- Sunshine Coast, QLD
- coastwidebrickandblocklaying@gmail.com
Planning a new besser block front fence can completely transform the appearance, privacy and security of your property. But before construction starts, there is an important question to consider:
The answer isn’t necessarily the same for every property.
Fence height, location, design, proximity to roads and intersections, property-specific overlays and the type of masonry construction can all affect what requirements apply.
At Coastwide Brick & Blocklaying, we construct besser block fences across the Sunshine Coast, including front fences, boundary walls, masonry piers and rendered block fencing.
While we specialise in the masonry construction itself rather than providing planning advice, there are some important things homeowners should consider before starting a new block fence project.
Not necessarily.
The requirements applying to a fence can depend on the individual property and proposed design.
A relatively low boundary fence may have different requirements from a tall masonry privacy wall, for example.
That’s why it’s important not to assume that because you’ve seen a particular style or height of fence elsewhere, the same requirements automatically apply to your property.
Before construction begins, the relevant requirements should be checked for the proposed fence and site.
Front fences are highly visible from the street and can affect things such as sightlines, vehicle access and the overall relationship between a property and the road.
For that reason, the location and design of a besser block front fence can be particularly important.
Things that may need to be considered include:
If you’re planning a substantial front fence, it’s worth investigating these considerations early rather than designing the entire project first and checking requirements afterwards.
Height is one of the most important considerations when planning any front or boundary fence.
A low masonry fence designed primarily to define the front boundary is very different from a tall solid wall designed to provide maximum privacy.
The appropriate height can depend on the fence location and individual property.
From a design perspective, taller isn’t necessarily always better either.
Many modern besser block fences combine lower solid sections or masonry piers with open infill fencing to create privacy without completely enclosing the property.
Privacy is one of the main reasons homeowners consider masonry fencing.
A solid block wall can provide excellent separation from the street or neighbouring properties, but it isn’t the only way to achieve greater privacy.
Depending on the property and design, you could consider a combination of:
Sometimes using solid masonry only where it’s most useful can produce a better result than building one continuous high wall.
This depends on the individual project.
A masonry fence is a substantial structure, and factors such as height, dimensions, footings, reinforcement, ground conditions and overall design can affect its structural requirements.
Where engineering or other specialist input is required for a project, this should be established before the relevant construction takes place.
It’s another reason besser block fencing should be approached as masonry construction, rather than simply as another type of lightweight fence.
A block fence needs an appropriate foundation.
Besser blocks create a significant masonry structure, particularly when constructing solid walls or larger piers.
The footing requirements will depend on the particular design and site conditions.
Trying to reduce costs by overlooking what’s underneath the finished fence can create far more expensive problems later.
The visible blocks are only one part of a properly constructed masonry fence.
Depending on the requirements of the project, besser blockwork may incorporate steel reinforcement and concrete core filling.
These elements can form an important part of the overall masonry structure.
The requirements shouldn’t simply be copied from another fence or assumed based on how the finished wall looks.
Two Besser block fences that appear similar from the street can have very different construction requirements depending on their height, dimensions, location and site.
Yes, and this is a popular option for Sunshine Coast front fences.
Rather than constructing solid blockwork across the entire frontage, besser block piers can be positioned along the boundary with suitable fencing installed between them.
This style can work well with:
Once rendered, the masonry piers can create a substantial architectural feature while the open sections provide greater airflow and visibility.
Driveway gates should be considered during the planning stage.
The gate opening needs to work with the positioning and dimensions of the masonry piers, driveway and overall fence design.
If you’re considering an automated gate, there may also be requirements involving other specialist trades.
Planning these components together can avoid having masonry constructed in locations or dimensions that don’t suit the finished gate system.
Corner properties can introduce additional considerations because visibility around intersections and driveways can become particularly important.
A solid masonry wall positioned in the wrong location could potentially affect visibility for vehicles or pedestrians.
If you’re planning a substantial Besser block fence on a corner property, checking the requirements relevant to the site before construction is particularly important.
Coastwide Brick & Blocklaying specialises in the bricklaying and blocklaying component of front fence construction.
A complete front fence may also involve other products and specialist trades, including:
We regularly work alongside trusted local trades and suppliers.
Where appropriate, our clients can deal directly with the relevant supplier or trade for their component rather than Coastwide purchasing every third-party product or service and adding another margin.
It keeps the process transparent while allowing each component to be completed by the appropriate specialist.
One of the best things you can do when considering a Besser block fence is plan the complete project before construction starts.
Think about:
Making these decisions early helps ensure the masonry component works with everything that needs to happen afterwards.
Once you’ve established the design and any requirements applying to your property, Coastwide Brick & Blocklaying can help with professional besser block fence construction on the Sunshine Coast.
With more than 25 years of bricklaying and blocklaying experience, we construct masonry fencing including:
We work throughout Buderim, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Mountain Creek, Sippy Downs, Bokarina, Birtinya, Kawana, Caloundra, Coolum, Yandina, Noosa, Tewantin and surrounding Sunshine Coast areas.
If you’re considering a new besser block front fence, establish the requirements applying to your property first and then talk to Coastwide about the masonry construction.
We can assess the proposed project, discuss the blockwork involved and provide a quote based on the actual design and site.
Call Coastwide Brick & Blocklaying on 0456 586 891 or get in touch today for a free quote.
