With so many types of fencing options available, finding one that suits your needs and budget can be time-consuming. This guide explores the different types of fences in Adelaide, so you can make an informed decision and finally get started on your project.
You’ll learn the key benefits and costs associated with each type of fence.
If you’re picky about the type of fence you want, this is the only guide you’ll ever need!
Types Of Wood Fences
Starting with wood fences, because they’re cheap compared to other types of fencing.
If you’ve got a home in the Adelaide suburbs, you can’t get a more classic look for your front yard than a wood fence. There are 3 main types of wooden fences you can get in Adelaide. And I’ll break down the benefits and cost considerations of each one.
Wood Picket Fences
When you think of wood picket fencing, you might think of the classic white picket fences that border American suburban homes.
They look warm, welcoming, and inviting.
And you can get one for your Adelaide home too.
Key benefits of wood picket fencing:
- Inviting tone & aesthetics
- Environmentally friendly
- Cheap to install
- Classic look
Picket fences look nice.
But they’re becoming less popular as front-yard fences due to their lack of security.
Not to mention that without regular care, the wood is prone to rot, which makes it more fragile over time. When consulting our customers, we generally don’t recommend this type of fence unless they’re on a tight budget.
Installation costs range from $70 – $100 per metre on average.
(Depending on who you hire to install it and where they source materials)
Timber Slat Fences
Timber slats are a much better front-yard fencing choice compared to pickets.
They give your home that classic, yet modern look, while also providing front-yard privacy and security. It’s not all timber, however. Those horizontal slats are separated by steel posts. Which further reinforces the fence and makes it much stronger.
They can also be separated by concrete pillar posts.
Key benefits of timber slat fencing:
- Privacy for the front yard (unless people walk right up to the fence and peer through the gaps)
- Reinforced by steel or concrete posts/pillars
- Classic, yet modern appearance
- Long-lasting & durable
Installation costs range from $280 – $350 per metre for timber slat fencing.
Brush Fencing
Brush fences are just bundles of sticks tied together with steel wire.
With that said, they’re surprisingly effective as front-yard fences. They offer complete privacy, and they’re built using thick walls of sticks, making them tough to break through. Steel wire is weaved tightly throughout each panel, which ensures the fence doesn’t sag.
There’s a lot of work involved for this type of fence, despite it looking like an easy panel of twigs.
You can also get brushwood gates to suit the front yard fence.
Key benefits of brushwood fencing:
- Requires little maintenance, which is rare for a wood fence
- Complete privacy for the front yard
- Adds a natural look to your home
- Durable, and difficult to break
Installation costs range from $150 – $270 per metre for brushwood fencing in Adelaide.
Types Of Metal/Steel Fences
The various steel/metal fences are becoming more and more popular for residential fencing in Adelaide. Especially the first two fences I’ve listed below. Steel/metal fences are stronger, more durable, and often cost more to install compared to wood fences.
But we believe you get more bang for your buck when investing in a metal fence.
With that said, let’s go over the 5 main types of metal fences in Australia.
Colorbond Post & Rail Fences
Colorbond Post & Rail fences are a popular choice for many Adelaide homeowners.
Modern-day post & rail fences are built using high-quality Colorbond steel.
The steel posts and rails provide a sturdy framework to support the Colorbond fencing panels.
With the posts being cemented 600 mm into the ground for further reinforcement.
On top of that, these fences offer complete privacy, just like brushwood fences. Making them an ideal boundary fence.
Key benefits of Colorbond post and rail fencing:
- Low maintenance
- Aesthetic appeal
- High durability
- Full privacy
Installation costs range from $130 – $150 per metre for post and rail fencing.
Their long-term benefits are well worth the investment.
Read more about post and rail fencing in Adelaide.
Colorbond Good Neighbour Fences
Colorbond Good Neighbour fences are a staple in many local neighbourhoods.
The name “Good Neighbour” comes from the fact that this kind of fence has no good or bad side. It has the same attractive view on both sides. No exposed posts and rails. No side is stronger than the other. Which means there should be no disputes with your neighbour.
(And trust me, disputes over who gets the prettier side of a fence are more common than you might think.)
Their good looks on both sides are because they’re designed with an interlocking system that hides posts and rails.
Key benefits of Colorbond Good Neighbour fencing:
- Built using high-quality Colorbond steel
- Privacy and a full visual block
- Modern design
- Customisable
Installation costs range from $150 – $190 per metre for Good Neighbour fencing.
Read more about Good Neighbour fencing in Adelaide
Tubular Fences
Tubular fencing is a popular choice for both residential and commercial properties in Adelaide.
