How to build perimeter fencing – Colourbond holding cement sheeting?

[bwhitty25]

Hi everyone!

We are currently in the process of planning for a pool in the backyard, which includes a small retaining wall (500mm) to level the yard, and new perimeter fencing.

Ideally we want a textured / concrete look finish.
Due to the cost of a solid block wall, we were thinking of having a fence built from steel frame and concrete sheeting. Problem being we're having trouble finding a builder who will take on this project at a reasonable cost. We also have our neighbours to consider finish wise.

We were toying with the idea of simply having colourbond installed, and then sheeting the inside with concrete sheeting, so we could achieve our desired look. But we are making the assumption that the colourbond frame might not be suitable to hold the strength needed for the extra sheeting, anyone have any experience with this?

This is kind of the affect we've seen done.

[JacobZ]

Hi @bwhitty25,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Unfortunately, you are correct that Colourbond fencing is not designed to bear the weight of additional materials such as cement sheeting and render.

Have you considered having a Colourbond fence installed and at the same time having a timber fence frame installed on your side that you could attach your cement sheeting to? 

This would give your neighbour a finished look while still allowing you to achieve the desired aesthetic on your side of the fence.

This is one option, allow me to tag @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @Jewelleryrescue to see if they have any other ideas.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[bwhitty25]

Thanks so much Jacob, great knowledge.

I guess the only appropriate option then is to simply have the fence frame built and sheeted with fibre cement sheets (neighbours are ok with this) to begin with. Though would you advise a steel frame is going to be a better option with longevity vs a timber frame?
We will just have to keep the hunt up for a good contractor. The prices we have received so far have been 4-5x more than what colourbond is to install.

Thanks again.

If helpful for anyone else, below are drawings for the backyard renevation:

[JacobZ]

Hi @bwhitty25,

 Suitably treated timber is fine for use but with constant moisture in the area, it will still degrade over time. Around a pool, galvanised steel is going to be a better option.

With longevity in mind, the added cost of steel is definitely worth it.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Afternnon @bwhitty25 

I am always hesitant to add anything to a fence weight wise or force wise. I would go with the idea suggested by @JacobZ about seperate screen from fence for a few reasons.

- No down the track issues with the fnce or neighbours.

- No sagging of the fence

- No concern for you as you know its been done properly

- Either side can change what is existing without worry to the fence itself.

As to the question of steel vers timber posts for the area I like timber and if drainage is factored in there should be no real shortening of lifespan of the materials, plus its cheaper and I find more maluable.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @bwhitty25 

Agreeing with @JacobZ regarding utilising a longer lasting steel frame, the main concern I have is ensuring you and your neighbour are fully across the final outcome of finish on their side.

To achieve a wall render ready on your side, it will have the sheets butted up to each other. But unless the same is done on the other side, your neighbour will have in my opinion a very unattractive fence. The back side of blue board is rough with marks as it's unintended as a finished product. Plus they will have the exposed steel posts and rails on their side. The rails will be positioned within the posts that will mean that sheets on their side can’t be butt-joined.

Nailbag

[bwhitty25]

Thanks for the extra feedback guys.

Absolutely will be sheeting both sides of the frame @Nailbag and capping the top etc so its a tidy finish on both sides.
Will be looking to reengage a builder to get this one done! Will be back onto the bunnings community for tips when we attempt rendering ourselves  

[Nailbag]

Nice work @bwhitty25 very glad to hear the finish is for both sides and getting it professionally built. 

Don’t forget to take some before, during and after photos to share with us please. 

Nailbag

[bwhitty25]

What would be mega helpful, is if anyone had a rough idea of what costs we should be expecting for a job like this, quotes thus far have been very varied, and over our expectation.

So quote based on 18m of fencing, steel framed, core drilled into retaining wall, double sided sheeting with blue board.

Any rough ideas? 

[Dave-1]

Morning @bwhitty25 

I must admit my expectation on prices was woefull lol Until I fitted out my garage myesl and saw the cost of materials then it started to make sense.

Best bet to figure out the cost range you will be in for -

-price the quantity of materials you will need

Posts

Concrete

Holes hahahahha yeah to dig them with a hired machine or a shovel

Blueboard

nuts/bolts

Steel

LABOUR = the highest amount.

Oh and landscape area would be something else to factor in, as in the lie of the land.

You get my drift, these add up fast. Even acknowledging a fence company may get better pricing its still going to cost $$$$

I would suggest that whatever quotes you get to check outthe actual work the people have done,even contacting the previous jobs to see how they feel. Its worth going with not necessarily the cheapest or fastest to get something you want.

As I havnt had anyone build me even a normal fence Id struggle to figure a price without doing the above.

Dave