Powder Coated Aluminium Slat Fencing Cost per Metre in Melbourne [2025 Local Guide]

Powder coated aluminium slat fencing has become one of Melbourne’s top choices for homeowners wanting modern style, low maintenance, and lasting durability. Whether you’re upgrading your front boundary in Balwyn, adding privacy in Doncaster East, or giving your Toorak property a sleek makeover, aluminium slat fencing delivers both function and street appeal.

But before you start shortlisting designs, you’ll want to know:

• How much does powder coated aluminium slat fencing cost per metre in Melbourne?

• What are the factors that affect pricing?

• Can you include driveway gates, pedestrian gates, and integrated mailboxes in the design?

In this guide, we’ll cover current Melbourne pricing trends, what’s included in professional quotes, how aluminium slat fencing compares to timber alternatives (including the popular aluminium picket fence vs timber picket fence debate), and design tips for getting the most out of your investment.

Before choosing between slat or picket styles, review the overall aluminium fencing cost comparison to understand value for money.

What Is Powder Coated Aluminium Slat Fencing?

Powder coated aluminium slat fencing is a modern fencing system made from horizontal (or vertical) aluminium slats mounted between posts, finished with a durable powder-coated surface. The slat spacing is customisable, so you can control privacy, airflow, and light—making it ideal for Melbourne front fences and side boundaries in suburbs like Doncaster, Balwyn, Toorak, Camberwell, Canterbury, Kew, and Balwyn North.

How the powder coating works

1. Prep: Aluminium is cleaned and pre-treated to help coating adhesion.

2. Coat: Colour powder is electrostatically sprayed onto the metal.

3. Cure: Panels are baked, melting the powder into a hard, even skin that resists UV fade, chipping, and corrosion—far tougher than wet paint.

Core components

• Slats: Common widths 38–100+ mm; horizontal is most popular, vertical for a contemporary look.

• Posts & rails: Engineered for height/wind loads; often concealed fixings for a clean façade.

• Brackets & caps: Colour-matched hardware for neat finishing.

• Footings: Concrete set to suit soil, slope, and fence height.

Why homeowners choose it

• Low maintenance: No repainting; a quick wash keeps it fresh.

• Durable in Melbourne weather: Won’t warp, rot, or rust.

• Custom privacy: Tight gaps for screening; wider gaps for a lighter look.

• Design flexibility: Dozens of colours (including wood-look finishes) to complement heritage or modern homes.

• Consistent look across features: Easily matches gates, screens, and letterboxes.

Typical uses

• Front fence with street appeal and compliant sightlines near the driveway.

• Side/rear boundaries for privacy without feeling boxed in.

• Garden/screens to hide bins, AC units, or pool equipment.
  (Pool fencing can be designed to meet regulations—confirm specifics with your installer and council.)

How Much Does Powder Coated Aluminium Slat Fencing Cost per Metre in Melbourne?

In Melbourne, powder-coated aluminium slat fencing typically costs $280–$450 per metre (supply & install) for residential jobs. Price varies with height, slat width/spacing, colour (standard vs wood-look), access, and site complexity.

Note: Prices include powder coating, standard posts, and professional installation but exclude gates and accessories. Suburb factors (heritage rules, terrain, access) can slightly increase costs in areas like Camberwell or Canterbury.

For comparisons between aluminium picket and slat styles, and for how picket fencing pricing is calculated, refer to our comprehensive article: cost per metre for aluminium picket fencing in Melbourne

Additional Features & Pricing

Driveway Gate – Integrated Sliding Driveway Gate

• Manual Sliding Gate: $1,800 – $3,200

• Automated Sliding Gate: $3,500 – $6,500 (includes motor, remote controls, and safety sensors)

Aluminium slat driveway gates can match your fence design perfectly, giving a unified look. Automation is popular in Toorak and Doncaster for convenience and security.

Read more: Cost of Installing Automatic Swing and Sliding Gates in Melbourne

Pedestrian Gate – Standard Lockable

• Standard Lockable Pedestrian Gate: $550 – $950 installed

• Can be powder coated to match your fence and fitted with a key or digital lock.

Read more: Side Gate Installation Costs in Melbourne in 2025

Mailbox Integration

• Yes — a mailbox can be integrated into the aluminium slat fence design.

• Pricing: $250 – $550 depending on style (front-loading or rear-access).

• Ideal for a seamless, uncluttered frontage in Kew or Balwyn where visual aesthetics are a priority.

Factors That Affect Aluminium Slat Fencing Cost in Melbourne

Choosing powder coated aluminium slat fencing is a smart move for a low-maintenance, modern front fence—but pricing can vary a lot from home to home. Below are the key cost drivers Melbourne homeowners typically encounter, plus quick tips to control spend.

1. Material & Finish

• Slat size and thickness: Wider or thicker slats use more aluminium and require stronger posts/brackets → higher material and labour cost.

• Slat spacing (privacy level): Tighter gaps = more slats per metre. Expect costs to rise as privacy increases.

• Powder-coat colour: Standard colours (e.g., Monument, Surfmist) are usually included; custom or premium/wood-look finishes add to price.