Its sleek design and robust construction make it an ideal option for security gates and front yard fences.
Even the Holden Hill police station has a tubular fence for their car park.
(That’s how you know it’s a top choice for prioritising security!)
They’re built using vertically arranged steel or aluminium rods. A design that offers secure visibility, as the narrow spaces between the rods keep out intruders while allowing a clear line of sight.
You can choose from styles with flat tops or decorative spears.
Though, there are plenty of other design options too.
Key benefits of tubular fencing:
- Durability
- Highly secure
- Customisation options
- Clear line of site through the fence
- Can be installed with an electric sliding gate
Installation can be complex. Especially with a sliding gate.
That’s why the installation cost can range from $200 – $250 per metre.
Read more about tubular fencing in Adelaide.
Aluminium Slat Fences
Aluminium slat fences have become a popular choice for homeowners thanks to their modern appearance and practical benefits. You’ll often see these sleek black fences in the front yards of newly built homes.
Often alongside an electric sliding gate, similar to tubular.
You can see in the image that there’s a slight gap between the horizontal slats. This helps keep your front yard private from casual on-lookers. But people can always walk up and peep through the gaps if they want.
So, it offers a good amount of privacy. Better than most other options.
However, it’s also one of the more expensive fencing options you can get.
Key benefits of aluminium slat fencing:
- Built with quality aluminium metal
- Modern sleek appearance
- Long-lasting and durable
- Decent privacy
- Highly secure
Installation costs range from $450 – $600 per metre for aluminium slat fencing in Adelaide.
Chain Wire Fences
Ahhh… good ol’ chain wire. (also known as chain-link)
If you’re a homeowner, you probably won’t go with one of these.
Not unless you’re looking for a short front yard fence that people can simply step over.
These are generally outdated for residential use.
But the tall chain wires are great as security fences for commercial buildings.
Thousands of metres of it border the parafield airport. Which my father, Nick Calabrese, helped build over 20 years ago.
Key benefits of chain wire fencing in Adelaide:
- Good security for commercial buildings
- Clear visibility through the fence
- Low installation cost
- Highly durable.
Typically, chain wire fences range from $50 – $100 per metre for installation in Adelaide.
Specialty Fences In Adelaide
If you’re seeking something beyond the ordinary, there are several unique fencing solutions that can add a touch of style to your home.
There are 3 that we’ll cover in this section.
While these specialty fences aren’t ideal for every situation, they offer a stylish charm and can make for an interesting conversation topic with your friends and family.
Vinyl/PVC Fences
Vinyl/PVC fences are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking for a durable and low-maintenance fencing solution.
Unlike wood, they won’t rot, warp, or succumb to insect damage.
They’re also resistant to rust, making them an excellent option for regions with high humidity.
Thanks to their solid panels, PVC/Vinyl fences offer complete privacy as a boundary fence.
If you want one as your front yard fence, they’re available in styles that mimic wooden pickets.
Key benefits of Vinyl/PVC fencing:
- High durability
- Low maintenance
- Customisation options
- Offers complete privacy
- Suitable as a front yard or boundary fence
Ranges from $250 – $350 per metre for installation in Adelaide.
Bamboo Fences
Bamboo fencing is certainly unique. And it’s an excellent choice for homeowners looking to bring more natural, earthy elements into their yards. Whether you’re looking for a tiki-themed setting or a zen garden, bamboo is a versatile material that works well in various styles.
But where can you put one?
Surely, you can’t have a panel of bamboo as a boundary fence, right?
Yes, you can!
Typically, it’ll be thick bamboo wood being used as a freestanding fence. You can also place it against an existing fence to raise its height.
Or as a wall for another outdoor setting, like a pergola or patio.
Other structures combine bamboo and concrete for extra reinforcement.
Key benefits of bamboo fencing:
- Environmentally friendly
- Strong and long-lasting
- Offers privacy
- Affordable
Bamboo fencing is one of the more affordable options.
You can get one installed for around $120 per metre in Adelaide.
Glass Panel Fences
Glass panel fences are a modern and stylish fencing option for Adelaide homeowners.
They’re mostly used to border backyard pools as there aren’t too many other places where you’d put a glass panel fence.
They’re made from tempered glass – Made to be durable and shatter-resistant.
So, if you slip near the pool, falling onto the fence won’t break it.
(Although, you’ll still get hurt.)
These fences can be installed either with or without a frame.
Hardware that makes up the glass panel fence, like the clamps and latches, is usually made from stainless steel.
