Fence extension for extra privacy

[Shannon]

A fence extension is an easy way to add welcome privacy in outdoor spaces.

• The project
• How to extend a Colorbond fence
• More popular fence and screening projects

The project

Looking for extra privacy, Workshop member Shannon added panels to extend the height of his fence using a modular design that can be removed for easier maintenance.

How to extend a Colorbond fence

Experienced Workshop member Pete shows you how to add an extension to a Colorbond fence in this step-by-step guide.

More popular fence and screening projects

Shannon also shared this beautiful screening solution using bamboo panelling and a rose Mahogany stain to bring a touch of Bali to his backyard plus extra privacy. Find ideas for your own space in our Top 10 most popular fence projects and Top 10 most popular screening projects.

[sophiek77]

Love your work @Shannon. This is what I am looking to do on top of existing colorbond fencing but at a 600m height.  Can you pls link the items you used (posts and slats)?  Thanks!

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @sophiek77. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for jumping into the discussion.

Hopefully, @Shannon can answer your questions about their amazing project.

You'll readily find fence extensions that are 340mm high, but 600mm is adding a large structure to the top of a Colorbond fence. Our suppliers don't produce larger than 340mm extensions as the additional height, and wind capturing ability apparently is too much stress on the fence.

You might like to start a discussion about your project, and I trust our helpful members will have plenty of advice and solutions.

Mitchell

[CDavo]

Hello!!

I have a capped wooden fence and am wanting to add some height to a section of it so that my every move is not followed by the trampoline loving children next door.  I was wondering if anyone has any ideas if the above add-on to the colourbond fence could be used for a capped wooden fence? 

Thanks very much    

[EricL]

Hello @CDavo 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's a pleasure to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about extending your fence.

Since you have a timber fence it should be easier to mount the extension. Since we are screwing into timber you should be able to add extra support for the entire run of the fence extension. A good example of an extension set is the Matrix Fence Extension, it can be cut down to size and mounting only requires one side to be screwed onto your fence.

I also suggest having a quick look at this discussion - How to add a timber fence extension? by @Evie21. They used Lattice Maker's paling fence extension 2400 x 500. These extension sets are very popular, I suggest calling your local store to make sure they have it in stock before proceeding.

Should the capping get in the way of installation, it will be necessary to trim some of the timber capping sides to allow the extension post to be mounted onto the fence.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[mich1972]

That extension on the Colorbond……. Sensational !!!!! I love the black and I love the street signs 😆 

[beyondtool]

I’m looking at doing a fence extension on a Colorbond fence and like the Matrix extension panels which Bunnings sells. The manufacturer clearly shows examples of these panels fitted to colorbond fences, but these panels are up to 600mm high. However I’ve heard mixed messages as to whether this will create too much stress on a colorbond fence. Our location does get strong winds from time to time. The fitting approach using screwed in rods does not seem very secure from my own investigation at my local Bunnings store. These panels are really heavy too.

[JacobZ]

Hi @beyondtool,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community it is fantastic to have you with us.

When installing fence extensions on a Colourbond fence, it's important that the Jack Matrix 20 x 20 x 1000mm Charcoal Fence Extension Legs are screwed into the posts of the Colourbond fence.

As the extension legs are 1000mm long and the panels are 600mm high, you have 400mm of leg that can be screwed into the fence post. The minimum recommended number of screws into the post is two, but for added rigidity, I would use 3-4 per leg. It is also important that the extension legs are screwed into the frame around the panel.

Ultimately, the strength of the extension relies on the strength of the Colourbond posts, so if the posts aren't in the best condition, you may need to consider alternative options such as removing and replacing the fence with a taller one.

Allow me to tag @Dave-1, @Noyade and @JoeAzza for their thoughts.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @beyondtool 

Id say it comes down to how solid your fence posts feel. If they have no flex and are solid then as @JacobZ has suggested, I also dont see a problem. If you are concerned about the height (600mm) being too high overall and being the issue in strong winds, maybe only extend you fence 300mm. That way you get the best of both worlds, more privacy and less of a lever effect

Dave