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How much does fencing cost?
A fence is usually priced as a whole job: so many metres of a chosen material at a chosen height, with posts, footings, gates and the removal of any old fence included or listed separately. That is why two quotes for "a new back fence" can sit thousands of dollars apart.
Colorbond fencing jobs quoted through Service.com.au in the 12 months to October 2026 had a typical quote of $4,000, and most quotes fell between $1,800 and $6,000. These totals cover new, replacement and repair jobs, not a standard length of fence. The typical quote is the median and the range is the middle half of quotes.
This range covers everything from replacing a few sections to a full boundary run. A quote given without a site visit can change once the fencer has measured the line and seen the ground.
Fence installation costs
As a rough guide for any fence material, these indicative allowances cover a typical job. Confirm the length, height and inclusions in a written quote.
Installing a new fence: about $2,200 to $4,000
Replacing an old fence: about $1,600 to $3,100
Fencing costs by type
Material sets the starting price per metre. The figures below are indicative material allowances. Confirm current prices and whether posts, gates, hardware and installation are included.
Colorbond fencing
Colorbond is the steel sheet fence common along suburban side and back boundaries. It won't rot, comes in a range of colours and needs little more than a hose-down. Colorbond costs about $70 to $200 per panel (each panel is roughly 2.4 metres wide), before posts and installation. Our Colorbond fencing cost guide covers prices per metre, colours, gates, extras and the DIY option in detail.
Timber fencing
Timber paling is the classic Australian back fence, and picket fences suit front yards. Treated pine is the cheaper choice; hardwoods such as ironbark last longer and cost more. Timber typically costs $50 to $120 a metre for the material, before posts, screws and labour. It needs staining or oiling every few years to keep it from greying and splitting.
PVC fencing
PVC, also sold as vinyl fencing, is light, termite-proof and won't need painting. PVC picket fencing typically costs about $50 to $90 a metre depending on the design, and taller privacy styles about $80 to $110 a metre. Ask about UV resistance and the product warranty before you choose a range.
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Chain mesh fencing
Chain mesh, also called chainlink or chain wire, is the practical choice for large blocks, dog runs, tennis courts and commercial sites. It is sold by the roll, and the mesh alone costs about $70 to $120 for a 15-metre roll. Posts, top rails, tensioning wire and any gates are extra, and a PVC coating on the wire costs more than plain galvanised.
Wrought iron fencing
Wrought iron suits period homes and front boundaries where you want security without blocking the view. Decorative post tops and custom panels push it to the top of the market, at upwards of $450 a metre.
Aluminium and slat fencing
Aluminium slat and tubular fences are popular for front yards and modern homes. Slat spacing, slat width and the finish decide the price, so ask for a sample or a photo of the exact profile you are being quoted.
Pool fencing
A fence around a pool is a safety barrier first, and it has to meet your state's pool safety barrier rules. Frameless glass sits at the top of the price range, and aluminium tubular costs less. See our glass pool fencing cost guide for prices.
What changes the price of a fence
When fencers quote, they look at the same handful of things:
Length and height. Most of the price scales with metres of fence, and taller fences need more material and deeper posts.
The ground. Slopes need stepped or raked panels, and rock or hard clay makes post holes slower to dig.
The old fence. Removing and disposing of it is extra labour and tip fees. Older fibro fences may contain asbestos, so have one checked before anyone cuts or pulls it down.
Gates. Each gate adds hinges, a latch and stronger posts.
Footings and finish. Concreted posts, plinths, painting or staining all add cost.
Access. If materials have to be carried through the house or down a narrow side path, the job takes longer.
Tip: Give every fencer the same length, height, material and number of gates, and ask whether removing the old fence is included. Quotes on the same scope are the only ones you can compare.
What fencing contractors charge per hour
Fencing contractors generally charge about $55 to $75 an hour. For a new fence, ask for a fixed price for the whole job instead. An hourly rate can make sense for small repairs, such as re-hanging a gate or replacing a few palings.
Is it cheaper to repair a fence or install a new one?
Repairing is usually cheaper, because you pay for a few panels, posts or palings instead of a full run. Repairing an old fence typically costs $750 to $1,400. Replacement makes more sense when posts are rotting along the line, the fence leans in several places, or the sheeting is damaged in more than one section.
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Sharing the cost with your neighbour
Dividing fence rules are set by each state and territory, so check yours before you start. In New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, the law starts from neighbours sharing the cost of a sufficient dividing fence, usually in equal shares, and sets out a formal notice you give your neighbour before the work goes ahead. If you can't agree, each state has its own dispute process, such as a local court or tribunal.
Agree the fence location, design and contribution with your neighbour before the old fence comes down. Check Legal Aid NSW, Fencing in Victoria or the QCAT process for your state's notice requirements and exceptions. Paying yourself does not settle boundary, access or ownership disputes.
Fence height and council approval
Many standard side and rear fences can be built without council approval, but the limits on height, materials and front fences vary between states and councils. Higher fences, masonry fences, front fences and fences on heritage, flood-prone or corner blocks often need approval. Check the NSW Planning Portal fence conditions if you are in NSW, and your own council or certifier elsewhere before signing.
Questions to ask your tradesperson
A few questions before you sign help you compare fencers and avoid surprises:
What exactly is included: removal of the old fence, posts, footings, gates and clean-up?
Do you hold the licence your state requires for this job, and what insurance do you carry?
What warranty do you give on workmanship, and what does the manufacturer cover?
Can I see photos of fences you have built recently?
How long will the job take, and what happens if you hit rock or old footings?
You can compare reviews and photos of past work on the profiles of fencing contractors on Service.com.au.
Related cost guides
Market allowances on this page are approximate Australian dollar figures. Confirm current prices, scope and inclusions with a local installer.