What is Commercial Hoarding?

Commercial hoarding is a temporary barrier system used to secure and shield construction or renovation sites from public access. It plays a vital role in site safety, access control, and legal compliance.

From keeping pedestrians safe to protecting site assets and providing a prime space for branding, hoarding is an essential part of managing active worksites across Australia. Whether for a short-term retail fitout or a long-term infrastructure project, the right hoarding solution ensures your site remains safe, compliant, and professional-looking from day one.

Commercial Hoarding Explained

Commercial hoarding is a protective structure installed around or over construction zones to create a physical and visual boundary between the public and active work areas.

There are two main types:

Class A Hoarding – A ground-level wall system used to enclose or separate the site perimeter.
Type B / Gantry Hoarding – Incorporates overhead protection for walkways and public spaces, ideal for high-traffic areas where work is being carried out above.

Hoarding can be constructed from timber, steel, or modular counterweighted panels, depending on the site’s safety requirements, project duration, and branding needs.

Why is Commercial Hoarding Necessary?

The installation of commercial hoarding is more than a formality; it’s a critical part of responsible site management. Hoarding provides a physical and visual barrier, protecting both the public and your project assets. It also opens up branding opportunities, turning what could be a plain wall into a high-visibility marketing space.

Commercial hoarding is necessary when:

Public safety – Prevents unauthorised access and shields pedestrians from debris or hazards.
Site security – Deters theft, trespassing, and vandalism by restricting visibility and entry.
Branding opportunity – Surfaces can be used for signage, project visuals, or advertising.
Regulatory requirement – Often mandated by local councils and governed by Australian standards like the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy and the WorkSafe Australia Guidelines.

Benefits of Commercial Hoarding

Commercial hoarding offers far more than basic site separation. By choosing a high-quality, professionally installed system, businesses can protect people, safeguard valuable assets, and maintain a strong public image throughout the project.

The main benefits include:

Ensured safety for workers and pedestrians
Improved site security
Professional appearance during works
Branding and messaging opportunities
Reduced risk of theft, in accordance with the Preventing Building Site Theft guidelines

What Does Installing Commercial Hoarding Involve?

Installing commercial hoarding is a planned process that balances safety, compliance, durability, and presentation. Professionals should manage each stage to ensure the structure is secure, compliant, and suited to the site.

Design & Engineering

A site assessment determines the best configuration, from timber and metal to modular or counterweighted systems. The design must account for wind loading, safe pedestrian access, and site integration, with clear signage and protective measures in high-traffic areas.

Permits & Compliance

Many projects require council permits, especially when hoarding impacts public spaces. Compliance with Australian standards is critical to ensure legal and safety obligations are met.

Installation & Maintenance

CM3-certified teams install the hoarding using secure fixings for stability. Ongoing inspections are essential, with prompt repairs for damage caused by weather or impact, keeping the hoarding safe and compliant throughout the project.

When Should Hoarding Be Used and Reviewed?

Hoarding should be installed before any work begins on most active commercial sites. This ensures that the public is protected from potential hazards, site access is controlled, and regulatory requirements are met from day one.

Once in place, hoarding should be reviewed at regular intervals to make sure it remains safe, secure, and compliant.

Key review points include:

Checking structural integrity so that panels, supports, and fixings remain stable in all weather conditions
Confirming ongoing compliance with the latest council approvals, Australian Standards, and safety regulations
Making adjustments to suit changing site access points, altered pedestrian routes, or new project phases
Inspecting for wear, damage, or vandalism and carrying out prompt repairs or replacements where needed

By following a consistent review schedule, you can extend the lifespan of your hoarding and maintain a professional, compliant site boundary throughout the project.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While hoarding is a straightforward concept, poor planning or execution can lead to compliance issues and safety risks. Understanding the common pitfalls helps avoid costly problems and delays.

Mistakes include:

Installing without required permits
Ignoring structural engineering requirements
Neglecting ongoing maintenance
Missing branding opportunities

Why Choose BSG Commercial?

BSG Commercial provides expert commercial renovation and hoarding solutions that combine safety, compliance, and branding potential. With CM3-certified teams and the ability to supply, install, and maintain both Class A and Type B systems, we deliver tailored solutions for projects of any size.

Experienced team delivering tailored solutions
Full-service approach from design to completion
Qualified trades ensuring top-notch craftsmanship
Quick turnaround with clear, constant communication
No compromise on quality, every step of the way
On-time and on-budget delivery, guaranteed

Secure Your Site with Confidence

Keep your project safe, compliant, and looking professional from day one. BSG Commercial delivers fully certified hoarding solutions designed to meet Australian safety standards and council requirements.