Urban Metal FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

About Us

Who exactly is Urban Metal and how long have you been around?

Urban Metal first opened it’s doors in 2008 when the idea of decorative screening was only in its infancy. Since those early days, Urban Metal has evolved to become one of Australia’s most recognisable Decorative Screening brands. Distinctively unique in style, with a reputation for outstanding service, we now work not only with private residential clients but also with some of the country’s leading architects, designers and landscapers, enhancing spaces and bringing people together through creative design.

What exactly do you do?

Driven by curiosity, we thrive on challenging creativity and what is expected when designing for a space.

We enhance experience through the creation and design of decorative screens. Ultimately, elevating spaces to bring people together.

We work with private residential clients, landscapers, interior designers, architects and builders. We can work on a ‘supply only’ basis, supplying panels for other contractors such as gate fabricators and building trades.

Decorative Screens – Outdoor Screens – Privacy Screens – Gates – Fences – Infill Panels – Pool Fence Panels – Legacy Panels – Commemorative Pieces – Public Art Installations – Entry Feature Screens – Visual Branding – Names – House Plates – Letters & Numbers

How are you different from everyone else? What sets you apart?

We achieve this by:

Challenging Creativity – We collaborate with our clients during the design process. We’re not afraid to challenge the norm and we take a significantly different approach to our competitors. We thrive on the challenge of pushing our creativity to the limits and we like to bring you along for the ride.
Excellence in Ideas and Innovation. We take the time to create decorative pieces which will ‘wow’ our clients and their expectations of design. We strive for originality, imagination and out-of-the-box ideas as the same old ideas just don’t work anymore. Our designs are fresh, original and distinctively different.
Elevating Experience: We do so much more than ‘just design’. We focus on the holistic feel and personality of your space, not just how it looks. We spend time getting to know you to determine exactly what is missing and what will add value.
Collaboration: Working with you, rather than creating work for you. We value your ideas and input

We build relationships with our clients and go the extra mile.

I love your work but I have no idea what I need, can you help me?

Absolutely. We offer a full service package and you can choose to engage us in whatever capacity suits your needs. We start with a brief phone/email conversation to establish a brief outline of the project. After providing a basic idea of pricing, you can then opt to have a design consultation which will take your project to the next level. Based in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast and prefer to do all of this in person. Fabulous. We can arrange for a design consultation in your home or work space to discuss your project.

We take the time to get to know you, our client, to build a relationship with you so that we can service you beyond your expectations. Though this process, we can then ensure that the products you walk away with will enhance the space in which you live, work or play.

We’re not from Brisbane, does that matter?

No problem at all. We work on projects of all sizes, Australia wide. Some of our largest projects are based in locations where we had previously never been. The design brief and consultation can be conducted via phone, email or video conference. All artwork files are emailed through for approval regardless of where you reside Brisbane, Gold Coast or interstate. Screens are regularly shipped Australia wide, including remote destinations.

I have engaged an Interior Designer, can you work out details together?

Yes! We love collaborating with other like-minded creatives. We can work with yourself and your contractor or we can work solely with the contractor with one of us taking the lead.

About Decorative Screens

How do I know if you are the right decorative screen business for me?

Distinctively different during every step of the process. Our screens ignite conversations, inspire creativity and create spaces built for connections, not just fill them. Not content with creating a standard set of designs which are replicated over and over, our designs are fresh, relevant, and engaging. We are a boutique business and our focus is on bespoke projects. We aim to enhance experience through creativity and design, by elevating spaces to bring people together. If you want more than ‘just decorative screens’ then we are the right choice for you. Through every touch point, our ultimate aim is to provide a high quality product with service to match. Exceeding your expectations every step of the way.

Your website doesn’t show pricing, how do I know how much they cost?

You can click the Instant Quote link on our site to receive a ball park figure. This can be used as a guide only as every project is cut to order and therefore varies in price depending upon design, material, size and quantity of screens required.

What information do you require so that you can work our an accurate price?

