How Much Does Fencing Cost per Metre?

Last Updated Jun 2, 2016 · Written by Craig Gibson

Fencing|Renovation Costs

How much does fencing cost per metre? It depends on a number of factors, such as the material the fence is made as well as the size of your project.

This article 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.

Aluminium and timber fence. © Kawana Lattice

Types of fencing

There is a huge range of fencing materials available to choose from, including:

Timber fencing is an affordable material for fencing, though it does need to be treated and maintained to last.

A treated timber slat fence. © design it landscapes

Brick fencing is extremely durable and a little more expensive than timber, and can be combined with another material such as timber or steel. Colour options are almost limitless when painted or rendered.

A rendered brick and steel fence. © Warren Barnes Bricklaying

PVC or vinyl fencing is low maintenance, with no need to for it to be painted or stained. The material does also not splinter, though it does cost more than timber fencing.

PVC fencing can be manufactured to mimic other types of materials. © PVC Ultimate Fencing

Steel or Colorbond fencing is lightweight, strong and versatile enough for any application and to suit any style of home.

Colorbond fencing with brick posts. © The Fence Barn

Pool fencing is not only an essential safety element, it is an integral part of the landscaping of your pool area and backyard. There are options to suit every budget from stunning frameless glass to aluminium, tubular steel and more.

Frameless glass pool fencing. © Premium Colour Gates

Does my fence builder need to be licensed?

It depends where you live - some states have a specific licence class for fencing or it may be covered by another licence.

In NSW for example, carpenters are able to erect timber, metal and prefabricated glass fencing. Similarly glaziers can install glass and acrylic fencing, such as pool fencing. In other states a builders licence may be required. If in doubt check with your local council or licensing authority.

There are also state specific regulations which you - as homeowner - must comply with, regarding the specifications of your pool fence. This includes registering your pool before it can be used.

#hiptip: Your fencing contractor may need to be licensed - check with your local council or licensing authority

Read: What you need to know about glass fencing

Decorative wrought iron and brick fencing. © Shieldguard Security Doors Gates

#hiptip: There are strict safety guidelines governing pool fencing in Australia - make sure yours is installed correctly

Hiring a fence builder

When it comes time to hiring a fence builder, take time to make sure they are right for your job. Some questions to ask then include:

• Are you licensed or qualified?
• Are you insured?
• How long will my job take?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• Do you have references I can follow up?
• Can I see examples of your work?

Read: Comparing fencing contractors

Fencing on difficult ground or sloping land is generally more expensive. © Scenic Scapes Landscaping

#hiptip: Make sure the fencing materials your contractor installs meet Australian building and safety standards

Factors that affect the cost of fencing

When fencing contractors quote on a job they take a number of factors into consideration, specifically:

• Fence materials used
• The height of the fence (there are 5 standard heights: 0.9m, 1.2m, 1.5m, 1.8m and 2.1m)
• Soil type and land contours
• The amount or length of materials required (longer runs will work out cheaper)
• If painting or staining of timber fencing is required
• What type of foundations are required for supports
• Old fence removal

If the soil is very soft or rocky, they may charge more for installation because of the extra work involved. 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. Also note that fence heights above 2.4m may require scaffolding that will incur an additional charge.

#hiptip: Fence heights above 2.4m may require an additional scaffolding charge

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

Wrought iron fencing comes in a variety of styles. © Shieldguard Security Doors Gates

How much does fencing cost?

Fencing is typically charged on a per metre basis and could range from $60 to $1200 per metre. This figure will typically include labour for installation and the cost of materials. A pine timber fence will be at the budget end of the scale, while Colorbond, stone and glass fencing will be at the premium end of the scale, with brick somewhere in between.

Keeping this in mind, here are some average costs for some common fencing materials, including labour/installation:

• $75 - $120 per metre for a treated pine paling fence
• $80 - $125 per metre for a hardwood paling fence
• $180 - $350 per metre for a tubular metal fence
• $280 - $350 per metre treated pine timber slat fence
• $450 - $600 per metre for a wrought iron fence
• $550 - $800 per metre for a brick or block fence
• $600 - $1000 per metre for a frameless glass fence
• $750 - $1000 per metre for a rendered brick and steel fence
• $800 - $1200 per metre for a sandstone and timber fence

Getting quotes for fencing

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.

The best way of finding out the cost of your fencing project is to get quotes from local fence builders. This will give you a sense of what market rates currently are.

* All the costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this article was written. They are indicative, may vary locally, are subject to market forces and should only be used as a guide.