Planning a New Fence? Tips from Brisbane Fencing Specialists

The difference between a fence that lasts and one that causes problems usually comes down to what happens before the first post goes in. Good planning covers everything from design choices to practical details that are easy to overlook.

Here are the things worth thinking about before your new Brisbane fence gets built.

Choose a Timeless Design

Trends come and go, but your fence will be there for 15 to 20 years or more. A clean, simple design in a neutral colour tends to age far better than anything too decorative or fashionable.

For Colorbond, the darker tones like Monument, Basalt, and Woodland Grey remain popular across Brisbane because they look good on a wide range of properties and do not date quickly. For timber, a natural stain or classic painted finish keeps things looking sharp without locking you into a trend.

Plan for Gates and Access

Think carefully about where you need gates and how wide they need to be. Can you get a wheelie bin through? A ride-on mower? A trailer? These are the kinds of questions that get missed during planning and become daily frustrations after the fence is up.

Gate posts need to be heavier and set deeper than standard fence posts because they carry more load. If a gate is going to be used frequently, investing in quality hinges and latches from the start will save you from constant adjustments down the track.

Get the Post Depth Right

Post depth is the foundation of your entire fence. In Brisbane, where storm season brings strong winds and heavy rain, posts that are too shallow will eventually shift or fail.

As a general guide, posts should be set at least 600 millimetres deep in concrete for a standard 1.8-metre fence. In soft or sandy soils, or on exposed properties, deeper is better. This is one area where cutting corners will always cost you more in the long run.

Account for Wind

South-east Queensland gets powerful wind events, particularly between November and March. A solid fence, whether Colorbond or close-butted timber, acts as a wind barrier, and the force on a long run of fencing during a storm is significant.

Proper post spacing, adequate depth, and correct concrete footings are the main defences against wind damage. If your property is elevated or faces open ground, let your fencer know so they can factor that into the design.

Use the Correct Fasteners

This is a detail that often gets overlooked but matters more than most people realise. The wrong screws or nails will rust, stain the timber, or lose their grip over time. In Queensland, stainless steel or galvanised fasteners are the standard for outdoor use.

For Colorbond, the fixings are typically colour-matched tek screws designed for the system. For timber, hot-dipped galvanised nails or stainless steel screws are the way to go. Using cheap, uncoated fasteners is a false economy.

Consider Gap Sizes if You Have Pets

If you have dogs or small animals, think about gaps at the bottom of the fence and between palings. A determined dog can squeeze through a surprisingly small space, and a gap that looks insignificant to you might be an open invitation to a small breed.

Talk to your fencer about gravel boards, reduced gaps, or plinth panels at the base if pets are a concern. It is much easier to address this during installation than to retrofit solutions after the fence is finished.

Start with a Plan

A few hours of thought before the build starts will save weeks of frustration later. If you are planning a new fence in Brisbane and want to make sure the details are covered, we are happy to walk the site with you and talk through the options.