Residential Fencing 101
- Jake Bunston
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Why Residential Fencing Matters for Melbourne Homeowners

Residential fencing is more than just a boundary; it's a key feature of your Melbourne home. It provides:
Security & Safety: Creates secure boundaries to protect children and pets while deterring unwanted access.
Privacy & Comfort: Establishes private outdoor spaces for relaxation and entertainment.
Aesthetic Appeal: Improves kerb appeal and complements your home's architectural style.
Property Value: A quality fence is a long-term investment that adds value to your property.
Boundary Definition: Clearly marks property lines to prevent neighbourhood disputes.
Choosing the right fence can feel overwhelming with so many materials and styles, from classic timber to sleek COLORBOND® steel. This guide will help you choose from the many options for your Melbourne property.
I'm Jake Bunston, founder of Make Fencing. With over a decade of experience helping Melbourne homeowners, I've learned how to match the perfect fence to each property's unique needs. We're here to help you create a beautiful, functional residential fencing solution.
Your Complete Guide to Residential Fencing
Choosing the right residential fencing in Melbourne is a statement about your home and lifestyle. Whether for safety, privacy, or street appeal, the right fence transforms your space. At Make Fencing, we offer a personalised approach, helping you steer the options to find the perfect fit for your property and vision.
Exploring Popular Materials for Residential Fencing
The material you choose impacts your fence's look, performance, and maintenance. Here are Melbourne's most popular options.
Timber Fencing
Timeless and versatile, timber fencing brings natural warmth to any property, from heritage terraces to modern homes.
Paling Fencing: The classic Australian choice for privacy and security. These vertical timber boards create a solid barrier, turning your backyard into a sanctuary. While timber requires maintenance like staining or painting to prevent rot, its authentic feel is best. Our Timber Fencing Contractors Melbourne maximise its beauty and longevity.
Picket Fencing: Perfect for boosting kerb appeal with classic charm. The evenly spaced slats create an inviting look that complements period homes like Edwardians or Californian Bungalows.
COLORBOND® Fencing
For a sleek, modern, and low-maintenance fence, COLORBOND® steel is a top choice.
Sleek and Modern: Its clean lines and solid panels provide maximum privacy and a polished, contemporary look ideal for modern homes. A wide range of colours allows you to match your home's palette.
Low-Maintenance: It won't rot, warp, or attract termites, and a simple hose-down keeps it looking fresh. It's also fire-resistant, offering extra peace of mind. Our Colorbond Fencing Contractors Melbourne can show you all the options.

