With so many options available for fencing in Melbourne, it can be challenging to decide which is best for your home. However, it’s worth comparing all your choices; after all, a fence is something you (and your neighbors) will be looking at every day! So we’ve weighed the pros, cons, costs, and features of Colorbond Fencing, Timber Fencing, and PVC fencing panels to help you choose a fence you’ll love for many years.
What is a Colorbond Fence?
Colorbond fencing is made from steel which is pre-painted with a specific color. This sheet of steel is made to relevant Australian Standards, and the color options are numerous. Zincalume steel gives colorbond adequate corrosion-resistant properties and is actually the inner base of Colorbond. Zincalume is a mix of zinc and aluminum, so mixed in with some unique color coating is used to make the famous Colorbond. A Colorbond fence is usually made up of the essential Colorbond panels and some fixing posts, caps, and other items required for finishing, such as gates.
What is a Timber Fence?
Timber fence is considered the oldest and most famous method for setting up the boundaries for your home. Timber fences have a lot of pros and a lot of cons. Any fence builder can confirm that a timber fence gives the best natural look, especially when made from beautiful wood. A timber fence is a boundary setter for your property, made from hardwood or softwood. Each piece of timber has a unique look along with a specific texture, character, grain, and, most importantly, color.
What is PVC Fence?
Most often referred to as “vinyl” in the fencing world, PVC Fence is a thermoplastic resin. It’s the world’s third-most-produced synthetic plastic. It’s used in a variety of markets, including bottling and packaging. When plasticizers are added, they become flexible, making them a sought-after material for the construction, plumbing, and cable industries.
A Comparison of PVC Fence, Timber Fence, and Colorbond Fence: What You Need to Know
First and foremost, you must consider what purpose your fence needs to serve. Is it intended to provide full or partial privacy? Do you need to keep pets and children inside? Is your fence purely decorative, or do you want to create a visual boundary?
Durability should also be front of mind when choosing a fence. You need it to withstand the weather and the test of time. If you’ve ever lost a pet after your fence has blown over in a storm, you know just how important this is. You can’t always avoid fence damage during severe weather. However, there are more durable options available. And, of course, you want to avoid the hassle and cost of repeated repairs.
If you’re weighing up Colorbond vs. timber, PVC fencing vs. timber, or PVC fencing vs. Colorbond, we’re here to help. Now, let’s dive into the pros and cons of each.
Pros and Cons of PVC Fence, Timber Fence, Colorbond Fence
| Colorbond Fence | PVC Fence | Timber Fence |
|---|---|---|---|
Warranty | 10-year warranty on materials. | 30-year warranty on materials. | No warranty |
Cost | Colorbond is highly cost-effective. Starting from $85 per meter. | PVC fencing cost starts from $120 per meter. | Timber can vary with design and type of timber. Pine is the most cost-effective option but hardwood like Jarrah is the most durable. |
Strength |
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Styles | Five different profile options to choose from, with the option to add slats or a lattice feature on top. | A range of semi-privacy styles, including classic or modern picket. Privacy PVC fencing can be customized with various lattice designs on top. (Modern and traditional PVC fence) | |
Colors | Fourteen colors to choose from. | Limited color range. Mainly white currently, but new colors are coming soon. | It can be left natural, stained, or painted in any color you desire. |
Materials | Sturdy, lightweight steel coated with baked-on lead-free paint. | Polyvinyl chloride (also known as PVC) is a long-lasting type of plastic. | Natural, treated, or painted wood. |
Retaining | Colorbond can add retaining underneath with steel or aluminum plinths to match the fence. However, retaining can be built alongside it in the form of concrete posts and panels. | PVC can also be built on top of limestone retaining. | Timber plinths can be placed underneath the fence. |
Maintenance | It should be spot cleaned and washed down occasionally to prevent staining. Otherwise, no maintenance is required unless damaged. | It should be washed down occasionally. Otherwise, no maintenance is required unless damaged. | Requires yearly maintenance and termite treatment. |
Similarities | Low maintenance like PVC Fencing |
| Stylish look like PVC Privacy Fencing |
Colorbond Fence Benefits
Backed by a 10-year warranty
Requires little ongoing maintenance
Large range of colors
Termite resistant
Budget-friendly
PVC Fencing Benefits
Backed by a 30-year warranty
Requires little ongoing maintenance
Resistant to termites
No corrosion and fading
Good for coastal areas
Strong yet flexible, great for Melbourne’s windy conditions
Budget-friendly DIY option available
Timber Fence Benefits
Unlimited options for paint colors
Great for creating a natural or rustic look
Natural, sustainable, and eco-friendly materials
A Breakdown of Costs: Which Fence Is Cheaper?
When it comes to choosing a fence, it’s essential to consider the immediate cost as well as maintenance costs over the years. For example, even though PVC fence panels are a more expensive option, they are the most durable fencing material and require little maintenance after installation. Sometimes it is worth investing a little more upfront so you don’t have to worry about costs further down the track.
Colorbond vs. Timber Fence Pricing
Colorbond fencing is cheaper than timber fences for a privacy fence and requires much less maintenance. While the natural look of timber is beautiful, remember that it will need annual maintenance and termite treatments to keep it in good condition.
Latitude Fencing installs colorbond fencing for $85 per meter, while our timber privacy fencing costs $120 per meter.
PVC Fence Panels vs. Timber Fence Pricing
If you look at long-term costs, PVC fencing is usually cheaper than a wood fence. Both timber and PVC fence panels will cost $120 per meter; however, you’ll need to factor in that a timber fence requires more ongoing maintenance.
Is DIY PVC Fencing Cheaper?
PVC fencing in Melbourne is becoming popular thanks to its sleek design, durability, and low maintenance. However, it can be pricey compared to Colorbond. If you love all the benefits of PVC fencing but are on a budget, why not put a weekend aside and install a DIY PVC privacy fence yourself?
A DIY PVC fence costs $80 per meter, depending on your chosen style. This is considerably cheaper than paying for installation, pushing the cost to $120 per meter or more.
All you need to complete the installation is a sketched plan with measurements, a shovel, your PVC fence panels, and a notcher. If you’re hanging gates on your DIY PVC fence, you’ll also need a drill or rivet gun.