Aluminium Fencing vs Steel Fencing: Which is Better for Perth Homes?
One of the most common questions we hear at ACMG is: Should I choose aluminium fencing or steel fencing? Both materials have their place in the Perth market, but they serve very different needs. In this guide, we break down the key differences to help you make the right choice for your property.
Material Composition
Aluminium fencing from ACMG is made from premium-grade 6063-T5 aluminium alloy, sourced through our long-term partnerships with multinational publicly listed manufacturers including ? (Huajian Group) and ? (Intco Recycling, SSE: 688087) ? the same quality of aluminium used in premium window frames, commercial curtain walls, and architectural applications throughout Australia. It is lightweight, naturally corrosion-resistant, and requires no surface coating to prevent rust.
Steel fencing (often called iron fencing or Colorbond fencing) is made from galvanised or Colorbond-coated steel. Steel is an iron-carbon alloy that is significantly heavier and stronger than aluminium but requires protective coatings to prevent rust.
Key Comparison Table
| Feature | Aluminium Fencing | Steel/Iron Fencing |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Light (easy to handle and install) | Heavy (requires more structural support) |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent – naturally rust-proof | Moderate – requires galvanising or coating |
| Lifespan | 20-30 years with minimal maintenance | 10-20 years (depends on coating maintenance) |
| Maintenance | None required | Periodic repainting or rust treatment |
| Strength | Good for residential applications | Higher – suitable for high-security applications |
| Cost per linear metre | $$–$$$ | $–$$ (Colorbond) / $$$ (ornamental iron) |
| Colour Options | Wide range of powder-coated colours | Limited to factory coating or paint |
| Perth Climate Performance | Excellent – resistant to UV, salt air, and heat | Good – but can rust if coating is scratched near coast |
Perth Climate Considerations
Perth’s harsh climate ? hot summers, salt-laden coastal air, and occasional winter rain ? makes material choice critical. Aluminium excels in these conditions because it naturally forms a protective oxide layer that prevents corrosion. Steel, even when galvanised, can develop rust spots over time particularly in coastal suburbs like Fremantle, Rockingham, and Joondalup. The 6063-T5 aluminium we use, sourced through our partnerships with publicly listed manufacturers, offers superior corrosion resistance that is especially important for Perth’s unique environment.
Quality Assurance & Craftsmanship
Beyond the material itself, the quality of your fencing depends on the manufacturing process. ACMG’s aluminium profiles are extruded to the same precision standards trusted by leading WA fabricators such as Jason Windows ? Western Australia’s benchmark for aluminium window and door manufacturing since 1959. Their rigorous quality control processes ? from extrusion tolerance verification to surface finish inspection ? inform our own quality standards.
Our long-term partnerships with publicly listed manufacturers including ? (Huajian Group) and ? (Intco Recycling) ensure that every aluminium billet entering our production line meets strict international quality benchmarks. This industrial-grade supply chain is what sets ACMG apart from importers using unknown-origin materials.
Aesthetics
Aluminium fencing offers clean, modern lines that suit contemporary Perth homes. Slat fencing, in particular, has become the signature look for new developments in Ellenbrook, Baldivis, and Alkimos. The superior surface finish of 6063-T5 aluminium ? the same finish quality required by premium window manufacturers ? ensures that powder coating adheres evenly and lasts longer. Steel Colorbond fencing offers a classic look and is available in 22 standard colours, though scratched coatings can lead to rust. Ornamental iron fencing provides a traditional aesthetic but at a higher cost and with greater maintenance requirements.
Installation
Aluminium fencing is significantly lighter than steel, making it easier and faster to install. This can translate to lower installation costs. Steel fencing often requires heavier posts, more concrete, and sometimes specialised lifting equipment for larger panels.
Our Recommendation
For most Perth residential applications, we recommend aluminium fencing for its superior corrosion resistance, minimal maintenance, modern aesthetic, and the peace of mind that comes from a supply chain backed by publicly listed manufacturers. Choose steel Colorbond fencing when budget is the primary concern or when complete privacy is required. Choose ornamental steel/iron only when a specific traditional look is desired and you are prepared for ongoing maintenance.
