Before you commit, here are five key factors that will help you avoid common fencing mistakes and help you choose the perfect fencing solution.
1. Define Your Fence’s Purpose
Think about “Why”. Your fence’s primary purpose will inform everything that follows, from materials to design. A boundary fence for your family dog has different characteristics to one designed to keep intruders out of a commercial property. If kerb appeal is your goal, you’ll want to focus on design elements that complement your home’s architecture while still maintaining functionality.
Common fencing goals in Perth include:
- Keeping kids and pets safely contained
- Creating privacy from neighbours or street traffic
- Increasing security for homes or businesses
- Adding kerb appeal and property value
- Meeting pool safety regulations
- Blocking noise from main roads
- Dividing fences – you’ll split costs with neighbours unless agreed otherwise
- Bushfire zone compliance (BAL ratings) for hills and urban fringe areas
Have multiple fencing goals? Be sure to identify them as early as possible to guide your decision making.
Security, Privacy or Aesthetic?
Different fencing goals require different solutions. A security fence needs to be tough to climb and tamper-resistant – use steel or aluminium with anti-climb features. Privacy fencing should focus on height and solid panels, with Colorbond being a popular choice in Perth’s climate because of its durability. If you’re after kerb appeal, decorative aluminium or picket fencing can define your property’s boundaries while maintaining an open feel. We’ll explore different materials further shortly.
Residential vs Commercial: Different Properties, Different Needs
Residential fencing in Perth needs to balance looks with practicality. Your fence should complement your home’s style while withstanding Perth’s climate challenges: think sun damage and those unexpected storms. For commercial properties, security and durability take priority. Your fence needs to protect assets, meet insurance requirements and withstand constant use. Industrial sites often need specialised solutions like high-security gates or anti-climb features.
2. Check Perth’s Local Fencing Regulations
Every Perth council has specific rules about fence height, style and placement. Here’s what you need to know:
- Front fences: 2m height limit is standard, but, for example, the City of Stirling allows 1.8m if the upper third is visually permeable.
- Side/rear fences: Height limits of 1.8m without approval, but 2.1m is often approved if neighbours agree.
- Corner blocks: Be mindful of sight lines for driver visibility.
- Pool fencing: Must meet strict pool safety standards.
- Heritage areas: Must match existing streetscape.
Council Rules on Heights and Boundaries
Check your local council’s website or give them a call before starting. You might need planning approval, especially for front fences or non-standard work.
3. Choose the Right Fencing Material
Your choice of fencing material affects everything from initial cost to long-term maintenance. Here’s a breakdown of Perth’s most popular options:
Colorbond Fencing Perth
Colorbond dominates Perth’s fencing market for good reason. It’s designed with WA’s climate in mind, being resistant to fading or warping in the heat. It’s also virtually maintenance-free and frequently lasts 25+ years. Homeowners appreciate Colorbond fencing’s ability to keep your yard private and reduce noise without compromising appearance. It’s also highly customisable, with over 20 Colorbond colours available.
Timber, Chain Wire or Aluminium? Material Comparison Guide
Timber
Timber fencing offers a timeless, natural aesthetic that seamlessly blends with various architectural styles, providing excellent privacy and security for residential properties. It is highly customisable in design, from traditional picket fences to modern slat designs, and is considered an environmentally friendly option when sourced responsibly. Timber fences are also cost-effective initially and for repairs. They are often used to create intimate outdoor spaces or define property boundaries with a warm, inviting feel and while they require regular maintenance like staining or sealing to withstand weather and prevent rot, properly maintained timber fences can last for decades, adding significant curb appeal and value to a home.
Chain Wire
Chain wire fencing, also known as chain-link fencing, is a highly durable and cost-effective option, constructed from interwoven steel wires that form a diamond-shaped pattern. Often galvanised or PVC-coated, it offers excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, making it a low-maintenance solution for securing property. Though it doesn’t offer complete privacy, its open structure provides visibility, which can be beneficial for monitoring children or pets in residential settings like backyard enclosures or pet runs. Chain wire fences are quick to install, versatile in height and mesh size, and can be enhanced with additional security features like barbed wire for increased protection where needed.
