Best Type of Capping for Hardie Fences

Date: 31-07-2025

What Type of Capping Works Best with Hardie Fences?

Table of Contents:

  • What Is Fence Capping. And which types work best with Hardie Fences?

  • Understanding Hardie Fence Panels and Fibre Cement Fencing

  • Metal Capping for Hardie Fences

  • Fibre Cement Capping: Is It Still a Viable Option?

  • Timber Capping for Fibre Cement and Hardie Fences

  • Comparing Capping Options: Metal vs Fibre Cement vs Timber

  • Fence Capping and Safety Compliance in the ACT

  • Where to Buy Fence Capping for Hardie Fences in Canberra

  • Conclusion: Choosing the Right Fence Capping for Your Hardie Fence

  • Frequently Asked Questions

How do you protect and finish your Hardie fence? With quality fence capping, you can enhance durability and achieve a clean, finished look.

The type of capping you choose for your hardifence can make a big difference.

It can either end up looking like a professional installation or something that was assembled during a weekend emergency.

Are you a homeowner looking to refresh your property without neighbourhood judgment? Or a contractor working on a new project in Canberra?

Knowing your fence capping options helps with durability, style, and important safety standards.

In this article, we explore what type of capping works best with Hardie fences.

We'll also compare fibre cement, metal, and timber solutions that won't embarrass you next season.

Especially in the context of ACT homes and commercial properties.

What Is Fence Capping and which types work best with Hardie Fences?

IMAGE (7).png

Fence capping is the material installed along the top edge of a fence to protect it from weather and wear. Think of it like a hat for your fence that serves a purpose beyond fashion.

In fibre cement and HardieFence systems, capping helps keep water out of fence panels.

It prevents damage over time, and enhances the finished look so your property doesn't resemble a construction site.

It's a small detail that plays a big role in longevity and safety, such as visible dimple marks proving that sometimes the little things matter more than grand gestures.

Understanding Hardie Fence Panels and Fibre Cement Fencing

IMAGE (7).png

Hardie fences, such as HardieFence sheets, are made from asbestos-free fibre cement.

It's a safer and more modern alternative to the older asbestos fences still found in some Canberra suburbs.

They remind us of questionable past decisions that we need to replace.

Unlike timber that behaves like a moody teenager, these fibre cement panels don't warp or rot. They do need the right capping to protect exposed edges from moisture, UV, and impact.

These factors turn your investment into an expensive lesson.

It's important not to confuse modern Hardie fencing with outdated asbestos products. They often feature fibre cement capping and may pose health risks if disturbed.

Don't get the importance?

It's the difference between not all fences being safe and a reliable modern car and one of those charming vintage models that might kill you with carbon monoxide.

Metal Capping for Hardie Fences

IMAGE (7).png

Metal capping, made from Colorbond steel or aluminium—the most compatible option—available through our Colorbond fencing supplies.

Benefits:

  • Designed to fit corrugated or flat Hardie sheets without awkward gaps that invite problems.

  • Excellent resistance to Canberra's sun, frost, and storms that put building materials to the test.

  • Non-combustible and ideal for bushfire-prone areas where fire safety isn't just a suggestion.

  • Low maintenance with pre-painted finishes in popular colours that won't fade anytime soon.

Metal capping gives a sleek, modern appearance. It’s the standard choice for commercially manufactured properties and most new asbestos-free setups.

Fibre Cement Capping: Is It Still a Viable Option?

IMAGE (7).png

 

Fibre cement capping was traditionally used on older asbestos fencing. This includes the notorious Super Six and similar products that seemed like good ideas at the time.

Much like platform shoes and six fencing questionable hairstyle choices.

While it matches the panel material visually, it's rarely used today due to several issues that make it about as desirable as a parking ticket:

  • It's brittle and prone to cracking faster than New Year's resolutions.

  • It may indicate the fence contains asbestos, which is definitely not the kind of vintage charm you want.

  • It is not compatible with modern HardieFence sheets that actually prioritise your health.

If your existing capping looks like fibre cement, treat it with caution. If there's a chance that asbestos fibres could be present, then this isn't the time for DIY heroics and to dispose of it properly.

Timber Capping for Fibre Cement and Hardie Fences

IMAGE (7).png

Timber capping can add character and warmth to a fence. It gives your house a cozy jumper that looks great but requires constant attention.

Treated pine or hardwood options are commonly used in residential settings—you can explore our treated pine options.

Pros:

  • Visually appealing because it adds contrast or complements the timber trims.

