Different Types of Hoardings and How to Secure Them — Without Compromising Safety or Compliance

Let’s be real: hoardings are more than visual blockers. They’re barriers, safety buffers, legal requirements, and — when done right — the backbone of a secure, compliant construction site. But here’s what most people get wrong: different types of hoardings and how to secure them isn’t a copy-paste formula.

Your site isn’t like everyone else’s — so why treat hoarding that way?

This guide will walk you through the different types of hoardings and how to secure them the right way — based on actual risk, site location, and duration — not wishful thinking.

1. Timber Hoardings: The Heavyweight Choice

You’ll see timber hoardings across major commercial builds and tight CBD zones. These are solid, ply-faced walls fixed to frames and often used when you want to block visibility and reduce noise.

How to secure them:

  • Bolt into slab or core-drilled footings

  • Add cross-bracing or kickers for stability

  • Factor in wind-load calculations — this matters more than you think

  • Install an entry portal that locks securely at the end of each day

Solid timber works — but only if you treat it like a permanent install. Reinforce everything. Treat every open edge like a weak point.

2. Portable Panel Hoardings: Speed vs. Stability

Portable panels (often mistaken for temporary fencing) are a go-to for short-term projects. They’re modular, light, and fast to install — but they’re only as secure as their setup.

How to lock them down:

  • Weight every base — concrete blocks minimum

  • Use stabilisers every 3 panels

  • Clamp joints to reduce movement

  • Don’t place near pedestrian zones without visual screening

When you rent hoardings like this, don’t just accept the delivery and move on. Check the bracing and ask if it’s compliant with AS 4687 standards.

3. A-Class Hoardings: For Clean, Internal Zones

Need to separate dusty works from customers inside a shopping centre or airport? A-Class hoardings are your answer — clean, controlled, and often temporary.

Securing tips:

  • Compression-fit from floor to ceiling

  • Use seals or foam to block airflow and debris

  • Make sure emergency egress isn’t blocked

  • Avoid using mesh or gaps — total enclosure matters

Unlike outdoor fencing, the risk here is reputational. No one wants a dusty site next to their retail counter.

4. Gantry and Wind-Loading Hoardings: High-Risk, High Stakes

If your site runs adjacent to a pedestrian walkway or faces heavy wind, your hoarding needs structural reinforcement — aka, wind-loading hoardings or gantry systems.

Here’s how to do it right:

  • Engineer the structure — don’t freelance

  • Install debris-rated overhead protection

  • Add slip-resistant walkways and lighting under gantries

  • Comply with council and site-specific wind load ratings

These hoardings don’t get a second chance. If they fail, someone gets hurt — or worse.

5. Mesh Fencing: Only Use It Internally (Seriously)

Mesh-style temporary fencing is fine for separating internal areas or marking site boundaries in low-risk environments. But don’t count on it for perimeter security.

How to stabilise it:

  • Sandbag or bolt every base

  • Brace it every 6 metres

  • Clamp tightly to reduce panel movement

  • Keep away from roads and high-wind exposure

Think of this as a visibility tool — not a serious barrier.

Universal Rules for Hoarding Security

No matter what system you install, these rules always apply:

  • Anchor it like it’s permanent

  • Always factor in wind-loading hoardings — Perth weather changes fast

  • Use secure entry portals that lock daily

  • If you rent hoardings, make sure the setup includes bracing and compliance certification

  • Inspect weekly — movement = failure waiting to happen

The common thread across different types of hoardings and how to secure them is this: don’t treat any of it as “temporary” when it comes to safety.

Final Word: Know the Risks, Choose the Right System

Every construction site has its own challenges. That’s why understanding the different types of hoardings and how to secure them is critical — not just for compliance, but to keep your people, the public, and your project safe.

Whether you’re managing a stripout in the CBD, a multi-storey development in Fremantle, or a retail fitout in a shopping centre, the hoarding you choose — and how you secure it — sets the tone for the entire job.

Need help choosing the right hoarding system or looking to rent hoardings in Perth? Get in touch with Hoardings WA — they’ll help you find the best option based on site risk, location, and compliance needs.
Location: 6 Noble St, Kewdale WA 6105, Australia

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