Aluminium
Aluminium fencing is a popular choice for its sleek, modern appearance, exceptional durability, and minimal maintenance requirements. Unlike wood or iron, aluminium is naturally resistant to rust, corrosion, and pests, making it ideal for various climates, including coastal areas. These fences are lightweight, making installation easier, and can be customised with various designs and colors to complement any property style, from ornamental to contemporary slat designs. Often used for pool fencing, garden protection, or general property demarcation, aluminium fences offer a long-lasting, visually appealing, and secure barrier for residential homes.
Maintenance and Lifespan of Different Materials
A smart material choice now will save money later. Here are the maintenance costs you should consider:
- Colorbond: About $100 every 5 years for cleaning
- Timber: $300-500 every 2-3 years for resealing
- Aluminium: $100-200 annual cleaning
- Chain wire: $50-100 occasional re-tensioning.
Consider these costs when comparing quotes. Sometimes paying more upfront for low-maintenance materials like Colorbond makes financial sense long-term.
4. Assess Your Property Layout
Slopes, Retaining Walls and Layout Planning
Perth’s hilly suburbs can make fence installation tricky. Here’s what affects your project.
Sloping Blocks
Fence installation on sloped land will cost you more. 10-30% extra is typical. Bear in mind that you may need council approval for height variations, depending on your area.
Retaining Walls
If working around retaining walls, they must be structurally sound for fence mounting to hold. Specialist installation is highly recommended, even for limestone walls. If your fence is within 1m of a retaining wall over half a meter tall, engineering will be required.
Underground Services
When choosing a layout, be mindful of any underground services in the vicinity. A qualified fence installer will get a Dial Before You Dig report to ensure they avoid power, gas and water lines. If you’re not sure where these are, find out early in the layout planning stage to avoid disappointment.
Consider Gates and Access Points
When planning gates and access points,there are several factors that require consideration to avoid costly mistakes. For vehicle access, standard driveway gates should be 3 to 4 meters wide, while double gates for boats or caravans may need to span 4 to 6 meters. If you are considering automated options for vehicle entry, factor these into your cost.
Pedestrian gates typically range from 0.9 to 1.2 meters in width and should align with your existing paths and entry points. For added safety and convenience, self-closing hinges and security locks are recommended. If facing a narrow verge, your gate must open inwards.
Pool gates have specific safety requirements. They must be self-closing and self-latching, at least 1.2 meters high and open outward from the pool area. Regular safety checks are necessary to ensure compliance and functionality.
5. Selecting a Trustworthy Fencing Contractor
When choosing a fencing contractor, seek someone who’s properly licensed and insured, offers free detailed quotes and can show you examples of their recent work. They should be upfront about their project timeline and payment terms, handle any necessary council approvals and offer warranties on their work.
On the other hand, be cautious of contractors who ask for large deposits upfront, provide vague or incomplete quotes, are unable to show examples of past work or pressure you into making a quick decision. These warning signs are red flags that you should not ignore.
Questions to Ask Your Contractor
Before committing to a specific contractor, start with the basics: verify their contractor’s licence, check their insurance coverage, find out how long they’ve been working in Perth and confirm they’ll handle council permits.
If you’re ready to move ahead with your project, get these answers before signing anything:
Project Specifics
- “What’s your typical timeline for a job this size?”
- “How do you handle unexpected issues like tree roots?”
- “Will you mark underground services?”
- “Who’s responsible for site cleanup?”
Money
- “What deposit do you require?”
- “Do you offer fixed-price quotes?”
- “What’s your payment schedule?”
- “What warranty do you provide?”
- “Does the fixed price include GST?”
Why Choose Firm Fencing in Perth?
Firm Fencing are Perth fencing contractors that you can trust. We offer quality materials at competitive prices, backed by a 2-year workmanship warranty. With over 100 Google reviews averaging 4.6 stars, we’ve built a solid reputation in the industry. You can take comfort knowing you’re choosing to work with some of the best.
Get Started with Firm Fencing
Get Your Free Quote
Whether you’re looking to keep pets in, neighbours out or just add privacy to your Perth property, we’re here to help.
Book your free measure and quote by calling us on 0436 960 570 or booking online today.