Colorbond fencing is made from COLORBOND steel, a pre-painted steel from BlueScope that several Australian manufacturers roll into fence panels. The look you end up with comes down to three choices: the panel style, the height and the colour.
Standard sheet panels. The classic look, with ribbed steel sheets held between a top and bottom rail and fixed to steel posts. Great for back and side boundaries where privacy matters most.
Slat and modular styles. Horizontal or vertical slats give a more architectural look and work well for front fences, courtyards and screens.
Lattice or slat extensions. A decorative strip along the top adds height and lets some air and light through, which can suit a yard that feels closed in.
Plinths and sleepers. On sloping or uneven ground, a plinth or concrete sleeper along the bottom closes the gap under the panels and can hold back soil.
Around 1.8 metres is the most popular height for backyard privacy. Lower heights suit front yards and areas where you want to keep a view, while taller fences or extensions help on sloping blocks where the neighbour's yard sits higher than yours. Check the planning rules before going above 2.1 metres.
Popular fencing colours include Monument, Woodland Grey, Basalt, Shale Grey, Surfmist, Dune, Paperbark and Pale Eucalypt. Ranges vary between manufacturers and change over time, so look at real samples before you decide.
Look in daylight. Hold a sample against your house in morning and afternoon sun. Colours can look very different outside compared with a screen.
Tie it to the house. Matching the roof, gutters, window frames or garage door makes the fence look like it belongs.
Think about heat. Dark colours absorb more heat. On a west facing fence in an Adelaide summer that can stress plants growing against it.
Think about space. Darker colours make a fence recede into the garden, while light colours brighten a small courtyard but show dirt sooner.
Agree on both sides. Your neighbour sees the other face of the fence. Some panels can be ordered in a different colour on each side, so ask if you cannot agree.
If you live close to the beach, ask the installer which products suit coastal exposure and what the warranty covers near the sea. Salt air is harder on any steel product.
The styles and colours section of the homeowner guide has more ideas on how a fence can fit your home from both sides. To see the range installed locally, visit New Fence Adelaide's Colorbond fencing page.
Next up: Fence replacement.
All pages in this guide: Home | Planning | Styles and colours | Fence replacement | Installation | Quote factors | Gates | Common questions | Service area