Materials, fixings and finishes

Best practice guidance for the selection of materials, fixings and finishes

Overview

A fence may comprise posts of timber, concrete, bricks, metal or recycled materials connected by wire, netting, rails, or boards.

Fence structures may include embankment, strategic tree planting, hedge, creeks, cattle grids or anything that forms part of an enclosure.

Materials selection will reflect the following considerations:

Open space classification to inform the design standard.
Adjacent fence type.
Level of use.
Any potential unlawful entry.

All materials, fixings and finishes must be made from robust heavy duty materials (not standard residential pool fencing), vandal and corrosion resistant (particularly in coastal areas) and suitable for use in public places.

All stainless steel
Use high grade (extra heavy duty) commercial components to achieve a strong and resilient fence which resists bending deformation due to impact and repeated manipulation.
All wire fences must be commercial grade, looped at each strand.
- Mesh and chain wire should be uniquely strung, so that if a section is damaged, it can be replaced without affecting the whole fence.
Fences and gates which are located in aggressive coastal environments or waterlogged areas, require materials which provide operational and maintenance benefits.
- Materials must be manufactured and constructed to operate in exposed, high energy environments to achieve the required design life, and provide ‘very long term’ (ISO 12944-1) corrosion resistance.
- Steel coating systems must be in accordance with AS 2312 – Protection of structural steel against atmospheric corrosion for the CS-M Zone as per AS 4312 – Atmospheric corrosion zones.
- Match or exceed the requirements noted in Table SC6.14.8A of the Sunshine Coast Council Planning Scheme policy for development works.
- Where metallic surfaces are painted following the above treatment, this is to be done with a 2-pack epoxy paint.
- Powdercoating of steel work is not accepted.
Council fences and gates are predominantly constructed from one or more of the following (specialised fauna fences may use other materials):
- 316 marine grade stainless steel East of the Bruce Highway.
  - Supply is to be by an ASSDA (Australian Stainless Steel Development Association) SSSR (Stainless Steel Specialist Register) accredited business, or equivalent.
  - For high use pedestrian areas or where a high level of finish is required.
  - All stainless steel elements must be treated with a clear surface protectant to protect against discolouring and tea staining.
Galvanised steel (hot dip galvanised after fabrication) hinterland areas West of the Bruce Highway.
- Galvanised welded PVC coated wire mesh infill for fences and gates.
- For play spaces and environmental reserves.
Marine grade aluminium, powder coated (not swimming pool fence) all areas.
- Extra heavy duty strength aluminium is required to prevent accidental damage and vandalism to fence components.
- To limit galvanic corrosion provide an insulating layer between different metals.
- Aluminium timber look posts may be used with gloss finish aluminium baluster.
Hardwood timber (appropriate species and treatment) to approved areas.
- Approval is required from Council (Parks and Gardens) and / or Council (Environmental Operations), depending on the location.
Recycled plastic bollard posts with horizontal rails made from recycled plastic or galvanised steel.
Manufactured to engineering specifications (where applicable).

See the following for further guidance:

LIM Bollards
Table 15: Fences and gates materials key considerations for a full list of materials.

Table 15: Fences and gates materials key considerations for a full list of materials

