Category: Fencing

Guides on Colorbond fencing, dividing fences and fence colours for new homes in Sydney South West.

  • Colorbond Fence Colours: How to Choose the Right One for Your New Home

    The easiest way to choose between Colorbond fence colours is to take your lead from the house. Match or complement your roof and gutters first, then check render, bricks and window frames. Look at real samples outdoors in daylight, check your estate guidelines, and agree on the colour with your neighbour in writing before you order.

    Key takeaways

    • Start with your roof and gutters. They are the biggest fixed colours on your home, so the fence should sit comfortably with them.
    • Darker fences recede and make plants and turf stand out. Lighter fences feel bright and open, and reflect more sun.
    • A COLORBOND steel fence looks the same on both sides, so on a shared boundary your neighbour lives with the colour too.
    • Many new estates have design guidelines that cover fencing. Check them before you lock in a colour.
    • Never choose from a screen. Check the current COLORBOND fence colour chart, then view real samples outside in daylight.
    • Put the agreed colour, height and style in writing with your neighbour before any work starts.

    Need help with your fencing?

    Book a free call or site visit with our expert. We’ll look at your block, check your estate rules and give you a fixed written quote with no surprise extras. See our fencing service.

    Your fence is something you will see every day, from the kitchen window, the backyard and the street, so it pays to get the colour right the first time.

    Working out a budget too? Our sister post on what affects Colorbond fence cost covers that side of things.

    What are the most popular Colorbond fence colours?

    The COLORBOND steel fence range is designed to suit Australian homes and gardens. It can change over time, so always check the current COLORBOND fence colour chart rather than an old brochure or online photo.

    A few well-known names from the range:

    • Monument – a deep charcoal that suits modern facades and dark roofs.
    • Woodland Grey – a dark grey that sits nicely with gardens and many roof colours.
    • Basalt – a mid-to-dark grey that is a little softer than the deepest charcoals.
    • Dune – a warm, earthy mid tone that pairs well with brick and sandstone looks.
    • Paperbark – a light, warm neutral.
    • Surfmist – a soft off-white that suits light, coastal-style homes.

    These are examples, not the full list. The best colour is the one that suits your home, yard and estate rules.

    How do you match a fence colour to your house?

    Think of your home as having a few “anchor” colours that you cannot easily change. In order of importance, they are usually:

    • Roof and gutters – the biggest blocks of colour, and often already a COLORBOND colour themselves.
    • Window frames and garage door – smaller, but they repeat around the house and catch the eye.
    • Render, cladding or bricks – the main wall colour and its undertone (cool grey, warm beige, red-brown and so on).
    • Driveway and paving – concrete, exposed aggregate or pavers sit right next to the fence line at the front.

    A simple rule: match one of these anchors or sit quietly between them, rather than adding a brand-new colour. Your builder’s colour schedule lists the exact roof, gutter and frame colours, which makes matching easier.

    Some pairing ideas for typical new homes:

    Dark roof and modern facade

    If your roof, gutters and window frames are dark charcoal or near-black, a darker fence such as Monument usually looks the most finished. It ties the fence back to the roofline and keeps the look crisp.

    Mid-grey roof with light render

    Many new homes have a mid-grey roof with pale render. Here a mid-to-dark grey such as Basalt or Woodland Grey is a safe, balanced choice. It sits between the roof and walls without the heavy contrast of a very dark fence.

    Light roof and coastal or Hamptons look

    White or light trims, a pale roof and weatherboard-style cladding suit lighter fences such as Surfmist or Paperbark. The result feels bright and relaxed.

    Warm brick or earthy render

    Red, brown or blended bricks and warm sandstone-coloured render have yellow or red undertones. Warm mid tones such as Dune, or a softer dark like Woodland Grey, usually sit more naturally alongside warm masonry.

