Timber post tops have been finishing Australian fences for generations, and there's a lot to love about them. But the top of a fence post takes more weather than any other part of the fence, and that's exactly where timber is most exposed. So how do Ledro House post tops compare?
The short version: timber post tops are a natural, traditional choice and suit people who want a stained, wood-grain finish. Ledro House post tops are designed for a painted fence: they won't crack, split or absorb water, they're light and easy to fit, and they're made to suit any post size.
Side by side
| Timber post tops | Ledro House post tops | |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Absorbs water, especially through cut ends and joins, so it needs sealing | Won't absorb water, and keeps water out of the top of your post |
| Cracking and splitting | Can crack and split as it swells and dries through the seasons | Won't crack, split or rot |
| Weight | Solid and heavy, especially in larger sizes | Lightweight and easy to handle on a ladder |
| Finish | Can be painted, or stained and oiled to show the grain | Designed to be painted, in any colour |
| Preparation | Usually sanding, sealing and priming before painting | No sanding or primer. Paint straight out of the box |
| Upkeep | Regular repainting or re-oiling to keep the weather out | A wash with warm soapy water, and repaint when you repaint the fence |
| Sizing | Usually sold in standard sizes | Made to suit any post size |
| Detail | Turned and routed shapes, limited by what can be cut from timber | Crisp, detailed designs, from heritage to modern |
Where timber shines
Timber is a beautiful, natural material, and it's worth being honest about where it's the right choice:
- A stained, natural finish. If you want to see the wood grain on an oiled or stained fence, timber is the way to go. Ledro House post tops are designed to be painted.
- Matching an existing timber detail. If you're replacing one cap on a fence that's otherwise all timber and stained, a timber cap will match it most closely.
- Working it on site. Timber can be cut, planed and shaped with ordinary tools.
Where Ledro House post tops shine
They keep the weather out
Timber absorbs water, and each cycle of soaking and drying in the sun opens up cracks. On a post top, that means the cap itself can start to weather, and water can find its way into the post below. Ledro House post tops don't absorb water and won't crack, split or rot, so they keep doing their job: keeping water out of the top of your post. Read more in do post caps protect timber posts?
They're light and easy to fit
Timber post tops are heavy, which makes them awkward to handle on a ladder and harder to hold in place while you fix them. Ledro House post tops are lightweight and fit one of two ways: sliding down over the post, or sitting on top with an included lag bolt. The Post fixing row on each product page tells you which.
Less preparation, less upkeep
There's no sanding, sealing or primer. Paint your post tops with a good quality exterior paint such as Dulux Weathershield before you install them, and once painted they're suitable for Australian conditions. After that, a wash with warm soapy water and a soft sponge keeps them looking fresh. Our painting and installation guide walks you through it.
Made to suit any post size
Older homes often have posts that don't match today's standard sizes. Every Ledro House post top is made to order in Australia and made to suit any post size, so original, odd-sized or extra-large gate posts are covered. See what size post cap you need.
Detail that stays crisp
Fine edges and tiers are hard to cut in timber and tend to soften as the wood weathers. Ledro House designs, from the heritage Paris and Estate to the modern Stax, keep their sharp lines year after year.
Quick answers
Do Ledro House post tops look like timber once painted?
Yes. Once painted, they look just like a painted timber post top, with crisper detail.
Can I use them on timber posts?
Yes. They suit timber posts, and caps that fit over the post also suit square steel posts.
Can I stain them?
No. They're designed to be painted with a good quality exterior paint.
Will they rot?
No. Ledro House post tops won't rot, crack or split.
Find your post top
Ledro House post tops are designed in Brisbane, made in Australia and made to suit any post size, ready to paint to match your fence. Browse our traditional post tops and contemporary post tops, or email [email protected] with your post size and we'll help you choose.