Questions & answers
Fencing frequently asked questions
47 straight answers about Colorbond and timber fencing, extensions, gates, council rules and neighbours – from the fencer who will build it.
Getting a fence built
What is the process for getting a new fence built?
Send us the length, height and suburb (photos help) and we reply with a preliminary price, or ask for a free on-site inspection. Once you accept the quote we lock in a start date, usually within one to two weeks, and call you the day before we start.
Why are your prices competitive?
We specialise in Colorbond fencing, have done so for more than 15 years, and buy from large fencing suppliers at good rates. Jye quotes and runs every job himself.
When can you start?
Normally within one to two weeks of an accepted quote, weather permitting.
How long does it take to build a fence?
A 30 m Colorbond fence including demolition and removal of the old fence takes about one to two and a half days. Custom height extension panels are generally available within one to two weeks of ordering.
What are your operating hours?
We work seven days a week, including public holidays, and you are welcome to call outside normal business hours. We generally cannot build in heavy rain.
What are the permitted times for power tools?
In NSW residential areas, Monday to Friday not before 7 am and not after 8 pm; weekends and public holidays not before 9 am and not after 8 pm. We work within those hours.
How do I pay?
Cash, bank transfer or card. Payment is on completion. See our payments page.
Colorbond fencing
How high can a Colorbond fence be?
The standard height is 1.8 m (6 ft). We also build 1.5 m, 2.1 m and 2.4 m, and can supply 1.2 m on request. Fences over 1.8 m normally need council approval.
What colours are available?
All Colorbond fencing colours, including Bowral Brown and Black sheets. Every colour is the same price. See the colour chart.
Can the fence be two different colours?
Yes. We can double-sheet the fence so each side has different coloured sheeting; the frame (posts and rails) is the same colour on both sides. Note that double sheeting can trap water between sheets, so we only recommend it where the look is the priority.
How long is a Colorbond fence panel?
A standard 1.8 m high panel is 2380 mm long, made of three 790 mm wide sheets. Extended-length panels are 3.1 m long.
How wide are Colorbond fence sheets and panels?
Sheets are about 790 mm wide (830 mm cover sheets are also used). Panels are 2.4 m wide as standard.
What is Colorbond made of?
Colorbond is Australian-made steel manufactured by BlueScope Steel, with a corrosion-resistant Zincalume steel base and a baked-on paint finish. Every genuine sheet carries the laser-etched Colorbond insignia.
Does Colorbond fade?
Over many years any exterior finish can fade if it is not looked after, but Colorbond is designed for Australian conditions and holds its colour well. After full payment we give you the details to apply for BlueScope's manufacturer's warranty.
Do Colorbond fences rust?
Normal rain, hosing and sprinklers do not damage Colorbond. Rust occurs where the steel sits in water or wet soil for weeks or months – soil piled against the sheets, double-sheeted panels that trap water, or garden beds that stay wet. Keep soil and mulch below the bottom rail. Rust converter can treat minor rust on an old fence; badly rusted sheets are replaced.
How long does a Colorbond fence last?
Decades. If the ground supporting the posts is not disturbed and the fence is not damaged, a properly built Colorbond fence should be the last fence you need. BlueScope backs genuine Colorbond with a manufacturer's warranty.
Can you paint a Colorbond fence?
Yes, if it is not rusted. Clean the fence, apply one coat of metal primer and two coats of exterior paint; spraying gives the best factory-like finish. We offer fence painting, and if there is rust we can quote to replace the affected components.
Can you drill into a Colorbond fence?
Yes. Colorbond fencing screws have a hardened self-drilling point that cuts through the steel without pre-drilling. Use colour-matched tek screws.
How do you fix a leaning Colorbond fence?
We dig either side of the post to expose the existing concrete, level the post and add more concrete. If more than about three posts need re-concreting, the fence probably was not built correctly and we recommend replacing it rather than paying to fix it twice. See fence repairs.
Why is my fence leaning?
Shallow post holes, timber posts rotting in the ground, or soil that has become waterlogged and loosened around the footings. Our posts go 600 mm deep with a full 20 kg bag of concrete each to avoid it.
How do I stop my Colorbond fence rattling?
Rattling means sheets or rails have worked loose. Re-fixing with new tek screws usually fixes it – call us on 0421 233 434.
How do you fix a dent in a Colorbond fence?
Minor dents can be pulled with a suction dent puller, the same way as a car panel: clean the area, place the puller over the middle of the dent and pull. Creased sheets are replaced.
Can I backfill the fence line with gravel or small rocks?
No. Loose gravel does not support concreted posts. The ground around the posts needs to be compacted soil.
What if I have small dogs?
We can lower the bottom rail of the fence to close any gap at the ground.
Fence extensions
Can I extend the height of my existing Colorbond fence?