Aluminium Fencing
Aluminium fencing offers a great balance of strength, style, and performance.
Durable and Rust-Resistant: Perfect for coastal properties, aluminium doesn't rust but remains strong and lightweight, standing up to Melbourne's weather.
Versatile: It can be powder-coated in almost any colour, allowing for customisation. It's often used for ornamental fencing and security gates. Our Aluminium Fencing Contractors Melbourne can help design a unique solution.
lass Fencing
For a modern, unobtrusive boundary, especially around pools, glass fencing is the peak of contemporary design.
Uninterrupted Views: Glass creates a seamless flow between your outdoor spaces and the landscape, maintaining an open, airy feel.
Safety and Compliance: Glass pool fencing protects children while meeting Australia's strict safety standards. According to Standards Australia, pool fencing must comply with AS1926 to ensure proper safety barriers. We offer frameless and semi-frameless options. Learn more from our Pool Fencing in Melbourne team.
Key Benefits: More Than Just a Boundary
A well-chosen fence is an investment in your family's safety, comfort, and property value.
Improved Security: A solid fence is a deterrent to intruders. It also provides invaluable child and pet safety, creating a protected space for them to play freely.
Increased Privacy: In dense neighbourhoods, a privacy fence transforms your backyard into a secluded oasis. It shields you from view, allowing you to relax and enjoy your outdoor living spaces. Our Privacy Fencing Melbourne specialists can create your perfect retreat.
Boosted Kerb Appeal: Your fence creates the first impression of your home. A quality fence improves kerb appeal, boosts property value, and can be an architectural statement that complements your home's style.
How to Choose the Perfect Fence for Your Home
Start with these key considerations to narrow down your options.
Define Purpose
Privacy: Tall, solid fences like timber paling or COLORBOND® are ideal.
Security: Strong materials like steel, robust timber, or secured chain-link offer excellent protection.
Boundary Definition: Picket fences or low-maintenance aluminium clearly mark property lines. Our Boundary Fencing Contractors can advise on the best options.
Pool Safety: Glass or tubular aluminium combine safety with style, meeting strict compliance standards.
Decoration: Ornamental aluminium or custom picket fencing adds aesthetic value.
Match Your Style
Your fence should complement your home's architecture.
Modern Homes: Benefit from sleek COLORBOND® or contemporary aluminium slat fencing.
Period Homes: Timber picket fences or classic aluminium designs improve traditional charm.
Coastal Properties: Require rust-resistant materials like aluminium or COLORBOND®. Our Front Yard Fencing Tips offer more inspiration.
Consider Maintenance
Be realistic about the upkeep you're willing to do.
Low-Maintenance: COLORBOND®, aluminium, and glass need little more than an occasional clean.
Natural Timber: Requires regular cleaning, sealing, or painting to protect it from weathering, but rewards you with a beautiful, natural aesthetic.
Understanding Fencing Costs in Melbourne
View your fence as an investment that adds value, security, and enjoyment to your property.
Factors Affecting Cost
Material: The biggest cost factor.
Fence Height & Length: Taller and longer fences require more materials and labour.
Site Complexity: Sloping ground, rock, or difficult access can increase labour costs.
Gates & Customisation: The number, size, and style of gates, plus any custom features, will affect the final price.
Melbourne Cost Guide
In Melbourne, residential fencing installation typically ranges from $70 to $200 per linear metre. This is a general guide, and prices vary based on the factors above. For an accurate quote for your project, contact us for our Custom Fencing Solutions.
DIY vs. Professional Fence Installation
While DIY seems cost-effective, in the long run, professional installation is often less costly and the smarter choice.
The Reality of DIY
DIY fence projects often come with hidden costs from mistakes, wasted materials, and tool rental. They also require specialised skills for setting posts straight and ensuring structural integrity. What looks like a weekend job can become a time-consuming ordeal, with a high risk of mistakes like leaning posts or sagging gates that shorten the fence's lifespan.
Property Prep and Regulations
Before starting, the fence line must be cleared. Crucially, you must check for underground utilities to avoid dangerous and costly accidents. Always use a service like Dial Before You Dig before any excavation.
Navigating Melbourne's council regulations for permits can also be complex. Rules on height and materials vary, and non-compliance can lead to fines or forced removal.
The Professional Advantage
Hiring professional Fence Installers Melbourne is invaluable.
Expertise: We have the knowledge, tools, and experience to do the job right the first time.
Efficiency: We complete projects on schedule with minimal disruption.
Quality Craftsmanship: We use premium materials and proven techniques for a durable, beautiful finish.
Peace of Mind: We handle everything from council regulations to the final cleanup, removing all stress from the project.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Fence?
Choosing the right residential fencing transforms your Melbourne home by boosting security, privacy, and kerb appeal. The key is to make clear decisions about material, style, and purpose.
Why a Professional Touch Makes All the Difference
This is where the MAKE Fencing advantage shines. With over a decade of experience in Melbourne, we match the perfect fence to your property's unique character and needs.
Our commitment to high-quality materials—from premium timber to genuine COLORBOND® steel—ensures your fence is built to last. We combine this with custom designs that complement your home's architecture while delivering the function you need.
Our stress-free process takes the complexity out of your hands:
Consultation: We listen to your vision and assess your property.
Quote: We provide a detailed, transparent quote with no surprises.
Build: Our experienced team handles everything from council compliance to final cleanup, delivering exceptional results.

Don't let the complexities of residential fencing hold you back. Let our expertise turn your vision into a reality you'll love for years to come.
Explore our residential fencing solutions to see what's possible.
Ready to transform your home with a beautiful, durable, and expertly installed fence? Contact us for a free quote today and let's start building together.