Knowing how a Colorbond fence goes in helps you prepare your yard, ask better questions and spot a rushed job. Here is the usual order of work for a standard Adelaide backyard fence.
Measure and quote. The installer checks the fence line, ground levels, access and any old fence that needs removing.
Paperwork. Neighbour notices and any council checks are sorted before work starts. See the planning page for details.
Check for underground services. Before any digging, a free Before You Dig Australia enquiry shows where pipes and cables may run.
Old fence removal. If there is an existing fence, it comes down and is taken away.
Set out the line. A string line marks the fence position and post spacing.
Dig and concrete the posts. Post holes are dug, posts are stood up plumb and set in concrete.
Let the concrete set. Posts need time to firm up before panels go on.
Fit rails and panels. Bottom rails, sheets and top rails go in, then any plinths, extensions and gates.
Clean up and final check. Offcuts, swarf and spoil are removed and the fence is checked for line, level and gaps.
Much of the Adelaide Plains has reactive clay soil that swells when wet and shrinks when dry, so posts need to be set deep enough to stay firm through the seasons. Sandy coastal soils can need wider footings, and rock in the foothills and Adelaide Hills may need core drilling. On sloping blocks the fence is either stepped in level sections or raked to follow the ground, often with plinths to close gaps underneath.
Many standard backyard fences take a day or two of work on site, depending on length, ground conditions, weather and whether an old fence needs removing first. Ask your installer for a timeframe that suits your property.
Clear about a metre along the fence line
Trim back shrubs and move pots, furniture and play equipment
Unhook anything attached to the old fence
Make sure the side gate or access path is clear
Keep pets secured on the day
Let your neighbour know when work is booked
The installation steps in the homeowner guide show the same process from measure up to finished fence. You can read about New Fence Adelaide's Colorbond installation service on its website.
Next up: Quote factors.
All pages in this guide: Home | Planning | Styles and colours | Fence replacement | Installation | Quote factors | Gates | Common questions | Service area