How Much Does Fencing Cost per Metre?

Last Updated Mar 12, 2015 · Written by Rob Schneider

Fencing|Renovation Costs

How much does fencing cost per metre? It depends on a number of factors. The material the fence is made of is one major factor, but you have to consider other things as well. This brief guide to fencing costs won't tell you how much your fence is going to cost, but will give you a general idea and help you get more accurate fencing quotes.


© Kawana Lattice

Factors That Affect Fencing Costs

DIY fencing kits are available, but having a fence professionally installed is recommended. Fencing contractors get their materials at a discount and because it is such a competitive market, often pass the discount on to customers. They guarantee their work, so there is less risk of having a fence installed that is not square and plumb or doesn't follow the contours of the land as it should.

When contractors quote on a job, fencing materials are just one consideration. They also look at:

• Soil conditions
• Land contours
• The size of the job
• Old fence removal

If the soil is very soft or rocky, they may charge more for installation because of the extra work involved in setting post. A straight fence usually costs less than a fence installed on a sloping or undulating block. Fence contractors often offer a discounted rate for larger fences because they save on travel and setup time.

When you get quotes from fencing contractors, their quotes should include labour and materials. To be on the safe side, ask for itemised quotes.

Types of Fencing and Their Costs*

A low picket fence is going to cost less per metre than a 1.8 metre high fence made of the same materials. Keeping this in mind, these are some average costs of common 1.8 metre high fencing materials (including installation):

• Paling fences cost between $60 and $75 per metre
• Colorbond fencing costs between $75 and $100 per metre

If everything else is equal, why pay more for your fence? When comparing quotes, don't just compare prices. Compare the workmanship of the fencing contractors you get quotes from. A good fencing contractor will have a long history in your community and be able to show you examples of their previous work. If a fence they installed five years ago still looks great today, you can be confident yours will, too.

Getting Quotes for Fences

As mentioned above, a number of factors affect the cost of a fence. When getting online quotes for fencing, include as much information as possible about your site. This will save you the disappointment of a higher final quote after the fencing contractor inspects your property.

*Cost and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.