Fencing Cost Per Metre in Australia (2026)
Fencing costs depend on the material, length, and site conditions. Colorbond and timber paling are the most popular choices for Australian homes.
| City | Typical range | Year on year |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $80–$190/m | ↑ +4.6% |
| Melbourne | $84–$200/m | ↑ +4.4% |
| Brisbane | $80–$190/m | ↑ +4.7% |
| Perth | $72–$170/m | ↑ +4.0% |
| Adelaide | $74–$175/m | ↑ +5.1% |
| Gold Coast | $78–$185/m | ↑ +4.7% |
| Canberra | $88–$210/m | ↑ +4.5% |
| Hobart | $72–$170/m | ↑ +4.5% |
| Darwin | $80–$190/m | ↑ +4.5% |
| Newcastle | $76–$180/m | ↑ +4.6% |
| Geelong | $74–$175/m | ↑ +4.4% |
| Sunshine Coast | $78–$185/m | ↑ +4.7% |
| Townsville | $86–$205/m | ↑ +4.7% |
| Wollongong | $86–$205/m | ↑ +4.6% |
| Byron Bay | $84–$200/m | ↑ +4.6% |
Choose Your City
National Pricing Overview
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorbond fence (per m) | $80/m | $130 | $190 |
| Timber paling fence (per m) | $80/m | $110 | $190 |
| Hardwood paling fence, 1.8 m (per m) | $100/m | $130 | $190 |
| Pool fencing — glass (per m) | $300/m | $500 | $800 |
| Pool fencing — aluminium (per m) | $100/m | $200 | $350 |
| Aluminium slat fence | $170/m | $270 | $400 |
| Picket fence (per m) | $60/m | $90 | $250 |
| PVC / vinyl fence, picket to privacy (per m) | $50/m | $95 | $150 |
| Brick or block boundary fence, rendered (about 1.8 m, per m) | $250/m | $400 | $800 |
| Chain-link / wire fence (per m) | $30/m | $55 | $90 |
| Retaining wall (timber, per m) | $150/m | $280 | $450 |
| Fence gate — single | $250installed | $500 | $650 |
| Fence gate — double / driveway (Colorbond or timber, manual) | $800installed | $1,200 | $2,500 |
| Old fence removal (per m) | $15/m | $30 | $50 |
| Old fence removal — timber paling, incl. disposal (per m) | $15/m | $25 | $45 |
| Fence repair, palings or sheets and rails (per m) | $60/m | $100 | $150 |
| Full boundary fence (avg 40 m) | $4,000total | $6,000 | $9,000 |
| Post replacement (per post) | $140per post | $230 | $300 |
| Colorbond fence 2.1 m (per m) | $120/m | $160 | $250 |
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Fencing in Australia costs $80–$190 per metre for Colorbond and $80–$190/m for timber paling, supply and installed. Pool fencing ranges from $100–$350/m for aluminium to $300–$800/m for frameless glass. For a typical 30-metre boundary fence, expect to pay $2,400–$5,700 total.
We've compiled pricing from fencing contractors across Australia as of October 2026. All prices include GST.
How Much Does Fencing Cost Per Metre?
In Australia, fencing costs $30 to $350 per metre installed for the common fence types, with premium options like frameless glass pool fencing reaching $800/m. Material is the biggest driver: chain wire is cheapest at $30–$90/m, treated-pine paling runs $80–$190/m, Colorbond sits at $80–$190/m, hardwood timber $100–$180/m, and aluminium slat screening $170–$400/m. For a standard 30-metre boundary fence, expect roughly $2,400–$5,700 all up, supply and installed.
Fencing Costs by Material
The material you choose determines both the upfront cost and ongoing maintenance of your fence. Colorbond and timber paling are the most popular choices for Australian residential fencing:
| Material | Cost per Metre (installed) | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timber paling (treated pine) | $80–$190 | 15–20 years | Stain/paint every 3–5 years |
| Timber paling (hardwood) | $100–$190 | 20–30 years | Oil every 2–3 years |
| Colorbond (standard 1.8m) | $80–$190 | 25–30+ years | Virtually none — hose off |
| Colorbond (premium colours) | $100–$170 | 25–30+ years | Virtually none |
| Aluminium slat / screen | $170–$400 | 30+ years | None |
| Brick or block | $250–$800 | 50+ years | Virtually none |
| Glass pool fencing | $300–$800 | 25+ years | Clean regularly |
| Chain wire | $30–$90 | 15–25 years | Low — can rust over time |
| Modular panel (SlimWall etc) | $200–$400 | 30+ years | None |
Colorbond fencing is the default choice for most Australian suburbs — it's durable, low-maintenance, and comes in 22+ colours. Timber paling is cheaper upfront but needs regular staining or painting. For a 30-metre boundary fence on a standard block, expect to pay $2,400–$5,700 for Colorbond or $2,400–$5,700 for treated pine paling.
Colorbond Fence Cost
Colorbond is the default fencing choice across most Australian suburbs. A standard 1.8-metre Colorbond fence costs $80–$190 per metre installed — posts, rails and labour included — rising to $100–$170/m for premium colours. A 30-metre boundary runs about $2,400–$5,700; a full 40–50 metre block for a 3-bedroom home is $3,200–$9,500. It lasts 25–30+ years with virtually no maintenance, which is why it outsells timber in most states. Rates vary by city — see the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane fencing guides for local pricing.
What Affects the Final Fencing Price
The per-metre rate is just the starting point. Several factors can push the real cost significantly higher:
| Factor | Cost Impact | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Old fence removal | +$15–$50 per metre | Labour to pull out and dispose of old fence and posts |
| Sloping block | +15–30% | Stepped or raked panels cost more than flat runs |
| Rock/clay soil | Extra per post, quoted on site | Harder digging, may need rock-breaking |
| Retaining component | +$150–$450 per metre | Sleeper retaining under the fence line |
| Gates (pedestrian) | $250–$650 each | Standard swing gate in matching material |
| Gates (double/driveway) | $800–$2,500 | Wider opening, heavier posts and hardware |
| Height over 1.8m | +20–40% | Taller posts, more material |
| Access difficulty | +10–25% | Narrow access, no vehicle entry, steep site |
Under state and territory dividing fence laws (which vary between states and territories), neighbours are generally required to share the cost of a "sufficient" dividing fence equally. If you want a material upgrade beyond what's standard for the area, you may need to pay the difference. Always discuss with your neighbour and get written agreement before work begins.
What Affects Fencing Costs in Australia
Fence type
Colorbond ($80–$190/m in Australia) is the most popular. Timber paling ($80–$190/m) has a traditional look. Picket and decorative front fencing ($60–$250/m) costs more due to design and materials.
Length & height
Most Australian 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 Australia 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 $15–$50/m in Australia. This covers pulling out posts, removing palings or panels, and disposal. Factor this into your total budget.
Pool fencing compliance
Pool fencing in Australia must meet your state's pool safety rules; the National Construction Code calls up Australian Standard AS 1926.1 for new pool barriers, with some state variations. Glass panels ($300–$800/m) and aluminium ($100–$350/m) are the main options. Non-compliant fencing can result in fines.
Shared boundary costs
In Australia, boundary fencing costs are typically shared 50/50 with your neighbour. Check your state's fencing legislation for the process of notifying and sharing costs.
How to Save Money on Fencing Cost in Australia
About This Guide
Our fencing cost guides cover 14 major Australian cities with location-adjusted pricing. Updated monthly — last reviewed October 2026.
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