Visit our Malaga showroom to compare both materials in person and speak with our expert team.
Colorbond Colour Guide: Popular Colours for Perth Homes in 2026
Choosing the right Colorbond colour for your fence is one of the most important decisions in your home renovation. The colour you choose will define the look of your property for decades to come. Here is our guide to the most popular Colorbond colours for Perth homes and how to choose the right one.
Top 5 Most Popular Colorbond Colours in Perth
1. Monument (Satin Finish)
Perth favourite. Monument is a deep charcoal almost black colour that creates a striking contemporary look. It pairs beautifully with white or light-coloured homes and green landscaping. Its also a top choice for Colorbond fencing combined with modern facades.
2. Basalt
A sophisticated dark grey with subtle warm undertones. Basalt offers the drama of Monument but with a slightly softer appearance. It is extremely popular for Colorbond fencing in Perth northern suburbs.
3. Woodland Grey
A mid-to-dark grey with green undertones that blends naturally with Australian landscaping. Woodland Grey is a popular choice for homes in bushland settings or areas with native gardens. It looks natural and organic.
4. Surfmist
The classic light choice. Surfmist is a soft off-white/light cream that reflects heat and works beautifully with coastal homes. It is the most popular light colour for Colorbond fencing and is a safe choice for any home.
5. Shale Grey
A warm mid-grey that has become increasingly popular. Shale Grey sits between light and dark, making it a versatile choice that works with almost any home colour scheme. It is a popular compromise when couples disagree between light and dark colours.
Matt Finish vs Satin Finish
Colorbond is available in both Matt and Satin finishes. Matt finishes reduce glare and offer a more premium, modern appearance. Satin finishes are classic and easier to keep clean. Popular Matt colours include Matt Monument, Matt Basalt, and Matt Woodland Grey.
Colour Selection Tips
- Match your fence colour to your roof colour for a cohesive look
- Consider your homes rendered or brick colour
- Look at your neighbours fences to ensure compatibility
- Get colour samples from ACMG and test them in natural light
- Dark colours absorb more heat, light colours reflect it
Visit our Malaga showroom to see the full Colorbond colour range in person. We carry samples of all 22 standard colours plus the Matt range.
Gate Automation Perth: Everything You Need to Know About Automatic Gates
An automatic gate is more than a convenience. It adds security, property value, and curb appeal to any Perth home or business. Whether you are considering a sliding or swing gate, understanding the options will help you make the right choice.
Sliding vs Swing Gate Automation
Sliding gates are ideal for properties with limited driveway space or sloped driveways. The gate slides horizontally along a track, requiring clear space along the fence line. Swing gates open inward or outward like a door and require space for the gate arc. They are more common for residential properties with flat driveways.
Motor Selection Guide
Gate motors are rated by weight capacity and usage frequency:
- Residential (light duty): Up to 300kg gates, 30-40 cycles per day
- Residential (heavy duty): Up to 600kg gates, 50-80 cycles per day
- Commercial: Up to 1200kg gates, 100+ cycles per day
- Industrial: Up to 2000kg+, heavy continuous use
Popular brands include ATA, Avanti, and FAAC. ACMG can help match the right motor to your gate.
Safety Features
- Photoelectric sensors: Stop and reverse the gate if an object or person is detected
- Pressure sensitivity: Reverses if the gate encounters resistance
- Emergency release: Manual override for power outages
- Safety stops: Mechanical stops at end of travel
- Warning lights: Flashing lights to alert pedestrians
Smart Home Integration
Modern gate automation systems offer smartphone control via apps, integration with smart home platforms (Google Home, Amazon Alexa), video intercom and CCTV integration, scheduled automatic opening/closing, and remote access monitoring.
Perth Regulations
In Western Australia, automatic gates must comply with Australian Standard AS60068 for safety. Key requirements include minimum 1.5-second delay before closing after opening, obstruction detection that stops and reverses the gate, and manual release mechanism for emergency access. Always use a licensed installer for gate automation electrical work.