    Quick guide: house style to fence colour

    House style / roof toneFence colour directionWhy it works
    Dark roof, modern facade, dark window framesDarker charcoal tones such as MonumentTies the fence to the roofline and frames for a crisp, finished look
    Mid-grey roof with light renderMid-to-dark greys such as Basalt or Woodland GreySits between roof and walls without harsh contrast
    Light roof, coastal or Hamptons lookLighter tones such as Surfmist or PaperbarkKeeps the yard bright and airy and matches light trims
    Warm brick or sandstone-coloured renderWarm mid tones such as Dune, or a soft dark like Woodland GreyEchoes the warm undertones instead of clashing with them
    Small courtyard or narrow side yardLight to mid tones for brightness, or dark to make the boundary recedeDepends on whether you want the space to feel lighter or the fence to disappear
    Garden-focused yard with plenty of plantingDarker tones such as Monument, Woodland Grey or BasaltGreens and flowers stand out against a darker backdrop

    Use this as a starting point. Your estate guidelines and neighbour also get a say.

    Should you choose a light or dark fence?

    Both can look great. They just do different jobs.

    Dark fences recede. A dark boundary fades into the background, so the garden and house come forward and a small yard’s edges feel less obvious.

    Light fences brighten. A light fence bounces light back into the yard, which can make a small or shaded space feel more open and cheerful. The trade-off is that the fence itself becomes more visible.

    New home blocks in Sydney South West are often compact, with fairly small backyards and narrow side passages. If a closed-in feel bothers you more, lean lighter. If a very visible fence bothers you more, lean darker.

    Mid tones such as Basalt or Dune are a good compromise when you cannot decide.

    Does fence colour affect heat in your yard?

    As a general principle, lighter colours reflect more sunlight and darker colours absorb more. A dark fence in full sun will usually feel warmer than a light one.

    Heat is a real topic in Western Sydney. Research from Western Sydney University on suburbs in the region found that lighter roof colours, more green space and permeable surfaces help reduce summer heat. In Wilton, the planning controls encourage lighter colour palettes and light-coloured roofs for the same reason.

    What does that mean for your fence? A few practical points:

    • If a fence runs along a west-facing boundary next to a patio or play area, a lighter or mid tone may be more comfortable.
    • Planting garden beds and turf along the fence line helps shade the panels and cool the yard, whatever colour you choose.
    • If you love a dark fence, balance it with greenery and permeable surfaces.

    Colour is only one part of how hot a yard feels. Layout, shade and planting matter just as much, which is why we plan fencing and landscaping together.

    Which fence colours work best with gardens and turf?

    If you are planning a green backyard, darker fences are hard to beat. Greens look richer and more vivid against charcoal and dark grey, and flowering plants really pop.

    Lighter fences suit a softer, coastal-style garden with silvery foliage, grasses and pale gravel or paving. Against a light fence, darker-leaved plants and strong shapes stand out well.

    Either way, picture the garden in a few years, not on day one, and keep edging and paving in the same colour family as the fence. Avoid piling soil or mulch high against the panels.

    How do you agree on a fence colour with your neighbour?

    A COLORBOND steel fence looks the same on both sides. That is great for appearance, but it also means your neighbour sees exactly the same colour you do. On a shared boundary, the colour is a joint decision.

    In NSW, the Dividing Fences Act 1991 sets out the basics. Neighbours generally share equally the cost of a “sufficient” dividing fence. If one owner wants a higher standard than that, they usually pay the extra. The Act also allows a Fencing Notice to be served if you cannot agree informally.

    A few things make it smoother:

    • Talk early, ideally before either of you has handover.
    • Agree on colour, height, style and any extensions together.
    • Put it all in writing, even a simple signed note or email, before anything is ordered.

    For shared boundary fences, Front and Back quotes the full fence, and you split it with your neighbour. That keeps one clear price that both households can see.

    Most dividing fences do not need council approval, but it is worth checking the exempt development rules on the NSW Planning Portal, particularly for taller fences or fences near the street.

