If you live in Bristol, you know the drill. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s pouring rain, and if you live on a hill in Totterdown or Clifton, you’re probably dealing with gale-force winds too.
But the biggest enemy of fencing in our city isn't actually the wind—it’s the ground.
Much of Bristol (especially areas like Filton, Bedminster, and Staple Hill) sits on heavy clay soil. Clay holds water like a sponge. This means your wooden fence posts are often sitting in a damp bath for six months of the year.
So, which wood actually survives these conditions? We ranked the top three options we install.
1. The Workhorse: Pressure-Treated Softwood
- Cost: £ (Budget Friendly)
- Lifespan: 10–15 Years (if maintained)
- Best For: Most residential gardens.
This is the standard green-tinted timber you see everywhere. But be careful—there is a huge difference between "Dip Treated" and "Pressure Treated."
Dip Treated (Avoid): Usually orange/gold. The preservative is just on the surface. In Bristol's damp climate, these often rot within 4-5 years.
Pressure Treated (Recommended): The preservative is forced deep into the grain under vacuum pressure. This is what we use for our standard Featheredge fencing. It fights off rot and insect attack effectively.
PRO TIP FOR CLAY SOIL: If you choose softwood posts, always use Postsaver sleeves or concrete spur supports. If you put softwood directly into wet clay, even the best treatment will eventually fail at the ground line.
2. The Tough Guy: Siberian Larch
- Cost: ££ (Mid-Range)
- Lifespan: 20–25+ Years
- Best For: Modern "slatted" fencing and exposed areas.
Larch is the "hardest" softwood. It is incredibly dense and full of natural resins that make it waterproof by nature. Because it is so dense, it is physically tougher against knocks and scrapes than Pine.
It starts as a warm golden colour and turns a beautiful silver-grey over time. We install a lot of Larch in Southville and Bishopston for renovations where people want that modern, architectural look without the premium price tag of Cedar.
3. The King: Western Red Cedar
- Cost: £££ (Premium)
- Lifespan: 25–40+ Years
- Best For: High-end aesthetics and zero maintenance.
Cedar is the gold standard. It contains natural oils (thujaplicins) that are toxic to fungi and insects. You literally don't have to treat it—ever. It resists warping and twisting better than any other wood, which is perfect for crisp, clean horizontal slat lines.
It is lightweight but strong, making it great for wider gates. If you are renovating a "forever home" in Clifton or Redland, this is the investment choice.
The Verdict: What Should You Buy?
- For Rental Properties or Tight Budgets: Go for Pressure-Treated Featheredge, but spend the extra money on Concrete Posts. The panels might need replacing in 12 years, but the posts will last 40.
- For Style & Durability: Siberian Larch. It offers 80% of the performance of Cedar for about 60% of the price.
- For the "Wow" Factor: Western Red Cedar. It smells amazing, looks incredible, and will likely outlast your time in the house.
Not sure what your soil type is?
We can do a quick site survey to check your ground conditions and wind exposure. Whether you are in Kingswood, Fishponds, or the City Centre, we’ll help you pick the wood that wins.