What's Included in the Price
- Removal and disposal of the existing fence (if replacing)
- Post hole digging to 600mm+ depth, posts concreted in
- H4-treated posts as standard (ground-contact rated for Queensland's termite risk zone)
- Rails, palings or panels installed and capped
- Gate installation where specified
- Compliance with AS 1684 Residential Timber-Framed Construction
Post treatment level matters in Brisbane. Posts must be H4-treated (rated for in-ground use in severe conditions). H3 treatment is rated for above-ground use only and will fail prematurely when buried in South East Queensland's soils. Any competent Brisbane fencing contractor will specify H4 by default. Galvanised steel posts ($14–$20 each) are an increasingly popular alternative that eliminates both rot and termite risk entirely.
What Affects the Cost
- Fence length. The primary multiplier. Brisbane suburban blocks vary from compact inner-city lots (Paddington, New Farm, West End) to larger acreage-style blocks in outer suburbs (North Lakes, Springfield, Logan).
- Timber species and treatment. Treated pine paling ($75–$120/m) is the standard. Hardwood (ironbark, spotted gum) at $180–$350/m lasts longer in Brisbane's climate but costs more. The maintenance cycle for timber in QLD's humidity is more demanding than in drier southern cities.
- Colorbond steel. Many Brisbane homeowners choose COLORBOND steel over timber for boundaries because it is completely termite-proof and requires virtually no maintenance. Installed at $180–$300 per metre for a standard 1.8m height, Colorbond carries a 15-year warranty from BlueScope. The Stratco Good Neighbour profile is popular because it looks identical on both sides.
- Pool fencing compliance. If the fence borders or encloses a swimming pool, it must comply with AS 1926.1: minimum 1.2m height, 900mm non-climbable zone on the outside, maximum 100mm gaps, and a self-closing, self-latching gate.
- Ground slope. Brisbane's hilly inner suburbs (Paddington, The Gap, Chapel Hill, Red Hill) mean stepped or raked panels, adding 15–25% to the per-metre rate.
- Soil conditions. Clay soils in the western corridor hold post concrete well. Sandy or loose soils in some bayside areas (Wynnum, Manly, Cleveland) may need larger-diameter footings.
A 15-metre treated pine paling fence on flat ground in a newer Springfield or North Lakes estate sits toward $1,800. A full-boundary hardwood fence on a sloping Paddington block with driveway gates, pool-compliant sections, and old fence removal pushes toward $9,000.
Brisbane-Specific Considerations
Termite risk and material choice. South East Queensland is one of Australia's highest-risk termite zones. Timber fences are vulnerable, particularly where posts contact soil. H4-treated posts are the minimum standard, but some homeowners opt for galvanised steel posts with treated pine palings for a longer-lasting combination. Regular termite inspections should include fencing along the boundary, not just the house structure. Colorbond fencing provides complete termite immunity and can last 30+ years in Brisbane's conditions with no chemical treatments required.
Subtropical weathering. Brisbane's combination of intense UV, humidity, and heavy rainfall means timber fences grey faster and are more prone to mould and mildew than in Melbourne or Adelaide. Expect to stain or oil every 12–18 months to maintain the look. Many homeowners accept the natural grey patina and skip ongoing treatment. For those who do want to maintain appearance, our deck and fence painting guide covers product options and costs.
Pool fencing in Brisbane. Brisbane has one of the highest concentrations of residential pools in Australia, particularly across the northern suburbs (Everton Park, Chermside, Albany Creek) and the western corridor. If your new fence borders a pool area, it must meet QLD pool fencing requirements. The QBCC enforces compliance, and a pool safety inspection is required. Aluminium pool fencing runs $180–$300 per metre installed, while frameless glass starts at $275–$600 per metre.
Storm damage replacement. Brisbane's summer storms, particularly during the November–March storm season, can flatten fences in minutes. If you are replacing storm-damaged fencing, your home insurance may cover part of the cost. Document the damage with photos before removing anything, and contact your insurer before commissioning a replacement. A good fencing contractor can provide a scope of works document to support your insurance claim.
QLD cost-sharing. Under Queensland's Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act 2011, neighbours must share the cost of a sufficient boundary fence equally. You need to give your neighbour written notice with the proposed fence details and estimated cost. If agreement cannot be reached within one month, either party can apply to QCAT for a decision.
Dial Before You Dig. Call 1100 before any post hole work. Water, gas, and telecom services run along property boundaries throughout Brisbane. Free service, 2–3 business days turnaround.
Hiring a Licensed Carpenter in QLD
In Queensland, any building work over $3,300 (including GST) must be performed by a QBCC-licensed contractor. Most boundary fence replacements exceed this threshold. Fencing falls under the carpentry or general building licence class.
Ask for:
- QBCC licence number (verify it on the QBCC website)
- Proof of public liability insurance
- A written contract for jobs over $3,300 (required by law in QLD)
- Confirmation of post treatment level (should be H4 for Brisbane)
- Dial Before You Dig confirmation
Worth checking:
- A good contractor will specify H4-treated posts for in-ground use, not H3
- They will be familiar with the QLD dividing fences notice process
- They will have called Dial Before You Dig before starting
- They will offer both timber and Colorbond options so you can compare
How We Calculate
Estimates are based on current QBCC-licensed fencing contractor and carpenter rates in the Brisbane metropolitan area, adjusted for material costs in QLD. All prices include GST. Figures cover standard residential timber fencing. Colorbond, pool-specific fencing, and masonry walls may fall outside these estimates.