    Do estate guidelines limit fence colours?

    Often, yes. Many new estates in Sydney South West, around areas like Wilton, Menangle Park, Appin and Gilead, have design guidelines that cover fencing. These may cover fence colour, height and materials.

    Rules differ between estates and can change, so do not assume what applied to a friend’s place applies to yours. Check your contract of sale, your estate’s design guidelines and any approval process before you choose. If you are in Panorama, our Panorama Wilton landscaping, driveway and fencing guidelines post is a helpful starting point.

    We check estate rules as part of every quote, so the colour you pick is one you can actually install.

    What panel profiles and styles are there?

    Colour is only half the look. COLORBOND steel fencing comes in different panel profiles, from classic ribbed sheets to flatter, more contemporary profiles and slat-style designs. The profile changes how light falls, so the same colour can look slightly different.

    Ribbed profiles suit most boundary fences, while flatter or slat-style profiles lean modern. View profile and colour together.

    Do you need a fence extension or lattice for privacy?

    Colorbond fence extensions are a common question on new estates, where two-storey homes sit close together and overlooking can be an issue. An extension or lattice top adds height for extra privacy.

    Before adding one, think about:

    • Height limits – check the exempt development rules and your estate guidelines, as extra height may not be allowed or may need approval.
    • Your neighbour – an extension on a shared fence affects both yards, so agree on it together and in writing.
    • Light and airflow – a solid extension blocks more light than open lattice, which matters in small yards.
    • Colour – the extension usually looks best in the same colour as the fence below it.
    • Planting instead – screening plants can sometimes do the job.

    Is Colorbond fencing environmentally friendly?

    COLORBOND steel fencing has some genuine environmental and practical benefits:

    • Recyclable – steel is 100% recyclable at the end of its life.
    • Less waste – modular fencing systems create little offcut waste during installation.
    • No termite chemicals – steel is not eaten by termites, so there is no need for chemical termite treatments on the fence.
    • Long-lasting and low maintenance – it will not rot and does not need regular painting or staining.

    BlueScope offers a material warranty of up to 10 years on COLORBOND steel fencing, with terms and conditions. For example, the property generally needs to be more than 1 km from marine environments and the warranty must be registered. Genuine panels carry a laser-engraved COLORBOND logo, so check for it when your fence goes up.

    How to pick your colour, step by step

    1. Look at your roof and gutters. Note the exact colours from your builder’s colour schedule, plus window frames and render.
    2. Check your estate guidelines. Confirm which colours, heights and styles are allowed.
    3. See real samples in daylight. Check the current COLORBOND fence colour chart, then hold physical samples against your house outdoors, in morning and afternoon light.
    4. Consider your garden. Picture the planting and turf you want and how they will look against the fence.
    5. Talk to your neighbour. Share samples and agree on colour, height and style together.
    6. Confirm in writing. Record the agreed details with your neighbour and your installer before anything is ordered.

    About Front and Back

    Front and Back is a landscaping, concrete driveway and fencing business for new homes in Sydney South West, with one team and one quote for the whole job. The owner is on site himself, we take on a limited number of jobs each month, and every quote is a fixed written price with no surprise extras. We offer a free site visit, check your estate rules and plan the work around your handover. See the areas we service.

    Sources

    Facts in this guide come from these official and research sources. Rules can change, so always check the latest version with your council or estate.

    Disclaimer: This article is general information for educational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, engineering or planning advice. Laws, council rules, estate guidelines and product warranties can change and vary between properties, so check the latest requirements with your council, estate or a qualified professional before starting work. Front and Back is not responsible for decisions made based on this article alone.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the most popular Colorbond fence colour?

    There is no single best colour. Darker tones like Monument and Woodland Grey suit many modern new homes, while lighter tones like Surfmist and Paperbark suit coastal and Hamptons styles. Choose based on your roof, estate rules and neighbour rather than popularity alone.

