What's Included
A standard fencing quote covers post hole digging (600mm+ depth), post installation set in concrete, rails (top and bottom), palings or panels, and capping. Old fence removal and disposal may be included or quoted separately. Gate hardware (hinges, latches, locks) is normally included in the gate line item. All structural timber framing should comply with AS 1684 Residential Timber-Framed Construction, which provides span tables and bracing requirements for timber members in residential structures. Materials typically account for 50–60% of the total, with labour, concrete for post footings, and disposal making up the rest.
For boundary fences, the cost may be shared with your neighbour under the Dividing Fences Act in your state, potentially halving your out-of-pocket expense (see the Dividing Fence Rules section below).
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).
| Fence Type | Cost/m (installed) | Lifespan | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treated pine paling | $75–$120/m | 15–20 years | Staining every 2–3 years, or accept grey patina | Budget boundary fences, side and rear boundaries |
| Hardwood paling (merbau, ironbark) | $180–$350/m | 25–30+ years | Oiling every 1–2 years for appearance | Street-facing fences, feature boundaries, longevity |
| Horizontal timber slat/screen | $200–$400/m | 20–25 years (hardwood) | Oiling every 1–2 years | Modern streetscapes, front feature fences, privacy screens |
| Timber picket | $120–$200/m | 15–25 years (species dependent) | Painting every 3–5 years | Heritage areas, front boundaries, character homes |
| Colorbond steel | $100–$180/m (materials), $180–$300/m (installed) | 20–30+ years | Virtually none | Termite-prone areas (QLD, northern NSW), low-maintenance boundaries |
| Aluminium pool fencing | $180–$300/m | 20+ years | Minimal | Pool barrier compliance to AS 1926.1 |
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.
| Post Type | Cost Per Post (supply) | Lifespan | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treated pine (H4) | $12–$20 | 12–15 years | Budget option. Must be H4-treated for in-ground use (H3 is not rated for ground contact). |
| Hardwood (ironbark, jarrah) | $25–$50 | 25–30+ years | Naturally termite-resistant. Heavier to handle. |
| Galvanised steel (50x50mm) | $14–$20 | 20–25 years | No rot, no termite risk. Requires Z-brackets ($8–$10 each) for rail attachment. |
| Concrete | $30–$50 | 50+ years | Heaviest option, longest lasting. Difficult to replace if damaged. |
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 $10,000.
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.
| State | Legislation | Notice Period | Dispute Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Dividing Fences Act 1991 | Fencing Notice to neighbour before applying to NCAT | NCAT |
| VIC | Fences Act 1968 | 30 days written notice | Magistrates' Court |
| QLD | Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act 2011 | 1 month for agreement, then QCAT | QCAT |
| WA | Dividing Fences Act 1961 | Written notice, 21-day response period | Magistrates' Court |
| SA | Fences Act 1975 | 30 days written notice | SACAT |
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.
Perth and Adelaide typically run 10–15% above Sydney rates, reflecting smaller trade pools and materials logistics. 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 for 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.