A Queenslander deserves a fence that does it justice. The right fence frames the house, sets the tone from the street and carries the same timber character as the verandahs behind it. Ledro House began with the renovation of a classic Queenslander here in Brisbane, so this is a style close to our hearts.
The short version: keep the fence low and open so the house stays the star, choose timber pickets or a simple open design, paint it in a colour that ties in with the house, and finish every post with a shapely post top. That last detail is what makes a Queenslander fence look authentic rather than off-the-shelf.
What makes a Queenslander fence look right
- Low and open. Queenslanders were built to catch breezes and be seen. A low fence, roughly waist height, keeps the verandah and front steps on show.
- Timber character. Pickets, posts and gates in timber echo the weatherboards, battens and fretwork of the house.
- Detail on the posts. The posts are where a Queenslander fence gets its personality. A decorative post top on every post gives the fence the same craftsmanship as the house.
- A colour that belongs. The fence should look like it was always part of the house.
Queenslander fence ideas
1. The classic white picket
The quintessential Queenslander fence: white timber pickets, square posts and a shapely cap on each post. Pointed or rounded pickets both work. Finish the posts with a traditional style like the Paris, Estate or Windsor.
2. Ball tops for a softer look
A rounded post top brings a gentle, cottage feel that suits Queenslanders surrounded by gardens. The Chateau, a smooth sphere on a stepped base, and the Round Globe are both lovely choices.
3. Heritage colours
Not every Queenslander fence has to be white. Cream fences with posts and caps picked out in the house's trim colour, deep heritage greens or soft stone tones can look stunning, especially when they match the verandah. Our fence colour guide has more ideas.
4. Make the gate the feature
Use larger gate posts either side of the front path and give them a grander post top than the rest of the fence. The Shrine or Estate on generous gate posts frames the entrance and leads the eye up the steps to the front door.
5. Carry the detail onto the verandah
The fence and verandah should feel like a set. Decorative verandah brackets on the verandah posts repeat the same craftsmanship and tie the whole frontage together.
Practical tips before you start
- Check with your council. If your home is in a heritage or character area, there may be guidelines for front fences. It's worth checking before you build.
- Measure every post. Gate posts are often bigger than the line posts. Ledro House post tops are made to suit any post size, so original or non-standard posts on older homes are covered. See what size post cap you need.
- Protect the posts. A cap keeps water out of the top of each timber post, where weathering usually starts. Read more in do post caps protect timber posts?
- Paint before you fit. Paint your post tops with a good quality exterior paint such as Dulux Weathershield before installing. No sanding or primer needed.
Quick answers
What fence suits a Queenslander?
A low, open timber fence, usually pickets, painted to suit the house and finished with decorative post tops.
What colour should a Queenslander fence be?
White is the classic, but cream and heritage colours that match the house's trim look just as authentic.
What post tops suit a Queenslander?
Traditional, shapely styles like the Paris, Estate, Windsor, Shrine and Chateau.
Finish your Queenslander fence
Ledro House post tops are designed in Brisbane, made in Australia and made to suit any post size, ready to paint to match your home. Browse our traditional post tops for the classic Queenslander look, and our verandah brackets to finish the house to match.