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Colorbond steel fencing is a common sight along Australian suburban boundaries. Its painted steel panels need regular cleaning, and the right specification matters on coastal and exposed sites.
This guide covers what Colorbond fencing jobs are quoted at, what it costs per metre, what pushes the price up, and how to split the bill with your neighbour.
Cost of Colorbond Fencing
These are the prices fencing contractors quoted for Colorbond fencing jobs through Service.com.au in the 12 months to October 2026:
| Job | Typical quote | Most quotes fell between |
|---|---|---|
| Colorbond fence: new, replacement or repair | $4,000 | $1,800 to $6,000 |
The row covers everything from replacing a few damaged panels to a full boundary run, which is why the ranges are wide. A quote given without a site visit can change once the installer has measured the run and seen the slope and access.
Colorbond fencing cost per metre
Installers usually price Colorbond by the metre, so the length of your fence matters more than anything else. The approximate allowances below can help you set a starting budget. Ask an installer to confirm current prices for materials, labour and GST:
| Fence type | Materials per metre | Installation per metre | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Colorbond | $80 to $120 | $70 to $110 | Solid panels with shallow corrugations |
| Colorbond slat fencing | $120 to $200 | $100 to $150 | Horizontal or vertical slats with small gaps for airflow |
| Colorbond privacy fencing | $100 to $150 | $80 to $130 | Deeper profile panels with no gaps |
Ask each installer what their per-metre price includes, such as footings, fixings and post caps, and get it in writing.
Factors that affect the cost of Colorbond fencing
Most installers supply the materials themselves, so their quote bundles panels, posts, rails, concrete and labour. What moves that number:
Length and height. More metres means more panels, posts and hours. Fences above 1.8 metres need taller sheets and may need approval.
Slope. On a sloping block the fence may need to be stepped or the ground prepared, adding materials and labour.
Access. A narrow side path or a backyard with no vehicle access slows the job down.
The old fence. Removing and disposing of an existing fence is extra labour, and some installers price it separately.
Panel style and colour. The panel profile, decorative features and chosen colour can change the supplied price.
Bushfire and wind exposure. Sites in bushfire-prone or high-wind areas can need extra bracing or specific materials.
Longer runs can bring the per-metre rate down, since setup and travel are spread over more fence.
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Extras and added costs
Gates and add-ons are priced on top of the fence itself. Confirm current prices and inclusions for these approximate allowances with your installer:
| Extra | What it is | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single Colorbond gate | Standard pedestrian gate matching the fence | $300 to $500, supplied and installed |
| Double Colorbond gate | Wider gate, often across a driveway | $600 to $1,000, supplied and installed |
| Lattice top | Decorative panel along the top for extra height and privacy | $50 to $100 per metre |
| Extra height above 1.8 metres | Taller panels for privacy; may need approval | $50 to $100 per metre |
| Wind bracing | Extra supports for exposed sites | $30 to $60 per metre |
| Decorative post caps | Caps for a finished look | $10 to $25 per cap |
Other costs to ask about: delivery of materials ($100 to $300 depending on location and access), concrete for post footings ($15 to $25 per post), and any council or building approval if your fence is tall, on a corner block or in a heritage area. Some installers include these in their price and some don't.
Tip: Ask every installer to quote the same length, height, colour and panel style, and to say whether removing the old fence, footings and gates are included. Matching quotes are the only ones you can compare.
Sharing the cost with your neighbour
If the fence sits on a boundary, your neighbour may have to pay part of it. Each state has its own dividing fence law, so who pays and how you give notice differ depending on where you live.
New South Wales: under the Dividing Fences Act 1991, neighbours normally share equally the cost of a sufficient dividing fence. You start by serving a fencing notice. If you can't agree within a month, either owner can apply to the Local Court or NCAT. Legal Aid NSW explains the steps.
Victoria: under the Fences Act 1968, costs are generally shared equally, depending on the fence's condition and whether one neighbour wants a dearer fence. A written fencing notice gives your neighbour 30 days to respond. The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria has the details and free mediation.
Queensland: the process starts with a notice to contribute for fencing work. If you have not agreed within a month, seek mediation or follow the QCAT dividing-fence process. Time limits and exceptions apply, so check the process before starting work.
In NSW and Victoria, a neighbour who wants a dearer fence than the boundary needs can be asked to pay the difference. In other states and territories, check the rules with your consumer affairs or fair trading office, or a community legal centre, before work starts.
How much does it cost to DIY a Colorbond fence?
Doing it yourself saves the installation cost, which is $70 to $110 a metre for a standard fence. You still pay for materials, about $80 to $120 a metre for standard panels, and for concrete, tool hire and disposal of the old fence.
We recommend a professional installer unless you've set fence posts before. Posts need to be plumb and concreted at the right depth, panels have to be stepped on a slope, and a crooked boundary fence is costly to fix. If you do go DIY, price a fencing kit for your exact length at a hardware supplier, since retail prices change often.
Find the Right Installer for your Colorbond fence
Get at least two or three quotes for the same job. When you compare them, check that each one covers:
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the measured length and height of the fence
removal and disposal of the old fence
post spacing and footing depth
gates, if you need them
how the fence will follow any slope
who registers the BlueScope material warranty
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Types of Colorbond Fencing
Colorbond fences come in several styles. Solid panels give the most privacy. Slat fencing leaves small gaps that let air and light through. BlueScope says standard fencing sheets, posts and rails are generally the same colour on both sides. Check the manufacturer's options before promising different colours to each neighbour. Some homeowners pair Colorbond panels with timber posts for a softer look.
Talk through the options with your installer before you settle on a design, because the style changes both the look and the per-metre price.
Colorbond fencing colours
The Colorbond steel fencing range runs from light shades such as Surfmist to darker ones such as Basalt, Monument and Woodland Grey. The range has changed in recent years, so check the current chart on colorbond.com and ask your installer which colours they can supply.
Why choose Colorbond fencing?
Fire protection
Steel is non-combustible, but a steel fence does not make a property bushfire-proof. Fence design, siting and the rest of the property still matter. The NSW Planning Portal sets specific material conditions for exempt fences on bushfire-prone land. Ask your council or certifier which rules apply to your block.
Warranty
BlueScope offers a material warranty on eligible fences made from Colorbond steel. The terms depend on where you live, including how close you are to the coast. Ask your installer whether they register it for you.
Longevity and maintenance
Colorbond steel has a metallic coating, a pretreatment layer, a primer and a baked-on topcoat, which together resist corrosion, chipping and fading. Timber fences usually need staining or painting to last. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance advice: wash sheltered areas with fresh water at least every six months, and more often near the coast. Use a soft cloth or brush and mild detergent for stubborn grime, then rinse. Keep soil and mulch clear of the steel.