    Should my fence match my roof colour?

    Matching or complementing your roof and gutters is usually the safest choice. They are the largest fixed colours on your home, so a fence that ties back to them looks planned. If an exact match feels too heavy, pick a tone that sits between the roof and your walls.

    Do dark Colorbond fences get hot?

    Darker colours absorb more sunlight than lighter ones, so a dark fence in full sun will generally feel warmer. Lighter colours reflect more sun. Planting, shade and turf along the fence line help keep the yard cooler whatever colour you choose.

    Who decides the fence colour on a shared boundary?

    Both neighbours should agree, because a COLORBOND steel fence looks the same on both sides. Under the NSW Dividing Fences Act 1991, neighbours generally share the cost of a sufficient fence equally. Agree on colour, height and style in writing before work starts.

    Can my estate restrict my fence colour?

    Yes, many new estates have design guidelines that cover fence colour, height and materials. Rules vary between estates, so check your contract and estate guidelines before choosing. A good installer will check these as part of the quote.

    Does a Colorbond fence look the same on both sides?

    Yes, COLORBOND steel fencing has the same colour and finish on both sides. That gives both yards a neat look, but it also means your neighbour sees the colour you choose. This is why agreeing on colour together matters.

    How do I know my fence panels are genuine COLORBOND steel?

    Look for the laser-engraved COLORBOND logo on the panels. Genuine panels carry this mark. It is also worth registering your BlueScope material warranty, which has terms and conditions such as distance from marine environments.

    Ready to choose your fence colour? We will check your estate rules, plan around handover and give you a fixed written price for fencing, landscaping, a concrete driveway or the whole lot. Call or text 0412 948 712 between 9am and 6pm, or book online.

    Free download

    Moving into a new build? Get our free handover checklist.

    What to sort out before handover, in your first week, and in the first few months, so your landscaping, driveway and fencing come together without stress.

    • Estate guidelines and deadlines to check
    • Dividing fences and your neighbours
    • The right order for driveway, fencing and turf



    • Colorbond Fence Cost Guide: What Affects the Price (Sydney South West)

      Colorbond fence cost mostly comes down to how much fence you need, how high it is, the panel style you choose and how hard the site is to work on. Sloping ground, retaining or plinths, gates, removing an old fence and tricky access all add to the job. Your neighbour may also share the cost of a dividing fence.

      Key takeaways

      • There is no single Colorbond fence price. Length, height, panel profile, slope, retaining, gates and site access all change the final number.
      • The per-metre figure you see quoted only makes sense once the installer has seen your block, because soil, rock, stepping and plinths vary from site to site.
      • In NSW, neighbours generally share the cost of a “sufficient” dividing fence equally under the Dividing Fences Act 1991.
      • Colorbond steel won’t rot, isn’t eaten by termites and looks the same on both sides, which keeps long-term upkeep low compared with timber.
      • Most dividing fences don’t need council approval, but check the exempt development rules and any estate design guidelines first.
      • The most reliable way to know your Colorbond fence installation cost is a fixed written quote after a free site visit.

      Need help with your fencing?

      Book a free call or site visit with our expert. We’ll look at your block, check your estate rules and give you a fixed written quote with no surprise extras. See our fencing service.

      How much does a Colorbond fence cost to install?

      It is the first question almost everyone asks, and it is a fair one. The honest answer is that a Colorbond fence cost depends on your block, not on a number pulled from a website. Two houses on the same street in Sydney South West can end up with quite different quotes because one block is flat and open while the other slopes, sits on rock or has a retaining wall along the boundary.

      That is why we don’t publish a Colorbond fence price list. Online price guides tend to assume a flat, empty boundary with easy access, which is rarely what you find on a new home site.

      What you can do is understand the things that move the price. Once you know those, you can compare quotes properly, ask the right questions and avoid surprises. If you’d like to see how fencing fits with the rest of your outdoor work, have a look at our fencing service.

