TIMBER SCREENING – Australian Hardwood Screening for Outdoor Applications
DTM Timber supplies Australian hardwood screening designed for external use where privacy, airflow and visual screening are required. Hardwood screening is commonly used in residential and commercial settings for fencing, privacy screens, feature walls and architectural elements.
Timber screening offers a balance of durability, natural appearance and design flexibility, making it suitable for both functional and aesthetic applications in outdoor environments.
What We Supply
DTM Timber supplies solid hardwood screening profiles only. Products are manufactured from durable Australian hardwood species selected for external performance, appearance and availability.
Screening is typically supplied in dressed sections suitable for vertical or horizontal installation, depending on design intent.
Screening Grades
Hardwood screening is supplied in the same appearance grades as decking. Timber is a natural material, and grading reflects the level of visible natural features rather than durability or structural capability.
Select Grade
Select Grade screening provides a clean, modern appearance by selecting boards with minimal natural features. This grade highlights the timber’s colour, grain and texture while limiting visual imperfections.
Select Grade is commonly specified for architectural screening, feature facades and applications where visual consistency is important.
Standard and Better Grade
Standard and Better Grade screening combines select and standard boards to achieve a balance between appearance, performance and value.
This grade allows some natural features such as gum veins, insect markings, surface checks and small knots, while remaining suitable for external screening applications.
Standard and Better Grade is well suited to residential fencing, privacy screens and general-purpose outdoor screening.
Utility Grade
Utility Grade screening embraces timber’s natural character. Often described as “embossed with nature’s signature,” this grade allows a higher level of natural features including gum veins, insect markings, surface checks, knots and other natural imperfections.
Utility Grade is commonly supplied in shorter lengths and is suited to rustic designs, rural applications or projects where natural variation is acceptable.
Performance in External Applications
Hardwood screening is specified for outdoor use due to its:
- Durability in exposed environments, when correctly detailed and maintained
- Natural timber appearance, suitable for architectural and landscape applications
- Design flexibility, allowing spacing and orientation to control privacy and airflow
- Compatibility with a wide range of residential and commercial designs
Correct spacing, fixing and detailing are essential to manage movement, drainage and long-term performance.
Fixing, Detailing & Ongoing Performance
Screening performance depends on appropriate installation and detailing. Key considerations include:
- Allowance for timber movement due to moisture changes
- Fixing methods suitable for external exposure
- Spacing to allow airflow and drainage
- Protective coatings or finishes where required by exposure conditions
DTM Timber provides general guidance to support correct use of hardwood screening. Installation workmanship and compliance remain the responsibility of the installer.
Environmental & Sustainability Considerations
Hardwood screening offers strong environmental benefits when responsibly sourced and processed:
- Renewable material sourced from sustainably managed forests
- Carbon storage for the life of the product
- Lower embodied energy compared with many manufactured screening materials
- Efficient use of timber resources, with high recovery during processing
DTM Timber’s environmental approach focuses on responsible sourcing, efficient processing and long-term product performance.
