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Choosing between Colorbond fencing and aluminium fences is a significant investment for any Perth home. The right fence improves curb appeal, enhances security, protects pets and children, and adds long-term property value. The wrong fence can mean costly mistakes, ongoing maintenance, and repairs after strong winds or salty air take their toll.
Start With The Purpose Of Your Fence
Before you compare fencing material, define what you need the fence to do. This single step simplifies every decision that follows, from height to style to budget.
Most Perth homeowners choose a fence for one or more of these reasons:
- Privacy: solid panels create a visual barrier for outdoor space and busy streets
- Security: a good fence deters entry and strengthens boundaries
- Noise Reduction: solid panels can reduce road noise and neighbour noise
- Street Appeal: clean lines and visual appeal lift kerb appeal
- Pool Safety: pool fencing must meet pool barriers rules, including self closing and self latching gate requirements
- Boundary Clarity: dividing fences reduce disputes and define land lines
If privacy and noise reduction are the main goal, Colorbond steel and other solid panels are usually the strongest match. If airflow, corrosion resistance, or a modern open look matters most, aluminium slat fencing often wins.
Perth Fence Rules You Need To Know First
Local council regulations in Western Australia influence what you can build, where you can build it, and whether council approval is required. Checking these rules early prevents expensive rework.
Keep these practical points in mind:
- In most Perth suburbs, a standard dividing fence or boundary fence is typically around 1.8 metres high without special approvals, but anything taller may need formal permission.
- Front fences within the primary street setback generally need a lower solid height, often around 1.2 m, and if you go higher you usually need visually permeable styles above that height.
- Corner blocks often have sightline restrictions near driveways and intersections, so fence height and openness matter.
- Pool fencing must be at least 1.2 metres high and comply with AS 1926.1, with permits and council inspections as part of the process.
If you are unsure, a professional installation team can guide you on council regulations and common approval triggers for your Perth property.
Dividing Fences And Neighbour Requirements
If your new fence sits on a shared boundary fence line, dividing fences are governed by the Dividing Fences Act 1961. It is not just a courtesy to talk to your neighbour, it is often essential to avoid disputes.
Key points Perth homeowners should understand:
- Shared fences commonly involve shared costs for a sufficient fence, depending on what your local council considers a sufficient fence.
- If you want an upgrade beyond the minimum standard, you may need to cover the difference.
- When planning a new dividing fence and seeking cost contribution, you generally need to provide a Notice to Fence at least 21 days before construction starts.
Good communication prevents the most common fence project headaches.
Quick Answer: Colorbond Or Aluminium In Perth
In Perth, the choice between Colorbond and aluminium typically hinges on what you value most.
- Choose Colorbond fencing if you want maximum privacy, strong boundary performance, and a neat, uniform look with minimal maintenance.
- Choose aluminium fences if you want rust proof performance in coastal areas, a modern open style, and flexibility through aluminium slats or slat fencing designs.
Both materials can be low maintenance compared to timber fencing, but they behave differently in Perth’s climate.
Colorbond Fencing In Perth: Strength, Privacy, And Low Maintenance
Colorbond steel is popular in fencing Perth projects because it suits Perth conditions. It handles heat, UV, and strong winds well when installed correctly, and it gives you full privacy with solid panels.
Why Perth homeowners choose Colorbond panels:
- Strong privacy: solid panels create a reliable visual barrier
- Weather resistance: designed to handle Perth’s climate and strong winds
- Low maintenance: generally only needs occasional washing
- Style options: wide colour choice and modern profiles for clean lines
- Security: hard to climb and offers excellent boundary definition
How long it lasts: with correct post spacing and professional installation, Colorbond fencing typically lasts 20 to 30 years, making it a long-term investment.
What to watch for: coastal areas can accelerate corrosion if scratches are left untreated. If colorbond panels are scratched, touch-up is important to protect the coating and reduce rust risk over time.
Aluminium Fences In Perth: Corrosion Resistance And Modern Flexibility
Aluminium is naturally resistant to corrosion, which is why it is often the go-to for coastal areas and salty air exposure. It is also lighter than steel and can be configured in many visually permeable styles, including aluminium slats, aluminium slat fencing, and powder coated aluminium profiles.