The more information you can provide, the better. Initially we will provide basic pricing to establish whether or not we are a good fit for your project. If you can provide approximate sizes and quantities we can start to form a design brief. Do you have images of your project location – even better. We are getting to know you and your requirements and the more information you can provide, the more accurate the pricing.

How do I know which material best suits my project?

Great question. The main options are: Powder coated aluminium; Stainless Steel (brushed satin finish or mirrored); Weathering Steel (LYTEN/Corten); Mild Steel. Depending upon your location, and where the screens will be mounted, we can talk you through the various options.

How do the screens attach to my wall? Are fixtures included?

Fixtures are not included in your initial quotation however they can be supplied at an additional cost. We have a great range of options to suit every application.

Stand off screws to allow your screen to be offset from the wall.

Mounting pins can be added to the rear of your panel for screens fixing into block work

Framework

Custom Brackets

Adjustable footings

Fixtures can also be colour matched to your decorative screen

What about installation? Can I D.I.Y or do you offer installation?

If you are a wiz with measurements and quite handy with a drill, then the chances are you would have to trouble measuring the space, supplying the measurements to us for fabrication and installing your decorative screens. For Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast clients, we do offer site measure and installation (additional fees apply). Our installers are true professionals and have a black belt of skills to complete your project with precision. Outside our serviced area, no problem, we are happy to work with your local tradesmen to coordinate the project on your behalf.

My project is complicated, it’s more than ‘just screens’, can you help?

Yes. We love a challenge and thrive on doing things differently from our competitors. Show us your plans! Our designs are innovative and inspiring. Designs are created not to just fill a space, rather, to enhance it. Our process is built on collaboration, working with you, rather than just for you.

I’m an architect just in the planning stage of the project, is it to early to discuss?

It’s never too early to start the conversation about decorative and how they can best be incorporated into your upcoming projects. Discussing screen options early means that panels can be designed to suit your budget and wont fall into the trap of specifying decorative screens in unusual or expensive sizes. Did you know we also offer a ‘design only’ service for professionals such as yourself. You can engage our services to design all of your decorative screening requirements. Sample designs which can be used for quotation and tendering purposes or complete design files ready for fabrication. Ask us how.

Our garden needs a complete makeover, how much of the work can you undertake? Do your services include more than screens?

While one of our team may secretly wish that she was a landscape architect and has an obsessive love of all things green and garden related, sadly we are not. We do however have a top of the line black-book of landscapers and tradesmen who we have worked with in the past to whom we often refer our clients. Our installers also have a great skill set and often can complete small complimentary jobs which save you from outsourcing to other contractors. Ask us how.

I love everything about your proposal but your price is higher than what I can get through some cheaper firms. Why is this?

We know that we are not the cheapest on the market, nor do we want to be. All good things take time and as they say, time is money. We have a wealth of experience, our designs are second to none, and we choose only to work with the best contractors who also work to the same expectations and high standards in both service and product. We are constantly praised for exceeding the expectations of our clients, we don’t compromise and we certainly don’t settle for mediocre. When we design and create, we are not aiming for ‘nice’ we are aiming for ‘wow’. To do this, it means we do things very differently from our competitors. Innovative, unique designs and ideas, different specifications in material, fabrication practices which are above and beyond. Customised fixtures and framework. Hidden joins wherever possible. Coloured-matched, decorative fittings and rarely a pop-rivet in sight. We understand that we don’t suit all budgets and we still have relationships with clients who haven’t proceeded with us who have stated “I wish we had” .

About Design

Your designs are beautiful, however I don’t know which one to choose?

No problem. Working out which of our standard designs, or creating something custom, to best elevate the space to enhance experience is all part of our service. By conducting a design consultation at the start of the project, we get to know you, our client to work this out together.

Can you create a custom design for my space?

Yes! In fact, custom design is what we do best. It is the area in which we excel and is heart and soul of Urban Metal. All of our designs are created by our Founder and Head Designer, Deborah Bauer in her Brisbane studio. Deborah’s approach is unique to her competitors, all designs are built through innovation, experience and collaboration, working closely with people and their desired space to enhance the overall experience. Be it in a private residence, commercial space, school grounds or public spaces, the process is always built around the same core values.

