timber vs Aluminium: Quick Comparison
To make the decision easier, we've broken down the main differences between timber and aluminium fence pickets.
Timber picket fences:
- Lower upfront cost but higher ongoing expenses through maintenance and replacement
- Requires repainting or restaining every 2-3 years to maintain appearance
- Vulnerable to rot, warping, and insect damage, particularly in coastal or high-moisture areas
- Lifespan of 5-15 years, depending on maintenance and environmental conditions
Aluminium picket fences:
- Higher initial investment but minimal ongoing costs
- Powder-coated finish stays intact for decades without repainting
- Resistant to rust, rot, and weather damage in all NZ climates
- Expected lifespan of 20+ years with virtually no maintenance required
Making Your Decision
If you're planning to sell in a few years and just need something that looks good now, timber might be fine. It's cheaper upfront and can deliver that classic charm in the short term.
But if you're planning to stay put, want to avoid ongoing maintenance, or live somewhere with harsh weather, aluminium makes more sense. The initial investment pays off through lower lifetime costs, better durability, and far less hassle. Aluminium picket fence installations are becoming more popular across New Zealand for exactly these reasons.
Ready to explore fencing options that fit your property and priorities?
Download our Fencing Guide to see what's possible.
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