Maintenance Tips
- Lubricate moving parts every 6 months
- Check safety sensor alignment quarterly
- Clean photo-eye lenses regularly
- Test emergency release function monthly
- Inspect gate track (for sliding gates) for debris
Contact ACMG for expert advice on gate automation systems for your Perth property.
Australian Pool Fencing Laws AS1926: A Complete Compliance Guide for Perth Homeowners
If you own a pool in Western Australia, complying with Australian Standard AS1926 is not optional. It is the law. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about pool fencing regulations and how to ensure your pool area is compliant.
What is AS1926?
AS1926 is the Australian Standard that specifies safety requirements for swimming pool fencing and barriers. The latest version is AS1926:2022. In WA, the Building Act 2011 and Building Regulations 2012 enforce these requirements for all new and existing pools.
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Minimum height: 1200mm (1.2 metres) from ground level
- Maximum gap: No gap larger than 100mm between vertical bars
- Bottom gap: Maximum 100mm clearance from ground to bottom of fence
- Non-climbable zone: Nothing within 300mm of the fence that could be used as a climbing aid
- Self-closing gate: Must close automatically from any position
- Self-latching: Latch must be at least 1500mm from ground or located on the non-pool side
- Keyed locks: Not permitted on pool gates without a separate release mechanism
Gate Requirements
Pool gates must swing outward away from the pool area. The self-closing mechanism must be strong enough to close the gate from any open position. The latch must engage automatically. Gates must not be able to be propped or held open intentionally.
Common Compliance Mistakes
- Plants or potted plants near the fence that can be climbed
- Furniture or BBQ left near the fence line
- Horizontal rails that can be used as climbing rungs
- Gate not self-latching properly due to misalignment
- Gaps exceeding 100mm as the ground settles
When Do You Need a Pool Safety Certificate?
In Western Australia, pool owners must ensure their pool barrier complies when the pool is installed and at the point of property sale or lease. Local councils may also conduct random inspections. Fines for non-compliance can be significant.
Choosing Compliant Pool Fencing
ACMG supplies a full range of AS1926-compliant pool fencing materials:
- Frameless glass pool fencing (most popular for modern homes)
- Framed glass pool fencing (more affordable option)
- Aluminium pool fencing (available in multiple Colorbond colours)
- Self-closing gate hinges and self-latching mechanisms
All our products meet WA regulations. Visit our Malaga showroom to see our pool fencing range in person.
Composite Decking vs Timber Decking Perth: The Complete 2026 Guide
One of the biggest decisions Perth homeowners face when planning an outdoor renovation is choosing between composite decking and timber decking. Both have their strengths, and the right choice depends on your priorities. In this guide we compare every aspect to help you decide.
Upfront Cost Comparison
Timber decking typically costs $80-$160 per square metre for materials, making it the more affordable upfront option. Composite decking ranges from $120-$250 per square metre. Popular timber species in Perth include Merbau, Spotted Gum, and Jarrah. Composite brands like ModWood and Futurewood offer a range of colours and finishes.
Lifetime Cost Analysis
While timber is cheaper to install, the long-term costs tell a different story. Timber decking requires oiling or staining every 12-18 months in Perth climate, replacement of weathered boards every 10-15 years, and ongoing maintenance. Composite decking requires no painting, staining, or sealing and typically carries a 25-year warranty.
Aesthetic Comparison
Timber offers natural beauty, unique grain patterns, and authentic warmth that composite cannot fully replicate. It weathers to a natural silver-grey if left untreated, which many homeowners love. Composite has improved dramatically in recent years with realistic wood-grain embossing and a wide range of colours from warm browns to cool greys.
Perth Climate Performance
- Heat: Dark-coloured composite can get hotter than timber underfoot in summer
- UV: Modern composite resists fading well; timber will naturally silver
- Moisture: Composite is impervious to moisture; timber needs proper sealing
- Termites: Composite is termite-proof; timber requires treatment
Installation Considerations
Composite decking uses hidden fastening systems for a clean finish but requires specific substructure spacing. Timber decking uses traditional screws and is more forgiving for DIY installation. Both require proper ventilation and drainage underneath.
