Fence Types and Per-Metre Cost Comparison
The type of fence you choose determines both the upfront cost and the maintenance commitment over its lifespan. Here is what each option costs per lineal metre, fully installed (1.8m height, standard conditions).
Colorbond steel fencing is manufactured by BlueScope and sold through brands like Lysaght (Smartascreen, Neetascreen profiles) and Stratco (Good Neighbour range). A standard 1.8m Colorbond panel starts at around $121 per panel (supply only). The "Good Neighbour" profile looks identical on both sides, which avoids the neighbour getting the "bad side" of the fence. BlueScope offers a 15-year warranty on materials.
Post Types and What They Cost
The post is the structural backbone of every fence. Post choice affects both durability and installed cost.
Each post also needs a concrete footing, adding roughly $25–$35 per post in concrete costs. Posts are typically spaced at 2.4m centres for standard fencing, closer (1.8–2.1m) in wind-exposed locations.
Gate Costs
Gates are priced separately from fencing and can be a meaningful portion of the total.
Timber pedestrian gate (single, 900mm–1200mm wide): $300–$800 installed, depending on timber species and hardware
Timber double driveway gate (manual, 3–4m opening): $1,200–$3,000 installed
Automated sliding gate (Colorbond or aluminium, motor included): $3,500–$7,000 installed. Quality residential motors from brands like ATA and Centurion cost $700–$1,200 for the unit alone
Pool gate (self-closing, self-latching, AS 1926.1 compliant): $400–$1,200 depending on material
What Affects the Cost
Total length (lineal metres). The primary multiplier. A 15-metre side boundary is half the cost of a full 50-metre perimeter replacement.
Material choice. Treated pine paling at $75–$120/m versus hardwood at $180–$350/m creates a 2–3x cost difference before gates and extras.
Fence height. Standard boundary fences are 1.8 metres. Going taller to 2.1 metres for extra privacy adds material and may require council approval in some areas.
Ground slope. Fencing on flat ground is straightforward. Stepped or raked panels on sloping blocks take more time and skill, adding 15–25% to the per-metre rate.
Gates. A single pedestrian gate is a modest add-on ($300–$800). Automated driveway gates ($3,500–$7,000) can cost more than a short fence run.
Old fence removal. Pulling down and disposing of an existing fence adds to the cost. Old posts set deep in concrete are the most labour-intensive to remove. Some homeowners do this themselves to save.
Soil conditions. Sandy soils (common in Perth) are quick to dig but need wider footings to prevent post movement. Reactive clay (parts of Adelaide, Melbourne) requires deeper footings. Rocky ground or sandstone (parts of Sydney) slows post hole digging and may need rock-breaking equipment.
Underground services. Call
Dial Before You Dig on 1100 before any post holes are started. Water, gas, and telecom lines commonly run along property boundaries.
A short treated pine paling fence on a flat block with easy access and no gates sits toward $2,000. A full-boundary hardwood fence on a sloping block with double driveway gates, old fence removal, and difficult soil pushes toward $10,200.
Dividing Fence Rules by State
Under each state's Dividing Fences Act, neighbours generally share the cost of a "sufficient" dividing fence equally. If you want to upgrade beyond the sufficient standard (e.g. hardwood instead of pine), you pay the difference. The key variations are the notice periods and dispute resolution bodies.
A good fencing contractor will be familiar with the notice process in your state and can advise on what constitutes a "sufficient" fence for your area.
Australian Standards for Fencing
Two standards are most relevant to residential fencing work:
AS 1684 Residential Timber-Framed Construction covers structural timber requirements including post sizing, bracing, and tie-downs. Compliance provides Deemed-to-Satisfy status under the
National Construction Code.
AS 1926.1 Swimming Pool Safety sets requirements for pool barriers: minimum 1.2m height, 900mm non-climbable zone on the outside, maximum 100mm gaps, and self-closing, self-latching gates that swing away from the pool. Every state enforces pool fencing compliance, and a safety inspection is required.
Front fences are generally limited to 1.0–1.2m in most residential zones. Solid fences above this height on a street-facing boundary typically require a Development Application. Properties in heritage overlay areas may face additional restrictions on fence style, materials, and height.
City and Regional Price Comparison
Sydney sets the baseline. Melbourne tracks close to Sydney for fencing, with strong demand driven by large suburban blocks in the eastern and southeastern suburbs. Brisbane pricing is similar, though Colorbond steel fencing is increasingly popular over timber due to South East Queensland's high termite risk and the lower maintenance requirements of steel in a subtropical climate.
Smaller trade pools and materials logistics influence fencing quotes in Perth and Adelaide; see the Pricing by City table for local ranges. Perth's large residential blocks (600–900m2 is common) mean longer fence runs, making the per-metre rate particularly important when comparing quotes.
Within any city, the price varies based on block characteristics. A new-build estate home with flat ground and easy access is the cheapest scenario. Older suburbs with established trees along fence lines, sloping ground, and narrow side access add complexity. Coastal properties face salt exposure that accelerates timber weathering, making Colorbond or hardwood a better long-term investment than treated pine.
For timber fences that need ongoing protection, consider budgeting $500–$3,200 per job for professional deck and fence painting every few years to extend the lifespan and maintain appearance.
How We Calculate
Estimates are based on surveyed trade rates for licensed carpenters and fencing contractors across Australian capital cities, adjusted for regional labour markets and material costs. All prices include GST. Figures cover standard residential timber fencing. Pool-specific fencing, masonry walls, and automated gate systems may fall outside these ranges.