Fence Types Explained: Find the Right Fence for Your Budget and Property

Why Choosing the Right Fence Type Transforms Your Melbourne Property

Types of fences available for Melbourne homes and businesses include:

• Timber fences - Paling, picket, and lattice designs for privacy and classic style

• Metal fences - COLORBOND®, aluminium, and steel options for durability and security

• Vinyl and composite - Low-maintenance alternatives with wood-look finishes

• Functional fences - Chain-link, pool, and security fencing for specific needs

• Custom solutions - Custom designs combining materials and styles

Looking to boost your property's kerb appeal, privacy, or security? The right fence can transform your space, add value to your home, and reflect your personal style.

Whether you're after a classic timber paling fence for backyard privacy, sleek COLORBOND® panels for a modern look, or compliant pool fencing for safety, understanding your options helps you make the best choice for your property and budget.

Fence installation in Melbourne typically ranges from $70 to $200 per linear metre, depending on materials, height, and complexity. However, every property is unique, so getting an accurate quote custom to your specific needs is essential.

I'm Jake Bunston, and I've been helping Melbourne homeowners and businesses choose the perfect types of fences for over seven years through Make Fencing. My hands-on experience with everything from heritage picket fences to high-security commercial installations means I understand which fence types work best for different properties, budgets, and Melbourne's unique climate challenges.

The Most Popular Types of Fences for Melbourne Properties

From charming picket fences that whisper "welcome home" to sleek steel panels that make a bold modern statement, the types of fences you choose can completely transform your property's character. After over a decade helping Melbourne homeowners find their perfect fencing match, I've seen how the right fence becomes so much more than a boundary, it becomes part of your home's personality.

Whether you're working with a modest budget or ready to invest in something spectacular, there's a fence type that'll tick all your boxes. Let's walk you through the most popular options that are winning hearts (and adding value) across Melbourne.

Timber Fences: Classic Privacy and Timeless Style

There's something magical about timber fencing that never goes out of style. It's like the comfortable pair of jeans in your wardrobe, reliable, versatile, and always looks good. Timber fences remain Melbourne's favourite choice, and honestly, it's easy to see why.

The natural warmth of wood creates an instant connection with your landscape, making even the newest home feel like it's been there forever. In leafy suburbs like Camberwell or Hawthorn, timber fencing feels right at home among the established gardens and heritage architecture.

Paling fences are your go-to when privacy is the priority. These solid timber screens create a private sanctuary in your backyard, perfect for weekend barbecues or letting the kids run wild. We build ours with premium-grade timber that's built to last, giving you that coveted seclusion without compromising on quality.

For something with more charm and street appeal, picket fencing is pure magic. Picture those classic weatherboard homes in Brighton, the white picket fence out front isn't just decoration, it's an invitation. While picket fences won't give you complete privacy, they're perfect for defining your front yard with style. We can even upgrade yours with a steel frame for extra durability that'll outlast the years.

Want to add a special touch? Lattice tops are brilliant for softening a solid fence while still maintaining privacy. They let light filter through and create the perfect framework for climbing roses or jasmine, your neighbours will be asking for our number!

Treated pine strikes the sweet balance between affordability and durability. It's specially treated to resist rot and those pesky termites that love our Melbourne climate. While timber fencing generally ranges from $70 to $150 per linear metre, treated pine keeps costs reasonable without skimping on quality.

The key to a beautiful timber fence that lasts? A bit of love every few years with staining or sealing. It's a small investment that keeps your fence looking fresh and protected from Melbourne's famously unpredictable weather.

And let's not forget the finishing touch, Custom Wood Gates that perfectly match your fence style. After all, what's the point of a stunning fence if the gate doesn't live up to it?

Metal Fences: Sleek, Secure, and Built to Last

If you're after the ultimate in "set and forget" fencing, metal is your champion. Metal fences are the marathon runners of the fencing world, built for the long haul with minimal fuss along the way.

COLORBOND® fencing is absolutely brilliant for busy homeowners who want maximum impact with minimal maintenance. This pre-painted, powder-coated steel comes in colours that'll make your neighbours envious, from classic Woodland Grey to bold Monument. Our Colorbond Fencing Contractors Melbourne team knows exactly how to make these panels work with your home's style. The best part? It laughs in the face of rot, termites, and even fire.

Aluminium fencing is particularly clever for coastal properties. While you're enjoying those sea breezes in suburbs like Altona or Williamstown, aluminium naturally resists corrosion from salt air. Steel options bring extra strength to the table, and when galvanised and powder-coated, they're virtually bulletproof against Melbourne's weather tantrums.

For properties needing serious security, think commercial sites or industrial areas, Palisade fencing means business. They aren't just strong; they're designed to make potential intruders think twice. The tamper-resistant, anti-climb design of our Palisade Fencing sends a clear "not today" message.

What really sets metal fencing apart is the customisation potential. Our Gates and Metal Fabrication expertise means we can create something uniquely yours, whether that's a sculptural feature fence or a heavy-duty driveway gate that opens with the touch of a button.

Metal fencing typically ranges from $80 to $200 per linear metre, but when you factor in the decades of low-maintenance life you'll get, it's investment gold. Perfect for modern homes, coastal properties, and anywhere you want security without sacrificing style through our Commercial Fencing solutions.

Vinyl & Composite: Low-Maintenance Fencing Solutions

Let's be honest, not everyone wants to spend their weekends maintaining their fence. If you're nodding along thinking "that's definitely me," then vinyl and composite fencing might just be your perfect match.

Vinyl fencing is like having a fence with superpowers. It never rusts, rots, or attracts insects, and cleaning it is as simple as a quick hose-down. Made from durable PVC, it stands strong against Melbourne's weather while looking fresh year after year. At around $90 to $160 per linear metre, it's a smart investment that pays for itself in saved maintenance time.

Composite fencing takes things up a notch by combining recycled plastic with wood fibres. The result? All the natural beauty of timber without any of the ongoing headaches. It's eco-friendly, incredibly durable, and comes in various colours and textures that'll fool anyone into thinking it's real wood.

The beauty of these materials is simple, no painting, no staining, ever. While your neighbours are spending their Saturday mornings with brushes and tins, you'll be enjoying your coffee in the garden.

These wood-look alternatives are particularly clever for investment properties where you want something attractive and robust that won't generate maintenance calls. They're also fantastic for busy family homes where the fence needs to look great but can't be another item on your weekend to-do list.

Both vinyl and composite can be customised to suit any design vision, from full privacy panels for complete seclusion to decorative styles that add character without blocking views. Check out our Custom Wood and Vinyl Fencing options to see how we can match your property's personality perfectly.

Functional Fencing: Chain-Link, Pool, and Security Options

Sometimes a fence needs to be the hardest worker in your property's lineup. Whether it's keeping everyone safe around the pool, securing a commercial site, or simply getting the job done on a tight budget, functional fencing delivers exactly what you need.

Chain-link fencing might not win beauty contests, but it's the reliable workhorse that gets things done. At $70 to $120 per linear metre, it's incredibly budget-friendly while offering excellent durability and clear sightlines. Perfect for containing pets, securing large commercial perimeters, or anywhere you need a practical boundary without blocking views. Our Commercial Chain Link Fencing expertise means we can even dress it up with privacy slats or let nature take over with climbing plants.

Pool fencing isn't negotiable in Melbourne, it's the law, and for good reason. But compliance doesn't mean compromising on style. Glass pool fencing creates that luxurious resort feeling while keeping everyone safe. Our Outdoor Glass Fencing maintains those gorgeous pool views while meeting all safety requirements.

Tubular aluminium pool fencing is hugely popular for its rust resistance and colour options, while steel pool fencing brings extra strength with powder-coated finishes that look sharp for years. Our precision installation and safety-first approach means you get peace of mind with style.

For commercial and industrial security, we don't mess around. High-security fencing needs to be tall, tough, and designed to deter trouble. Whether it's welded wire steel for industrial sites or ornamental options that look good while meaning business, we assess your specific needs and deliver the right solution.

Schools, childcare centres, and sporting facilities have unique requirements. Safety is everything, which means smooth, flat-top designs that reduce injury risks while incorporating anti-climb features. We understand these environments need fencing that protects without feeling like a fortress.

All our functional fencing is designed for Melbourne's changing weather and local regulations. From our unpredictable "four seasons in one day" climate to council requirements, we ensure your fence handles whatever comes its way while staying compliant with local rules.

Functional doesn't mean boring, we work with you to find solutions that do the job beautifully while fitting your budget. Want to know more about security options? Read our guide on What Type of Fencing is Best for Security.

How to Choose the Perfect Fence for Your Melbourne Home

Choosing the right fence for your property is more than just ticking a box on your home improvement list. It's about creating a solution that improves your lifestyle, protects what matters most, and adds genuine value to your home. After helping Melbourne families and businesses for over a decade, we've learned that the best fence decisions come from understanding your unique needs first.

Key Considerations: Balancing Needs, Budget, and Property Style

The perfect fence starts with asking the right questions. When Jake and our team visit your property for a consultation, we always begin by understanding what success looks like for you.

What's driving your fencing decision? Maybe you're after complete privacy for weekend BBQs with the family, or perhaps security is your main concern after a recent break-in down the street. Some homeowners simply want to add charm to their front garden, while others need compliant pool fencing for safety. Understanding whether your priority is privacy, security, style, or safety helps us recommend the most suitable types of fences for your situation.

Your home's character matters too. A classic picket fence looks absolutely perfect on a weatherboard home in Preston, creating that quintessential Australian suburban feel. But the same fence might look out of place on a sleek modern townhouse in Richmond, where a COLORBOND® panel fence would complement the contemporary lines beautifully. We always consider how your new fence will improve your property's existing architecture and boost its street appeal.

Think about your daily life and family needs. Do you have an energetic dog who loves to explore every corner of the neighbourhood? Young children who need a secure play area? A fence becomes essential for creating safe boundaries. For busy families, low-maintenance options like vinyl or COLORBOND® mean you can spend your weekends enjoying your outdoor space rather than maintaining it.

Melbourne's unpredictable weather demands smart material choices. Our city's famous "four seasons in a day" climate, combined with occasional coastal salt air, means your fence needs to handle everything from scorching summer heat to winter downpours. If you're near the coast, rust-resistant aluminium or specially treated steel becomes crucial for longevity.

Consider the bigger picture when it comes to cost. While fence installation typically ranges from $70 to $200 per linear metre in Melbourne, the initial price is just part of the story. A metal fence might cost more upfront, but it could last decades with minimal maintenance.

A timber fence might seem budget-friendly initially, but factor in regular staining and potential repairs over time. We help you weigh these considerations to find the best long-term value. Understanding Fence Cost vs Quality helps you make a decision you'll be happy with for years to come.

At Make Fencing, we specialise in creating custom solutions that fit your exact needs. Whether that's adjusting heights for privacy, customising materials for unique terrain, or designing something completely bespoke, your vision combined with our expertise creates something special.

Contact Make Fencing today for an accurate, detailed quote custom to your specific needs.

The Professional Touch: Why Expert Installation Matters

We completely understand the appeal of a DIY fence project. There's something satisfying about the idea of building your own boundary, saving money, and having complete control over every detail. However, after seeing countless DIY attempts over the years, we've learned that fencing is one of those projects where professional expertise makes all the difference.

The reality of DIY fencing involves much more than most people expect. You'll need weekends (possibly months of them) for physically demanding work like digging post holes and mixing concrete. The specialised tools required, from post-hole diggers to laser levels, represent a significant investment you might only use once. Getting a fence perfectly straight, level, and secure requires specific techniques that come from experience.

Where DIY projects often go wrong is in the details that aren't obvious until it's too late. Improperly set posts lead to sagging panels. Incorrect measurements result in gaps or overlaps that look unprofessional. Without knowing where underground utilities are located (a service like Dial Before You Dig is essential for safety), a simple post hole can become a dangerous and expensive mistake. Melbourne councils also have specific regulations about fence heights, setbacks, and materials that must be followed to avoid fines or rebuild requirements.

Make Fencing's approach eliminates these risks while delivering a superior result. Our process is designed to be transparent and stress-free from start to finish.

We begin with a consultation where we listen to your vision and discuss the best types of fences for your property and budget. This isn't a sales pitch; it's a genuine conversation about what will work best for your situation.

Our quotation process provides complete transparency with detailed costs and no hidden surprises. You'll know exactly what to expect before any work begins.

The on-site assessment is where our experience really shows. Jake or one of his experienced team members conducts a thorough evaluation of your property, considering everything from soil conditions to existing structures and local regulations. This ensures our installation plan is flawless from day one.

During the quality build phase, our skilled team handles every aspect with meticulous attention to detail. We use premium materials and proven techniques to ensure your fence is secure, beautiful, and built to last.

My commitment to your satisfaction means you're not just getting a fence installed; you're getting a partner who cares about the outcome as much as you do. With over a decade of experience, my team and I bring proven expertise to every project, handling all the complexities so you can simply enjoy the result.

Choosing Professional Fence Installers like Make Fencing means peace of mind, a high-quality result, and a fence that's built right the first time. You'll save time, avoid potential headaches, and end up with a result that adds genuine value to your property.

Wrap-Up

Your fence is so much more than a simple property line marker. It's the frame that showcases your home, the guardian that keeps your family safe, and the canvas where your personal style comes to life. Whether you're drawn to the timeless warmth of timber paling, the sleek durability of COLORBOND® metal, or the effortless elegance of low-maintenance vinyl, understanding the diverse types of fences available puts you in the driver's seat to make a choice that truly fits your Melbourne property.

The journey from pickets to panels doesn't have to be overwhelming. Each fence type we've explored serves a unique purpose, and the perfect solution for your property might be a classic picket fence that brings cottage charm to your Hawthorn home, or perhaps robust palisade fencing that secures your Richmond business premises. What matters most is finding that sweet spot where your needs, budget, and property style all come together beautifully.

For over a decade, my team and I at MAKE Fencing have been perfecting the art of fencing for Melbourne properties. We don't just put up fences; we craft custom solutions that truly improve your home or business. Every single project, from a straightforward boundary fence to a show-stopping custom design, gets our meticulous attention to detail.

Our commitment goes beyond just delivering quality materials and expert craftsmanship. We believe in making the entire experience smooth and stress-free, from that first consultation through to the final clean-up. When you choose professional installation, you're not just getting a fence – you're getting peace of mind, knowing your investment will stand strong through Melbourne's unpredictable weather for years to come.

We MAKE Fencing Solutions To Your Satisfaction.

Ready to transform your property with the perfect fence? Contact Make Fencing today to find which of these types of fences will work best for your unique needs and budget. Let's create something beautiful together.

FAQ: Types of Fences in Melbourne

Got questions about types of fences for your Melbourne property? You're not alone. After helping hundreds of homeowners and businesses across Melbourne choose their perfect fencing solution, we've heard just about every question you can imagine. Here are the answers to the most common ones.

What materials do you use for your fences in Melbourne?

We're proud to offer an extensive range of high-quality materials that can handle Melbourne's unpredictable weather. Our timber options include premium treated pine for classic paling and picket fences that never go out of style. For those seeking modern durability, we work with COLORBOND®, aluminium, and steel, perfect for security-focused properties and contemporary homes.

If low maintenance is your priority, our vinyl and composite materials offer the beauty of traditional fencing without the ongoing upkeep. Each material is carefully selected to suit Melbourne's climate, from scorching summer days to those chilly, wet winters we know so well.

How do I choose the right fence for my property?

Choosing the perfect fence is like finding the right outfit for your home - it needs to suit your style, fit your budget, and work for your lifestyle. Start by asking yourself what you need most: privacy for family time, security for peace of mind, aesthetic appeal for kerb appeal, or safety for children and pets.

Your home's architecture plays a huge role too. A charming picket fence might look perfect on a Victorian terrace in Fitzroy, while sleek COLORBOND® panels could be ideal for a modern townhouse in Docklands. We love helping Melbourne homeowners steer these choices during our consultation process, considering everything from your property's style to how much time you want to spend on maintenance.

What is the average cost to install a fence in Melbourne?

Melbourne fence installation typically ranges from $70 to $200 per linear metre, but here's the thing - every property tells a different story. A simple chain-link boundary fence will sit at the lower end, while a custom timber feature fence with intricate details might reach the higher range.

The final cost depends on several factors: your chosen materials, fence height, terrain complexity, and any custom features like matching gates. Rather than guessing, we always recommend getting an accurate quote custom to your specific project. That way, you'll know exactly what you're investing in, with no surprises along the way.

Do you offer custom fencing solutions?

Absolutely! Custom fencing is where we truly shine. We understand that your property is unique, and your fence should be too. Whether you're dealing with challenging terrain, need specific height requirements, want unique colour combinations, or have a vision for something completely one-of-a-kind, we're here to make it happen.

Jake and our team love the creative challenge of bringing custom designs to life. We've created everything from ornate timber features that become neighbourhood talking points to sleek metal designs that perfectly complement modern architecture. Your vision, combined with our expertise and craftsmanship, creates something truly special.

How long does a typical fence installation take?

Most residential fence installations take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the scope of your project. A straightforward boundary fence around a standard suburban block might be completed in 2-3 days, while a complex custom installation with multiple gates and challenging terrain could take longer.

During our on-site assessment, we'll give you a realistic timeline based on your specific project. We factor in everything from weather conditions to material delivery times, ensuring you're never left wondering when your beautiful new fence will be ready to enjoy. The best part? We handle all the coordination, so you can sit back and watch your property transform.