Do your designs meet pool compliancy code regulations?

We have a range of Urban Metal designs which do adhere to pool compliancy regulations and many of our designs can be altered to fit code specifications. The basis of each of these designs is based around open area percentages, hole sizes and climb ability. Please ask us how.

I have my own design, can we use that for my decorative screen?

Yes! Collaboration is all part of the process. We work with you and encourage your ideas and input. If you have a design ready to go, for a small fee we can turn your artwork files or hand drawings into beautiful decorative screen designs

Can I change the scale of your design so that it better suits my requirements?

No problem. During the design consultation, we talk in depth about scale of design, elements within the design, open area percentages and viewing distances. Getting these details correct is crucial to exceeding expectations for the final outcome.

Colours are not my forte’, how do I know which powder coat colour to choose?

We will walk you step by step through the colour selection process. Our team are experts when it comes to colour selection and can also arrange for samples to be sent to your home so that you can view the colour/colours under different lighting conditions.

Your designs are really unique, what is your process and where do you get your inspiration?

Deborah Bauer is the founder and designer behind Urban Metal.

As a designer with 10-years experience and a passion for art, design and architecture. Deborah’s mission for Urban Metal is to enhance experience through creativity and design, elevating spaces to bring people together. Deborah’s approach is unique to her competitors, all designs are built through innovation, experience and collaboration, working closely with people and their desired space to enhance the overall experience, aesthetic and feel. Deborah’s talent lies in not only knowing how and why custom designed screens will enhance a space through colour, texture and bespoke features but by spending the time getting to know the space and the personality of it, her designs can transform an entire home, school or feel of a commercial space promoting a sense of positivity, innovation, relaxation and collaboration. Inspiration comes either from Deborah’s own narrative, or developed through a collaborative process by getting to know you, the client. From here, the designs my require Deborah to research certain plant species, travel destinations, styles of architecture or city scapes. Designs are first hand drawn before they are created ready for fabrication.

We would love to work with you however we have found a design on another website - can you copy this?

This is a hard and fast NO from us. Our designs are the heart and soul of our business, each carefully considered and created with a particular story behind the details. We respect our fellow designers in the decorative screening community and don’t believe in using the work of others. If you have a particular style you like, there is probably a very good chance that we would have something similar on file, if not, we are happy to create a custom pattern which fits the same theme, challenging our own creativity and yours along the way.

If I have a design idea which is really complex, are you up for the job?

Yes, yes and yes. Innovation and ideas which challenge creativity are just two of the driving elements behind our brand. We love a challenge, don’t do cookie-cutter, and love outside-the-box ideas.

We are an architectural firm working on a project which has a large design component - do you offer ‘design only’ services?

We certainly also offer a ‘design only’ service for professionals such as yourself. You can engage our services to design all of your decorative screening requirements. Full design files ready for fabrication or sample sections which can be used for quotation and tendering. The benefit to you: we are the experts in custom-designed laser cut screens. Our designs are engaging, innovative, ignite conversations and are built around the philosophy of enhancing spaces to build connections. These designs are created through a collaborative process. By getting to know the client and the design brief, we can then use this information to build a narrative, research relevant options, and design carefully considered decorative screens which bring people and spaces together. While we are taking the time to create these designs, your time is freed up to do what you do best.

Help - we need privacy screens on our windows, how do I know how much privacy your designs offer?

The percentage of open area will be discussed during the design consolation and if required, you can be quite specific in nominating exactly how much open area you would like for your privacy screens. During the design process, you will receive a full set of design files. Information in these files also includes statistics regarding the open area of each panel.

Balustrade regulations advise that hole sizes need to be no larger than a specific size. Do your designs accommodate for these regulations?

Yes – this is something which is required for many applications. Holes sizes, open area percentages, spacing between frames….

