How to replace slated fence?

jc619

The slated fence in my front yard needs to be replaced due to rot. I'm thinking to just use the same style but just replace. 

My questions are:

- what is the recommended wood type for the slates I should use? I have a circular saw so feel confident making the cuts needed

- when in the process should I paint? Before installing while the wood pieces are not together or after I have attached to the brick.

- I've never painted anything for outdoor and I know nothing really about painting so is there any weather durable products I should apply since it's outdoor? What pre coating steps are there? I've chosen a colour already.

JacobZ

Hi @jc619,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Being outdoors, you'll want to use H3-treated pine, which is treated to resist weathering. If you are looking to replace the timber like-for-like, could you measure its profile for me so I can recommend a suitable replacement? It looks likely something like this 92x11mm H3 Pine or 66x11mm H3 Pine would be pretty close.

The best time to paint is after cutting them to length, but before installing. This will give you the best access to all sides and means you won't have to take care to prevent paint from getting on the bricks. After installing, you can always touch up the paint if needed, but doing it in this order would make touch-ups minimal.

Being outdoors, you'll want to use an exterior paint such as Dulux Weathershield or British Paints 4 Seasons. Exterior paints are self-priming, so you just need to make sure the surface of the timber is free from dust by wiping it down with a rag, then paint 3 coats of your exterior paint on, allowing adequate drying time between each coat.

Let me know what you think and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob