Fence style
Vertical or horizontal slat*
The street-front upgrade that makes people stop and look.
Slats of aluminium or timber (such as merbau) fixed to posts with small even gaps, running either horizontally or vertically. A modern, architectural look used mostly on front fences, feature walls and screens. Horizontal slats feel wide and contemporary; vertical slats look taller and are harder to climb.
Honest advice
Is a vertical or horizontal slat fence right for you?*
After 20+ years of building them, here’s when we’d recommend a vertical or horizontal slat fence, and when we’d point you to something else.
It’s a great fit if…
You want your street front to stand out
Slats are the go-to for modern and renovated homes, and often lift the look of the whole property.
You want privacy without a solid wall
Small gaps let light and breeze through while still screening the yard from the street.
You need to hide something
Great for screening bins, air-conditioners, pool pumps or a deck from neighbours.
You want a matching gate
Slat gates (swing or sliding) can match the fence exactly for a seamless frontage.
You might prefer something else if…
You’re fencing a long back boundary on a budget
Slats cost noticeably more per metre. On a back fence nobody sees from the street, that money may be better spent elsewhere.
Consider: Timber palingYou need complete privacy
Even small gaps can be seen through up close or at an angle.
Consider: Colorbond-style steelIt’s a pool barrier
Horizontal slats can act like a ladder for children, so they don’t suit pool fencing. Vertical slats are harder to climb, but a pool barrier must still meet the pool fencing standard.
Consider: Tubular steel
Request a quote or want to know more?
Tell us a little about your property and we’ll reply with honest advice on whether a vertical or horizontal slat fence suits, plus a fixed price in writing. No obligation.
Colours and finishes
What colours can I choose?*
Metal slats and posts
Any colourThe metal slats and posts can be painted in any colour you choose.
Timber slats (e.g. merbau)
Natural, stained or paintedNatural timber, oiled to keep its rich colour, or stained in a shade of your choice.
Compare side by side*
- Relative cost
- $$$ · Upper mid-range
- $$ · Mid-range
- Typical lifespan
- 15–25+ yrs
- 20–30+ yrs
- Maintenance
- Low (aluminium) / medium (merbau)
- Very low
- Privacy
- Partial: small gaps
- Full
- Best for
- Modern front fences and screens
- Private side and back boundaries
- Biggest upside
- Strong street appeal with light and airflow
- No painting, no rot, no termites
- Biggest downside
- Costs more per metre; not fully private
- Can dent, and looks more industrial than timber
- Relative cost
- $$$ · Upper mid-range
- $ · Most affordable
- Typical lifespan
- 15–25+ yrs
- 15–20 yrs
- Maintenance
- Low (aluminium) / medium (merbau)
- Medium: stain every 2–4 yrs
- Privacy
- Partial: small gaps
- Full when lapped
- Best for
- Modern front fences and screens
- Budget boundaries with a natural look
- Biggest upside
- Strong street appeal with light and airflow
- Most affordable per metre; easy repairs
- Biggest downside
- Costs more per metre; not fully private
- Weathers, can split or rot; shorter life
- Relative cost
- $$$ · Upper mid-range
- $$ · Mid-range
- Typical lifespan
- 15–25+ yrs
- 15–20+ yrs
- Maintenance
- Low (aluminium) / medium (merbau)
- Medium (timber) / low (aluminium)
- Privacy
- Partial: small gaps
- Low
- Best for
- Modern front fences and screens
- Period homes and front yards
- Biggest upside
- Strong street appeal with light and airflow
- Classic, welcoming look for heritage homes
- Biggest downside
- Costs more per metre; not fully private
- Little privacy; timber needs repainting
- Relative cost
- $$$ · Upper mid-range
- $$ · Mid-range
- Typical lifespan
- 15–25+ yrs
- 20+ yrs
- Maintenance
- Low (aluminium) / medium (merbau)
- Low
- Privacy
- Partial: small gaps
- None: see-through
- Best for
- Modern front fences and screens
- Pool barriers on a budget, secure front fences
- Biggest upside
- Strong street appeal with light and airflow
- Affordable, compliant pool barrier
- Biggest downside
- Costs more per metre; not fully private
- No privacy; chips can rust near the coast
This guide is general information to help you compare options. Lifespans and costs vary with materials, site conditions and care. We’ll give you honest, specific advice when we measure up, even if it means a cheaper option.
Imagine pulling into your driveway tonight and loving what you see.
Book a free, no-pressure measure today. 20+ years of experience*, one simple form.
Or call Nick on 0403 594 745