Colorbond Fencing FAQs: The Hows, Whys & Whats

Colorbond is the brand that has become synonymous with exterior features. They have perfected the material, tier colour options are broad enough to satisfy yet refined enough so customers can't make a bad choice, and their fencing designs fit so well they almost feel like they’ve come from the Aussie environment.

For Australian homeowners, knowing a brand is popular is one thing, but trusting their products to ensure the sometimes abrasive conditions and climate to protect your property year-round is another entirely. As long-standing purveyors of outdoor fencing supplies, the team at Outback Fencing know how often these questions come up, so we’ve collected the most common ones in one place.

In this FAQ guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from choosing the right height and colour to Colorbond fencing installation tips, maintenance advice and whether DIY or professional installation is best. Consider it your one-stop resource for planning a fence that not only performs but enhances your home.

The General Stuff

What is Colorbond Made of?

Steel! In fact, one of the variations of the brand name is Colorbond steel, and that’s, well, self-explanatory. So, then, what type of steel is Colorbond? It’s a zinc-aluminium base, finished with a baked-on paint layer, which is known as a powder coat. The powder-coated fencing finishing provides great durability and a sleek appearance, making the Colorbond fence panels even more superior in durability when paired with steel.

The powder-coated paint also makes it very low-maintenance. The material is designed to handle everything Australia’s climate throws at it long term – scorching sun, heavy rain and even salty coastal conditions. It’s built to withstand harsh sun, heavy rain and salty coastal air without rusting, chipping or fading – so you won’t be stuck constantly cleaning or repainting. And with a wide selection of colours available, it’s easy to choose a look that perfectly complements your home.

Where is Colorbond Made?

Colorbond is proudly Australian-made. It’s been engineered and then tried and tested to meet the needs of Aussie homes and exterior spaces, so you know it’s a product you can trust.

What Structural & Size Options are There?

We stock Colorbond in two profile designs, STD and Zig Zag, to give you flexibility to match both the look and performance you want. Both profiles come in a range of heights and fence panel sizes, so you can tailor your fence to suit your property layout and privacy needs.

STD Profile

Our standard STD fencing profile offers a clean, streamlined appearance that suits most modern and traditional homes. It’s designed for reliable strength and consistency, making it a great all-round option for boundary and feature fencing.

Zig Zag Profile

The Zig Zag fencing design provides enhanced rigidity thanks to its alternating folds. This profile is ideal if you’re after extra strength, reduced panel flex and a more architectural finish.

Can You Customise a Colorbond Fence?

You’ve also got several height options and so many great colour choices to work with. Because each panel can be cut to size, you can customise the fence line to perfectly match your layout, whether you need extra height for privacy or a neat fit along an awkward boundary. Adjusting the ends of any panel makes it easy to create a clean, seamless finish that suits your space.

How Tall can a Colorbond Fence be?

You can choose from four standard heights: 1200mm, 1500mm, 1800mm and 2100mm. Most Australian fences sit at 1800mm, but if you’re chasing extra privacy, the 2100mm option is ideal. All measurements are taken from ground level up.

What Colorbond Panel Width Sizes are Available?

Colorbond fence panels come in two widths: 2400mm and 3150mm. The standard 2400mm panel includes three infill fencing panel sheets, while the wider 3150mm option has four.

The 3150mm width is great for larger projects because it reduces the number of post holes you’ll need to dig, speeding up installation and making the job easier. It can also help smaller backyards feel a little more open by reducing the number of vertical posts in your line of sight.

The 2400mm panel remains the most popular choice, offering excellent strength thanks to the shorter distance between channel posts.

Cleaning & Maintenance Queries

How to Clean a Colorbond Fence

Cleaning your Colorbond steel fence is really easy! Just use a garden hose to rinse off dust and dirt, and a soft-bristled broom for any stubborn spots. Thanks to Colorbond’s smooth finish, most dirt slides off easily, especially after a rain.

For areas near trees or heavy foliage, occasional cleaning helps prevent the build-up of leaves or sap. But do avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools, as they can damage the protective coating. With a little routine care, you can protect your new fencing and it will continue to look great for years with minimal effort.

How can I Make My Colorbond Fence Stronger?

If you’re after extra durability, there are a few options to reinforce your fence. Adding timber fence posts between the Colorbond channel posts can make a big difference. Timber posts are thicker and sturdier, so they provide extra strength, especially in windy areas or locations that require a more secure fence.

Another option is installing a fence plinth at the base. Plinths not only add strength but also give your fence a polished, finished look. Composite sleepers and retaining walls are a stylish choice for this purpose. They complement the sleek lines of Colorbond panels and can even be painted to match your fence colour, creating a seamless, cohesive appearance. By combining these methods, you can build a fence that’s both strong and stylish.

