Modern Fencing Design Ideas in Perth: Cost, Law, Durability & Maintenance Guide
Perth homes come with their own special list of challenges. Some include strong coastal breezes, salty air and the ever-present risk of termites. Meanwhile, privacy, street appeal and pool-safety laws top the list of homeowners’ priorities. The perfect fencing does more than define a space and protect your property. Choosing modern fencing design ideas in Perth also adds curb appeal and increases the value of your home. In this guide, we take a closer look at the recent modern fencing design trends in Perth, including materials, regulations, cost comparisons, durability and maintenance basics that will give you guidance when selecting the best option for your home and property.
What’s Trending Now in Perth Fencing Designs
Throughout Perth, contemporary home fencing designs cleverly combine aesthetic appeal with privacy and functionality. Homeowners are leaning toward clean lines, mixed materials and low-maintenance finishes that can stand up to the city’s inescapable heat and coastal air.
Stratco COLORBOND panels, aluminium slats, frameless or semi-frameless glass fencing and brick piers with modern infills are highly sought after. The fact that these materials also promise both modern looks and longevity has drawn interest from those seeking sleek design without the high maintenance.
Perth Fencing Design Ideas by Material – With Pros, Cons, and Use Cases
Modern Perth fencing is as much about personality as protection. Whether you live by the sea or in the hills, your choice of material defines the style and longevity of your outdoor space.
Perth North West: Stratco COLORBOND Design Ideas
Stylish Good Neighbour panels and screen-top profiles give you privacy and polish. Matching gates add to a consistent appearance. Everyone in Perth adores COLORBOND for its resilience to the heat, wind and rain. It is low in maintenance and comes with a vast colour choice. This is often used by home builders in Perth for side boundaries, backyard privacy or as a sound barrier between neighbours.
Cottesloe & Scarborough: Glass for Pools and Views
For coastal homes, you can go with frameless or semi-frameless glass fencing ideas around pools and balconies to get clear ocean views. If you are in a salty zone, all hardware must always be 316 stainless steel or better to prevent tea staining. Design favourites include pin-fixed panels, channel-set installations, and minimal post layouts that keep sightlines clear.
Perth Hills: Timber Warmth with Modern Lines
Timber remains a timeless choice for fencing Perth. Choose either treated pine or hardwood slats, laid vertically or horizontally for a contemporary look. Every few years , it needs sealing or staining, as well as ongoing termite monitoring. For lasting durability, combine wood and steel posts. This is a good fit for homes that are after warmth, texture and natural allure in their hillside surroundings.
Fremantle & Melville: Brick Piers with Infill Panels
Brick piers with COLORBOND or aluminium slat infills bring elegance and strength to front fences. However, mortar joints may require occasional repointing to prevent moisture entry. This design performs exceptionally well against strong winds and helps reduce street noise, making it ideal for busy suburbs. One should go with decorative brickwork if aesthetics is the biggest priority for them.
Subiaco & Leederville: Aluminium Slat Screens
Horizontal or vertical adjustable aluminium slats provide backyard privacy and are great for air flow. If you’re a Perth homeowner, chances are that you will opt for timber-look finishes when you’re looking to warm things up without the maintenance. These fences are lightweight, durable and rust-proof. They’re also ideal for coastal or inland homes with modern lines.
Garden Studios & Utility Zones: Pallet and Budget Builds (Decorative)
For creative or budget-friendly zones, upcycled pallet screens add personality to gardens or utility areas. They can be stained or painted to improve weather resistance, but are not suitable for pool barriers. They often fail height and climbability rules. When using H4-treated pine, remember lifespans vary depending on soil contact and installation quality.
Perth Laws Regarding Fences
Before starting any fencing project, it’s crucial to know the laws regarding fences that keep your property compliant and safe.
Pool-Safety Barriers in WA
Under the Fencing Act WA, pools and spas deeper than 30 centimetres must have compliant barriers. The minimum height is generally 1.2 m. Gates shall be self-closing, self-latching and must swing out away from the pool. Routes and gap constraints are also enforced. Always verify against the current AS 1926.1 and local WA regulations prior to installation.
Dividing Fences, Heights, and Approvals
Under the Dividing Fences Act 1991, neighbours often share costs for boundary fences. Local councils determine what qualifies as a “sufficient fence.” Fences above roughly 1.8 metres may require approval under the R-Codes or specific local policies. Always check with your local council for exact requirements.
Costs in Perth: Pool vs Garden – What to Budget
When planning fencing for your Perth home, it helps to understand the average price ranges before you start getting quotes. The new fence installation cost can vary significantly depending on the type of material, site access, ground slope, and whether any retaining, demolition, or gate installation is required. The figures below are indicative and meant to guide your initial budgeting.
Pool Fence Cost in Perth (installed, per metre)
Pool fencing in Perth combines safety compliance with aesthetic design.
The glass pool fence cost in Perth is around $245 to $300 per metre, including materials and installation. A lot of installers also charge in the vicinity of $875 per 10 metres for semi-frameless glass systems, and frameless glass fencing is even costlier because of high-end hardware and thicker panels.
If you like the look of something else, timber fencing around pools starts at about $200 per metre, and high-end frameless glass will be around $600 per metre, depending on both the site and the specification.
These are not intended as guaranteed values. It’s important to always obtain accurate fence quotes from local installers who know Perth’s pool-safety regulations.
Garden and Boundary Fence Prices in Perth (installed, per metre)
COLORBOND continues to be popular as an inexpensive fencing material. It usually costs between $90 and $150 per linear metre. But many suppliers in Perth quote between $75 to $120, depending on the profile and finish you want.
