Fence cost guide
What does a new fence cost?
Every fence is different, so we won't give you a made-up average. Here's exactly how a fence price is put together, so you know what you're paying for.
Short answer
How much does a fence cost per metre?
It depends mostly on the material and the height, then on the options you choose. A fence is priced per metre of fence line, with gates, plinths and taking away the old fence priced on top.
Rates differ between fencers and areas, so the most reliable number is one worked out from a local fencer's own rates for your exact fence. Our estimator does that in a couple of minutes.
How a fence price is put together
Price per metre
Your material and height, plus options and colour
Metres of fence
Along the fence line, gates left out
Gates
Priced each, by type
Plinths
Priced each
Removal
Per metre of old fence taken away
Your estimate, including GST
Fencers have a minimum job size, so very short fences are charged at that minimum.
The details
What sets the price per metre
- Biggest factor
Material
Timber or Colorbond. One of the two biggest factors.
- Biggest factor
Height
Taller fences use more material and longer posts. The other big factor.
Timber options
Steel posts, lapped or good neighbour palings, sleepers and capping each add per metre.
Colorbond options
A lattice or slat topper, and some colours, add per metre.
More detail: timber options and Colorbond options.
Priced on top
Gates
Priced each, by type and width.
Plinths
Priced each, on Colorbond fences.
Taking away the old fence
Priced per metre removed. If it isn't timber or Colorbond, or you're unsure, the fencer checks it first.
Checked on site, not online
- Slope
- Rock or hard ground
- Tree roots
- Tight access
- Retaining
We don't add a charge for these online. Tick them in the estimator and the fencer checks them at the site inspection, then provides a final written quote.
Before you start
How to measure your fence
- 1
Walk the fence line
Measure along the line where the fence will go, not straight across the block.
- 2
Leave out the gates
Don't include gate openings. Gates are priced separately.
- 3
Add up each run
Write down each side as you go, then total them. Round up to the next metre.
- 4
Measure the old fence separately
If an old fence is coming out, its length can be different to the new one.
Don't know the length? Tick "I don't know" and we'll show your price per metre, then help you work out the length.
Why fence prices online vary so much
Average price-per-metre figures can't see your site. They don't know your height, your paling style, whether there's an old fence to pull out, or whether the ground is rock. Two fences of the same length can be priced very differently.
Having run a fencing business, we've seen how often a rough figure turns into a surprise later. That's why our estimates come from the local fencer's own approved rates, applied to your answers.
See your own priceWays to keep the cost sensible
- Talk to your neighbour. In Queensland, neighbours generally share the cost of a dividing fence. Agree on the fence before work starts.
- Choose the height you need. Taller fences use more material. Most backyards are 1.8 m.
- Match the style to the job. Lapped palings give the most privacy but use more timber.
- Give accurate details. The closer your answers are to the site, the closer your estimate is to the final price.
Fence cost questions
- Is there a fence cost calculator?
- Our estimator works like a fence cost calculator, but instead of an average it uses the licensed local fencer's own approved rates for your area. Answer a few questions and you'll see an indicative price in a couple of minutes. Where there's no partner fencer yet, you can join the waitlist.
- Do your fence estimates include GST?
- Yes. Every estimate includes GST.
- Why might the final price be different from my estimate?
- Your estimate is worked out from what you tell us online, and some things can only be priced properly once the site has been seen. At the inspection, the licensed fencer checks the measurements, access and ground conditions such as rock, tree roots, slope or retaining. The fencer's final written quote may differ from your estimate, and you'll have it before any work starts.
- Who pays for a dividing fence?
- In Queensland, neighbours generally share the cost of a dividing fence equally. Talk to your neighbour before work starts. The Queensland Government's dividing fences information explains the process.
- Does taking away my old fence cost extra?
- Yes. It's priced per metre removed. If the old fence isn't timber or Colorbond, or you're unsure what it is, the fencer checks it before pricing it.
Get a price for your fence
Find out in a couple of minutes, from the licensed fencer who covers your area. Free, no obligation.
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