How much does fencing cost? 2024 cost guide

How much does fencing cost?

As an approximation, fencing can cost $50 - $2,000 per metre depending on the materials you choose.

Fencing is an important aspect of any house. It gives you a sense of safety, and although it is possible to handle the job on your own, you should make sure that the fence is properly erected, physically sound and safe. Also, there will be a lot of work involved in taking the proper measurements and preparing the fence, so keep this in mind when deciding if you should tackle the project as a DIY.

If you’d rather leave the task to a professional, you should take into consideration quotes from various different fencing businesses and then choose the best one based on their experience, warranty, past projects and customer reviews.

Fencing Costs

It’s safe to say that there is a fence for every budget, every type of home and every taste. So, here’s what you need to know:

Average Fencing Costs

• Metal or chain fencing: $70 - $120 per 15m roll
• PVC fencing: $50 - $110 per metre
• Wrought iron fencing: $450+ per metre
• Colorbond fencing: $70 - $200 per panel, roughly 2.4 metres wide
• Timber fencing: $50 - $120 per metre

These prices are an approximation and do not include installation costs or extra materials such as screws, posts, or gates.

Fencing Installation Costs

• Installing a new fence: $2,200 - $4,000
• Replacing an old fence: $1,600 - $3,100
• Repairing an old fence: $750 - $1,400

It’s important to keep in mind if you get your fence installed professionally, labour costs will be extra on top of the fencing materials. On average, a general fencing contractor may charge $50 per hour or more. However, this cost can vary with the quality of the tradesman. This is why it’s important to get several quotes from Service.com.au, and compare reviews and photos of past work to ensure that the quality of your fence is equivalent to what you have paid for.

Questions to Ask Your Tradesperson

When you are contracting a job to someone, it is important to know that they are capable of delivering exactly what you need from them. You should ask ample questions to ascertain if they're the right person for the job. Some questions you should ask your fencing professional include:

• Do you offer a guarantee on your workmanship or products?
• How many years of experience do you have in the industry?
• Are you fully licensed and insured? (If relevant to your state)
• Do you have photos of past work?
• Do you have positive customer testimonials?

Types of Fencing

There are a number of different types of fences to pick from, and the cost of the fencing job depends on the materials that are chosen for the new fence for your home. Depending on your budget, your fence should be purposeful and stylish to match the look of your property and your needs in your particular location. For example, if you live in an area with an above-average crime rate or instance of break-ins, you may need a high-security fence and should consider installing a perimeter fence with arrowhead tops.

Metal or Chain Fencing

Chain fencing is also known as chain mesh, chainlink, or chain wire fencing. It is a very versatile fencing material that can be applied in domestic, commercial, or industrial settings. Chain fencing is normally sold by the roll, with a 15-metre roll being a common length. Costs for the chain mesh alone can cost approximately $70 to $120 per 15-metre roll.

The price of the chain mesh is determined by factors such as the width of the roll and the type of coating on the wire, such as PVC coating. On top of this, you will also need to factor in the cost of chain wire pipe posts, chain wire coils and chain wire gates if necessary.

PVC Fencing

PVC fencing, also known as vinyl fencing or plastic fencing, is very popular due to its durability and affordability. PVC fences are available in many attractive designs and cost less to build than brick or timber fencing. PVC is lightweight and easy to install and can withstand the harsh Australian sun and climate. The panels are low maintenance and are also termite-proof.

The cost of PVC fencing installation varies depending on the height of the fence and the design of the slats. Picket fencing may cost roughly from $50 to $90 per metre, depending on the intricacy of the design. Privacy fences can cost $80 to $110 per metre approximately, as they’re taller than picket fences.

Wrought Iron Fencing

Wrought iron fences are a brilliant way to add security and character to your home. They can be customised to suit the style of your home and can be a focal point in themselves with their intricate and decorative metal designs. If you’re after a more standard fence, this can still be achieved with wrought iron fencing installation, but many people like to take advantage of the opportunity to include unique post tops with floral or spiral details. This sturdy fencing material is more costly than many other fencing options due to its high quality, with costs reaching upwards of $450 per metre as an estimate.

Colorbond Fencing

Colorbond fencing is a type of steel fence proving to be one of the most popular choices for homes for a number of compelling reasons. Not only is Colorbond long-lasting and flexible, but it’s also offered in a large variety of colours and designs. It’s perfect for withstanding the harsh Australian climate. Colorbond fencing panels may cost approximately $70 to $200 per panel, with a width of roughly 2.4 metres and varying heights from 1.8 metres. You also need to take into consideration the cost of the Colorbond posts and installation by a fencing specialist, so it’s best to get fencing quotes for an accurate cost for your property.

Timber Fencing

Timber or wood fencing is a very attractive fencing option. Woods such as pine are a more affordable option but are not as durable as hardwoods such as yellow cedar or ironbark. Wooden fences will need to be treated and maintained to increase their longevity. Timber fences may cost around $50 to $120 per metre, not including the other extra materials such as screws and posts.

Keep in mind if you get your fence installed professionally, labour costs will be extra. On average, a general fencing contractor may charge $50 per hour or more. However, this cost can vary with the quality of the tradesman.

Is it cheaper to repair a fence or install a new one?

Generally, it will be cheaper to fix an existing fence than to install a brand new one. This is because fewer materials or panels of fencing are required to repair a current fence than to erect a whole new fence. As a rough guide, installing a new fence can cost $1,600 - $4,000, while repairing an old fence can cost $750 - $1,400.

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All the costs quoted were sourced at the time this article was written. They are to be used as an AUD cost guide and may vary locally, and are subject to market changes.