Timber paling fence prices in Perth generally range from $120 to $200 per metre, have a traditional look, but need more maintenance. For those seeking a high-quality street frontage, the job can come in at between $750-1,000 per metre for rendered brick fences with steel or aluminium infill panels.
Determine your ballpark budget using an online fencing calculator before confirming any project, and get at least three professional quotes to ensure you pay a more accurate price.
Durability & Maintenance in Perth Conditions
Perth’s environment is tough on materials. Salt, heat, and pests mean planning for fence repair in Perth is just as important as design.
COLORBOND Steel
Correctly installed, COLORBOND fences should last 20–30 years and require little residential property maintenance in Perth. BlueScope guarantees also ensure the quality of eligible products for even greater peace of mind.
Glass and Hardware
To avoid corrosion, glass and glazing bars need to be rinsed and cleaned regularly, especially in coastal areas. Most fencers Perth use 316 or 2205 duplex stainless steel for resistance against salt.
Timber
Expect 15–20 years of life, depending on species and maintenance. Apply sealant or stain every 2–3 years. Check for termites annually to avoid a hefty fence replacement cost.
Brickwork
Brick structures can last decades. Look out for mortar degradation and efflorescence (white deposit). This maintains both the appearance and weather protection property of the wall. Call professional experts for residential bricklaying in Perth to take care of minor damages before they become a big issue.
Comparison of Different Perth Fencing Options
Every type of fencing has its own benefits depending on what you prioritise. The following table makes it easy to compare goals and budgets in order to find the right match for your Perth property.
| Goal / Budget Level | Recommended Materials / Designs | Approximate Cost (per metre, installed)*** | Key Advantages |
| Lowest Routine Maintenance | COLORBOND, Aluminium Slat | $90–$250 | Minimal cleaning, excellent durability, ideal for coastal and suburban areas |
| Best for Pool Transparency | Frameless or Semi-Frameless Glass | $245–$600 | Clear views, elegant design, compliant with WA pool-safety standards |
| Warm, Natural Look | Hardwood or Dressed Timber (with sealing plan) | $120–$200 | Natural texture, blends well with landscapes, adds warmth |
| Premium Street Presence | Brick Piers with Modern Infill Panels | $750–$1,000 | Luxury appeal, strong structure, excellent noise and wind resistance |
| Value Option | COLORBOND Good Neighbour Panels with Matching Gate | $90–$150 | Affordable, durable, wide colour range |
| Mid-Range Design | Aluminium Slats in Timber-Look Finish | $150–$250 | Sleek appearance, low maintenance, modern appeal |
| High-End Choice | Frameless Glass (Pools) & Brick-and-Infill (Frontage) | $600–$1,000 | Premium aesthetics, superior strength, adds property value |
***All costs are approximate. Make sure you contact local contractors and specify your project requirements to get exact quotes.
Pool Fence Ideas in Perth
The best swimming pool fence ideas balance safety with design. Glass remains the premium choice for uninterrupted views, while COLORBOND and treated timber offer privacy and cost-effectiveness.
Below is a quick comparison of common materials, estimated installation costs, and maintenance needs for pool areas.
| Material | Typical Spec | Indicative Install Cost (per metre) | Compliance Notes | Maintenance Frequency |
| Frameless Glass | 12mm toughened, 316 hardware | $300–$600 | Must meet AS 1926.1 | Rinse weekly near coast |
| Semi-Frameless Glass | Posts or spigots | $245–$400 | Same as above | Fortnightly cleaning |
| COLORBOND | 1.8m solid panel | $120–$150 | Not for pool barrier unless compliant | Annual wash |
| Timber | Treated pine/hardwood | $200+ | Rarely pool-compliant | Reseal every 2–3 years |
Garden and Boundary Fencing Options in Perth
Garden and boundary fencing options also serve the purpose of providing an attractive appearance. Homeowners are increasingly combining materials for symmetry, such as using brick piers with slats. One of the most popular garden fence ideas in recent times is making the most of timber-look aluminium to replicate warmth, minus any upkeep.
Here’s an overview of some popular garden fencing ideas, estimated boundary fencing cost and required maintenance throughout Perth.
| Material | Design Idea | Indicative Cost (per metre) | Expected Lifespan | Upkeep |
| COLORBOND | Good Neighbour with lattice top | $90–$150 | 20–30 years | Minimal |
| Timber | Vertical hardwood slats | $120–$200 | 15–20 years | Reseal 2–3 years |
| Aluminium Slat | Timber-look horizontal | $150–$250 | 20+ years | Very low |
| Brick + Infill | Rendered with steel slats | $750–$1,000 | 40+ years | Repoint as needed |
Conclusion
Always check council regulations and get any approval necessary before you purchase a new fence. Shortlist two good materials and compare at least three quotes from fencing contractors Perth to get the best value. Enquire about warranties, quality of the hardware and what maintenance you can expect. For pool areas, check out the WA pool-safety regulations for your peace of mind.
FAQs:
How high can my boundary fence be without approval?
In most Perth suburbs, boundary fences can be up to around 1.8 metres high without requiring council approval. However, anything taller may need formal permission, so it’s always best to confirm with your local council’s specific regulations before building.
Can a pallet fence be used as a pool barrier?
No, pallet fences are not suitable or compliant as pool barriers under Western Australian law. All pool fences must meet AS 1926.1 standards, including strict rules about minimum height, gate operation, non-climbable zones, and permissible gaps.
Who pays for a dividing fence?
The cost of a dividing fence is usually shared equally between neighbouring property owners under the Dividing Fences Act 1991. To avoid disputes, check your local council’s definition of a “sufficient fence” and discuss the design and cost with your neighbour before starting construction.
