If you’ve ever lived near the beach in Perth, you’ll know it’s a blessing and a curse. Sure, you get those gorgeous ocean views and sea breezes, but your fence? It can cop an absolute hammering. We’ve lost count of how many coastal property owners have called us after their timber fence has rotted out or their cheap metal fencing has turned into a rust bucket.
After two decades in the fencing game around Perth and the Northern Suburbs, we’ve learned that for coastal fencing, not all materials are created equal, and solutions like Colorbond® steel fencing really shine. We’ve seen firsthand why Colorbond® consistently outperforms other materials in coastal environments, and now we’re sharing what we’ve learnt.
What Makes the Best Fencing for Coastal Areas?
Coastal properties are tough on fences for three main reasons. You’ve got salt spray eating away at everything, wild winds and other extreme weather that can turn a dodgy fence into kindling, and UV rays that’ll bleach the colour out of anything. So, the best fencing for coastal areas needs to laugh in the face of salt corrosion, stand firm against Perth’s infamous afternoon sea breezes, and keep looking good despite our relentless sun.
An average timber fence might give you five to eight years if you’re lucky, while cheap metal options can start rusting before you’ve even finished paying for them. That’s where Colorbond® steel fencing, which has been designed specifically for Australia’s harsh climate, comes into its own – it’s basically designed to handle everything our coastline can throw at it.
Here are 5 reasons Colorbond® fencing has become our go-to recommendation for coastal properties:
1. Unmatched Corrosion Resistance
Salt air is brutal on most fencing materials. But Colorbond® steel is specifically engineered to handle it. The multi-layer coating system includes a zinc-aluminium alloy base that prevents rust from taking hold, even when exposed to constant salt spray.
In our experience working in Mindarie, Fremantle, and other coastal suburbs, we’ve installed Colorbond® fences that still look pristine after 15+ years. Compare that to timber fences we’ve replaced after just five years of coastal exposure, and the value becomes clear.
2. Built to Handle Perth’s Wild Weather
Perth’s coastal areas cop everything from scorching easterlies to winter storms rolling in off the ocean. Colorbond® fencing is engineered to handle wind loads up to severe storm conditions when properly installed. We recently worked on a coastal fencing project in Cottesloe where the previous timber fence had been destroyed by winter storms twice in just five years. After installing Colorbond® fencing with proper footings and bracing, the owners haven’t had a single panel come loose despite several severe weather events.
3. Colour That Won’t Fade
Perth’s intense UV levels can fade and degrade most materials within a few years. Colorbond® steel uses Thermatech® solar reflectance technology that maintains colour integrity and keeps fence surfaces cooler to touch. Our team has observed Colorbond® fences installed in the early 2000s that still maintain their original colour depth, while painted timber and other coated metal fences from the same period show significant fading and chalking.
4. Low Maintenance Means More Time at the Beach
Coastal living should be about enjoying the lifestyle, not constantly maintaining your property. Colorbond® fencing requires minimal upkeep – just an occasional rinse with fresh water to remove salt buildup. Unlike timber fencing that needs regular staining, painting, and replacement of rotted sections, or powder-coated aluminium that requires touching up scratches before they rust, Colorbond® fencing maintains its appearance and integrity with virtually no intervention.
5. Fire Resistance for Peace of Mind
Coastal areas aren’t immune to bushfire risk, especially during Perth’s hot, dry summers when easterly winds push fire danger westward. Colorbond® steel won’t combust, won’t contribute to fire spread, and maintains structural integrity even under extreme heat. This fire resistance has proven valuable for our clients in areas like Two Rocks and Yanchep, where bushland meets coastal development. While no fence can stop a major bushfire, Colorbond® fencing won’t become part of the fuel load. Take a look at this CSIRO research for more info about how Colorbond® fencing can help in fire-prone areas.
Ready to Upgrade Your Coastal Fencing?
If you’re tired of constantly repairing and replacing your coastal fence, it’s time to consider a better long-term solution. Colorbond® fencing offers the durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal that Perth’s coastal properties demand.
Contact our friendly team today for a comprehensive assessment of your coastal fencing needs. We can provide honest advice about the best fencing solution for your specific location and requirements, backed by over 20 years of local experience.