How much does a fencing cost in Perth?
Perth is Australia's most affordable capital city for Colorbond fencing, with installed costs typically ranging from $75–$150 per metre ($90–$125/m being the sweet spot for most jobs). Timber paling fencing costs $120–$200 per metre, though it's far less popular in WA than in the eastern states — Perth overwhelmingly favours Colorbond for its durability in the hot, dry climate. For a standard 3-bedroom home with 40–50 linear metres of boundary fencing, expect $3,750–$6,250 for Colorbond.
Perth's fencing market benefits from several factors: flat terrain across most of the metropolitan area reduces installation complexity, sandy soils make post-hole digging quick (though they require extra concrete for stability), and a competitive contractor market keeps pricing keen. The city's dry climate also means less weather-related damage and lower maintenance costs over the fence's lifetime.
Under the Dividing Fences Act 1961 (WA) — one of Australia's oldest fencing statutes — neighbours must share equally in the cost of a "sufficient" dividing fence. WA also has an unusually high threshold for contractor licensing: building contractor licences are only required for fencing jobs exceeding $20,000, meaning most residential fencing can be done without a licensed builder (though insurance and quality checks remain essential).
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorbond fence (1.8m standard) | $79 | $126 | $100 /metre |
| Timber paling fence (1.8m) | $84 | $158 | $116 /metre |
| Hardwood timber fence | $126 | $263 | $179 /metre |
| Picket fence (1.2m) | $84 | $158 | $116 /metre |
| Glass pool fencing (frameless) | $315 | $630 | $473 /metre |
| Glass pool fencing (semi-frameless) | $210 | $420 | $294 /metre |
| Aluminium slat fence | $105 | $210 | $147 /metre |
| Chain link / wire fence | $32 | $84 | $53 /metre |
| Retaining wall (timber) | $158 | $420 | $263 /metre |
| Gate — pedestrian (Colorbond) | $315 | $840 | $525 per gate |
| Gate — driveway (sliding) | $1,575 | $5,250 | $2,940 per gate |
| Old fence removal | $16 | $47 | $26 /metre |
Prices include GST. Based on Perth metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
Perth's western suburbs (Cottesloe, Nedlands, Claremont) favour limestone block walls for front boundaries — a distinctly Perth style costing $180–$350/m. Heritage restrictions in some streets limit materials. Rear boundaries are typically Colorbond. Coastal proximity means salt air exposure — genuine BlueScope Colorbond handles this well, but cheap imports corrode quickly. Smaller blocks in infill developments reduce total fencing metres needed.
Established suburbs (Joondalup, Wanneroo) and newer estates (Alkimos, Yanchep) offer competitive pricing. Sandy soils across the north make digging easy but require wider footing holes with extra concrete to anchor posts securely. New estates often include fencing in house-and-land packages — check what's included and whether it's genuine Colorbond or a cheaper alternative.
Suburbs from Rockingham to Mandurah offer Perth's most competitive fencing rates. Flat terrain and larger blocks (often 600m²+) mean longer straight runs that reduce per-metre costs. Pool fencing is common — many southern suburbs have high pool ownership. Sandy soils drain well, reducing moisture-related footing issues, but limestone substrate can be encountered in coastal areas, requiring harder digging.
The Perth Hills (Kalamunda, Mundaring, Roleystone) and eastern corridor present Perth's most challenging fencing terrain. Steep slopes require stepped or raked panels, and rocky ground (laterite, granite) can dramatically increase footing costs. Bushfire-prone areas (BAL ratings) require non-combustible fencing materials within the Asset Protection Zone. Rural-residential properties may need post-and-rail or ringlock ($25–$50/m) for larger perimeters.
45 linear metres of 1.8m Colorbond in Woodland Grey or Monument, including old fence removal, concrete footings in sandy soil, posts, rails, and panels. Perth's flat terrain and easy digging keep costs at the lower end nationally. One pedestrian gate ($300–$500). Supply and install at $90–$125/m for a standard job. Timeline: 1–3 days. Neighbour contributes 50% under the Dividing Fences Act — potentially just $2,000–$2,800 out of pocket.
10m of limestone block front fence (0.9–1.2m) — Perth's signature style. Reconstituted limestone blocks with pier and infill panel design. Includes concrete footing, blocks, mortar, and capping. Rendered and painted finish adds $30–$50/m. A quality limestone wall can last 30+ years and suits Perth's streetscape perfectly. Wrought iron or aluminium insert panels between piers: $100–$200 per panel extra.
16m of powder-coated aluminium tubular pool fencing (1.2m) with self-closing, self-latching gate. Must comply with AS 1926.1-2012 and WA Building Regulations. Perth has one of Australia's highest rates of residential pool ownership, making pool fencing a major market segment. Council inspection and compliance certificate required. Core-drilled into concrete surrounds: $80–$100 per post.
70m of 1.8m Colorbond for a large block in Baldivis or Byford. No old fence removal. Flat sandy ground. Large run earns excellent per-metre pricing ($80–$115/m). Two gates (one pedestrian, one double for trailer access: $700–$1,200 combined). Sandy soil requires minimum 600mm depth footings with 20kg concrete per post for stability. Perth's competitive market means quotes should come in at the lower end of national ranges.