Why Perth homeowners choose aluminium fences:
- Rust proof performance: ideal for beachfront homes and coastal properties
- Low maintenance: minimal upkeep compared with timber fencing
- Customisable privacy: aluminium slats can be spaced to balance airflow and privacy
- Modern look: clean lines, strong curb appeal, and architectural compatibility
- Versatility: works well for front fences, pool fencing, and feature fencing
How long it lasts: aluminium fencing can also last 20 to 30 years with minimal maintenance, especially with quality powder coated aluminium finishes and proper fixings.
What to watch for: not all aluminium systems are equal. Installation quality and hardware choice matter, particularly around gates and high-use access points.
Security And Privacy: Which One Is Better?
If enhancing security and privacy is your priority, Colorbond usually has the edge because solid panels limit footholds, hide the yard from view, and create a more complete barrier.
Aluminium can still be secure, especially with slat fencing that reduces gaps and uses strong frames and steel posts where required. But in most standard residential setups:
- Best for privacy and noise reduction: Colorbond steel with solid panels
- Best for airflow and visual openness: aluminium slats and visually permeable styles
For busy streets, many Perth homeowners choose Colorbond for side and rear boundary fence lines, then use aluminium slat fencing or mixed materials for the front for street appeal.
Pool Fencing: Aluminium Often Fits Better Than Colorbond
Pool fencing has strict rules around climbability, gaps, and gate function. Pool barriers must comply with AS 1926.1, and the gate must be self closing and self latching.
In practice:
- Aluminium pool fencing systems are common because they are durable, rust proof, and suit pool area layouts.
- Colorbond fencing can be used near pool areas as a privacy screen, but it is not always appropriate as the compliant pool fence itself unless designed and installed specifically to meet pool fencing rules.
For pool barriers, you also need to consider non climbable zones, gate hardware, and how the fence interacts with landscaping and furniture in the pool area.
Cost Comparison In Perth: What You Can Expect Per Linear Metre
Fencing in Perth is usually priced per linear metre, including materials and installation. Your final cost depends on fence length, ground slope, colour choice, gate requirements, and whether you need old fence removal or fence removal and disposal.
As a general guide:
- A standard 1.8m Colorbond fence in Perth commonly falls around $95 to $130 per metre, and many quotes for Colorbond fencing land within $90 to $150 per linear metre depending on profile and site conditions.
- Aluminium slat fencing often has a higher upfront cost, with slat designs commonly starting around $200 to $250 per square metre and rising with custom profiles and premium finishes.
- Timber fencing can look cheaper at first, but timber paling fence pricing commonly ranges around $120 to $200 per metre and requires ongoing maintenance to avoid rot and warping.
If you are budgeting early, an online fencing calculator can help estimate total linear metre pricing, then a site visit will confirm the details.
Installation Factors That Change The Price
Two fences with the same length can price very differently once site conditions are factored in.
Common cost drivers include:
- Fence removal: old fence removal, disposal, and clearing an existing fence line
- Ground slope: fencing installation on sloped land often costs 10 to 30% more
- Retaining wall needs: if the ground steps or drops, you may need a retaining wall before the fence can be installed correctly
- Stepped panels: stepped panels can manage slope neatly but add labour and planning
- Gates and access: gate size, automation, and framing (often tubular steel frames for strength)
- Correct post spacing: stronger wind zones often require stricter spacing and deeper footings
- Brick piers and mixed materials: feature front fences with brick piers and slat infills increase complexity and cost
A simple rule: the more the fence has to fight the land, the more the installation quality matters.
What Holds Up Better In Perth Conditions And Strong Winds?
Both Colorbond and aluminium can handle strong winds, but they manage wind differently.
- Colorbond solid panels create more wind load because they act like a sail. That is not a problem when posts, footings, and correct post spacing are done properly.
- Aluminium slats allow airflow through adjustable gaps, which can reduce wind pressure while keeping a modern look.
