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Carpenter Sydney, NSWUpdated March 2026

How Much Does Fencing & Gates Cost in Sydney?

Sydney Pricing

$2,000–$10,000

Most Sydney homeowners pay $2,000–$10,000 for fencing & gates. per job

NSW regulations
Prices inc. GST
Licensed carpenter only

At a Glance

A storm has knocked your back fence flat, or the old palings have finally given up after 20 years. This is one of the most common reasons Sydney homeowners call a fencing contractor. Expect to pay $2,000–$10,000 per job for residential fencing work, with the total driven by fence length, timber choice, and whether you need gates.

What's Included in the Price

  • Removal and disposal of the existing fence (if replacing)
  • Post holes dug to 600mm+ depth, posts set in concrete
  • Rails (top and bottom), palings or panels installed and capped
  • One pedestrian gate (if specified)
  • Compliance with AS 1684 Residential Timber-Framed Construction for structural framing requirements

Materials account for roughly half the total. The rest covers labour, old fence disposal, and concrete for post footings.

What Affects the Cost

  • Fence length. A single side boundary of 15–20 metres is common in Sydney. Full perimeter replacements of 40–60 metres are larger jobs.
  • Timber species. Treated pine paling is the standard for boundary fences. Hardwood (ironbark, merbau) is used for street-facing or feature fences where appearance matters.
  • Fence height. 1.8 metres is standard for rear and side boundaries. Front fences in most Sydney council areas are capped at 1.0–1.2 metres.
  • Gates. A single pedestrian gate is a modest add-on. Double driveway gates (especially automated ones) add significantly.
  • Ground conditions. Sydney's sandstone and clay soils vary by suburb. Rocky ground in the eastern suburbs and Hills District makes post hole digging slower.
  • Old fence removal. Pulling out an old fence with concrete-set posts is more work than it looks. Some homeowners remove the old fence themselves to save on the quote.
  • Access. Narrow side passages in inner-west terraces and semis mean materials carried by hand rather than dropped off by truck.

A 15-metre treated pine paling fence on a flat suburban block with easy access and no gate sits toward $2,000. A full-boundary hardwood fence across a sloping Marrickville block with driveway gates, old fence removal, and tight access pushes toward $10,000.

Sydney-Specific Considerations

Inner-west shared boundaries. Newtown, Marrickville, Enmore, Stanmore. Terrace and semi-detached homes share boundaries with one or two neighbours. The NSW Dividing Fences Act 1991 requires neighbours to share the cost of a "sufficient" dividing fence equally. You can upgrade beyond the sufficient standard (e.g. hardwood instead of pine), but you can only recover half the cost of the basic option from your neighbour. Talk to your neighbour before getting quotes.

Strata and townhouse fencing. In townhouse complexes, fencing between lots may be common property. Check your strata plan before commissioning work. The body corporate may be responsible for shared fences, and approval may be required before changes can be made.

Front fence restrictions. Most Sydney councils limit front fence height to 1.0–1.2 metres in residential zones. Solid fences above this height generally need a Development Application. Picket or open-style fences may have different rules. Check with your local council.

Dial Before You Dig. Water, gas, and telecommunications services commonly run along property boundaries. Call 1100 before any post hole work. This is a free service and takes 2–3 business days. Your fencing contractor should not start digging without it.

Hiring a Licensed Carpenter in NSW

In NSW, a contractor licence is required for residential building work over $5,000 (including GST). Verify the licence through NSW Fair Trading. For fencing, the relevant category is typically a general carpentry or building contractor licence.

Ask for:

  • Current NSW contractor licence number
  • Proof of public liability insurance
  • A written quote that specifies timber species, post spacing, and fence height
  • Confirmation that Dial Before You Dig has been called

Red flags: No licence number, wants to start digging without checking for underground services, or expects full payment before any work begins.

How We Calculate

Estimates are based on current licensed carpenter and fencing contractor rates across the Sydney metropolitan area, adjusted for typical material costs in NSW. All prices include GST. Figures cover standard residential timber fencing. Colorbond, aluminium, and masonry fences are not included.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can my neighbour be made to pay half the fence cost in NSW?

Under the NSW Dividing Fences Act 1991, neighbours must share the cost of a sufficient dividing fence equally. If you want a higher-spec fence than the sufficient standard, you pay the difference. You must give your neighbour written notice before starting work.

Do I need council approval for a front fence in Sydney?

Most Sydney councils limit front fence height to 1.0 to 1.2 metres in residential zones. Solid fences above this height generally require a Development Application. Picket or open-style fences may have different rules depending on your council area.

How long does a fence replacement take in Sydney?

A standard 15 to 20 metre boundary fence replacement takes 1 to 2 days for an experienced crew. Full perimeter replacements of 40 to 60 metres take 3 to 5 days. Tight access through inner-west terraces and rocky ground in the eastern suburbs or Hills District can add extra time.

What happens if a fence post hits a water pipe in Sydney?

Water, gas, and telecommunications services commonly run along property boundaries in Sydney. Always call Dial Before You Dig on 1100 at least 2 business days before post hole work. This free service maps underground assets and prevents costly damage. Your fencing contractor should not start digging without it.

Who is responsible for fencing in a Sydney townhouse complex?

In strata-titled townhouse complexes, fencing between lots may be common property managed by the body corporate. Check your strata plan before commissioning any work. The owners corporation may be responsible for shared fences and approval may be required before changes can be made.

Cost by Property Age in Sydney

Pricing adjusted for Sydney's specific housing stock and common complications by era.

Property Age
Low
Mid
High
Pre-1970
$2,200
$5,500
$11,000
1970–1990
$2,100
$5,250
$10,500
1990–2010
$2,000
$5,000
$10,000
Post-2010
$1,900
$4,750
$9,500

All prices in AUD including GST. Prices are per job. Estimates only. Last updated March 2026.

Fencing & Gates in Other Cities

MelbourneBrisbanePerthAdelaide

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