After my recent trip to India, I am in love with their architectural design. Can we design something which brings their culture into my own home?

Can we start now !?! Our head designer, Deborah Bauer has over 10-years experience and a passion for art, design and architecture. Deborah’s mission for Urban Metal is to enhance experience through creativity and design, elevating spaces to bring people together. Deborah’s approach is unique to her competitors, all designs are built through innovation, experience and collaboration, working closely with people and their desired space to enhance the overall experience, aesthetic and feel. Deborah’s talent lies in not only knowing how and why custom designed screens will enhance a space through colour, texture and bespoke features but by spending the time getting to know the space and the personality of it, her designs can transform an entire home, school or feel of a commercial space promoting a sense of positivity, innovation, relaxation and collaboration. She has travelled extensively and often draws upon these experiences for our inhouse creations. Working on projects based on others travel experiences are some of her favourite projects to date.

I have a slight obsession with ...cockatoos ... lizards ... coy fish ..... pineapples .... (insert favourite item) .... can we include one of these into one of your standard designs?

We’ve done it before, numerous times in fact, and we can do it again. Did you know that Bird designs are a REALLY popular option right now?

My outdoor space is my sanctuary, yet it’s lacking something? How can you help me get the most out of my space?

Oh yes we can. Collaboration is a key aspect of our design service. By working closely with people and their desired space to enhance the overall experience, aesthetic and feel. During the design process, you will work with our designer Deborah, who has a natural way of challenging your creativity and hers are the same time. Deborah’s talent lies in not only knowing how and why custom designed screens will enhance a space through colour, texture and bespoke features but by spending the time getting to know the space and the personality of it, her designs can transform an entire home, school or feel of a commercial space promoting a sense of positivity, innovation, relaxation and collaboration.

My neighbours have sold their home and we suspect a developer will knock it down and build. Should I be thinking about privacy screens now?

Yes! Planning ahead can save a lot of time, money and heartache. If you feel the build on your neighbours property will adversely the lifestyle you currently live, then you really should be planning ahead. So often we are called in to create screens which will help the home owners regain their sense of belonging in their own home. By carefully planning ahead, certain steps can be taken to make this process more affordable, less stressful and timely.

Too late! The construction site next door is now a huge, (beautiful?), modern home and the windows overlook my alfresco area, what do I do?

Give us a call. We talk to clients almost on a daily basis for this exact issue. We can enhance and elevate your space so that it once again becomes your own. There are also details which need consideration in regards to Council rules, regulations, certification which may need to be considered.

Our neighbours are really lovely, however we don’t want to see them. We are thinking about the design of our privacy screens to block them out, how high can we go?

Great question -give us a call. We talk to clients almost on a daily basis for this exact issue. We can enhance and elevate your space so that it once again becomes your own. There are also details which need consideration in regards to Council rules, regulations, certification which may need to be considered.

I feel like my home is no longer my own now that the builders have put up a ghastly timber fence and the new build towers above our property, should we move?

Definitely (most likely) not. Let’s chat and discuss your options. It doesn’t matter how much we like our neighbours, when your privacy has been taken away through no choice of your own, we understand this situation can cause a great deal of heartache and stress. We all want to be afforded our own privacy. We are all about enhancing and elevating spaces through creativity and design. Our screens will become a focal point in your home, igniting conversations, inspiring your experiences within the space and ultimately aim to connect people together and spark feelings of positivity. We will help you to reclaim your home by shifting the focus and elevating your experiences.

Can your designs complement our landscaping?

Sure can. We have a wide range of botanical designs on file. Custom designs are also what we do best. If you have a specific plant or leaf you would like to include, then we are a great fit for you.

I can’t see any pricing for custom design work. Can I get a ball park figure?

Do we get to approve our designs before fabrication starts? What happens if I require some changes?

You sure do. Prior to the commencement of fabrication you will receive a full set of working drawings which show all elements of the project. They are emailed through so that you can carefully check the design elements, measurements and any other details which may have been included. You are permitted to request changes to these files. There is no charge for the initial changes.