  • Can be stained or painted to suit your home's personality and your neighbourhood's expectations.

  • Works well on fences with rails or frames that provide proper support.

Cons:

  • Requires repainting or sealing to protect against sun and moisture. It essentially becomes your fence's high-maintenance friend.

  • Combustible, which may not suit bushfire-prone zones where fire safety trumps aesthetic preferences.

  • Not directly compatible with corrugated Hardie sheets. Hey, even building materials have compatibility issues.

Timber capping is best reserved for residential fences with supportive framing, not panel-only.

Hardie systems that prefer their capping solutions to be covered, more straightforward and less demanding.

Comparing Capping Options: Metal vs Fibre Cement vs Timber

IMAGE (7).png

As you can see, metal capping wins most categories like that reliable friend who always shows up on time.

Unfortunately, timber capping is the option that looks great but demands high maintenance, making it hard to determine long-term usability .

Fence Capping and Safety Compliance in the ACT

Canberra homes, especially those built before 1990, may still have asbestos fencing. It lurks like an unwelcome reminder of when we thought asbestos was a miracle material rather than a health hazard.

These fences often feature fibre cement capping and must be handled with care. Disturbing asbestos products without proper precautions is dangerous.

Plus, it may be illegal, which is never a good combination.

To stay safe and avoid becoming a cautionary tale, consider getting tests done in laboratories.

  • Do not drill or cut old fibre cement without testing, because curiosity definitely killed more than just cats in this case.

  • Contact an ACT-licensed asbestos removalist who actually knows what they're doing. Do not attempt DIY heroics.

  • Use non asbestos capping and fence sheets for replacements that won't require hazmat suits to install

Also, if your capping is part of a pool barrier, make sure it complies with ACT pool safety regulations.

Where to Buy Fence Capping for Hardie Fences in Canberra

IMAGE (7).png

Need dependable fence capping materials in the ACT? Tired of driving to multiple suppliers only to find they're out of stock and get torn cardboard packaging ?

1. Pinus Sawmills - Queanbeyan

A trusted local supplier with a range of materials that won't leave you questioning your life choices:

  • Metal capping to suit fibre cement fences with proper fit and finish.

  • Treated timber capping in H3 pine and hardwood for those who appreciate natural aesthetics.

  • Delivery across Canberra and surrounds. Nobody enjoys loading fence materials into a hatchback.

Browse their fence capping range for high-quality options. More importantly, get expert advice from people who know the difference between various capping types.

Other local suppliers:

Bunnings Warehouse (ACT locations)

Stocks standard steel and timber fence capping plus snags on weekends.

Stratco Fyshwick

Custom capping and flashings for projects that require precision

ClickSteel (online)

Delivers pre-painted metal fence components to Canberra faster than most takeaway orders.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Fence Capping for Your Hardie Fence

The right capping will extend the life of your fence and improve its appearance. Who won't want to remove the long-term maintenance that makes weekend chores feel less like a punishment.

Metal capping is the most durable and compatible choice for Hardie fences in Canberra. Especially on asbestos-free properties where health concerns don't compete with aesthetic preferences.

Timber capping can enhance visual appeal on supported fences. It's for those who appreciate natural materials. Whereas fibre cement capping is outdated.

Best to avoid it, especially if there's any risk of asbestos lurking like an unwelcome surprise from the past.

For expert advice and top-quality materials, visit Pinus Sawmills.

Call now to find the perfect fence capping for your next project. You won’t regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of capping works best with Hardie fences?

Metal capping is the best all-round solution due to its durability and weather resistance. But most importantly, its compatibility with modern HardieFence systems.

It's like choosing the reliable friend over the dramatic one when you need something that actually works.

Can I use fibre cement capping on a new fence?

No. Fibre cement capping is outdated and typically used on older asbestos fences. It's not recommended for modern, asbestos-free Hardie fences. It's not like you'd use a cassette player with a smartphone.

Is timber capping suitable for Hardie fences?

Only if your fence has a top rail or frame for proper support. Timber capping looks great but requires regular upkeep in Canberra's climate. It's the type that tests everything from relationships to building materials.

How can I tell if my fence contains asbestos?

Look for clues like fibre cement capping, a layered sheet appearance, or aged material. They scream "built when asbestos seemed like a good idea." Always get testing done before disturbing it because this isn't the time for DIY detective work.

Where can I buy fence capping in Canberra?

Pinus Sawmills in Queanbeyan is a trusted local supplier for timber and metal fence capping options. They won't require driving across three territories to find the type of capping that works best with Hardie Fences.