Timber vs Colorbond: Which Fence Suits Queensland?
We build both, so here's the honest comparison — including where each one genuinely wins and where it doesn't.
This is the most common question we get, and the honest answer is that it depends on what you value most — because both are good fences. Neither is a mistake. Here's how they actually differ.
When timber is the better choice
Timber suits established gardens and character homes in a way steel never quite does. A hardwood or treated pine fence softens into a garden over time — it looks like it belongs there. If you're fencing around mature trees, garden beds, or a Queenslander, timber usually looks better.
It's also easier to modify later. Adding a gate, changing a section, or matching a new fence to an existing one is straightforward in timber.
When Colorbond is the better choice
If you want to never think about your fence again, Colorbond wins. It doesn't rot, doesn't attract termites, and the colour is baked into the steel so it doesn't need repainting or staining. For a lot of busy households, that alone settles it.
It also handles full sun better in the long run. Timber greys and can crack in harsh Queensland sun; Colorbond holds its colour. On a west-facing boundary with no shade, that difference shows up over a decade.
The termite question
Worth being direct about this one, because it matters in Queensland: termites are a genuine risk for timber fencing. Using H4-treated timber rated for ground contact, with proper post footings, is not optional here — it's the difference between a fence that lasts 20 years and one that fails in five. We only build with appropriately treated timber for this reason.
So which should you pick?
If your priority is a natural look that suits a garden, and you don't mind a light maintenance routine, go timber. If your priority is set-and-forget durability with no upkeep, go Colorbond. If cost per metre is the deciding factor, plain butted timber is the cheapest option and Colorbond standard sits in the middle.
If you're still unsure, that's worth a conversation on site — seeing the two side by side against your house usually settles it in about a minute.
Not sure which suits your place?
We'll bring samples, look at your block, and give you a straight recommendation — free.