Updated October 2026· Independently researched·8 min read
Most fencing in Canberra costs $88–$210/m
for Colorbond or timber paling, supply and installed
Colorbond fencing in Canberra runs $88–$210/m. Timber paling is $88–$210/m. Pool fencing (glass) costs $330–$880/m. Most residential fence jobs run 15–40 metres.
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+4.5%Fencing costs in Canberra are up around 4.5% over the past year, re-verified against 90+ sources in October 2026.Year on year
Average Fencing Cost in Canberra
$145
per metre for standard 1.8m Colorbond fencing (installed)
Fencing in Canberra costs $88–$210 per metre for Colorbond and $88–$210/m for timber paling, supply and installed. Pool fencing ranges from $110–$385/m for aluminium to $330–$880/m for frameless glass. For a typical 30-metre boundary fence, expect to pay $2,640–$6,300 total.
We've compiled pricing from fencing contractors across Canberra as of October 2026. All prices include GST.
Quick answerFencing in Canberra costs $88–$210 /m, with most averaging $145 /m. GST included — verified October 2026. Get free Canberra quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Fencing Cost in Canberra 2026
Service
Low
Typical
High
Colorbond fence (per m)
$88/m
$145
$210
Timber paling fence (per m)
$88/m
$120
$210
Hardwood paling fence, 1.8 m (per m)
$110/m
$145
$210
Pool fencing — glass (per m)
$330/m
$550
$880
Pool fencing — aluminium (per m)
$110/m
$220
$385
Aluminium slat fence
$185/m
$295
$440
Picket fence (per m)
$66/m
$99
$275
PVC / vinyl fence, picket to privacy (per m)
$55/m
$105
$165
Brick or block boundary fence, rendered (about 1.8 m, per m)
$275/m
$440
$880
Chain-link / wire fence (per m)
$33/m
$61
$99
Retaining wall (timber, per m)
$165/m
$310
$495
Fence gate — single
$275installed
$550
$715
Fence gate — double / driveway (Colorbond or timber, manual)
$880installed
$1,325
$2,750
Old fence removal (per m)
$16/m
$33
$55
Old fence removal — timber paling, incl. disposal (per m)
$16/m
$28
$50
Fence repair, palings or sheets and rails (per m)
$66/m
$110
$165
Full boundary fence (avg 40 m)
$4,400total
$6,600
$9,900
Post replacement (per post)
$155per post
$255
$330
Colorbond fence 2.1 m (per m)
$130/m
$175
$275
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Colorbond fencing in Canberra costs $88–$210 per metre supplied and installed, with $145/m typical. That per-metre rate covers a standard 1.8 m Colorbond panel fence on steel posts and rails. Gates, removing the old fence and difficult ground are quoted on top.
Job
Low
Typical
High
Colorbond fence (per m)
$88/m
$145
$210
Timber paling fence (per m)
$88/m
$120
$210
Old fence removal (per m)
$16/m
$33
$55
Fence gate — single (installed)
$275
$550
$715
Colorbond vs timber paling in Canberra: the two land in the same per-metre band, $88–$210/m. Colorbond costs more in materials and less in labour, and it needs no painting or staining; a timber paling fence needs periodic staining or painting to last.
What moves a Colorbond quote within the band:
Height: 1.5 m panels sit at the low end, 1.8 m is the standard, 2.1 m needs taller posts and more sheet.
Sloping blocks: stepped or raked panels take longer to set out and install than a level run.
Footings: posts into rock, heavy clay or an old concrete footing cost more to dig than into sandy soil.
Colour and profile: standard colours and profiles are the base price; some colours and the double-sided or lattice-top options are dearer.
Removal: taking out and disposing of the old fence is a separate per-metre line.
For a whole boundary, the by-length figures above show what 20, 30 or 40 metres comes to.
What Affects Fencing Costs in Canberra
Fence type
Colorbond ($88–$210/m in Canberra) is the most popular. Timber paling ($88–$210/m) has a traditional look. Picket and decorative front fencing ($66–$275/m) costs more due to design and materials.
Length & height
Most Canberra residential fences are 1.8m high and 15–40m long. Taller fences (2.1m for privacy) cost more due to extra material and stronger posts.
Site conditions
Sloping blocks in Canberra require stepped or raked panels, which adds to the cost. Rocky ground increases post-hole digging costs. Tight access may need hand-digging instead of an auger.
Old fence removal
Removing an existing fence adds $16–$55/m in Canberra. This covers pulling out posts, removing palings or panels, and disposal. Factor this into your total budget.
Pool fencing compliance
In the ACT new rules require home pools and spas to have a safety barrier that meets current standards from 1 May 2028. The National Construction Code calls up Australian Standard AS 1926.1 for new pool barriers, with some state variations. Glass panels ($330–$880/m) and aluminium ($110–$385/m) are the main options. Non-compliant fencing can result in fines.