      What is usually included in a Colorbond fencing quote?

      A good quote should spell out the panels, posts and rails, the post footings, any plinths or sleepers at the base, gates and hardware, removal of any old fence, and cleaning up the site afterwards. If something isn’t written down, ask about it before you sign. Colorbond fencing prices that leave these items vague are hard to compare.

      What changes the price per metre?

      People often search for how much Colorbond fencing is per metre installed. The per-metre rate is a handy way to compare quotes, but it is not fixed. Here is what pushes it up or down.

      Length of the fence

      The total run of fence is the biggest driver of the overall cost. Longer runs spread the setup work across more panels, while very short runs can work out dearer per metre because the installer still has to set out, dig and mobilise for the job.

      Height of the fence

      Taller panels use more steel and can need stronger posts and deeper footings. Height may also be limited by exempt development rules or your estate guidelines, so check what is allowed before you choose.

      Panel profile and colour

      Standard infill panels are usually the most economical. Different profiles, slat-style looks or lattice toppers add to the cost. Colour choice can matter too if your estate asks for a particular colour or style on boundaries facing the street.

      Slope and stepping

      Colorbond panels are installed level, so on a sloping block they are stepped down the hill. Each step takes extra time and often extra material to fill the gap underneath. Steeper ground means more steps and a higher Colorbond fence installation cost.

      Retaining, plinths and sleepers

      Where the ground level differs on each side of the boundary, you may need plinths or sleepers at the base of the fence, or a proper retaining wall. This is common on new estates where blocks have been cut and filled. Retaining is a separate job from fencing and it can change the quote a lot.

      Gates

      Single pedestrian gates, double gates for a trailer or side access, and sliding gates each add cost. Gate width, hardware, latches and whether the gate needs to be lockable all play a part.

      Removing an old fence

      On a brand-new block there may be no fence to remove. If there is an old timber or temporary fence, taking it down and disposing of it is extra labour and tip fees.

      Access to the boundary

      If materials have to be carried down a narrow side path, or the boundary is blocked by a shed, pool or garden beds, the job takes longer. Easy, clear access keeps the cost down.

      Soil and rock

      Post holes in soft soil are quick. Holes in rock or heavy clay take more time and sometimes different equipment. You often can’t tell what’s underground until someone looks at the site.

      Corner blocks

      Corner blocks usually have more fence facing the street. That means more length, and often estate rules on what that street-facing fence can look like, which can affect height, style and colour.

      Sharing with your neighbour

      The total cost of a dividing fence stays the same, but your share of it may be half if your neighbour contributes. When we quote a shared boundary fence, we quote the full fence and you split it with your neighbour. More on that below.

      Who pays for a dividing fence in NSW?

      In NSW, the Dividing Fences Act 1991 sets out the rules. Adjoining owners generally share equally the cost of a “sufficient” dividing fence. In plain terms, a sufficient fence is a reasonable, suitable fence for the area, not necessarily the fanciest option on the market.

      Talk to your neighbour first

      Most fences get sorted out with a friendly chat. Neighbours can agree to their own arrangement, whether that’s a straight split or something else that suits both of you. Agree on the height, colour, style and who the installer will be, then put it in writing.

      Serving a Fencing Notice

      If you want your neighbour to contribute and you can’t agree informally, you serve a written Fencing Notice under section 11 of the Act. The notice describes the proposed work and the estimated cost. A written quote is useful here because it gives your neighbour something clear to look at.

      If you still can’t agree

      If there’s no agreement within one month of the notice, either owner can apply to the Local Court or the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for a fencing order. Before that, Community Justice Centres offer free mediation, which is often a quicker and calmer way to reach a deal.

      Wanting something above standard

      If one owner wants a fence above the “sufficient” standard, such as extra height or a decorative topper, that owner pays the extra. Urgent repairs to a fence that has been destroyed or damaged can be shared without first serving a notice. LawAccess NSW has more plain-English information if your situation is unusual.

