Installing your own fence can be a great way to save on installation costs, work to your own renovation timeline and enjoy the satisfaction of completing a major backyard project yourself. But choosing the right fencing system can make all the difference to your DIY experience.
So, what are the top modular fence options for DIY installation?
For a quick and straightforward poolside or coastal DIY project, TrendWall® and SlimWall® with aluminium posts are great options, with aluminium posts simplifying the assembly process. For homeowners looking for a more substantial or premium aesthetic, VogueWall®, EstateWall® and SlimWall® also offer DIY-friendly modular construction with different styles to suit your home and backyard.
Let’s take a closer look at the options and what to consider before starting your DIY fence project.
Why choose a modular fence for DIY installation?
Traditionally, achieving the look of a rendered masonry wall could mean significant excavation, continuous concrete footings, specialist trades and a lengthy construction process. A modular fence takes a different approach.
ModularWalls systems use posts and lightweight modular panels to create a solid, contemporary boundary without the extensive footings associated with traditional masonry construction. This makes them a practical option for capable DIY homeowners looking to transform their boundary.
- Save on installation costs
One of the biggest reasons to DIY your fence is the opportunity to save on professional installation costs.
By taking care of the installation yourself, more of your renovation budget can potentially go towards other parts of your outdoor project, whether that’s landscaping, a new entertaining area, a pool renovation or finishing touches for the backyard.
- Complete your fence to your own timeline
Renovations rarely happen all at once. DIY installation gives you greater flexibility to plan your fencing around other projects and complete the work at a time that suits you.
Whether you’re tackling the fence over a weekend or incorporating it into a larger backyard transformation, you’re in control of the timeline.
- Enjoy the satisfaction of doing it yourself
There’s also something particularly rewarding about standing back and looking at a finished project knowing you installed it yourself.
For confident DIYers, a modular fence can deliver that sense of achievement while creating a significant transformation to the privacy, appearance and functionality of your backyard.
What are the best ModularWalls options for do-it-yourself fencing?
The best modular fence for your DIY project will depend on the look you want to achieve, where you’re installing it and the features you need.
Here are five ModularWalls options to consider.
See the DIY TrendWall® project
1. TrendWall: ideal for a straightforward DIY project
If ease of installation is high on your priority list, TrendWall®is a great place to start.
TrendWall® combines lightweight modular panels with aluminium posts, making it particularly well suited to straightforward DIY boundary projects. Unlike systems where steel post components need to be assembled together, its aluminium post system helps simplify the installation process.
Once installed, TrendWall® creates a clean, contemporary boundary that can complement a wide range of Australian home styles.
Consider TrendWall® if: you want a streamlined DIY installation and a modern fence without unnecessary complexity.
See the DIY SlimWall® Aluminium project
2. SlimWall® Aluminium: ideal for pools and quick installation
SlimWall® Aluminium is another excellent option for DIYers looking to simplify their installation.
The aluminium posts don’t require the same post assembly as classic steel post systems, helping make the installation process quicker and more straightforward. SlimWall® Aluminium is also a particularly useful option to consider around pool areas, where homeowners often want to combine privacy with a sleek, contemporary finish.
Its slim profile can help maximise valuable backyard space, while the solid modular panels create an attractive backdrop for pools, landscaping and outdoor entertaining areas.
Consider SlimWall® Aluminium if: you’re completing a pool area, have limited space or want to simplify the DIY installation process.
See the DIY VogueWall® project
3. VogueWall®: ideal for a premium rendered-wall look
Want your DIY project to deliver the appearance of a substantial rendered wall? VogueWall® offers a premium aesthetic while retaining the benefits of modular construction.
Its larger proportions create the look and presence of a rendered masonry wall, making it a popular choice for front boundaries, feature walls and backyards where the fence forms a major part of the overall landscape design. Despite its masonry-like appearance, VogueWall® doesn’t require the continuous concrete strip footings associated with traditional masonry walls. For homeowners undertaking a larger renovation, it can be a great way to create a high-end boundary while retaining the option of DIY installation.
Consider VogueWall® if: achieving a premium rendered-wall aesthetic is just as important as DIY installation.
See the DIY EstateWall® project
4. EstateWall®: ideal for a statement boundary or front wall
For homeowners looking to make their boundary or front fence a design feature, EstateWall® offers another DIY modular fencing option.
EstateWall® is a grand wall that makes a statement, and is particularly suited to properties where proportions contribute significantly to the overall street appeal or landscape design. The result is a boundary or front wall with the visual impact of traditional masonry construction, without requiring the same extensive excavation and continuous footings.
Consider EstateWall® if: you’re confident tackling a larger DIY project and want your boundary wall to make a statement.
5. SlimWall®: ideal for maximising space
If you’re working with a narrow side access, compact backyard or boundary where every centimetre counts, SlimWall® is another option worth considering.
Its slim profile allows you to achieve a solid boundary without sacrificing unnecessary space, while still offering the privacy, aesthetics and acoustic benefits associated with the ModularWalls range. SlimWall® Classic uses ModularWalls’ steel post system, so there’s an additional assembly step compared with SlimWall Aluminium. However, its modular construction still makes it suitable for capable DIYers.
Consider SlimWall® if: space is at a premium and you want a slim, solid boundary with a classic modular installation system.
See Jimmy and Tam’s DIY project
How do you install a ModularWalls fence yourself?
One of the key advantages of modular fencing is that the installation process is relatively straightforward.
Rather than extensive excavation and continuous concrete footings, installation can generally be broken down into four key steps:
1. Dig the post holes
Measure and mark your fence line, then dig the required holes for your posts. Accurate measurements and spacing at this stage will make the rest of the installation much easier.
2. Assemble and install the posts
Prepare your posts as required for your chosen system, position them within the post holes and concrete them into place.
With aluminium post systems, this stage can be simplified as the posts don’t require the same assembly as classic steel post systems.
3. Insert the panels
Once the posts are ready, the modular panels are inserted between them to create the solid fence line. The modular system means the fence comes together section by section, making it easy to see your new fence taking shape.
4. Add the finishing touches
Finally, install your cappings and other finishing components before applying your chosen finish. This is where your DIY project really comes to life, transforming the modular system into a finished boundary that complements your home and backyard.
Remember, always follow the installation instructions supplied for your specific ModularWalls system.
Do you need heavy machinery to install a ModularWalls fence?
For many standard residential ModularWalls installations, you don’t need the extensive excavation, continuous concrete footings or heavy machinery associated with constructing a traditional masonry wall.
Instead, the system uses Instead, the system uses individual post holes and modular components.
That’s one of the many reasons modular fencing can be such an appealing option for DIY renovators. You’re able to achieve the look and feel of a substantial boundary without taking on a full masonry construction project.
Of course, every site is different. Access, ground conditions, slopes, retaining requirements and the overall size of your project should all be considered before deciding whether DIY installation is right for you.
Which ModularWalls DIY fence should you choose?
Start by thinking about your project rather than simply choosing a fence based on appearance.
If quick and straightforward DIY installation is your priority, consider TrendWall® or SlimWall® with aluminium posts.
If you’re creating a premium backyard or want the look of a rendered wall, VogueWall® may better suit your design.
For a substantial statement boundary, consider EstateWall®.
And if maximising backyard space is particularly important, the slim profile of SlimWall® Classic could be a great fit.
Whichever system you choose, modular construction gives capable DIY homeowners an opportunity to take greater control of their project, potentially reduce installation costs and create a boundary that offers much more than simply marking the edge of your property. With a little planning and some DIY confidence, your new fence could become one of the most satisfying parts of your backyard transformation.