Shared boundary costs
In the ACT each neighbour pays half the cost and maintenance of a side or rear fence (Common Boundaries Act 1981). The basic urban fence is 1.5m high and made of hardwood palings.
How to Save Money on Fencing Cost in Canberra
1
Get quotes from licensed Canberra fencing contractors — prices vary significantly
2
Check if the quote includes old fence removal, post-hole digging, and concrete
3
Talk to your neighbour about shared boundary costs before committing — it can halve your bill, and in the ACT a notice to discuss the fence is the formal step if you can't agree
4
For pool fencing in Canberra, check the barrier against the standards that become mandatory in the ACT from 1 May 2028
5
Ask about warranty on materials (Colorbond typically has 10-year warranty) and workmanship
6
Check the height limit before choosing a fence style — in the ACT a side or rear fence over 2.3 m needs a development application, and fences facing the street are generally not allowed in residential areas
Canberra Fencing Costs by Area
North Canberra (Belconnen, Gungahlin, Casey) — Most affordable zone. New estates in Gungahlin and Casey often include basic boundary fencing. Flat terrain and easy access keep costs at the lower end. Reactive clay soils in some areas require deeper footings.
South Canberra (Tuggeranong, Woden, Weston Creek) — Moderate pricing. Established 1970s–1990s homes often need full fence replacements. Sloping blocks in Weston Creek add 15–25% to costs.
Inner South (Griffith, Forrest, Red Hill, Deakin) — Premium pricing. Larger blocks, mature landscaping restricting access, and heritage considerations push costs higher. Some streets have heritage controls affecting front fence design.
Queanbeyan/cross-border — Technically NSW, not ACT. Different fencing regulations apply. Some Canberra fencers service Queanbeyan but charge a small travel premium.
Before you commit — compare your options
Side-by-side guides covering the decisions that most change your final fencing cost.
Frequently Asked Questions — Fencing Cost in Canberra
How much does Colorbond fencing cost per metre in Canberra?
Colorbond fencing in Canberra costs $88–$210 per metre supplied and installed, with $145/m typical for a standard 1.8 m fence. Gates, removal of the old fence and difficult ground are extra.
What does a Colorbond fence cost supplied and installed in Canberra?
Per-metre Colorbond quotes in Canberra already include supply and installation: $88–$210/m. A single gate adds $275–$715 installed, and removing an old fence adds $16–$55 per metre.
Is Colorbond or timber paling fencing cheaper in Canberra?
In Canberra both sit in the same band, $88–$210 per metre installed. Colorbond costs more in materials and less in labour, and it needs no painting or staining. Timber paling is only cheaper over time if you are happy to stain or paint it periodically.
How much does pool fencing cost in Canberra?
Pool fencing in Canberra costs $110–$385/m for aluminium and $330–$880/m for frameless glass. In the ACT new rules require home pools and spas to have a safety barrier that meets current standards from 1 May 2028. The National Construction Code calls up Australian Standard AS 1926.1 for new pool barriers, with some state variations.
Do I need a permit for a new fence?
Side and rear boundary fences in the ACT up to 2.3m above natural ground level, located behind the front building line, don't need a development application. In the ACT a front fence needs a development application (DA) at any height, and so does a side or rear fence over 2.3m or a fence that would breach the Heritage Act 2004.
Can I make my neighbour pay half?
Usually, yes. In the ACT each neighbour pays half the cost of the fence between them, and you must discuss it with your neighbour before replacing or repairing it. If you can't agree, give your neighbour a notice to discuss the fence and then apply to ACAT, which can decide the type of fence and how much each of you pays.
How much does a fence gate cost in Canberra?
In our Canberra table: a single gate $275–$715 installed and a double or driveway gate $880–$2,750 installed.
How much does Colorbond fencing cost in Canberra?
Colorbond fencing in Canberra costs $88–$210 per metre installed in our 2026 table. For a typical 30-metre boundary, that's roughly $2,640–$6,300 total. Canberra's frost-prone climate means post footings need to be deeper (600mm+) to prevent heave, which adds to installation costs.
How much is a timber paling fence in Canberra?
A timber paling fence runs $88–$210 a metre in our Canberra table; $120 is the typical price.
Do I need a permit for fencing in Canberra?
Side and rear boundary fences in the ACT up to 2.3m above natural ground level, located behind the front building line, don't need a development application. However, a front fence (any fence between the front boundary and the building line) needs a development application from the Territory Planning Authority at any height, and so does any fence that doesn't meet the exemption criteria — for example one that would breach the Heritage Act 2004 or doesn't comply with the Crown lease. Pool fencing always requires certification.
Our Methodology
These are independent estimates from public cost guides, marketplaces and industry rate data, and no tradesperson can influence them, so always get a few quotes. Last reviewed October 2026. Read our full methodology →
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