“I want to build a Colorbond fence. Do I need concrete sleepers under it?”
While fencing contractors can easily tell you if you need sleepers under your Colorbond fence, this article will help you understand when sleepers (also known as plinths) are necessary, their costs, benefits and what types of fences they go under.
I won’t take too much of your time here, so let’s begin…
Why Put Sleepers Under a Colorbond Fence?
Main Uses
You’ll see them all around Adelaide, but you’re likely wondering what the point of them is.
Sleepers are primarily used under Good Neighbour Colorbond fences to address varying ground levels.
If your property is elevated compared to your neighbour’s, sleepers or retaining walls help maintain a level fence line.
Your elevated side will only see the fence.
But your neighbour will see the grey concrete sleepers on their side.
Increasing Fence Height
Concrete sleepers, usually 0.2 meters high each, can be used to increase the total height of the fence.
It acts as an elevated base to install a fence on top of.
Sometimes they make up for almost half the total height of the build.
But then we’re talking more about retaining walls, rather than under fence plinths (UFP’s).
Compensating For Sloping Ground
On sloped ground, sleepers provide an alternative to stepping the fence.
Stepping means each fence panel is adjusted to the ground, giving it a “stepped” appearance on sloped ground.
Sleepers allow for a straight fence line on sloped ground, which most people prefer instead of stepping.
Below is an example image of a Good Neighbour fence leveraging concrete sleepers to deal with sloping ground.
Notice;
The ground level raises further down the fence line, and the bottom 2 layers of sleepers disappear below the slope while still keeping the fence straight.
Notice in this image the dirt is right up against the plinths?
If it weren’t for the sleepers, the dirt would be up against the Colorbond sheets/tracks. Which can cause rust and structural damage overtime.
Read: How To Protect Your Colorbond Fence From Rust
Closing Gaps Under The Fence
Plinths are often used to close gaps under Colorbond Good Neighbour fences.
Fencing contractors who know what they’re doing should be able to assess the fence line and predict if there will be gaps.
If so, they’ll probably suggest using sleepers, or another solution specific to the conditions.
Creating Garden Beds
Everybody knows why you shouldn’t put garden soil up against Colorbond fence sheets.
(Soil causes rust damage on the fence over time, making costly repairs necessary)
Concrete sleepers on the other hand make for a suitable and safe wall for your garden bed without the risk of rust damage.
Do You Need Sleepers Under Your Colorbond Fence?
Sleepers add to your total fencing bill, so only get them when necessary.
You DON’T need sleepers if:
- The fence line is flat.
- The fence is under 2.1 meters high.
- You don’t have a garden bed.
- You’re okay with a stepped fence on sloping ground.
- There will be no gaps under the fence.
- Contractors advise against it.
What Fences Can Have Sleepers?
Generally, you can only put plinths under Good Neighbour fences.
However, there are ways to get concrete under other types of fencing, like Post & Rail or Tubular.
Usually, this involves pouring concrete between the fencing posts before installing the fence sheets.
How Much Do Sleepers/Plinths Cost?
Cement plinths/sleepers typically cost about $50 each.
If you need 1 row of plinths under a good neighbour fence, that’s 1 plinth per panel.
Even for an average-sized fencing job, you’re looking at a couple hundred dollars extra on the quote just for materials.
Contractors also charge more in labour due to the extra work involved with sleepers.
Conclusion & Summary
Sleepers are good for maintaining a straight fence line on uneven ground, closing gaps, and protecting your fence sheets from rusting.
They are primarily used with Good Neighbour fences.
They aren’t necessary for flat ground, shorter fences, or when you want a stepped fence.
If you’re still unsure whether or not you need them under your Colorbond fence, call us and schedule a free on-site assessment. We’ll tell you what your best and most affordable options are, and if concrete sleepers are necessary for your project.
Request a free online quote from our Adelaide fencing contractors <<
Planning a new fence?
You will find these articles helpful as well: