Timber Fencing vs COLORBOND® Fencing: 6 Considerations to Make the Best Choice

Timber vs. COLORBOND® for Fencing: The Pros and Cons 

Timber fencing vs COLORBOND® fencing; our customers are often on the fence about which to choose.

Timber fencing is a staple for many Australian homes and has been for decades. But newer fencing materials like COLORBOND® steel are making a statement in many new and renovated homes.  

Both COLORBOND® and timber fences have their own pros and cons. We’re here to help break them down for you – to make it easier for you to decide on what material is best for you.   

Pros and cons of timber fencing

Timber fences have been around for hundreds of years. They are one of the most classic fence styles in Australia. They give the most natural look and feel to your landscaping design. A timber fence is composed of posts, rails, palings and hardware. 

Pros:

• Built to last: Ideal for active families. Kick a ball against it & it won’t dent or scratch 

• Budget friendly: Larger range of cost-effective options  

• Natural design: Blends in with Australian flora & fauna 

Cons:

• Pests & decay: Susceptible to pests like termites & moisture damage 

• Lifespan: Timber has a shorter lifespan compared to steel 

• Maintenance: Requires regular damage inspections & protective treatments 

Pros and cons of COLORBOND® fencing

COLORBOND® steel fences are made from pre-painted steel. It is then rolled into a specific profile (design pressed into the steel). You are able to customise the colours of all components of the fence. COLORBOND® fences are made up of posts, infill sheets, rails, post caps and hardware.  

Pros:

• Sustainable lifecycle: Made in Australia and is completely recyclable 

• Low maintenance: Easy to clean with a simple hose down 

• Weather resistant: Withstands harsh rain, wind & sun 

Cons:

• Initial cost: Can cost more per meter than timber fences 

• Aesthetic design: Metal might look out of place against some natural landscapes 

• Noise: Wind and impacts against the fence can be noticeable 

Durability and maintenance of timber fences vs COLORBOND® fences

COLORBOND® and timber fences require different forms of care and repair. Dirty COLORBOND® fence? A simple hose down will wash any dirt and grime off. Due to timber being a naturally porous material, dirt can be harder to remove and may require cleaning more often. 

Backyard cricket is an Aussie weekend staple, but we can’t all be pro bowlers. Miss the wickets and hit the fence? You’ll likely do no damage at all. If you hit a COLORBOND® fence, the infill sheet could be dented. Replacing a singular timber paling is easy enough, but steel fences are more prone to denting. You’ll need to replace any COLORBOND® infill sheets if they get damaged. 

Timber fences require more maintenance when compared to a COLORBOND® fence. The first several years of owning a timber fence will be worry-free if you use treated palings. After those initial years, you’ll need to inspect your fence once yearly for pests, rot and decay. Rotting from ground moisture and termite damage will mean replacing parts or even the whole fence if the structure is compromised. 

Termites and rot are not things a COLORBOND® fence owner needs to worry about. Termites don’t damage steel, and moisture buildup will not cause rot or decay. COLORBOND® steel is resistant to corrosion, but extended periods of water exposure or moisture will cause rust. After long periods of rain, make sure to check for puddles under your COLORBOND® steel fence. 

Cost analysis: Timber vs. COLORBOND®

Initial material costs, installation, maintenance and lifespan. These are all factors that impact your cost analysis of COLORBOND® and timber fencing.  

COLORBOND® fencing has higher initial material costs per panel. But it has a longer lifespan compared to timber.  

Timber fencing costs vary due to the array of timber fence styles available. Pine is the most affordable option, whilst hardwood is more expensive. Pine may last you 10-15 years with proper care and hardwood can last up to 20-25 years. 

Security and privacy of COLORBOND® and timber fences

Timber and COLORBOND® fences offer top-level privacy for your property. Both also offer a very similar level of security depending on your design choices. The two materials are available in varying heights. Remember, the higher the fence, the harder it will be for intruders to scale. 

Standard timber fences are built without any gap between the palings. Over time, the palings can swell or shrink due to moisture and sun exposure. This leads to small gaps developing between the palings. Avoid this by building a lapped and capped fence where the palings overlap each other. Discover more about the different timber fence styles on offer. 

COLORBOND® fences have no gaps across the length of the fence. You can even add-on custom screening to the top to add extra height. COLORBOND® steel screens are available in a range of styles, and you can even mix and match the colour of the screen to the colour of your fence to make your fence unique. 

Environmental impact and sustainability: Timber vs COLORBOND®

Environmental impacts of fence materials should be an important consideration to Australian homeowners. Carbon is the main culprit when it comes to greenhouse gases and their impact on climate change. The more CO2 in our environment, the faster our climate begins to heat up. 

COLORBOND® steel is partly composed of recycled content and is 100% recyclable. All LYSAGHT® building products are manufactured from steel produced by BlueScope in Australia. Steel is known to have a high carbon footprint due to being man-made. While steel can be recycled, the process can generate a fair amount of carbon, from transporting the materials, to breaking them down with machinery.  

Timber is a naturally occurring and renewable resource. Responsible forestry management in Australia ensures trees are harvested at just the right time. This is done after they are no longer storing carbon at their peak rate. When a timber fence reaches the end of its lifecycle, it’s biodegradable. This uses almost no carbon to break down - if done responsibly. 

Steel is a man-made resource and will use more resources and create more CO2 to manufacture. If you want to keep your backyard fence eco conscious, then choose timber fence materials. 

Fence installation and construction of COLORBOND® and timber

Installing timber and COLORBOND® fences are achievable tasks for the avid DIYer. They’re also a staple for trade fencers.   

Want to tackle a COLORBOND® fence project? We have all the resources you’ll need. Our handy informational resources are a great place to start. 

Choosing timber for your next fence? Discover our fencing installation guide and fence calculator to get your timber fence project up and running. 

Noise reduction: timber fencing vs COLORBOND® fencing

COLORBOND® fences feature a design that minimises gaps, preventing sound from passing through. This helps them excel in noise reduction. Traditional fences may have gaps between slats but COLORBOND® fences are solid and seamless. This design feature ensures that sound can only travel over the top of the fence, significantly reducing noise transmission. 

Timber fences offer versatile options for noise reduction. A standard lapped and capped timber fence effectively blocks out noise, making it suitable for many residential settings.

For properties located in particularly noisy environments such as busy roads or urban areas, acoustic fence palings provide an ideal solution. Acoustic palings are thicker than standard ones to better enhance sound reduction. When using acoustic palings we recommend building a lapped and capped fence style. This offers the best noise reduction for a quieter and more peaceful outdoor environment. 

Tips for choosing the right material for your fence

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right fence material for your home. Do you live in an area with high winds or coastal sea spray?  

What matters most to you in a fence—privacy and security, style and aesthetics, or functionality and affordability? Whatever your priority, there's a fence material that fits your needs. By weighing the pros and cons of timber and COLORBOND® fences, you'll be well-equipped to make the best decision. 

Making the best choice for your project

Now that you've explored the timber fencing vs COLORBOND® fencing, all the pros and cons, do you find yourself leaning towards the sleek, modern appeal of COLORBOND® fencing or the natural warmth of a timber fence?  

It's worth taking the time to consider your options. Your fence plays a significant role in the overall design and ambience of your backyard. Remember, it's not just a functional boundary - it's a statement piece that you and your neighbours will see every day. Choosing the right material is essential for creating the perfect outdoor space.