Let’s be honest, nothing ruins a backyard barbecue faster than having to stare at a battered and stained fence the whole time. When you want to enjoy your backyard, an eyesore of a fence can make it much harder, making the space feel neglected. 

The good news is that you don’t need to spend thousands to tear it down and put in a new one. If you’re wondering how to hide an ugly fence on a budget, you’ve got plenty of practical options. We’ve put together the ultimate list of fence cover up ideas to transform your backyard without breaking the bank.

The Aussie Fence Problem: Asbestos, Colorbond and the Neighbour’s Peeling Paint

Every homeowner and renter in Western Australia knows the struggle. If you live in a more established suburb, you’re probably dealing with one of these headaches:

1. Old asbestos (or Super Six) fencing that you can’t drill, nail or even move without needing a full hazmat suit. 
2. A faded Colorbond perimeter that acts like a tin radiator, baking your plants and blinding everyone on January afternoons. 
3. A timber fence covered in your neighbour’s peeling paint, which they refuse to fix because “it still stands straight”.

To make matters worse, trying to get a neighbour to split the cost of a brand new boundary wall is an absolute nightmare. If in a rental, structural changes are completely out of the question anyway. 

Thankfully, you don’t have to live with it. You can easily hide fence lines using clever, temporary and low-impact materials that both look great and keep the peace.

Option 1: Bamboo Panels Strapped Directly Onto the Posts

If the fence has sturdy posts but it’s the panels themselves that need hiding, capping them is the easiest way to go. Using a natural bamboo fence covering gives you an instant tropical resort feel while completely covering whatever is hiding behind it. 

Instead of drilling directly into old materials, you can use heavy-duty UV-rated cable ties or galvanised wire to secure the bamboo panels right onto the fence posts. It’s fast, incredibly durable and doesn’t need any specialised tools. This is one of the most effective fence covering ideas for instantly erasing years of weathering.

Option 2: Freestanding Bamboo Screens (No Drilling)

Are you renting? Do you have a small courtyard with strict strata rules? You can still achieve a total transformation without risking your security deposit.

Instead of fixing panels directly to the boundary, use freestanding bamboo screens or framed room dividers placed just in front of the fence. This is the ultimate low-commitment option: because there’s absolutely no drilling involved, your landlord can’t say a thing. Best of all, when your lease ends or you decide to move, you can pack them up and take them with you to your next home.

Option 3: Planter Boxes in Front of the Fence

If you’re after a softer look, covering the fence with plants is a timeless solution. However, planting directly into the ground right next to a boundary line can cause issues with roots, poor soil and heat reflecting or radiating off the panels. 

The fix? Line up planter boxes or troughs right along the perimeter. Opting for wider pots works better here, as they provide a stable base that won’t blow over from an afternoon breeze. The extra width also gives the root systems of climbing vines, star jasmine or clumping bamboo plenty of room to thrive. As greenery grows upwards, it breaks up the harsh lines of the fence behind it.

Option 4: The Combo Approach (Panels + Pots)

If you have a particularly noticeable or big area to cover, layering your fixes is the way to go. Don’t just rely on one design: combine your fence cover ideas for a professional, multi-dimensional look.

Start by using a run of bamboo panelling to create a uniform backdrop. Once there’s a solid background, layer a selection of pots and planters in front of it. By mixing the warm tones of the bamboo with the greens of potted plants, you minimise the “boxed-in” effect common in smaller spaces.

Option 5: The Distraction Play

Sometimes the best way to hide an eyesore is to make sure nobody’s looking at it. If you’re hunting for clever ideas to cover a Colorbond fence or hide an old masonry wall, but don’t want to line the entire line of your property, use a strategic distraction instead. 

By placing a big Buddha water feature or setting up a gazebo in a prominent corner of your backyard, you pull the focus inward. Guests will naturally look at the garden feature instead of the fence behind it. Best of all, investing in a statement piece is very cost-effective compared to rebuilding or rendering a wall.

What About the Gate?

There’s no point in transforming the whole fence if you’re leaving a rusty, creaking side gate to ruin the view. Gates are an often forgotten part of backyard makeovers but deserve just as much attention. 

Apply the same logic here: use lightweight, trimmed bamboo screening fixed to the frame, or put a put plant right next to the latch side to break up any harsh metal lines. Keeping the materials consistent will ensure your outdoor area stays feeling cohesive and planned.

Where to Buy in Perth

When you’re ready to tackle your makeover, you don’t need to pay premium boutique prices to get a beautiful finish. At Prime Factory Outlet, we’ve spent over 30 years importing the largest and cheapest range of water features, gazebos, bamboo screening and outdoor pots directly from our factories in Asia, straight to Western Australia.

Because we cut out the middleman and the markups, we pass those factory-direct savings straight to you. Our warehouse stock is constantly refreshed, with regular shipments arriving every week. 

Ready to get started? Contact us today, give our team a call or visit us at our warehouse at 376 South Street, O’Connor.