We design and install privacy screens across Frankston and surrounding suburbs. From vertical timber slats to powder-coated aluminium, every screen is custom-built to block sightlines, reduce noise, and complement your existing fence or home architecture.
Whether you're screening a deck, balcony, poolside, or boundary fence, we handle design, council compliance, professional installation, and thorough cleanup.
What We Do
Timber Privacy Screens
- Vertical slat screens — 90×19mm or 70×19mm merbau/kapur slats with 10–50mm spacing; natural or stained finish
- Horizontal slat screens — Modern horizontal layout; popular for contemporary homes and deck surrounds
- Shadowline screens — Alternating slat depths create shadow patterns while maintaining privacy
- Battened screens — Narrow battens (42×19mm) for semi-transparent screening; ideal for coastal breeze flow
Aluminium Privacy Screens
- Powder-coated slat panels — Low-maintenance aluminium in Monument, Woodland Grey, Surfmist; withstand coastal corrosion
- Laser-cut decorative panels — Custom patterns for feature screens (garden walls, entry statements)
- Louvre systems — Adjustable slats for variable privacy and airflow control
- Infill panels for Colorbond fences — Matching slat extensions to increase height of existing Colorbond fences
Mounting Options
- Fence-top extensions — Screen panels mounted on existing fence posts; adds 400–800mm height
- Freestanding frames — Independent posts set in concrete; doesn't rely on existing fence
- Wall-mounted screens — Attached to house wall, deck frame, or retaining wall with brackets
- Pool zone screens — Compliant with AS1926.1 (non-climbable, no horizontal rails within 900mm of top)
Our Process in Frankston
Step 1: Free Consultation & Design
Call 03 4152 7766 or request a quote. We'll visit your property to measure sightlines, discuss materials (timber vs aluminium), slat orientation (vertical/horizontal), spacing for airflow vs full privacy, and council height limits. Most quotes emailed within 24 hours with design sketches.
Step 2: Material Selection
Choose timber species (merbau, kapur, treated pine), aluminium color (Monument, Basalt, Woodland Grey, etc.), slat width, spacing, and finish. We provide samples for approval and confirm all specs in writing.
Step 3: Council Compliance Check
We confirm Frankston City Council height limits (typically 2.0m rear/side, 1.2m front). For fence-top extensions bringing total height over 2.0m, we check if permits are required. Corner blocks have additional sight-triangle restrictions.
Step 4: Build & Installation
We fabricate or order screen panels, then install:
- Set posts in concrete (if freestanding) or attach brackets to existing fence/wall
- Mount screen panels with marine-grade fixings (coastal properties)
- Apply finishing coats: penetrating oil or clear sealant for timber
Step 5: Quality Check & Warranty
We inspect alignment, spacing consistency, and structural integrity. All waste removed; site left clean. You'll receive care instructions and warranty documentation.
Pricing Guide
Privacy screen costs vary by materials, height, mounting method, and finish. Indicative Frankston pricing:
| Screen Type | Price per m² | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical timber slats (merbau) | $220–$320 | 90×19mm slats, natural or oiled finish |
| Horizontal timber slats (merbau) | $260–$360 | More labor-intensive installation |
| Aluminium powder-coated slats | $280–$420 | Low-maintenance, coastal-resistant |
| Fence-top extension (timber) | $180–$280 per linear m | 400–600mm height added to existing fence |
| Freestanding screen (timber) | $320–$480 per linear m | Includes posts, footings, frame, slats |
| Wall-mounted screen (aluminium) | $240–$380 per m² | Brackets, fixings, installation |
Price Variables: Coastal properties (within 1km of beach) require marine-grade 316 stainless fixings (+$30–$50/screen). Custom heights over 2.4m cost 15–20% more due to engineering requirements. Difficult access or working-at-heights (multi-story) adds $200–$400 to total job cost.
Local Considerations for Frankston
Coastal Corrosion
Frankston properties near Port Phillip Bay require 316 marine-grade stainless steel fasteners for all privacy screens. Standard galvanized or even 304 stainless fixings will corrode within 2–3 years in salt-spray zones. Aluminium screens must be powder-coated (not anodized) to withstand coastal conditions.
Wind Load Considerations
Strong southwesterly winds off the Bay create significant load on tall privacy screens. For exposed sites, we recommend:
- Wider slat spacing (30–50mm gaps) to allow wind to pass through
- Deeper post footings (700–800mm) for freestanding screens
- Braced posts for screens over 2.0m height
Council Height Limits
Frankston City Council typically allows:
- Rear and side boundaries: 2.0m total height (fence + screen) without permit
- Front boundaries: 1.2m maximum (must be 50% permeable—slat spacing applies)
- Corner blocks: Sight-triangle rules limit height to 1.2m within 9m of intersection
Neighbor Views
Victoria's common law allows boundary fences/screens up to 2.0m without neighbor consent. However, if your screen blocks "significant" views (ocean glimpses, park vistas), neighbors may object. We recommend discussing plans with neighbors before building—especially for fence-top extensions that raise total height.