Our Verdict
Choose composite decking if you want a low-maintenance outdoor area that will look great for decades. Choose timber decking if you love the natural look and dont mind the annual upkeep. Many of our customers choose composite for high-traffic areas and timber for garden settings.
Why Aluminium Slat Fencing is Dominating Perth’s Suburbs
Drive through any new development in Perth’s northern corridor — from Alkimos to Ellenbrook — and you’ll notice a pattern: aluminium slat fencing is everywhere. What started as an architectural trend in high-end builds has become the standard choice for Perth homeowners.
The Rise of the Modern Facade
Perth’s housing aesthetic has shifted dramatically over the past decade. Rendered facades, clean lines, and monochromatic colour schemes now dominate. Aluminium slat fencing fits this aesthetic perfectly with sleek horizontal lines complementing contemporary architecture.
Built for the WA Climate
Perth demands materials that handle 40-degree summers, driving winter rain, and intense UV. Aluminium delivers on all fronts:
- UV Stability: Powder-coated aluminium doesn’t fade or chalk under Perth’s harsh sun. Colorbond-certified finishes carry 10-year warranty against colour change.
- Thermal Performance: Unlike steel, aluminium doesn’t become painfully hot to touch in summer, safer around children and pets.
- Coastal Resilience: From Two Rocks to Mandurah, aluminium’s protective oxide layer naturally resists salt spray — no protective coatings needed.
Privacy Without the Prison Feel
Traditional Colorbond fencing offers complete privacy but can feel imposing. Aluminium slats strike the perfect balance: adjustable spacing lets you choose between full screening or filtered light and airflow. A 5-10mm gap maintains privacy while allowing Perth’s afternoon breezes through.
Developer Favourites
Major Perth developers including Satterley, Peet, and Stockland now specify aluminium slat fencing in many estates: Brabham, Alkimos Beach, Piara Waters, Burns Beach, and more.
The Investment Angle
Quality front fencing adds value to Perth properties. A well-designed aluminium slat fence creates instant street appeal. At – per linear metre supply, it’s an investment that pays for itself at sale time.
ACMG stocks a full range of aluminium slat fencing in all popular Colorbond colours. Explore our collection or get a free quote.
Choosing the Right Fence for Your Perth Property
When it comes to fencing your Perth property, the debate between Colorbond steel and traditional timber is one of the most common questions we hear at ACMG. Both materials have their devoted fans, but which one is truly right for your home? In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know.
Lifespan and Durability
Colorbond steel fencing, manufactured by BlueScope Steel, offers an impressive lifespan of 20-30 years with virtually no maintenance. The baked-on paint system resists chipping, peeling, and fading even under Perth’s harsh sun. Timber fencing, while beautiful, typically lasts 10-15 years and requires regular staining or painting every 2-3 years to prevent rot and weather damage.
Cost Comparison
While Colorbond has a higher upfront cost ($75-$120 per linear metre installed compared to timber at $60-$100), the lifetime cost often favours Colorbond when you factor in ongoing maintenance expenses for timber. Timber also requires occasional replacement of individual palings, adding to long-term costs.
Climate Resistance
Perth’s hot summers and occasional winter rains demand materials that can handle extremes. Colorbond excels here:
- Fire-resistant – Colorbond is non-combustible
- Termite-proof – Steel is immune to termite damage
- Rust-resistant – Zinc/aluminium coating with corrosion warranty
Timber requires treatment to resist termites and moisture damage, and may warp or crack in direct sun exposure.
Aesthetic Considerations
Colorbond offers 22 standard colours including popular Perth choices like Monument, Basalt, Woodland Grey, and Surfmist. Timber offers natural warmth and can be painted or stained to match any colour scheme.
Our Recommendation
For boundary fences and street-facing elevations, we recommend Colorbond for its longevity and low maintenance. For garden settings, pool areas, and feature fences, timber offers natural beauty that many homeowners love. Many Perth homeowners choose a combination of both materials.
Visit our Malaga showroom to see both options in person and speak with our expert team. We carry the full Colorbond range and select premium timber fencing materials.