Yes, with a 300 mm or 600 mm height extension in louvre, lattice, slat or solid sheet. Sheet extensions can be made to any height. Your existing posts must be sound and the extension must match your post profile. See fence extensions.
What comes in a height extension panel?
Two C-post extensions, one rail, one insert (louvre, lattice, slat or sheet) and colour-matched tek screws – one kit per existing panel.
What C-post extension profiles do you supply?
Lysaght, Slimline and Standard (double-ribbed), in 300 mm and 600 mm heights and every Colorbond colour.
Can I add lattice to my Colorbond fence?
Yes. Count the panels you would like extended and we can quote it straight away. DIY kits are also available from our extension kits page.
How long do custom height extension panels take?
Generally within one to two weeks of ordering the material. Primrose and Woodland Grey louvres are stocked colours.
Gates
Do gates come with a lock?
All gates come with a standard D-latch, which can be padlocked on one side. Double gates also come with a drop bolt. A double-sided key lock is an optional extra.
Timber fencing and retaining walls
Do you build retaining walls?
Yes – treated pine timber sleeper retaining walls (H4). The sleepers are 2.4 m long, 200 mm high and 50 mm thick, built directly under the new fence where ground levels differ. See retaining walls.
How many palings are in a metre?
Around five per metre for a single paling fence – 150 mm palings with a 50 mm gap. A lapped fence adds a 100 mm paling over each gap, covering 25 mm either side.
What is the best material for timber fence posts?
Galvanised steel. Steel posts last far longer than timber posts in the ground and are our recommendation for every new timber fence.
Is Colorbond cheaper than timber?
Usually. A timber fence we build is generally around 20% more than the equivalent Colorbond fence because it takes more labour, and Colorbond lasts longer with no ongoing maintenance. Hardwood paling fences cost considerably more again – we build timber fencing in treated pine only.
How much does slat fencing cost compared with Colorbond?
Full-height aluminium slat fencing is a premium product – several times the cost of Colorbond per metre – because each panel is fabricated, welded and powder-coated. A Colorbond fence with a 300 mm slat insert gives a similar look at the top of the fence for much less.
Council, neighbours and approvals
Do I need council approval for my new fence?
Not for a standard 1.8 m boundary fence in most cases. You do need approval for fences over 1.8 m, for heritage-listed properties, and usually for solid front fences – front fences in Sydney generally cannot be solid Colorbond. Check your council's rules or ask us.
My property is heritage listed. Can I build a Colorbond fence?
You will need council approval first. Once approved, we build it the same way as any other fence.
Can I put up a fence without my neighbour's permission?
You can, but under the NSW Dividing Fences Act you can normally only recover half the cost from a neighbour who agreed beforehand, or through the Act's formal notice process. Talk to your neighbour first and give them a copy of our quote. Your council's website has a fencing notice template.
How is the cost of a boundary fence shared?
Under the Dividing Fences Act adjoining owners generally pay equal shares of a sufficient dividing fence. If one owner wants something more than a basic fence (extra height, decorative tops), they usually pay the difference.
Does adding a fence increase property value?
A straight, new boundary fence improves presentation and security and is one of the cheaper improvements you can make before selling. We cannot put a figure on it for your property.
Prices and quotes
How much is a Colorbond fence?
It depends on length, height, access, whether the old fence needs removing and whether a retaining wall is needed. Long, straight runs cost less per metre than short or complicated ones. Send us the dimensions or ask for a free on-site measure and we will give you a firm price – we do not publish prices online because every site is different.
How much is Colorbond fencing per panel?
Ask us for a current price. Supply-only panel kits and installed fencing are quoted differently, and very short lengths cost more per panel than long runs.
How much does a good neighbour fence cost?
A good-neighbour Colorbond fence looks the same from both sides and is priced per metre like any Colorbond fence. Send the length and we will quote it – and give you a copy for your neighbour.
How much would it cost to fence my yard?
Measure your yard's perimeter in metres, or count the existing panels, and call, text or email us the length. We reply with a price the same day in most cases, and the cost of a boundary fence is normally shared with your neighbour.
How do you calculate fencing?
Measure the perimeter in metres or count the existing number of panels (about 2.4 m each). Send us the length, height and suburb and we respond with a price. For an on-site measure, book a free inspection.
What type of fencing and gates are the cheapest?
Colorbond fencing and Colorbond gates – less labour to install than timber and no ongoing maintenance.
Can I install a fence myself?
A fence can be installed in one to three days by someone experienced, and we sell complete DIY kits. But between research, preparation and a lot of hard labour, most people find it better value to let us do it – and the result is straight.
Still have a question, or ready for a quote?
Use the form – choose 'Something else' if you just have a question – or call Jye on 0421 233 434.
- 1 What you need
- 2 Details
- 3 Photos
- 4 Contact
- 5 Review
Ready for a free quote?
Send us your fence length, height and a couple of photos and Jye will come back to you with a preliminary price or arrange a free site inspection.