Recent Frankston Screen Projects
Pool Deck Screen – Seaford
Brief: Screen poolside deck from neighbor's second-story windows; maintain coastal breeze.
Solution: 12m of vertical merbau slat screen (90×19mm slats, 40mm spacing) mounted to deck balustrade. Marine-grade fixings, natural oil finish.
Timeline: 2 days.
Cost: $3,800.
Fence-Top Extension – Frankston Heights
Brief: Increase height of existing 1.8m Colorbond fence to block new two-story build next door.
Solution: Installed 18m of aluminium slat extension (600mm height) in Monument to match existing Colorbond color. Total fence height: 2.4m (required council permit).
Timeline: 1 day install (permit approved in 5 weeks).
Cost: $3,200.
Balcony Privacy Screen – Karingal
Brief: Screen second-floor balcony from street view; modern aesthetic.
Solution: Horizontal timber slat screen (70×19mm kapur, 30mm spacing) wall-mounted to balcony edge. Stained charcoal to match house trim.
Timeline: 1 day.
Cost: $2,600.
Why Choose The South East Fencer
- Custom design — Every screen tailored to your sightlines, home style, and council requirements
- Quality materials — Marine-grade fixings, premium hardwoods, powder-coated aluminium for coastal durability
- Council-compliant — We confirm height limits, sight-triangle rules, and permeable requirements before building
- Clean installs — We protect gardens, driveways, and existing structures. All waste removed
- Licensed & insured — Full public liability insurance ($20M) and WorkCover coverage
- 12-month warranty — Workmanship defects, loose fixings, or alignment issues covered for 12 months
Service Area
We provide privacy screen installation throughout Frankston and surrounding suburbs: Frankston South, Frankston Heights, Seaford, Karingal, Langwarrin, Carrum Downs, Skye. Also servicing Mount Eliza, Mornington, and Carrum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the maximum legal height for a privacy screen in Frankston?
Frankston City Council typically allows 2.0m total height (fence + screen) on rear and side boundaries without a permit. Front boundaries are limited to 1.2m and must be 50% permeable (slat spacing required). Corner blocks have stricter sight-triangle rules. Always confirm with council before exceeding 2.0m.
Do privacy screens block noise?
Privacy screens reduce noise by 5–15 decibels depending on slat density and material. Solid screens (no gaps) provide better noise reduction but poor airflow. For traffic noise, we recommend close-spaced timber slats (10–20mm gaps) or solid acoustic fencing panels. Aluminium screens offer minimal sound reduction.
How much spacing do I need between slats for full privacy?
For full privacy, slat spacing should be ≤10mm. For semi-privacy (blocks direct views but allows light/breeze), use 20–40mm spacing. For decorative screening (visual interest, not privacy), use 50–80mm spacing. We can mock up samples on-site to show different spacing options.
Can I add a privacy screen to my existing Colorbond fence?
Yes. We install fence-top extensions by attaching new posts to existing Colorbond posts, then mounting slat panels. This works well if your existing fence is structurally sound and less than 10 years old. For older or damaged fences, we may recommend full fence replacement instead.
Do timber privacy screens need maintenance?
Yes. Timber screens require annual cleaning and re-oiling every 2–3 years to maintain color and prevent weathering. Untreated merbau/kapur will turn silver-grey within 12–18 months (structurally sound but visually aged). For low-maintenance options, choose powder-coated aluminium screens (just hose down annually).
Can privacy screens withstand strong coastal winds?
Yes—if properly designed. We use deeper post footings (700–800mm), wider slat spacing (30–50mm) to allow wind pass-through, and marine-grade fixings for coastal properties. Solid screens without gaps require engineered posts and bracing. Frankston's wind exposure demands stronger construction than inland areas.
Will a privacy screen affect my pool fence compliance?
Privacy screens mounted to pool fences must maintain AS1926.1 compliance: no horizontal rails within 900mm of the top (creates climbing aids), all gaps ≤100mm, and minimum 1,200mm total height. We design pool-zone screens specifically to meet these requirements—usually vertical slat orientation with no mid-rails.
How long does it take to install a privacy screen?
Most residential privacy screens (10–20m) take 1–2 days to install. Freestanding screens requiring new posts take longer (2–3 days) due to concrete curing. Fence-top extensions are fastest (1 day). Large or complex jobs (multi-level, difficult access) may take 3–4 days.
Need a Custom Privacy Screen?
Call us today for a free design consultation in Frankston & surrounding suburbs.
03 4152 7766Request Free Quote