8 Things You Should Know About COLORBOND® Fences
Thinking about building a COLORBOND® fence? You’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know.
From what makes our COLORBOND® fencing supplies so popular among Australians, to how you can customise and maintain it. Whether you’re exploring design options or looking for installation tips, we’ve got all the details to help you make an informed decision.
Contents
- What is COLORBOND® made of?
- Can you customise a COLORBOND® fence?
- What structural & size options are there?
- How do you maintain COLORBOND® steel?
- How can you buy a COLORBOND® fence?
- Preparing for install – DIY or professional?
- How to find a professional installer?
- Where to buy COLORBOND® fence panels?
1. What is COLORBOND® made of?
Well, COLORBOND® steel is self-explanatory. But what type of steel is COLORBOND®? It’s a zinc-aluminum base and finished with a baked-on paint layer. This gives it superior durability and a sleek finish.
The baked-on layer of paint makes it very low-maintenance. The material resists rust, chipping and fading, meaning you don’t have to worry about constant cleaning. It’s designed to handle everything Australia’s climate throws at it - scorching sun, heavy rain and even salty coastal conditions.
With a wide range of colours to choose from, we’ve made it easy for you to find a style that suits your home perfectly.
Is COLORBOND® Australian made?
Yes! It’s proudly Australian-made. It’s been developed to meet the needs of Aussie homes, so you know it’s a product you can trust.
2. Can you customise a COLORBOND® fence?
You’ve got plenty of colour options to make your fence unique. With 19 colours to choose from, you can create a fence that perfectly suits your style and backyard. Try using different colours for the frame and infill sheets. It’s all about making it yours!
Can a panel be two colours?
Absolutely! Maybe you like the classic look of Monument for the panels but want a splash of green for contrast. Why not go for a Pale Eucalypt frame? There are so many combos to choose from, so you can have a fence that stands out and complements your outdoor vibe.
What about painting a COLORBOND® fence?
What to change things up? Why not paint your fence a new colour! Just keep in mind that the original baked-on paint is super durable, while new paint might need more care and touch-ups over time. Be gentle, and it’ll look great!
With all these choices, your fence can be as unique and stylish as the rest of your home.
3. What structural & size options are there?
Our COLORBOND® panels come in two profile designs: NEETASCREEN® and SMARTASCREEN®.
NEETASCREEN® is a popular choice for a sleek fence. It offers a neat, uniform look. You might also hear it called "trim line" or "standard".
SMARTASCREEN® is perfect for a good-neighbour fence. Both sides look similar, so you and your neighbour get an equally attractive finish. This design is often referred to as "sawtooth" or "zig-zag."
How tall can a COLORBOND® fence be?
You’ve got four options: 1200mm, 1500mm, 1800mm, and 2100mm. Most Aussie fences are 1800mm tall, but if you’re after extra privacy then 2100mm height is a great choice. All heights are measured from ground level up.
What COLORBOND® panel sizes are available?
COLORBOND® fence panels come in two widths: 2400mm and 3150mm. The standard 2400mm panel has three infill sheets. The wider 3150mm panel has four. The wider panels are ideal for larger projects to reduce the number of post holes you need to dig, making the job quicker and easier. They can also help smaller backyards feel more open and spacious. A 2400mm width panel is the most popular size. It allows for the best fence strength as there’s less distance between the channel posts.
How can I make my COLORBOND® fence stronger?
Here’s a tip for a stronger fence! You can use timber fence posts between the COLORBOND® channel posts. Timber posts are thicker and sturdier, making them great for areas with strong winds or if you just want a more robust structure.
Adding a fence plinth at the bottom is always a good idea, and composite sleepers pair beautifully with the sleek look of COLORBOND® panels. Bonus: composite sleepers can even be painted to match your COLORBOND® colour for a seamless look!
4. How do you maintain COLORBOND® steel?
How to clean a COLORBOND® fence?
Cleaning your steel fence is super easy! All you need is a garden hose and a soft-bristled broom. Simply hose it down every now and then to wash away dirt and dust.