      Colorbond vs timber: which is better value?

      Value is more than the upfront Colorbond fence cost. It’s also how long the fence lasts, how much work it needs and how it looks after a few hot Sydney summers. Here’s a plain comparison of the most common options.

      FeatureColorbond steelTimber palingAluminium slat
      Lifespan feelLong-lasting, doesn’t rotCan weather, warp and rot over timeLong-lasting, doesn’t rot
      MaintenanceLow, an occasional washHigher, needs staining or painting and repairsLow, an occasional wash
      TermitesNot eaten by termitesCan be attacked by termitesNot eaten by termites
      PrivacyFull privacy with solid panelsGood privacy when new, gaps can appear as palings shrinkPartial privacy, depends on slat gap
      Look on both sidesSame on both sidesDifferent, rails show on one sideUsually similar on both sides
      RecyclabilitySteel is 100% recyclableTreated timber is harder to recycleAluminium is recyclable
      Best suited toSide and rear boundaries, dividing fencesRustic or traditional looksFront fences and feature screens

      For most new homes, Colorbond is the practical pick for side and rear boundaries. It looks the same from both sides, which helps keep neighbours happy, and it doesn’t need regular staining. Timber can look lovely, but it asks for more care over its life. Aluminium slats suit front fences and feature areas where you want airflow and a modern look rather than full privacy.

      How to spot genuine Colorbond steel

      Genuine COLORBOND steel panels carry a laser-engraved logo several times per panel. Check for it when the panels arrive. BlueScope offers a material warranty of up to 10 years on COLORBOND steel fencing, with terms that apply, such as being more than 1 km from marine environments and registering the warranty. Read the terms so you know what is covered.

      Is Colorbond fencing good for the environment?

      Colorbond has a few environmental points in its favour. Steel is 100% recyclable, so at the end of its life the fence doesn’t have to go to landfill. Modular panels are made to size, which means very little offcut waste on site.

      Because Colorbond isn’t eaten by termites, there’s no need for chemical termite treatments on the fence itself. And because it won’t rot, you aren’t replacing palings or re-staining every few years.

      Colour and summer heat

      Western Sydney University research comparing new and established Western Sydney suburbs found that larger green spaces, permeable surfaces and lighter roof colours help reduce summer heat. As a general principle, lighter colours absorb less heat than darker ones. That suggests a lighter fence colour will reflect more heat than a very dark one, which is worth thinking about for a backyard that cops the afternoon sun.

      Pairing your fence with garden beds, lawn and trees also helps. If you’re planning the yard as a whole, our landscaping service can help you balance hard surfaces with planting.

      How to get an accurate fence quote

      An accurate quote starts with someone standing on your block. Photos alone won’t show the slope, soil or retaining needs.

      What to have ready

      • Your survey plan or site plan showing the boundaries.
      • Any estate design guidelines you were given at purchase.
      • Your preferred height, colour and panel style.
      • How many gates you need and where.
      • Whether your neighbours are on board to share the cost.

      What a good quote looks like

      Look for a fixed written price that lists everything: panels, posts, footings, plinths or sleepers, gates, removal of any old fence and clean-up. Ask whether rock or retaining could change the price, and get the answer in writing. At Front and Back, the owner visits the site himself, and you get a fixed written price with no surprise extras.

      Bundle the outdoor work

      New homes usually need more than a fence. Doing them together with one team and one quote can make the whole job easier to plan. See our concrete driveways page and our packages if you’d like to sort everything at once.

      What to check before your fence goes in (new homes)

      New estates around Sydney South West, including areas like Wilton, Menangle Park, Appin and Gilead, often come with design guidelines that cover fences. Most dividing fences don’t need council approval, but you should check the exempt development rules for fences on the NSW Planning Portal. Wollondilly Council gives this same advice. Your estate may also have its own rules on height, colour and where fences can sit on the block.