• Posts & rails: Heavier posts for taller fences, wind-exposed frontages, or gate framing increase cost.

• Hardware quality: Marine-grade fixings, concealed fasteners, soft-close latches, and premium hinges add durability—and dollars.

2. Fence Dimensions & Layout

• Height: Typical step-ups: 1.2 m → 1.5 m → 1.8 m → 2.0 m. Each tier adds material and installation time.

• Total linear metres: Longer runs may unlock better per-metre rates, but corners, returns, and stepped sections can offset savings.

• Corners, rakes & steps: Sloping blocks (common in Balwyn North, Camberwell) require raked/stepped panels and extra posts, increasing labour.

3. Site Conditions & Access

• Excavation & footings: Rock, hard clay, or existing concrete means heavier drilling and bigger footings. Tree root protection zones (TPZ) can force hand-digging.

• Access constraints: Tight driveways, limited parking, or long carries (e.g., inner Kew, Canterbury) slow crews down.

• Existing fence removal: Demolition and disposal of timber, brick, or old steel adds labour and tip fees (especially if concrete footings are substantial).

• Retaining or levelling: If the fence also needs to retain soil or step over levels, allow for sleepers, deeper posts, or engineered solutions.

4. Design Complexity

• Orientation: Horizontal slats are most common; vertical or mixed orientations need extra setup and more fixings.

• Feature bays & screening: Decorative sections, alternating spacings, or privacy screens near alfresco areas add time and materials.

• Integration points: Cut-outs or reinforcements for intercoms, cameras, house numbers, or lighting increase fabrication and install time.

5. Gates & Automation (High-Impact Cost Drivers)

• Sliding Driveway Gate

  • Manual: more affordable hardware but still needs a robust track and concrete footing.

  • Automated: motor, rack, safety beams, manual release, and electrical works add a substantial premium.
    Large spans (common in Toorak or Doncaster) need heavier frames and stronger posts.

• Pedestrian Gate
  Standard lockable pedestrian gates are cost-effective; upgrades like soft-close hinges, digital or smart locks add to pricing.

• Mailbox Integration
  Through-fence or box modules can be colour-matched for a clean frontage. Rear-access designs (popular in Balwyn, Kew) add convenience and a little extra fabrication.

6. Compliance, Overlays & Admin

• Council rules
  Front fence height limits, sightline requirements near driveways, and boundary offsets can change design (and price).

• Heritage overlays
  In Kew, Canterbury, and parts of Camberwell, overlays may dictate appearance or materials, requiring extra design time or approvals.

• Utilities & services
  Avoiding underground services (NBN, water, gas) may force post relocations or hand digging.

• Insurances & warranties
  Reputable installers carry public liability, issue written warranties, and follow Australian Standards—often a touch more upfront, better value long-term.

7. Seasonality & Lead Times

• Busy periods (spring–summer) can nudge prices up and bookings out.

• Winter installs may attract sharper rates in Doncaster East and Balwyn, provided weather allows.

8. Labour & Fabrication Approach

• Pre-fabricated panels vs custom on-site
  Factory-made panels reduce install time on straightforward runs; complex sites may benefit from custom on-site fabrication.

• Crew experience
  Skilled teams work faster, align slats precisely, and avoid rework—saving money over the project.

Cost Impact Snapshot (Rule-of-Thumb)

• Low impact: Standard colour, standard posts, 1.5 m height, good site access, simple run.

• Medium impact: Tighter spacing for privacy, mixed heights, a few corners/steps, one pedestrian gate, integrated mailbox.

• High impact: 1.8–2.0 m heights, premium/wood-look finish, sloping block with rock, long frontage on a corner lot, automated sliding driveway gate, multiple access constraints.

What to Ask For in a Quote (So You Can Compare Apples to Apples)

1. Fence specs: height, linear metres, slat width & spacing, post size, colour/finish.

2. Footings & posts: depth/diameter, concrete strength, wind exposure assumptions.

3. Gates:

   • Sliding Driveway Gate – price for manual and automated options, including motor brand/model, safety beams, power requirements, and remotes.

   • Pedestrian Gate – frame type, hinges, latch/lock (mechanical vs digital), swing direction.

4. Mailbox: confirm integration type (front-load/rear-access) and include it in the quote if desired.

5. Site works: demolition/disposal of old fence, excavation allowances, rock clause, retaining requirements.

6. Compliance: council/overlay notes, services checks, warranty terms, and insurance details.

7. Schedule: fabrication lead time, install duration, and any rain delay contingencies.

Smart Ways to Keep Costs Down (Without Compromising the Look)

• Choose a standard powder-coat colour and a popular slat size.

• Use consistent heights along long runs to minimise custom stepping.

• Rationalise privacy—tight spacing only where you truly need it (windows, outdoor living).

• One feature, not five: pick either the wood-look finish or the vertical highlight bay, not both.

• Plan power early if automating the driveway gate—running conduit during landscaping is cheaper than retrofitting.

• Bundle the job (front fence + pedestrian gate + mailbox) with the sliding driveway gate to leverage one mobilisation and fabrication batch.

• Book shoulder seasons for better availability and sharper pricing.