This makes it resistant to corrosion and rust, which is crucial when you’ve installed it near water.
Key benefits of glass panel fencing:
- Ideal for backyard pools (above or below ground)
- Law-abiding perimeter fence for pools
- Adds style to the backyard
- Clear and see-through
- Different style options
You can expect to pay between $275 – $400 per metre for glass panel fence installation in Adelaide.
Fencing Cost Considerations In Adelaide
When planning an Adelaide fencing project, it’s good to understand that fencing is typically priced per metre.
The cost per metre varies depending on the materials used, the suppliers, and the difficulty of installation.
For example,
Simple wooden picket fences, made from inexpensive treated wood, cost $90 per metre on average.
On the other hand,
Colorbond post and rail fences, made using high-quality steel, cost $150 per metre on average due to its superior strength and durability, plus its installation complexity.
The installation price rises with the quality of materials and how hard it is to construct.
That’s a good rule of thumb to keep in mind.
Here’s a quick overview of common fencing types and their costs in Adelaide:
- Wood pickets = $70 – $100/m
- Timber slats = $280 – $350/m
- Colorbond post and rail = $130 – $150/m
- Colorbond Good Neighbour = $150 – $190/m
- Tubular = $200 – $250/m
Want to learn more about how each type of fence is priced?
Discover more on fencing costs and pricing in Adelaide in our 2024 guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before we wrap up, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions about the different types of Australian fencing and their costs.
By the end, you’ll have all the insights you need to choose the perfect fence for your property.
We want you to walk away with answers, not more questions.
What Type Of Fence Is Cheapest?
The cheapest fencing option is wood picket fences priced between $50 and $90 per metre.
For rural properties, simple post and wire fencing can be even more affordable, ranging from $30 to $40 per metre.
However, because rural fencing often covers HUNDREDS of metres, the total cost can add up despite the low per-metre price. In other words, a 200-metre rural fencing job would cost more than a 12-metre wood picket fencing job.
Making wood pickets the cheapest fencing option in Adelaide.
What Is The #1 Best Type Of Fence? (Our Opinion)
We believe Colorbond Post & Rail is the best fencing solution in Adelaide and Australia.
Here’s why:
- Durable: Built to withstand harsh weather conditions and physical impacts.
- Customization options: Available in various colours and sheet profiles to match your style.
- Aesthetic appeal: Looks great overall.
- Strong and resilient: Difficult to dent thanks to reinforced steel posts and rails.
- Quick to install: The contractors you hire won’t be in your hair for too long. Post and rail goes up pretty easily.
Colorbond post & rail combines strength, style, and convenience, making it our top choice for Adelaide fencing.
What Fence Is Ideal As a Property Boundary?
Firstly, when I say “boundary”, I’m talking about the fence line between the backyards of two properties.
E.g. You and your neighbour.
We recommend either Colorbond post and rail or Good Neighbour fencing for property boundaries in most cases.
Because they both offer:
- Strength
- Durability
- Complete privacy
- And also customisation options
The thing with post and rail is that the posts and rails of the fence are exposed on one side.
Often called the “bad side of a fence”.
If you prefer a visually appealing fence for both you and your neighbour, where there’s no good or bad side, go with Good Neighbour.
But you can’t go wrong with either fencing option.
What Is The Longest-Lasting Fencing Option?
The most durable fencing option is anything made with Colorbond steel.
These fences are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and physical force, and resist corrosion. So it’ll last for decades after its installation.
Plus there’s very little maintenance involved.
Just don’t keep dirt up against the metal, otherwise it’ll rust faster.
Conclusion/Summary
Here are the main takeaways about the types of fencing in Adelaide and their costs:
- Choosing the right fence is crucial for aesthetics, privacy, and security.
- Wood fences offer affordable and classic options like picket, timber slat, and brush fences.
- Metal/steel fences, including Colorbond Post & Rail and Good Neighbour fences, provide durability and privacy as a boundary fence.
- Specialty fences like bamboo, glass panels, and vinyl/PVC add unique styles to any home.
- Fencing costs vary by material and installation complexity, with wood being the most affordable and steel/metal being more expensive.
Contact the team at Calabria Fencing Adelaide for a free fencing consultation.
We’ll discuss your needs and budget to recommend the best fence for your property.
If you’re unsure which type of fence is right for you, this consultation will be especially helpful.
Plus, once you’ve made your decision, we’ll provide a quote online or over the phone.
Reach Nick at 043 999 8295
Email us at CalabriaFencing@gmail.com