Choose the right fence material

Colorbond vs timber vs aluminium: fencing material comparison

The best fence material depends on what you want it to do: privacy, security, pool safety, low upkeep or the lowest upfront cost. This comparison lays out the trade-offs in plain terms, with illustrative costs from our pricing configuration.

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Illustrative cost comparison

Illustrative fencing cost per metre by material
Material	Per metre, installed	20 m fence example
Colorbond steel	$95 – $180	$1,900 – $3,600
Timber paling	$70 – $150	$1,400 – $3,000
Aluminium slat / tubular	$160 – $300	$3,200 – $6,000
Pool fencing	$170 – $330	$3,400 – $6,600
Other / not sure	$90 – $250	$1,800 – $5,000

Illustrative placeholderPer-metre figures assume a 1.8 m fence on flat ground, rounded. Placeholders requiring validation, not live contractor prices.

Side-by-side comparison

Qualitative comparison of fencing materials
Factor	Colorbond	Timber	Aluminium	Pool fencing
Upfront cost	Medium	Lowest	Higher	Highest (compliance)
Ongoing maintenance	Low	Higher (seal/stain, repairs)	Low	Low
Privacy	High (solid)	High (solid)	Varies: slat gaps set privacy	Low: open for visibility
Termites and rot	Not affected	At risk without treatment	Not affected	Not affected
Bushfire-prone areas	Non-combustible; check local rules	Combustible; often restricted	Non-combustible; check local rules	Check local rules
Coastal exposure	Ask about coastal-grade finishes	Treatment and fixings matter	Often well suited	Often well suited
Wind load	Solid: footings matter	Solid: footings matter	Lower for open designs	Low
Sloping ground	Stepped sheets	Stepped or raked	Raked or stepped panels	Compliance limits gaps

Ratings are general, qualitative guidance rather than test results. Individual products and installations vary.

Which material suits which job?

Tight budget, private rear boundary: timber paling is the usual starting point.
Low maintenance and a solid, modern look: Colorbond steel.
Front fence, gate, coastal home or a more open look: aluminium slat or tubular.
Around a swimming pool: compliant pool fencing, designed and installed to your state’s rules.
Bushfire-prone lot: check local bushfire rules first, as combustible materials may be restricted near buildings.

Useful official sources

Rules change and differ by council and by property. Use these official sources to confirm what applies to you before you build. Links point to each agency’s main site; use its search for the relevant topic.

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Frequently asked questions

Which fence material is best value?

It depends whether you count upfront cost or cost over the life of the fence. Timber is usually cheapest to install; Colorbond and aluminium often cost less to maintain.

Which fence material is best for privacy?

Solid fences such as timber paling and Colorbond give the most privacy. Aluminium slat fences can offer good privacy depending on slat spacing.

Which fence is best near the coast?

Aluminium with a suitable powder-coat is often favoured, and some steel products have coastal-grade options. Ask contractors what they recommend for your distance from the sea.

Which fence is best for bushfire-prone areas?

Non-combustible materials such as steel and aluminium are commonly used, but rules depend on your bushfire attack level and local planning. Check with your council or fire authority.

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