Material and definition	Recommended installation sites	Key considerations
316 Marine grade stainless steel Stainless steel refers to a group of corrosion resistant steels containing a minimum 10.5% chromium. Resistance to corrosion is due to the naturally occurring chromium rich oxide film present on the surface of the steel.	high use and high profile locations, coastal environments – for a superior finish	preferred for use in areas which are subject to corrosive marine environments (particularly coastal, east of Bruce Highway). 316 marine grade has a greater resistance to salt corrosion than other grades of stainless steel. The smoother the surface, the better the corrosion resistance. highly reflective in full sun, may cause glare problems for people with low vision. supplier is to be an ASSDA (Australian Stainless Steel Development Association) SSSR (Stainless Steel Specialist Register) accredited business. All stainless steel elements must be treated with a clear surface coating to protect against discolouring and tea staining. stainless steel horizontal wire barrier is not preferred due to increased maintenance (tension tightening)
Aluminium (including wood look aluminium) Aluminium is a light malleable ductile silvery-white metallic element that resists corrosion.	high profile locations, parks and gardens	select where high corrosion resistance is required together with low maintenance and minimal whole of life costs. Do not use standard residential aluminium pool fence for any council facility. powder coating can improve appearance. ‘Wood look aluminium’ is a powder coat - low maintenance, does not need repainting, and will not split, rot or crack (aluminium which is powder coated creates a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint). can be manufactured and delivered in sections ready for installation susceptible to galvanic corrosion where different metals are in contact. Provide an insulating layer to prevent electrical contact between different metals. This will inhibit the process of galvanic corrosion. posts are to be commercial grade high strength (not standard residential pool fencing). round tube baluster is preferred 100 mm x 100 mm x 5.0 mm aluminium posts are preferred for strength.
Galvanised steel Hot dipped galvanising (total immersion in molten zinc of all fabricated pieces after market) provides durability, longevity and sustainability.	low profile locations, environmental reserves	hot dipped galvanised (after market) steel is robust, durable and can be moulded into different shapes. hot dipped galvanisation is to occur after fabrication (after market) to limit rust at weld points. fixings are readily available and can be supplied as ready to install modular systems or cut to size. useful where a high level finish is not required. Can be painted with a 2-pack epoxy paint to suit individual sites and improve appearance. Powdercoating of steel work is not accepted. may be used as support posts for stainless steel rails and wire infill. cost effective method of creating a boundary. suitable for sun or shaded locations, minimal maintenance suitable for sun or shaded locations, minimal maintenance
Timber (new and recycled) Timber is workable, readily available, rust and corrosion free, durable and easily repaired/replaced.	suitable for low profile areas or where appearance of fence requires a ‘natural’ look, such as beach accesses environmental reserves and parks and open spaces.	requires ongoing maintenance (generally staining or painting). Durability of timber is dependent upon the species selected. preferred to be installed where there is sunlight to prevent mould build-up and deterioration combustible - ignites and burns slowly suitable for fence posts to determine the most suitable timber species for a particular application, consider aesthetics, price, availability, size limitation, ecological impact, hardness, stability and function. preferred material for both posts and rails for medium to low use coastal areas such as small beach access points. suitable material for large lengths of fence. H4 dipped pine with either CCA preferred (or ACQ) treatment. F14 H4 dipped pine (where subject to extreme wetting). Supplier to provide Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for both products. Timber preservation only works on sapwood. It has no effect on the heartwood of timber. The majority of council post and rail fences are constructed using treated pine with CCA preservative, which is the preferred material (where the timber is not in frequent and intimate contact with the public). CCA and ACQ treated pine: preferred timber finish is (non-polyurethane) Ultradeck or Lanotec (or equivalent). Painted timber finish is preferred for local parks to reduce maintenance. pre-treatment of exposed end grain seals to posts and rails: use Selleys Aquadhere (or equivalent). timber deterioration over time is usually due to rot or attack by living organisms all fixings such as, nails, bolts, screws, plates, must be 316 marine grade stainless steel. it is preferred that wire strung between posts is “Bayco Sighter Wire” or equivalent to increase visibility
Recycled plastic Recycled plastic is ‘second use’ reprocessed waste plastic material. Sources include industrial waste, post consumer plastics and retail plastic waste.	Sports grounds - cricket pitches	can be installed in shaded areas – resists mould build-up. suitable for corrosive environments. long lasting, durable and can be recycled. termite, micro-organism and moisture resistant. low maintenance, does not need repainting, and will not split, rot or crack. deemed to be environmentally desirable over more classic materials. NOT regarded as structural or load-bearing. while recycled plastic resists combustion, it may be subject to burning when fuel is applied, and where there is little or no opportunity for passive surveillance. raw materials include: LDPE Low density polyethylene (shrink wrap) MDPE medium density polythene (pipe and tube) HDPE high density polythene (bottles and crates) PP Polypropylene (industrial scrap).
Fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) Recycled plastic compounded using reinforcing fillers such as resin and glass fibres to give load-bearing characteristics in certain circumstances.	high profile areas in coastal in environmental reserves and parks and open spaces	can be installed in shaded areas – resists mould build-up. suitable for corrosive environments. long lasting, durable, combustible and can be recycled. termite, micro-organism and moisture resistant. low maintenance, does not need repainting, and will not split, rot or crack. deemed to be environmentally desirable over more classic materials. does not sustain combustion. limit the length of members to maintain structural characteristics.
Wood plastic composite (WPC) Wood plastic composite is manufactured from a mixture of recycled wood-flour and recycled plastic (resins).	high profile areas in coastal in environmental reserves and parks and open spaces	provides an organic feel and look of natural timber – natural wood grain surface appearance and it is free of knots and splinters. one lineal metre of WPC contains approximately 37 two litre recycled milk bottles (HDPE) and two kilograms of recycled pine waste. 100% recyclable. free of solvents, glue or other environmentally. Damaging additives. light, rigid, easy to handle and install. can be sanded to remove surface marks or graffiti. resistant to insects, fungi, rot, water penetration and ultra-violet radiation.
Knitted shade cloth Knitted shade fabric used for the control of shade, temperature, wind and windblown sand.	beach accesses and environmental reserves	does not sustain combustion. Is suitable for projects requiring fire retardant properties. contains no toxic by-products that can be released upon incineration or recycling. roll is 1.8 m wide - excess fabric bury into line trench and backfill on outside

Barbed wire is NOT to be used

Council DOES NOT endorse the installation of barbed wire fences or electrification of fences.

Each year thousands of wildlife such as, gliders, owls, birds and bats, face permanent disability or death from entanglement on barbed wire fences. In many cases barbed wire does not perform an essential function and can be replaced with other types of animal friendly wire.

To prevent potential harmful impacts on fauna from barbed wire and electrified fences. The following is recommended:

Removal is the most desired option, particular if it is not currently serving a purpose.
Replacement of the top strand of barbed wire with Bayco sighter wire (or equivalent), as this is where most entanglement occurs.
Alternative fences using Bayco sighter wire (or equivalent) unless it compromises stock containment.
Consider glow in the dark fence materials.

Bayco sighter wire is a polymer monofilament which is light, strong, flexible and non-corrosive and is available in 4.0 mm to 5.2 mm diameter.