For any stubborn spots, a gentle scrub with the broom will do the trick. Thanks to the smooth coating on COLORBOND® steel, dirt tends to slide right off, especially after a good rain!
Can COLORBOND® steel be easily dented?
It depends. Your COLORBOND® fence is tough enough to handle everyday Aussie backyard fun, like kicking the footy or playing fetch with the dog. But harder, heavier impacts like things falling onto the fence or objects being thrown might cause a dent.
What to do if you dent your fence?
Accidents happen! For small dents, you might be able to push them out from the opposite side. Keep in mind, though, that even if you smooth it out, the steel’s structure is already damaged, so you may still see a faint outline of the dent.
For more noticeable damage, replacing the infill sheet is usually the best solution. The good news? You can buy individual COLORBOND® infill sheets to swap out the damaged ones. However, taking the COLORBOND® panel apart can be tricky, so we recommend getting a qualified installer or contacting the original installer to handle the replacement. This way, you can avoid further damage and get your fence looking good as new!
5. How can you buy a COLORBOND® fence?
What is a fence ‘panel’?
Let’s start with the basics. A panel is one section of COLORBOND® fencing that spans either 2400mm or 3150mm in width. Most fences will need multiple panels to cover the desired length. For example, a 9.5m fence would require three 3150mm panels.
What makes up a panel? Each one consists of:
- x2 universal rails
- x2 channel posts
- x3-4 infill sheets (depending on panel width)
You’ll also need COLORBOND® coloured head screws to secure the parts and create a seamless look.
Picking the perfect COLORBOND® fence colours
One of the best things about COLORBOND® fence panels is how customisable they are. You can choose a different colour for your frame (the posts and rails) and your infill sheets.
Since the infill sheets are the most visible part of the fence, we recommend picking your favourite colour for those first. Then, choose a complementary shade for the frame to tie the whole look together. With 19 colours to choose from, the possibilities are endless, and they’ll fit seamlessly into any landscaping plans you have in mind.
Choosing the right height
When it comes to height, most backyard Aussie fences are 1800mm tall. It’s a great standard size that provides privacy without being overwhelming. If you’re after even more seclusion, the 2100mm option is ideal for creating an ultra-private space. There’s also the 1200mm or 1500mm options which are great for front fences where you can enjoy privacy but still feel connected to your community.
6. Preparing for install – DIY or professional?
Preparing for a new fence? Whether it’s COLORBOND® steel or another material, the process is similar.
Step 1: Assess the Area
Start by checking your property. Ask yourself:
- Is the ground level?
- Is there proper drainage to prevent water pooling under the fence?
- How long will the fence be?
Once you’ve got those answers, map out the fence line and make sure to get any permits you might need.
Step 2: Decide: DIY or Professional Installation?
Now it’s time to decide - do you want to DIY or hire a professional? Each option has its perks, and it all depends on your skills and what works best for you.
Can you DIY a COLORBOND® fence?
Absolutely! They’ve been designed with the DIYer in mind. All the parts fit together easily and there’s a handful of guides online to teach you all about the process.
If you’re looking to save on labour costs, building the fence yourself is a great choice. Plus, if you enjoy hands-on projects, it’s a satisfying way to put in some hard work. There’s no better feeling than sitting back and admiring a project you completed with your own two hands!
7. How to find a professional installer?
We get it, sometimes it’s better to leave it to the pros. If you’re new to COLORBOND® fencing, getting familiar with how one is built can take time. Let’s face it, not everyone has the spare hours for that kind of project.
That’s why we’ve created a simple guide with tips you’ll need to hire a tradie for your COLORBOND® fence installation. From researching local businesses to signing the job contract, we’ve got all the tips you need to make sure the job gets done right.
8. Where to buy COLORBOND® fence panels?
You’re in the right place! At Narangba Timbers, we have everything you need to get started. Discover individual components like posts and rails, infill sheets and accessories.
Ready to start your project? Check out our COLORBOND® fencing range today and see how simple it is to bring your COLORBOND® fence to life! Plus, we make it easy to get your COLORBOND® fencing materials delivered straight to your driveway.