For high wind sites, we often recommend:
- Colorbond for rear boundaries where privacy is non-negotiable, with steel posts and strong footings installed correctly
- Aluminium slat fencing for front fences where airflow, street appeal, and coastal durability matter
For coastal areas, aluminium is usually superior due to natural rust proof properties, especially in salty air and spray zones.
Maintenance Requirements: Colorbond Vs Aluminium Vs Timber
Both Colorbond and aluminium are low maintenance compared to timber fencing.
Colorbond maintenance basics:
- Wash down occasionally, especially after storms or dust events
- Touch up scratches on Colorbond steel to protect the coating
- Keep soil build-up away from the base line to reduce trapped moisture
Aluminium maintenance basics:
- Wash occasionally, more often in coastal areas to remove salt residue
- Inspect fasteners and brackets for wear
- Keep hinges and latches clean and lubricated on gates
Timber maintenance basics:
- Seal or stain every 2 to 3 years to protect against moisture and sun
- Watch for rot, warping, termites, and soft timber posts
- Expect a shorter lifespan, often 10 to 20 years depending on species and maintenance
If minimal maintenance is your top priority, both Colorbond and powder coated aluminium are strong choices.
Choosing The Right Fence By Location On Your Perth Property
Different fence lines often need different solutions. The most practical fencing solution is not always one material for the whole block.
Typical Perth recommendations:
- Rear Boundary Fence: Colorbond fencing for privacy, security, and noise reduction
- Side Boundaries: Colorbond or aluminium depending on exposure and neighbour preference under dividing fences rules
- Front Fences: aluminium slats, aluminium slat fencing, picket fencing styles, or mixed materials for curb appeal and visually permeable styles where required
- Pool Area: pool fencing systems designed for pool barriers compliance, self closing and self latching gates, and non climbable zones
- Slopes: stepped panels, retaining wall support, and careful post spacing to avoid movement
This is how you avoid a right fence decision becoming a compromise.
How To Choose A Contractor Without Costly Mistakes
Even the best fencing material can fail if it is not installed correctly. Choosing trustworthy fencing contractors Perth homeowners can rely on is essential.
Before you commit, ask:
- Do you measure and plan correct post spacing for strong winds and long runs?
- Will you handle fence removal and disposal of the existing fence?
- How will you manage slope, stepped panels, or retaining wall requirements?
- What hardware will be used on gates and posts?
- Will you confirm local council regulations and council approval triggers for front fences and corner blocks?
A professional installation approach protects structural integrity and avoids repairs that could have been prevented.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colorbond Or Aluminium More Affordable In Perth?
Colorbond usually has the lower upfront cost for standard residential boundaries, especially at 1.8 metres high. Aluminium slat fencing typically costs more upfront, but can be cost-effective over time due to longevity and minimal maintenance.
Does Colorbond Rust Or Fade Over Time?
Colorbond steel is designed for Perth’s climate and is low maintenance. Scratches should be touched up so the protective coating stays intact, especially in coastal areas where salty air accelerates corrosion on exposed metal.
Are Aluminium Fences Strong Enough For Perth’s Storms?
Yes, quality aluminium fences are strong and durable when installed correctly. Slat fencing can also reduce wind load because air passes through, which can help in strong winds.
Are Both Options Council Compliant In Western Australia?
Both can be compliant, but height, location, and style matter. Front fences often require visually permeable sections above a lower solid section, and pool fencing must comply with AS 1926.1 with compliant gates and non climbable zones.
Which Is Better For A Pool Fence?
Aluminium is commonly used for pool fencing because it is rust proof, durable, and suits compliance requirements. The most important factor is that the pool barriers system meets AS 1926.1, including a self closing and self latching gate and correct non climbable zones.
Choose The Right Fence With Confidence
Colorbond vs aluminium fencing is not a one size decision. For many Perth homeowners, Colorbond is the best choice for a secure, private, durable boundary fence with low maintenance. Aluminium is often the best choice for coastal areas, front fences, pool fencing, and modern slat fencing designs where corrosion resistance, airflow, and clean lines matter.
If you want a clear recommendation based on your Perth property, contact our team for a site visit and quote. We will help you avoid costly mistakes, confirm council regulations, and deliver professional installation that suits your budget, your style, and Perth conditions. Call now to get started on your new fence.