Can Colorbond Steel be Easily Dented?

It depends. Colorbod steel is tough and built to handle typical Australian backyard activities, kicking a footy, playing fetch with the dog or kids climbing nearby. That said, it isn’t completely dent-proof. Heavy impacts, like objects falling from height or being thrown against the fence, may leave dents.

The good news is that minor dents usually don’t compromise the fence’s overall strength or longevity. Colorbond panels are designed to maintain their appearance and function even with small imperfections.

What Should I Do if My Fence Gets Dented?

Accidents happen, and fortunately, small dents can sometimes be gently pushed out from the opposite side. Keep in mind, though, that the steel’s structure may still show a faint outline of the dent.

For more noticeable damage, the best solution is usually to replace the affected infill sheet. Individual Colorbond sheets are readily available, so you don’t need to replace the entire panel. Replacing panels can be a bit tricky, so it’s recommended to hire a qualified installer or contact your original installer. This makes sure the fence is repaired correctly and prevents further damage, keeping your fence looking as good as new.

Can I Paint My Colorbond Fence?

Yes! Painting your fence is a simple way to refresh its look or give it a whole new style. Just keep in mind that Colorbond’s original baked-on finish is extremely durable, designed to resist fading, chipping and corrosion, and new paint might not be as secure and may need more care and touch-ups over time.

When painting, choose a high-quality paint suitable for steel surfaces, and apply it carefully to avoid peeling or uneven coverage. You can experiment with bold colours or complementary tones for frames and panels to match your backyard design. With thoughtful maintenance, your painted Colorbond fence can remain a standout feature for many years.

Everything Colorbond Purchasing & Installation

How Much is Colorbond fencing?

Here at Outback Fencing, we offer Colorbond panels with two profile options: STD and Zig Zag. Prices for both styles are the same and are based on height. For example, a standard 2.4m long panel will cost $142.81 at a height of 2.1m and $99.30 at a height of 1.2m.

These prices include the essential posts, rails and screws needed to install each panel, making it easy to plan your fencing project.

How Much is Colorbond Fencing Per Metre?

Colorbond panels are 2.4m long, so the cost per metre varies depending on panel height. For a height of 2.1m, the cost per metre is $59.50, and at a height of 1.2m, it costs $41.40 per metre. Buying panels in full lengths helps reduce installation time and ensures your fence looks seamless.

Where to Buy Colorbond Fencing?

You can buy all your Colorbond fencing directly here at Outback Fencing. We stock both STD and Zig Zag profiles in a range of heights and colours, so you can get everything you need for your project in one place.

How to Choose the Perfect Colorbond Fence Colour?

One of the best things about Colrobond fence panels is how customisable they are. You can pick one colour for your infill sheets (the most visible part of your fence) and a complementary shade for the frame (posts and rails).

With 22 versatile Colorbond colours to choose from, the combinations are almost endless, so you can create a look that perfectly suits your home and landscaping. Choose between subtle, classic finishes or bold statement colours to design a fence that’s uniquely yours.

How to Choose the Right Fencing Height?

When it comes to fence height, most Australian backyards use 1800mm panels. This standard size offers a good balance of privacy without feeling too imposing.

If you want extra seclusion, though, don't be afraid to go for the 2100mm option, which creates an ultra-private space. For front fences, 1200mm or 1500mm heights are ideal as they give you some privacy while still keeping a connection to your street and community.

Can You DIY the Colorbond Fence Installation, or Should You Call in a Professional?

Yep, you can absolutely DIY a Colorbond fence installation if you have some basic tools, patience and a good understanding of the steps involved. Many homeowners successfully install panels themselves, especially for straightforward sections with level ground.

Our blog on how to install a standard Colorbond fence panel and DIY guides show you step-by-step how to do it, and include tips for measuring, setting posts and securing infill sheets.

That said, there are situations where hiring a professional is the safer and more efficient choice. If your property has uneven terrain, slopes or tricky boundaries, or if you want the fence installed quickly and with guaranteed quality, a professional installer can ensure the fence is sturdy, straight and meets all local regulations.

Everything You Need for Your Colorbond Fencing

Colorbond fencing offers Australian homeowners a durable and highly customisable solution that stands up to the country’s toughest conditions. With a range of profiles, heights, widths and 22 colours to choose from, you can design a fence that perfectly suits your home and backyard. You can even tackle installation yourself using our DIY guides or call in a professional for peace of mind. At Outback Fencing, we have everything you need to build a Colorbond fence that is truly yours, including endless expert info and guidance to help you align your way. For anything else you want to know, contact the team today.