What to Ask Your Fencing Installer – Make Sure it's Built Right and Build to Last

📋 What to Ask Your Fencing Installer

1. Will you use the correct post hole depth and concrete volume?

✔ Standard is 200mm x 600mm post holes

✔ Two bags of concrete per post

✔ Left to cure overnight before panel installation

2. Do you build to Australian standards?

Fencing must comply with local council and national building codes.

3. What materials are being used?

Ask if your Colorbond is genuine (Bluescope steel) and not a cheaper substitute.

4. Do you offer a workmanship warranty?

Quality work should come with peace of mind.

5. How will drainage, slopes or tree roots be handled?

Ensure they’ve thought through your site conditions before starting.

6. How long will the project take?

Timelines vary, but clear expectations should be set upfront.

Joel carrying a concrete bag for setting fence posts during installation

Joel measures the depth of a post hole to ensure proper footing for a sturdy fence.

Installing durable Colorbond panels for a low-maintenance, modern backyard fence.

Joel at work assembling a sleek and durable Colorbond fence with precision.

Joel securing Colorbond fence panels for a clean and long-lasting boundary installation

✅ Bonus Tip: Walk away if…

• They won’t commit to proper footings.

• They insist concrete can be set and built on same-day.

• There’s no official quote.

What Are Proper Footings for a Colorbond Fence?

1. Post Hole Size

• Minimum depth: 600mm (can go deeper in soft or sandy soil)

• Minimum width: 200mm

• This ensures the post is anchored deep enough to resist movement and wind loads.

2. Concrete Volume

• Use 2 x 20kg bags of concrete per post (minimum).

• More may be needed in unstable soil or corner/end posts.

3. Setting Time

• Concrete should be left to set for at least 12–24 hours before attaching sheets.

• Rushing this leads to leaning posts, cracked footings, or panels that pop loose.

4. Clean and Level Installation

• Posts must be set plumb (perfectly vertical) with a level.

• Top of posts should be aligned for a straight, neat fence line.

5. Soil Conditions Matter

• In clay or sandy areas, you might need deeper or wider holes.

• For sloped ground, footings may need to be stepped or staggered.

⚠️ Common Footing Mistakes to Avoid:

• Shallow holes (e.g., 300–400mm) that can't support the fence properly.

• Using gravel or minimal concrete to save cost — leads to loose posts.

• Pouring concrete and installing panels same day — causes shifting as it cures.

Looking for a Fence That Lasts Decades?

Before you hire, use our "What to Ask Your Fencing Installer" checklist to ensure you're choosing the right team. Or skip the guesswork and contact Glover's Fencing for reliable, expert service done right the first time.

Contact us!