Colorbond and timber paling fences are the two most common boundary fencing choices in Melbourne. Both are widely used, both look good when done well, and both have genuine advantages depending on your situation.

This guide gives you an honest comparison so you can make the right choice for your property.

At a Glance

	Colorbond	Timber Paling
Lifespan	30–50+ years	15–25 years
Maintenance	Very low	Moderate
Upfront cost	Higher	Lower
Privacy	Excellent	Good
Appearance	Modern/contemporary	Traditional/natural
Termite resistance	Immune	Vulnerable
Fire resistance	Better	Poor
DIY difficulty	Moderate	Moderate

Colorbond Fencing

Colorbond is a pre-painted steel fencing system manufactured by BlueScope Steel. It's been the dominant fencing material in Australia for decades and is particularly popular in Melbourne's outer suburbs and new estates.

Advantages

Longevity. A properly installed Colorbond fence will last 30–50 years with minimal maintenance. The factory-applied paint finish is designed to resist fading, chipping and corrosion in Australian conditions.

Low maintenance. Colorbond requires virtually no ongoing maintenance beyond an occasional hose-down to remove dirt and grime. There's no painting, staining, oiling or replacing rotted palings.

Termite and pest resistance. Steel is completely immune to termites — a significant advantage in Melbourne's outer suburbs and areas with high termite activity.

Fire resistance. Colorbond performs significantly better than timber in bushfire-prone areas. It's a required or preferred material in many BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) rated zones.

Privacy. Colorbond's overlapping profile provides complete privacy with no gaps.

Colour range. Available in 22 standard colours to match your home's exterior.

Disadvantages

Higher upfront cost. Colorbond materials cost more than timber, and installation requires more precision — particularly post setting and alignment.

Less natural appearance. Some homeowners prefer the warmth and character of timber, particularly in heritage areas or established gardens.

Heat absorption. Dark Colorbond colours can absorb heat and radiate it into adjacent spaces — a consideration for west-facing fences in summer.

Dents and damage. While durable, Colorbond can dent if struck hard. Dents are difficult to repair invisibly.

Timber Paling Fencing

Timber paling fences are built from vertical timber boards (palings) fixed to horizontal rails, which are in turn fixed to timber or steel posts. They're a traditional Australian fencing style with a natural, warm appearance.

Advantages

Lower upfront cost. Timber materials are generally cheaper than Colorbond, and the system is more forgiving of minor installation imperfections.

Natural appearance. Timber has a warmth and character that steel can't replicate. It suits heritage homes, established gardens and properties where a natural aesthetic is important.

Customisable. Timber fences can be painted or stained in any colour, and the paling profile, height and spacing can be varied to suit your design.

Easier to repair. Individual palings can be replaced without affecting the rest of the fence.

Easier to modify. Adding a gate, changing the height or modifying the fence line is simpler with timber than Colorbond.

Disadvantages

Shorter lifespan. Even with good maintenance, a timber paling fence typically lasts 15–25 years before requiring significant work or replacement.

Ongoing maintenance. Timber requires regular painting or staining (every 3–5 years) to prevent weathering and rot. Neglected timber fences deteriorate quickly.

Termite vulnerability. Timber is susceptible to termite attack, particularly in Melbourne's outer suburbs. Treated pine posts reduce but don't eliminate this risk.

Warping and movement. Timber expands and contracts with moisture and temperature changes, which can cause palings to warp, split or pull away from rails over time.

Cost Comparison

Materials Only (Per Lineal Metre, 1.8m High)

	Colorbond	Timber Paling
Materials	$85–$130	$55–$90
Installed	$180–$280	$140–$220

Note: These are indicative 2026 Melbourne figures. Actual costs vary by contractor, site conditions and material specifications.

Lifetime Cost

When you factor in maintenance and replacement, the lifetime cost gap narrows significantly. A timber fence that needs repainting every 5 years and replacement after 20 years can cost more over 40 years than a Colorbond fence that needs nothing but an occasional wash.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Colorbond if:

• You want a low-maintenance fence that will last decades
• Your property is in a termite-prone area
• You're in a bushfire-prone zone (BAL rated)
• You prefer a modern, contemporary aesthetic
• You're building a new home or doing a full property renovation

Choose Timber if:

• You prefer a natural, traditional aesthetic
• Your property is heritage-listed or in a heritage overlay area
• Budget is the primary consideration
• You want the flexibility to paint or stain the fence to match future changes
• You're doing a partial replacement and need to match existing fencing

Can You Mix Both?

Absolutely. Many Melbourne properties use Colorbond for the rear and side boundaries (where longevity and low maintenance matter most) and timber for the front boundary (where aesthetics and character are the priority). This approach balances cost, appearance and practicality.

Shop Fencing Materials at FPM

FPM Building Supplies stocks a full range of Colorbond fencing materials — fence sheets, rails, C-channel posts, post caps and gate stiles in 22 colours — as well as timber paling fence materials including pine palings, rails, plinth boards, capping and posts.

Visit our Epping warehouse or contact our team for a materials quote on your fencing project.