How much does Colorbond Fencing cost?

Colorbond fencing is a well-known type of fencing used in Australian homes. This pre-painted steel material is lightweight, flexible, corrosion-resistant, and highly durable whilst remaining compliant with Australian Standards for fencing. The final price of a Colorbond fence, including materials and installation, can start anywhere from $90 and rise to $3,500.

If you’re looking to upgrade your current fencing to Colorbond, you should know and understand what influences Colorbond fencing costs. 

What is Colorbond fencing?

Colorbond fencing is typically made from five layers of aluminium or galvanised steel panels. These materials make it incredibly strong and weather-proof, making it suitable for the harsh Australian climate. 

Unlike other types of fencing, Colorbond has no gaps between slats. This feature makes this type of fencing ideal for those who want the utmost privacy, security, and durability. Also, these panels come pre-painted with lead-free pigments, so you don’t have to worry about painting your fence after installation. 

List of price estimates for Colorbond fencing per location

Colorbond fencing costs can be complicated when you add extras like gates, posts, post caps and cement. A customised look is possible with lattice trim or brick columns instead of pillars. Remember that the labour and materials will exceed what a simple Colorbond fence would cost. Here are some estimated Colorbond panel prices: 

Colorbond fencing installation costs per location

The price of Colorbond fencing ranges from $13 to $200, depending on the type of panel used, with the average price pegged at $65. Actual labour or Colorbond fencing installation costs vary per area, estimated at $72 per metre installed. Accessories, like posts and gates, will bump up materials and labour costs. 

While Colorbond fencing isn’t the most affordable type of fence, it’s one of the hardest and most durable, hence its popularity among Australian homeowners. 

Blue and white Colorbond fence. | Source: Nicee

Durability

Colorbond steel suits Australian weather conditions and complies with the country’s construction standards. Since these fencing panels are made with aluminium or galvanised steel, they can resist impending fire, rot, termites, and up to 20 years of regular wear and tear. It’s also found that Colorbond steel fencing could possibly withstand being exposed near a house fire. 

Easy Maintenance

Its durability means less time and money for fence repairs. And when it comes to maintenance, the panels simply require regular washing. Not a bad investment!

Privacy

Colorbond fences don’t gape or have slits between panels. Instead, you get securely-fitted sheets that give you better privacy and security.

Sustainability

Colorbond is also 100% recyclable. So, even when it’s time to finally replace it, the panels can be reused and repurposed into other steel items like paper clips, cans, and other steel products.

Various colourways

Lastly, Colorbond comes pre-painted in 30+ different shades. You can paint the panels in a custom colour, but you can skip this and still enjoy a visually appealing barrier around your property. 

Besides the cost of Colorbond fencing per metre, other factors could impact the quote you’ll receive. 

Location

Average materials and labour pricing are dependent on where you live. The cost of materials for your Colorbond fence is lower in Western Australia at around $105 than in New South Wales at roughly $155.  

Suburban areas of Australia usually have a higher supply of fence instalment contractors. However, more rural areas may require a company to travel a further distance, which may add to the quote.

Accessories

Most of the pricing stated above only counts towards the actual panels of your Colorbond fence. Extras like posts, post caps, gates, and lattices will be priced differently as materials and extra labour. Below are the average costs for fencing accessories:

• Posts: $13 to $15 each
• Fencing rail: $12 to $17 per piece (2.35 metres)
• Lattice: $40 to $75 per piece (2.3 metres)
• Pedestrian Colorbond gate: $490
• Double car gate: $1,300

Type of Colorbond panels

There are different kinds of Colorbond panels, from basic corrugated sheets to Colorbond Ultra. Basic corrugated sheets are the most cost-efficient type, sometimes going for as low as $13 per metre.

Fence size

Naturally, a longer, higher fence would mean a heftier price tag. Assuming a typical 16-metre length, 1.8-metre tall fence for domestic fencing, you can expect a quote in the range of $2,000. Additional accessories like posts and gates will increase the total cost. 

Surface/ground condition

When it comes to fencing prices, it’s not just about where you’re located but also how your property is situated.

A sloping surface will require extra work, so expect Colorbond fence installation costs to be higher if your property is on a sloping street.

Also, if the soil on your property is unusually soft or rocky, your fence installer may charge extra. The soft ground must be fortified with gravel for stability, and rocky soil needs more effort to install the posts.

Job complexity/labour

Extra services will count towards your total estimated quote. Examples include removing and disposing of existing fences, clearing some shrubs or debris, or mixing Colorbond panels. If you want your fencing painted a custom colour, you’ll need to account for the painting cost as well. 

Installing a Colorbond fence on a slope or at a 45-degree angle can be challenging. Still, it’s feasible and safe as long as your contractor thoroughly assesses your property. Here are some considerations for installing a Colorbond fence on a slope.

Dark grey Colorbond gate. | Source: Rebuild A Fence

Plan your fence carefully

Before installing your Colorbond fence, carefully plan where it will go. Your contractor should take measurements of the slope and the area where you want to install the fence. This information will help determine the number of panels needed, the size of the posts, and the type of brackets required to install the fence.

Use the right brackets

The right brackets are crucial when installing a Colorbond fence on a slope. Standard brackets won’t work, and the installer would need to use angled brackets to fix the fence to the posts. They can also use adjustable brackets to ensure that the fence stays level on the slope.

Use suitable plants

Planting suitable plants against a Colorbond fence can add privacy and beauty to your property. However, not all plants are suitable for growing against a fence. Choose plants that don’t damage the fence, don’t have invasive roots, and can tolerate the conditions in your area. Some suitable plants for growing against a Colorbond fence include jasmine, bougainvillea, and climbing roses.

Attach a trellis to your Colorbond fence

If you want to add more privacy to your Colorbond fence or create a vertical garden, you can request them to attach a trellis to it. The trellis will also add aesthetic appeal to your fence. To attach the trellis, brackets that can hold the weight of the trellis and the plants are needed.

Plan ahead for a fence project can save time and money. Here are some things you should do before you commit with a contractor:

Seek multiple quotes

Asking multiple contractors or fencing installers gives you more information on the average Colorbond fencing prices specific to your location, project size, and desired output. This also helps you assess the expertise and experience of various contractors.

Negotiating with contractors

As with any service, compare fencing cost estimates you get from two or more contractors. You can definitely canvass among different offers and suppliers in your area and use that information to negotiate a better offer. You can also use the average pricing above as a guide.

Timing considerations for installation

Other factors outside cost, such as the installer’s experience and timelines, can help you make a better decision on your Colorbond fencing installer.

When taking estimates from fence installation companies, make sure that they are experienced in Colorbond fencing. The Colorbond fence per metre price may run $100, but in comparison to an inexperienced installer, the price is well worth the end project. Question each company on their knowledge of local fencing standards and rules to avoid problems before the job has begun.

Ready to build your new Colorbond fence? 

Colorbond fencing is one of the best investments to make for your property. But that doesn’t mean it has to get over-the-top expensive. Now that you know what to look for, what to ask, and how to assess a quote, you can hire a fencing contractor with confidence.

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources