The Complete List of Fencing Types

Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Fence for Your Melbourne Property

Types of fencing come in many materials and styles, each serving a different purpose for Melbourne properties. You can choose from materials like classic timber, strong metal, sleek COLORBOND® steel, low-maintenance vinyl (PVC), or budget-friendly chain-link. Functionally, fences can provide privacy, decoration, security, or pool safety.

Choosing the right fence makes all the difference, but how do you know which type is best? The answer depends on your priorities. Are you seeking maximum privacy, a stylish look to complement your home, or a durable, low-maintenance solution for Melbourne's weather?

Beyond look and function, there's cost. Fence installation in Melbourne typically ranges from $70 to $200 per linear metre, depending on the material and complexity. However, the upfront price isn't the whole story. It's vital to consider the total cost of ownership, factoring in long-term maintenance and durability. A budget option today might cost more over time.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the most common fencing materials and styles, explaining their pros and cons for different Melbourne properties. I'm Jake Bunston, Director of Make Fencing. With over a decade of experience helping Melbourne home and business owners, I've seen what works and what delivers real long-term value.

Key Factors to Consider Before Selecting a Fence

Choosing the right fence isn't something you should rush. Before diving into specific types of fencing, it's best to think through what you need. Getting the fundamentals right ensures you'll end up with a fence that does its job, looks fantastic, and serves you well for years.

Defining Your Main Goal

First, what do you want your fence to do?

• Privacy: If you want a backyard retreat, solid panels like board-on-board timber or COLORBOND® steel create a complete visual barrier.

• Security: To keep kids and pets safe, you'll need a strong fence at least 1.8 metres tall. Chain-link is great for pet containment, while palisade fencing offers robust security for commercial sites.

• Kerb Appeal: To boost your home's street presence, decorative options shine. A picket fence suits a cottage-style home, while slatted timber adds modern sophistication.

• Other Goals: Your fence can also serve for simple boundary definition (like post and rail fencing) or noise reduction, where solid modular walls can create a more peaceful environment.

Matching Fence Style to Your Melbourne Home

Your fence should complement your home's character. Melbourne's architecture is diverse, from Fitzroy's Victorian terraces to modern townhouses in Bayswater.

• Victorian Terraces: Classic timber picket fences or wrought iron-style metal fencing add historical charm.

• Modern Townhouses: Clean-lined slatted timber, COLORBOND® steel, or minimalist aluminium designs maintain a contemporary feel.

• Weatherboard Homes: These pair beautifully with traditional paling or classic picket styles.

Your landscaping also matters. Trellis fencing can support climbing plants, while a low picket fence can frame a front garden. For coastal properties from Brighton to Sorrento, corrosion-resistant materials like aluminium and COLORBOND® steel are essential to handle salt air. If you need help with complex plans, our Design, Plan and Permits service can manage the process.

Balancing Budget, Materials, and Maintenance

While the upfront cost is important, the cheapest option isn't always the smartest long-term choice.

• Upfront Cost: Fence installation in Melbourne typically ranges from $70 to $200 per linear metre. Basic timber and chain-link are at the lower end, while premium metal or custom solutions cost more.

• Long-Term Value: A cheaper fence needing frequent repainting or early replacement can cost more over time. Investing in quality materials and expert installation often makes better financial sense.

• Maintenance & Durability: Different materials have different needs. Timber requires regular staining or painting. In contrast, vinyl is famously low-maintenance, as Wikipedia notes, Vinyl fences require very minimal upkeep. Materials like steel and vinyl are also highly durable and weather-resistant, handling Melbourne's "four seasons in a day" with ease.

While DIY installation seems like a way to save money, it requires specialised tools and skill. Mistakes can affect stability and safety, leading to hidden costs. Professional installation guarantees a high-quality result that stands the test of time. When you're ready for an accurate quote, contact us for a free consultation.

A Guide to the Different Types of Fencing Materials

Understanding what makes each material special will help you choose the one that's right for your Melbourne property. Some are classic and warm, others sleek and modern. Some need regular attention, while others practically look after themselves.

Timber Fencing: The Classic & Versatile Choice

Timber fencing is a timeless choice for Australian homes, offering a natural warmth and organic texture. Its greatest strength is versatility; you can paint, stain, or leave it to weather naturally. While treated pine is often affordable upfront, timber requires ongoing care like sealing or painting every few years to protect it from Melbourne's weather, rot, and insects.

Two styles are perennial favourites:

• Paling fencing uses vertical timber palings to create a solid, private boundary, perfect for backyards.

• Picket fencing is all about kerb appeal, with an open design that adds a charming, traditional touch to front gardens.

Our Residential Fencing services can help you find the perfect timber solution.

Metal Fencing: Strength and Modern Appeal

For a combination of serious durability and a sleek, contemporary look, metal fencing is an excellent choice. It's built to last, offering exceptional strength and security with far less maintenance than timber.

• Aluminium is lightweight, naturally corrosion-resistant, and virtually maintenance-free, making it ideal for coastal properties.

• Steel is the heavyweight champion of strength. When galvanised and powder-coated, it becomes highly resistant to rust, fading, and chipping.

Metal fences come in various styles, from ornate designs to modern vertical blades. Explore our Gates and Metal Fabrication options for custom solutions.

COLORBOND® Fencing: Sleek, Secure, and Low-Maintenance

COLORBOND® steel is an Australian icon, popular in Melbourne for its performance and style. Its modern, sleek appearance suits many homes, and with 14 colours available, you can easily match your home's exterior.

Made from high-quality steel, COLORBOND® is designed for harsh Australian conditions. It won't warp, peel, or rot, and it's impervious to termites. The best part is the minimal maintenance; an occasional wash is all it needs. Its solid panels also provide excellent privacy and security, making it a great choice for Boundary Fencing.

Vinyl (PVC) Fencing: The Low-Maintenance Solution

If you never want to paint or stain a fence again, vinyl (PVC) is your perfect match. Its standout feature is its low-maintenance nature; an occasional wash is all it needs. As Wikipedia notes, Vinyl fences require very minimal upkeep.

Vinyl is also incredibly weather-resistant, handling Melbourne's climate without rotting or warping. It's immune to rot and pests and comes in various designs, including picket, privacy, and rail styles. The savings on maintenance make it a smart long-term investment.

Chain-Link Fencing: Practical & Budget-Friendly

When practicality and budget are key, chain-link fencing is hard to beat. Its biggest draw is affordability, making it ideal for large perimeters. Made from galvanised steel wire, it's also surprisingly durable and long-lasting.

The open weave provides high visibility, which is great for monitoring kids or pets. It's excellent for pet and child containment without blocking views. It's a popular choice for many Commercial Fencing applications where function and budget are priorities.

Exploring Different Types of Fencing Styles

Beyond materials, the style of your fence plays a crucial role in its function and aesthetic. Different types of fencing styles are designed to achieve specific goals, from complete seclusion to subtle garden boundaries.

Solid & Privacy Fences: The Best for Seclusion

When your goal is a private haven, solid fences are the answer. These types of fencing have no gaps, ensuring maximum seclusion and often helping with noise reduction. They create a personal sanctuary, blocking sightlines from neighbours.

• Board-on-board timber fencing features overlapping palings, ensuring no gaps appear over time.

• COLORBOND® steel fencing offers complete privacy with a sleek, modern look and zero maintenance.

• Modular walls provide the look of a rendered wall and excel at soundproofing, making them ideal for properties near busy roads.

These styles also improve security, as their solid surface is difficult to climb. They are an excellent investment for Boundary Fencing.

Semi-Solid & Decorative Fences: Stylish for Kerb Appeal

To boost visual appeal while allowing some airflow, semi-solid and decorative types of fencing are perfect. They add character without creating a fortress-like feel.

• A classic picket fence defines boundaries beautifully while maintaining a charming, welcoming look for front gardens.

• Slatted fencing, with horizontal or vertical slats, offers a stylish, modern look with partial privacy and good air circulation.

• Adding a lattice top to a solid fence softens the look, adds visual interest, and can support climbing plants.

These fences are about balancing enclosure with light and views, significantly boosting your home's kerb appeal. Our Feature Fencing options can lift your property's style.

Garden & Trellis Fencing

For green thumbs, garden and trellis types of fencing provide practical support for plants and add a decorative element. Trellis panels are designed to support climbing plants like roses or jasmine, turning a simple fence into a living wall.

Trellis can also be used as standalone screens to create garden rooms or hide unsightly areas. When choosing trellis, ensure the materials are substantial and fixings are high-quality (stainless steel or galvanised) to support mature plants and withstand Melbourne's weather. Investing in quality from the start saves future replacement costs. Many of our custom projects in our Our Work gallery integrate fences beautifully with landscaping.

Specialty Fencing for Unique Needs

Sometimes, a standard fence just won't cut it. For specific requirements like high-level security, pool safety, or convenient access, we turn to specialty types of fencing solutions designed for particular functions.

High-Security & Commercial Fencing

Businesses, industrial sites, and schools require robust, purpose-built fencing. These types of fencing are engineered to deter intruders and protect assets.

• Palisade Fencing: With its intimidating vertical steel pales and pointed tops, this is a highly effective anti-climb solution for commercial sites.

• Anti-Climb Designs: Many security fences incorporate features like narrow mesh or spiked tops to make climbing virtually impossible.

• School Fencing: These solutions prioritise safety with smooth, flat-top designs to minimise injury risk, combined with anti-climb elements for a secure environment.

Our Commercial Fencing services provide the protection businesses and institutions need.

Pool Safety Fencing

In Australia, pool fencing is governed by strict safety regulations to prevent unsupervised access. These types of fencing are designed to protect children and provide peace of mind. All our installations adhere to Australian safety standards, featuring non-climbable panels and self-closing, self-latching gates.

• Glass Fencing: Offers an unobstructed view and a sleek, luxurious look while ensuring compliant safety.

• Aluminium Fencing: A lightweight, rust-resistant, and compliant option available in various styles.

Our Pool Fencing is installed with a safety-first approach without compromising on style.

Automated Gates for Security and Convenience

Automated gates blend security, convenience, and modern technology, providing seamless access control. They act as a strong deterrent while allowing you to open your gate with a remote control or keypad.

Modern systems can integrate with your smart home for smartphone control. We always install safety beams to prevent gates from closing on people or vehicles. Our Gate Automation solutions are customised to your needs.

Custom Fencing Solutions

For unique properties, challenging terrain, or a distinctive look, custom fencing is the answer. These types of fencing allow for complete personalisation. We can design fences for sloping ground by "racking" or "stepping" them to follow the land's contours.

We can also adjust for specific heights, combine materials, or incorporate unique patterns to match your home's architecture. Examples include tighter gaps for pet containment or integrated letterboxes. Our Custom Fencing solutions blend style, durability, and functionality seamlessly.

Find the Perfect Fence for Your Property

Choosing the right fence is a significant investment that improves your property's security, privacy, and style. By understanding the different materials and styles, you can select an option that perfectly suits your needs and budget. For a flawless result that combines durability with exceptional design, partnering with an experienced fencing contractor is key.

At MAKE Fencing, we specialise in creating custom solutions that stand the test of time. We're proud to have over a decade of experience, delivering custom solutions with high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail to residential and commercial clients across Melbourne.

Ready to transform your property with a high-quality fence? Contact us today for a free consultation and quote! We MAKE Fencing Solutions To Your Satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fencing Types

What are the most popular types of residential fencing in Melbourne?

The two most popular types of fencing for Melbourne homes are timber paling and COLORBOND® steel. Timber is loved for its classic, natural aesthetic and customisability. COLORBOND® steel is favoured for its sleek, modern look, durability, and extremely low maintenance, making it a practical choice for Melbourne's variable weather.

Which fence is best for privacy?

For maximum privacy, solid panel fences are the best choice as they have no gaps. Top options include board-on-board timber fencing, which uses overlapping palings to ensure complete coverage, and COLORBOND® steel fencing, which provides a sleek, solid barrier. For superior noise reduction as well as privacy, modular walls are an excellent solution, especially for homes near busy roads.

What is the most cost-effective fencing option?

When considering cost, it's important to look at both upfront price and long-term value. For the lowest initial cost, chain-link fencing is often the cheapest, though it's more practical than aesthetic. For residential homes, treated pine paling fences offer a great balance of affordability and privacy.

However, materials like vinyl or COLORBOND® steel can be more cost-effective over time. While their upfront cost is higher, their long lifespan and minimal maintenance needs (no painting or staining) save you money and time in the long run. The most cost-effective fence is one that balances your budget with durability and maintenance needs. Contact us today for a quote custom to your property.