      For an example of what estate rules can look like, read our guide to Panorama Wilton landscaping, driveway and fencing guidelines.

      New home fence checklist

      • Confirm your boundaries from your survey or site plan.
      • Read your estate design guidelines for fence height, colour and placement.
      • Check the exempt development rules for fences on the NSW Planning Portal.
      • Talk to your neighbours about sharing the cost and agree in writing.
      • Work out if you need retaining, plinths or sleepers where levels differ.
      • Decide on gates for side access, bins and trailers.
      • Plan the fence around your handover date and your driveway and landscaping work.
      • Check for the laser-engraved COLORBOND logo on the panels when they arrive.

      Timing around handover

      Fencing is often one of the first things new owners want, for privacy, pets and kids. But it can affect access for concrete trucks and landscaping machines. Planning the order of work around your handover avoids having to pull panels out later. We plan work around handover so the fence, driveway and yard go in the right order.

      About Front and Back

      Front and Back is a landscaping, concrete driveway and fencing business for new homes in Sydney South West, offering one team and one quote for the whole outdoor job. The owner is on site himself, takes a limited number of jobs each month, checks estate rules and gives a fixed written price after a free site visit. You can call or text 0412 948 712 between 9am and 6pm, or see the areas we service.

      Sources

      Facts in this guide come from these official and research sources. Rules can change, so always check the latest version with your council or estate.

      Disclaimer: This article is general information for educational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, engineering or planning advice. Laws, council rules, estate guidelines and product warranties can change and vary between properties, so check the latest requirements with your council, estate or a qualified professional before starting work. Front and Back is not responsible for decisions made based on this article alone.

      Frequently asked questions

      What affects Colorbond fence cost the most?

      The length and height of the fence have the biggest effect, followed by slope, retaining or plinths, gates and site access. Rock in the ground, old fence removal and corner blocks can also add to the job. A site visit is the only way to account for all of these.

      How much is Colorbond fencing per metre installed?

      There is no fixed per-metre rate because every block is different. Height, panel profile, stepping on slopes, plinths, soil and access all change the per-metre figure. Ask for a fixed written quote after a site visit so you know the real number for your fence.

      Do I have to pay for the whole dividing fence?

      Usually not. Under the NSW Dividing Fences Act 1991, adjoining owners generally share equally the cost of a sufficient dividing fence. If you want something above that standard, you pay the extra.

      What if my neighbour won’t agree to share the cost?

      You can serve a written Fencing Notice under section 11 of the Act describing the work and estimated cost. If there is no agreement within one month, either owner can apply to the Local Court or NCAT for a fencing order. Community Justice Centres also offer mediation.

      Do I need council approval for a Colorbond fence?

      Most dividing fences don’t need council approval. Check the exempt development rules for fences on the NSW Planning Portal, and read your estate design guidelines, which may set rules on height and colour.

      Is Colorbond better than timber?

      For most new homes, Colorbond is lower maintenance than timber. It won’t rot, isn’t eaten by termites and looks the same on both sides. Timber can suit a rustic look but needs more upkeep over time.

      How do I know I’m getting genuine Colorbond steel?

      Look for the laser-engraved COLORBOND logo, which appears several times on each genuine panel. BlueScope offers a material warranty of up to 10 years, with terms that apply, including registration.

      Ready for a fixed price on your fence?

      The quickest way to know your Colorbond fence cost is to have someone look at the block. We’ll check the slope, soil, levels and estate rules, then give you a fixed written price with no surprise extras. If it’s a shared boundary, we quote the full fence so you and your neighbour can split it.

      Free download

      Moving into a new build? Get our free handover checklist.

      What to sort out before handover, in your first week, and in the first few months, so your landscaping, driveway and fencing come together without stress.

      • Estate guidelines and deadlines to check
      • Dividing fences and your neighbours
      • The right order for driveway, fencing and turf