How much does fencing cost per metre? [Australia 2023]

The old saying "good fences make good neighbours" is as true today as it was 50 years ago. Everyone needs boundaries and their own personal space. Fences can often last decades and some homeowners buy their home, live in it and sell it years later without ever having worried about replacing their fences. But if your fences are looking a bit worse for wear, they're falling over, or they need to be replaced entirely, it's good to understand how much new fences cost. It's also good to understand what other costs are involved in replacing a fence. The easiest way to compare costs for different types of fences is to compare them on an even playing field - cost of fencing per metre. So in this blog post we'll have a look at different types of fencing materials and the costs associated with fence installation. By the end, you should have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your fencing project.

Material choices

The type of fence you choose can make a big difference in terms of the look and function of your fence. If you're planning to install a new boundary fence, there are a range of fencing types to choose from:

Timber fencing: timber fences are great for that traditional look that blends into natural surroundings more easily. From the traditional "picket fence" to "standard" 6-foot privacy fencing, pine timber fences have been a mainstay of the Australian fencing market given the popularity of pine plantations. Timber fence installation is relatively cost effective as handyman service providers and carpenters can install most timber fencing which means you don't have to find a specialist timber fencing contractor.

Vinyl fencing: also known as PVC fencing, vinyl is a great option if you want light-weight decorative fencing rather than something more solid. Depending on your property, vinyl fencing can also be easier to DIY. It usually comes in 2-3m sections for easy installation. Vinyl privacy fences (that come in larger panels) are becoming more and more popular in urban areas between houses where privacy is important but security is a secondary consideration.

Metal fencing: steel and aluminium are popular choices for those who want a longer-lasting option or a particular colour. Colorbond fencing is a great option if you want durability and longevity. Wrought iron fencing is less common these days but a wrought iron fence or wrought iron inserts are still popular for heritage builds.

Composite fencing: compressed composite panels are a great option if you want an eco-friendly choice, as many are made from recycled materials. Composite fences generally last longer than timber and vinyl fences, though they likely won't last as long as steel fences.

For the most part, we have focused on boundary fencing, but a wide range of options exist for pool fencing and balcony balustrades, including frameless glass fences, powder-coated aluminium pool fences, and brick fences.

Factors impacting the cost of fencing

There are a range of costs associated with fencing installation and it's important to understand what they are so that you can factor them in when preparing your fencing project budget. While the average cost of fencing materials might be fairly straightforward, additional costs can make a huge difference, and can make a relatively inexpensive project much more expensive. When assessing the cost of fence installation these are the important additional things to consider:

Labour costs: the hidden expense in fencing

Other than the cost of materials for fencing, the most significant cost of fencing is labour - the cost of installation. Installation costs are the second-largest component of fencing costs per metre. Wooden fences that need to be custom cut to fit a particular space are among the most expensive options when it comes to labour costs. Pre-cut Colorbond steel fencing and preconstructed composite fence panels require less customisation and so costs less in terms of labour. The best way to get an idea of how much labour will cost is to get an accurate fencing cost estimate or quote from a BorisDoes Tasker or Business. You can get fencing quotes from tradies in your area, including an accurate quote for labour costs.

Site preparation: a significant cost factor

One of the significant costs you'll need to account for is site preparation. You can either do that yourself before your professional fencing contractors arrive, or you can get a quote for site preparation as part of your fencing quote. Some fencing companies will include site preparation as part of your total fencing price in a quote, while others will ask for external contractors to come in and prepare any spaces where fences are to be installed. Site preparation also involved fence removal including the removal of fence posts. Whether you choose a Colorbond fence or a solid timber fence, site preparation is critical, and you'll need to have some idea of how much it will cost before you can start your fencing job.

Location: how geography influences the cost of fencing

Where you are located in Australia can impact on the cost of fencing, especially in terms of labour and the cost of common fencing materials. If you live in Western Australia, for example, labour costs are generally higher as regular trades businesses need to compete with mining companies and an ongoing building boom. In South Australia, labour costs are generally lower, but material costs can be higher because of availability and distance from production locations.

The type of fencing materials you choose - in combination with where you live - can also have an impact on cost. In South Australia, where there is a thriving sustainable plantation timber industry, wooden fencing materials can be significantly cheaper. It's a great idea to do your research and to understand the various cost factors associated with living in different locations.

Can I DIY my new fencing?

The simple answer is yes, but it might not be the most affordable option. DIY timber fencing often requires specialist saws and tools for creating concrete footings. Concrete footings are also required for most metal, vinyl and composite fencing, and you might also need other specialist tools depending on the fence materials you have chosen. That said, by DIY'ing, you'll be able to avoid labour costs, which can constitute the largest expense after the cost of materials. Professionals are likely to have extra materials available while DIY fencers will need to buy all the materials they need in advance, and then more materials as required.

Understanding the long-term costs: maintenance and replacement

Regular maintenance is an important investment in your fence once it has been built or installed, and will ensure that your original outlay for fencing continues to produce strong results in terms of both privacy and security. Annual maintenance can be planned as part of Spring Cleaning activities or just included on any other periodical list of general maintenance tasks you have. Repainting fencing panels is especially important in harsh climates like rural areas or tropical climates in Northern Australia to prevent rust and fading from UV exposure. Checking fencing structures like fence posts for both metal fences and pine slat fences will ensure they remain upright for years.

Conclusion: making an informed decision on fencing

Understanding the cost of fencing - on a price-per-metre basis - is an important first step of any fencing project. Whether you want to replace an existing fence, erect a new fence, or repair a section of your current fence, finding a great fencing specialist is a good start. The best place to find a professional fencing installer is right here on BorisDoes. Simply start a task or request a quote, provide some details, and experts in your area will provide you with estimates and quotes. It's that easy!