Cost guides › Fencing
Australia
Fencing cost per metre: Colorbond, timber and pool fencing
Installing 30 m of standard 1.8 m Colorbond fencing with a single matching gate typically costs $3,800 including GST, with most quotes between $2,950 and $4,950. A treated pine paling fence is about $3,200, and Colorbond slat or double-sided panels with upgraded posts and capping run around $5,250. Hardwood paling, chain wire and aluminium or frameless glass pool fencing can be priced in the calculator, along with removal of the old fence and sloping or rocky ground.
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mid-range, typicalCost by region
| Location | Basic | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | $3,350 | $3,950 | $5,500 |
| Northern Territory | $3,250 | $3,850 | $5,300 |
| Western Australia | $3,250 | $3,850 | $5,350 |
| New South Wales | $3,200 | $3,800 | $5,300 |
| Queensland | $3,200 | $3,800 | $5,250 |
| Victoria | $3,200 | $3,800 | $5,250 |
| South Australia | $3,100 | $3,700 | $5,100 |
| Tasmania | $3,050 | $3,600 | $5,000 |
What's included
Mid-range
- Marking out the boundary line and a Before You Dig Australia enquiry for buried services
- Digging post holes and concreting every steel post
- Standard profile Colorbond infill sheets and top and bottom rails, 1.8 m high
- One single Colorbond gate with hinges and latch
- Clearing away spoil from the post holes
What affects the cost
Fence type
Treated pine paling is the cheapest privacy fence, Colorbond standard profile is the suburban default, and hardwood paling and Colorbond slat or double-sided panels cost more. Chain wire is the cheapest option overall but gives no privacy.
Pool fencing
Pool barriers have to comply with AS 1926 and are inspected, so hardware, gate hinges and latches are specified. Aluminium tubular pool fencing costs close to twice as much per metre as a Colorbond boundary fence, and frameless glass several times more.
Slope and retaining
Sloping blocks mean stepping the panels, and a level change along the boundary often needs sleeper retaining under the fence, which is priced separately.
Old fence removal
Pulling out old palings and posts and taking them to the tip adds a noticeable amount per metre. Very old fibro fences can contain asbestos, so have one checked before anyone breaks it up.
Height
Side and rear boundary fences are usually 1.8 m. Extra height with lattice or taller panels costs more and may need council approval.
Gates
One single gate is included. A double driveway gate needs heavier posts and hardware and roughly doubles the gate cost.
How to save
- Split the cost of a dividing fence with your neighbour, as the law in NSW and Victoria expects.
- Agree on a standard Colorbond colour and profile; custom colours and double-sided panels cost more.
- Book outside the busy spring rush.
- Get quotes that list removal, retaining and gates as separate lines so you can compare.
Grants, tax and rules
Dividing fences
In NSW and Victoria neighbours normally share the cost of a dividing fence equally. If one of you wants a higher standard than a sufficient fence, they pay the difference. In Victoria a Fencing Notice with quotes is needed if a dispute ends up in court; in NSW disputes go to the Local Court or NCAT.
Pool fencing
In NSW pools must be registered and have a child-resistant barrier complying with AS 1926, and a new permanent pool fence is inspected by the certifier. Other states have their own pool barrier rules; check with your council.
GST
Quotes to households include 10% GST, and so do our figures.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Colorbond fencing cost per metre?
A standard 1.8 m Colorbond fence averages $3,800 for 30 m including a single gate and GST. Divide by the length for a per-metre figure; slat or double-sided panels and extra height cost more.
Is Colorbond or timber fencing cheaper?
Treated pine paling is usually a little cheaper to put up, at about $3,200 for the same length. Colorbond needs almost no maintenance, while timber needs staining or painting every few years.
Do I have to pay half of my neighbour's fence?
Usually, yes. In NSW and Victoria the cost of a sufficient dividing fence is normally shared equally. Talk to your neighbour first and agree on the type of fence before anyone signs a quote.
How much does pool fencing cost?
Aluminium pool fencing costs close to twice as much per metre as a Colorbond boundary fence, and frameless glass several times more. Select either in the calculator to see the total for your length.
How long does a new fence take to install?
A 30 metre boundary fence usually takes one to two days. Pool fences and fences on sloping or rocky ground take longer.
How this estimate is calculated
Work hours: 20.1 · Labour: $1,380 · Materials: $2,074
Sources: ABS Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia; Regione Toscana, Prezzario dei Lavori 2026 (CC BY 4.0); ECB exchange rates; market check: 30 m Colorbond 1.8 m + single gate, incl. GST. whatsthedamage.com.au Colorbond typical $110/m, 30 m $2,400-4,800, single gate $400 (Sep 2026); service.com.au standard Colorbond $80-120/m (Apr 2026); hipages $85-100/m (Jan 2026).
Last reviewed 26 September 2026 · How we calculate costs · Editorial policy