We have decided to proceed with a custom design. How much input can we have?

We are all about collaboration. At Urban Metal, we don’t just create custom designs for you, we work with you and encourage your input and ideas through a collaborative approach. We encourage you to enjoy the process of working with us, rather just focussing on the end result. It is through a collaborative approach that allows us to create the best result for you.

How many changes can I request on my design?

Generally 3 changes are permitted.

I have a fabric sample which I would like to use as inspiration for our design. Can you work with this? How much would this add to my project costs?

We can use anything you provide as a source of inspiration for design. To create a custom design based on fabric sample, custom design fees start from $125.00.

We’ve been told our decorative screens are ‘over standard sizes’. What does this mean?

This means your screens sizes are larger than ‘standard’ sized sheets of material.

Stainless Steel / Aluminium / Mild Steel : 1200mm x 2400 mm or 1500mm x 3000mm

Weathering Steel (Corten) : 1200mm x 2400mm or 1200mm x 3000mm

We can supply decorative screens in larger sizes (we just need a little extra time to order in custom sized sheets of material) : up to 2000mm x 6000mm

Can I you supply my ‘oversized’ screen in just one panel. I don’t want to see any joins?

Yes offer both options. Supplied in two pieces of cut from custom oversized sheets. We just need a little extra time to order in custom sized sheets of material) : up to 2000mm x 6000mm

We require our decorative screens to be framed for additional stability. Can you create drawings which will show how the panels will sit within the frames?

Yes we can. Prior to the commencement of fabrication you will receive a full set of working drawings which show all elements of the project, including framework.

About The Process

Wow! We love your website content, how do we talk to you about our project?

Thank you ! You can give us a call on 07 31027130 or email enquiry@urbanmetal.com.au

We know we want to engage your business for our screens however we don’t have a plan and don’t know where to begin. Can you provide a brief rundown of your process ?

At Urban Metal, service is at the core of what we do. Through every touchpoint, our ultimate aim is to provide a high quality, custom service to you and to exceed your expectations. We take the time to get to know you, your style, ask you questions to get to know you. To us, it’s not just about serving you but building a relationship with you.

We are ready to start ! How much deposit do I need to pay?

The deposit required to get your project started is 40%. Once you confirm you are ready to proceed, an invoice will be sent through to you with details regarding the payment of the deposit.

We love your proposal. How do we get started?

To get the project started you will need to pay a 40% deposit. Once the deposit has been received, we will set up a time for a design consultation securing which we will take a deeper in-depth look at your project requirements whilst getting to know you along the way.

Do we need to pay for the full project upfront?

No. For the project to commence we require a 40% deposit. Balance of your invoice will be payable once fabrication is complete, prior to delivery.

Our project is nearly complete. When do I need to pay the balance of my invoice?

Once your decorative screens are complete and ready for delivery we will send through your final invoice. The balance is due prior to delivery.

Can I arrange for a design consultation prior to the commencement of my project?

Yes of course you can! Sometimes, during the initial stages of the project, pricing is discussed however you might still be in the stage of requiring a more in-depth discuss and overview of our proposal. We do offer the option of having a design/site consultation prior to receiving the deposit payment. There is a small cost for this service of $185.00 however, providing your project does proceed, this amount is refunded against your final invoice.

I’ve just booked my design consultation! What should I expect?

The design consultation – where we get to know all about your project,.. and you. We take a unique approach to our competitors. During the design consultation we start to gather the information we require to form the basis of our design concept. All designs are built through innovation, experience and collaboration, whereby we will work closely with you and your desired space to enhance the overall experience through design, colour and texture. We do this best by spending the time getting to know the space and the personality of it. Not only do we discuss design, we look at the placement of the decorative screens, viewing distances, scale of design, open area percentages and of course , colour. The design consultation takes approximately 40 minutes. For our interstate clients, this process takes place either via video conference, phone or email.

Now that I’ve paid my deposit how soon will I receive my design files?

