Commercial fencing guide
Practical advice for builders, architects, facility managers and procurement teams on choosing, specifying and pricing commercial fencing and gates.
Start with what the fence needs to do
Security level, appearance, budget and the site itself all shape the answer. Here's where we usually start.
| If you need to… | We'd usually recommend | |
|---|---|---|
| Secure a high-risk site | Palisade or weldmesh, with barbed wire, razor wire or an electric top | View → |
| Secure a commercial frontage that looks good | Garrison, black as standard stock (custom colours to order) | View → |
| Secure a long boundary on a budget | Chainmesh, with barbed wire where needed | View → |
| Secure a school | School-spec Garrison | View → |
| Screen plant, bins or services | Aluminium slat or blade compounds | View → |
| Match the architecture | Blade, slat or custom screens | View → |
| Contain balls on a sports ground | Back nets and high chainmesh | View → |
| Protect people from vehicles | Guard rail and bollards | View → |
For security fencing, see our side-by-side comparison of security systems.
Steel or aluminium?
One of the first questions on any metal fencing job. Both are good materials; they suit different jobs.
| Steel | Aluminium | |
|---|---|---|
| Strength and security | Stronger and more impact resistant. The choice for high-security fencing and heavy gates. | Lighter and less impact resistant. Best where security isn't the main job. |
| Corrosion | Needs galvanising, and powder coat on top for colour and extra protection. | Doesn't rust. A strong choice near the coast and for screening. |
| Weight | Heavier, which needs bigger footings and stronger gate hardware. | Light, which suits large gates, screens and quick installation. |
| Cost | Usually more economical for security fencing. | Usually costs more per metre for security grades; competitive for screening and slat. |
| Best for | Garrison, palisade, chainmesh, heavy gates. | Slat, blade, pool barriers, screens and coastal sites. |
Galvanised, powder coated or both
Hot-dip galvanised steel is dipped in molten zinc after fabrication, coating every surface inside and out. It's the toughest corrosion protection and suits industrial and high-security sites where colour doesn't matter.
Powder coated finishes add colour and a second layer of protection over galvanised steel or aluminium. Choose from the Colorbond and Dulux ranges to match the building.
Our powder coating process includes pre-treatment and priming before the powder coat goes on. It's a step often skipped in the industry, and it's what keeps the finish from failing early.
Near the coast, ask us about aluminium or galvanised and powder coated steel.
How the posts go in
Most of our systems can be installed three ways. The right one depends on what's under the fence line.
In-ground concrete footing
Posts set in concrete footings. The standard for new fencing on open ground and the strongest option for tall fences and gates.
Base plated with chemical anchors
Posts welded to base plates and anchored to an existing slab, wall or footing. Common on podiums, car parks and retaining walls.
Core drilled and grouted
Holes cored into existing concrete and posts grouted in. A clean finish with no visible base plates.
What's included, and what's optional
Every automated gate we install includes the motor sized to the gate and its duty cycle, photo-electric safety beams, remote controls, and commissioning and testing on site.
Common additions are keypads, card and fob readers, intercoms, vehicle loops for free exit, timers, pedestals, warning lights and traffic lights.
What to send us
The more we know up front, the more accurate the price and the fewer variations later.
- Drawings or a site plan showing the fence line
- Fence type, height and approximate length
- Gate sizes, and whether they're manual or automated
- Access control requirements, if any
- What's under the fence line: soil, slab, wall or retaining
- Specifications or standards to comply with
- Programme dates and the tender close date
Common questions
Can't find your answer? Call us on (08) 9256 3691.
Do you do residential fencing?
No. We don't quote or install residential or domestic fencing and gates, including home pool fencing, Colorbond and gate automation for houses. We work only on commercial, industrial, education, sport and government projects, for property owners, schools, councils and builders.
Do you work outside Perth?
Yes. We work right across WA, and regional shires and councils are a big part of our work. Past projects run from Newman and Kalgoorlie to the Great Southern.
Do you service gates you didn't install?
Yes, on commercial, industrial, school and government sites. Our maintenance team services and repairs automatic gates and access control regardless of who installed them.
What are your lead times?
It depends on the product, finish and quantity. We'll give you a programme with your quote, and our in-house fabrication helps us keep to it.
What documentation do you provide?
Job-specific SWMS before we start, and ITPs, O&M manuals and warranties at handover, prepared to your principal contractor's requirements.
Can you supply only, or do you install too?
We supply and install. Managing both means we're accountable for the finished result.