40m of Colorbond fencing in a BAL-29 or BAL-40 rated area in the Perth Hills. Non-combustible materials mandatory within the Asset Protection Zone. Standard Colorbond meets this requirement. Rocky laterite ground in the Hills requires post-hole drilling — hand-digging won't cut it. Allow $25–$40 per post for mechanical drilling. Stepped panels on slopes add 25–40% to base pricing.
Fence length
Longer fences benefit from economies of scale — the per-metre rate drops as the total length increases.
Material choice
Colorbond and timber paling are the most affordable. Hardwood, aluminium slats, and glass pool fencing are premium options.
Terrain and slope
Sloping or uneven ground requires stepped panels or raked fencing, which costs more. Rocky ground makes post holes harder to dig.
Height
Standard residential fences are 1.8m. Taller fences (2.1m privacy) use more material and may need council approval.
Old fence removal
Removing and disposing of an existing fence adds $15–$45 per metre. Concrete post removal costs more than timber.
Shared boundary
In most Australian states, neighbours share the cost of a boundary fence equally. This can halve your out-of-pocket cost.
Licensing threshold: Western Australia has Australia's highest threshold for requiring a building contractor licence — $20,000. This means most standard residential fencing jobs don't legally require a licensed builder. However, this doesn't mean you should hire anyone with a ute and a post-hole digger. Ensure your fencer has: current public liability insurance (minimum $5 million), appropriate WorkCover if they employ staff, and verifiable experience with references. Ask for proof of insurance before work begins.
Dividing Fences Act 1961 (WA): Western Australia's legislation requires adjoining owners to contribute equally to a "sufficient" dividing fence. The process: (1) write to your neighbour proposing the fence type, materials, and estimated cost; (2) if they agree, proceed and share costs 50/50; (3) if they don't agree or don't respond after a reasonable period, apply to the Magistrates Court for an order. The court can determine the type of fence and cost-sharing arrangement.
What's "sufficient" in Perth? In most Perth suburbs, a 1.8m Colorbond fence is the standard benchmark. The court considers local standards, the existing fence, the purpose of the land, and any relevant council planning requirements. You can install a higher standard at your own additional cost — your neighbour only contributes to the sufficient standard.
Planning approval: In most Perth councils, boundary fences up to 1.8m don't require planning approval. Front fences have stricter rules: generally, solid fences must be below 1.2m unless they are "visually permeable" above 1.2m (at least 50% transparent). Within 4.5m of a primary street boundary, fences above 1.2m that aren't visually permeable need a Development Approval. Fences above 2.1m on any boundary typically require approval.
Pool fencing: Must comply with AS 1926.1-2012 and the Building Act 2011 (WA). All pools capable of holding water more than 300mm deep must have compliant barriers. A building permit is required for pool fencing. Annual pool inspections are required when selling or leasing property. Non-compliant pool barriers can result in infringement notices and fines.
Best months: Perth's mild, dry winters (May–August) are perfect for fencing. Summer (December–February) brings extreme heat (often 35–42°C) that makes outdoor work gruelling and can cause concrete to cure too quickly if not managed properly. Autumn (March–April) and spring (September–October) are also good. Demand typically peaks in spring when homeowners prepare for the warmer months — booking in winter gets you shorter wait times and occasionally better pricing.
Sandy soil considerations: Perth's predominantly sandy soils are easy to dig in but provide poor lateral support for fence posts. Good practice: use minimum 600mm deep footings with a full bag (20kg) of rapid-set concrete per post. In very sandy areas, wider footing holes (300mm diameter vs the standard 200mm) provide better anchorage. Avoid fence installation immediately after heavy winter rain when sandy ground can be waterlogged — let it drain for a few days first.
Perth's Colorbond dominance: WA is the most Colorbond-centric state in Australia. The dry climate, termite risk (Perth sits in a high-termite zone), and low maintenance requirements make it the obvious choice. Timber fencing is relatively uncommon for boundary fencing — it's mostly used for feature front fences or rural applications. If you do choose timber, use only H4-rated treated pine or a durable hardwood — untreated timber in Perth's conditions can be compromised by termites within 3–5 years.
Cost-saving tips: (1) Perth is already Australia's cheapest capital for Colorbond — don't accept quotes above $150/m for standard flat-ground work. (2) Get three quotes and compare total inclusions. (3) Serve a proper dividing fence notice — the 50/50 split is significant savings. (4) Combine fencing with other work (retaining walls, gates, landscaping) for package pricing. (5) New estate fencing packages through builders may seem cheap but check material quality — insist on genuine BlueScope Colorbond with manufacturer warranty.
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, tradie marketplaces (ServiceSeeking, hipages, Airtasker, Service.com.au), industry body data (HIA, Master Builders), and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no financial incentive to inflate or deflate prices. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get at least 3 quotes. Last reviewed February 2026. Read our full methodology →