Once you have paid your deposit the next step will be the design consultation. For projects which do not require the design consult, or design consult is complete and you have chosen a design from our existing range, you should expect to have your design files within 24-48 hours for approval. For custom designs, this will depend upon the complexity of the design. Your design consultation should provide an estimation of time frame during the consultation.

Custom design? Yes please! What’s the process? How long does it take?

Custom design …. this is where we excel. All custom design projects will be overseen by our head designer, and founder, Deborah Bauer. All custom designs are built through innovation, experience and collaboration, working closely with you the client and your desired space to create a design which will enhance the overall experience, aesthetic and feel.

We thrive on challenging creativity and what is expected when designing for a space. We work with you and encourage you to enjoy the process of working with us, rather than just focussing on the end result. We value your ideas and input.

A thorough design consultation whereby we view the space, gather all relevant information in regards to possible design ideas, discuss the pros and cons of each option. We will also talk about scale of design, viewing distances and colour.

Express orders? Our landscaper is almost finished with our landscaping project. How quickly can I get screens so that he can install?

Tricky question. We do offer an express service however this is often dependent upon additional services such as powder coating lead times etc. Standard lead time for the supply of panels only is 10-14 working days, however , by taking advantage of our Express Service the process can often be significantly reduced in time. Please speak to us directly and let us know at the start of the process if an Express Service is required.

Express Order Fee : $225.00

I am having trouble choosing a powder coating colour. Do you have suggestions and can you send me some samples?

Yes, no problem. Are you familiar with the colours Tiberius, Poyple, or Bright Spark? Thinking a more traditional option…white? Which ‘white’ would you choose: Flat White, Zeus White, Arctic White, Off White, Shoji White, White Birch, Bright White, White Satin, Barrister White, Pearl White or Classic Pearl White? Colour, along with design, is our forte’. Choosing the right colour for your decorative screens is imperative to a great , even if the colour will be ‘white’. During the design consultation, we will look at all the aesthetics of the project and help you choose a colour which will ultimately enhance your space. Samples can also be supplied so that you can check the colour and view the colour sample under different lighting conditions.

I have just approved your drawings. What time frame should be allowed for fabrication?

Your lead time will be advised once drawings have been approved. We generally say to allow 10-14 working days for projects which require screens only. For more complex projects, lead times may be 4-6 weeks. Do you require screens urgently – speak to us about our Express Option.

Our screens are ready! How do we arrange delivery?

Relax – we will take care of that for you. During the initial design brief and quotation process, we will advise an estimated cost for freight. Once your project is complete, we will arrange delivery of your decorative screens on your behalf. Do you have your own preferred freight company – no problem, we are more than happy for you to take the lead and collections details will be provided.

About Freight

My screens are ready to go. How will they be packaged for delivery?

Once your project is complete we will send your some images of the completed decorative screens. The screens will then be securely wrapped and packed on a wooden pallet ready for delivery.

I have my own preferred freight contractor. Can I use them?

Absolutely! Once your invoice has been paid in full, collection details, along with size of pallet and weight will be advised so that you can arrange your own freight.

Thanks for booking our freight. How long will it take for delivery?

An estimation of freight will be advised once the freight has been booked. At the start of the quotation process, we can also provide an estimation of freight time however it is always best to confirm this time frame prior to collection. For Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast projects, delivery is normally the same day.

When my screens arrive, do I need to be at home?

The best answer to this question is yes. There are ways we can get around this if necessary however we do prefer that you are at home to receive the goods.

How heavy are the screens?

The weight of the pallet will vary for every project. Weight of the pallet will be advised prior to delivery.

My quotation says I can pay additional for a ‘tail gate lift’. What does this mean?

For standard freight costs, unless you have a forklift on site, there is an expectation that you (and two to three of your helpful friends/family) will be available to help off load the pallet from the vehicle. We do offer a tail gate option for $135.00 which means that the delivery vehicle will have a mechanical lift which will offload the pallet without any assistance required.

About Installation