Melbourne Suburb Notes

• Doncaster / Doncaster East: modern facades suit horizontal slats; driveways often favour sliding gates for space.

• Balwyn / Balwyn North: family blocks, gentle slopes—budget for a few raked/stepped sections.

• Toorak: larger spans and premium finishes; allow for heavier frames and higher-spec automation.

• Camberwell / Canterbury / Kew: watch for heritage overlays on front fences; integrated mailbox and refined spacing deliver a premium, compliant look.

Local Pricing Examples

Doncaster – 1.8m Powder Coated Aluminium Slat Fence with Sliding Gate

• 18m front fence

• 1 automated sliding driveway gate

• 1 pedestrian gate

Total: ~$14,500 installed

Balwyn – 1.5m Aluminium Slat Fence with Mailbox

• 12m frontage

• Integrated mailbox

• Pedestrian gate with key lock

Total: ~$6,800 installed

Design Tips for Aluminium Slat Fencing

• Go Wood-Look Powder Coat – Perfect for achieving the warmth of timber without the maintenance.

• Match Gate & Fence Colours – Creates a seamless, high-end look.

• Custom Spacing – Wider gaps for a more open feel in front yards, tighter gaps for privacy in side and rear fences.

How Aluminium Slat Fencing Performs in Melbourne Weather

Melbourne’s hot summers, cold winters, and seasonal rain demand a material that won’t warp, swell, or fade. Powder coated aluminium stands up to these extremes, making it perfect for exposed areas in Balwyn North, Kew, or coastal-influenced suburbs.

Why Choose Professional Installation

While DIY is possible, professional installers:

• Ensure perfect alignment and structural integrity.

• Handle powder coat protection during cutting and assembly.

• Offer warranties on both materials and labour.

Pentagon Fencing & Gates is one of Melbourne’s trusted names for aluminium slat fencing, driveway gates, and integrated accessories, with completed projects in Doncaster East, Camberwell, and Toorak.

FAQs – Powder Coated Aluminium Slat Fencing Price Per Metre Melbourne

Q: How much does it cost per metre (supply & install)?

A: Most Melbourne homes fall between $280–$450 per metre. Typical bands by height: 1.2 m: $280–$350, 1.5 m: $300–$380, 1.8 m: $320–$420, 2.0 m: $350–$480.

Q: What drives the price up or down?

A: Height and total metres, slat width & spacing (privacy level), powder-coat (standard vs wood-look/custom), post size/footings, site access/slope, demolition, corners/steps, and extras (gates, mailbox, intercoms).

Q: How much is a standard lockable pedestrian gate?

A: Typically $550–$950 installed; smart locks/soft-close hinges add a little more.

Q: What colours and finishes are available?

A: A wide range of standard Colorbond-style colours (usually included). Timber-look powder coats and custom colours attract a premium but pair beautifully with homes in Canterbury and Camberwell.

Q: How does aluminium slat fencing compare with timber on cost and upkeep?

A: Aluminium costs more upfront but needs almost no maintenance and won’t warp, rot or attract termites. Timber is cheaper initially but needs periodic sanding/repainting and has a shorter lifespan.

Q: How long does powder-coated aluminium last?

A: With basic care (hose-down, mild detergent), a quality system can last decades. Powder coating resists UV fade and chipping far better than wet paint.

Q:  Is it suitable for Melbourne’s weather?

A: Yes—aluminium won’t swell in winter rain or twist in summer heat. It’s ideal across Doncaster, Doncaster East, Balwyn North, and Kew where exposure varies.

Q:  Can I control privacy?

A: Absolutely. Tighter slat spacing increases privacy; wider gaps feel lighter and improve airflow on street-facing front fences.

Q: Will I need council approval?

A: Front fence height and style are regulated. Heritage overlays (common in Kew, Canterbury, Camberwell) may influence design. Your installer can advise and supply drawings for approval if required.

Q: Is a sliding driveway gate better than swing for small driveways?

A: Often, yes. Sliding gates save space on short or sloped driveways in Doncaster East and Balwyn, and are easy to automate.

Q: What about pool areas?

A: Aluminium can be fabricated to meet pool-barrier rules. Confirm local compliance at design stage (height, non-climbable zones, latch heights).

Q: How do I keep costs down without hurting the look?

A: Choose standard colours, a common slat size, use tight spacing only where privacy matters, keep heights consistent, and bundle the pedestrian gate/mailbox with the fence and Sliding Driveway Gate in one order.

Q: Do you service my suburb?

A: Yes—projects are regularly completed across Doncaster, Doncaster East, Balwyn, Balwyn North, Toorak, Camberwell, Canterbury, and Kew.

Conclusion

If you’re after a stylish, low-maintenance, and long-lasting fencing solution, powder coated aluminium slat fencing is an excellent investment for Melbourne homes. From Doncaster to Kew, it offers versatility, modern appeal, and the option to integrate driveway gates, pedestrian gates, and mailboxes for a complete, coordinated look.

For an accurate, suburb-specific quote, contact Pentagon Fencing & Gates — we’ll design, supply, and install your aluminium slat fence to perfection.