Fencing Costs: Compare & Save

Please note that the price information in this article was based on data from 2011 and may now be outdated. 

Fencing work starts at $30 per metre nationally and when you consider that you may share the cost with your neighbours, it’s even more affordable.

A fence does much more than just keep people in or out of a property. In the front yard, it’s an introduction to your home and its style and a way to create a striking first impression for those walking by – think about how white picket fences evoke a sense of the traditional. Or, in backyards with a pool or spa, fencing provides essential protection and security for children and pets.

Fencing hourly rates
The fencing materials you use affect the price and fencing work prices are calculated per metre rather than per hour. All rates include labour and cost of materials.

At $40 per metre, the budget rate generally uses cheaper materials such as classic timber and wire, while the average is $50 per metre for a typical brick or block fence. The premium metre rate is $50 for more expensive materials such as Colorbond and glass – especially aesthetically pleasing.

Fencing costs by size
Fencing materials are generally available in three standard heights – 1.2m, 1.6m, and 1.8m. The longer your fence, the cheaper it should be, and vice versa, if you require a short run (under 10m) the per metre rate of fence would be more expensive. The total price depends on the fencing material selected.

When comparing fence sizes, a 1.6m fence is the cheapest option – a budget job costs $2000 while for a 1.2m fence, a budget job is $2430.

Fencing costs by material
Homeowners can select from the most commonly used fencing materials such as Colorbond, timber, wire, glass, brick and block.

• Brick: If on a budget, you may opt for the cheapest fencing material – brick – which will set you back $2000 for a budget job, and $3540 for a premium job.
• Colorbond: Colorbond fencing is an excellent option as it is available in a choice of designer colours, is strong and durable, boasts a 10-year warranty, won’t rot, burn or be eaten by termites, and can work in harmony with your home and outdoor area. A budget fencing job using this high-end material is $2380, on average you’ll pay $3661, but expect to part with $6800 for a premium job.
• Glass: Glass is a contemporary offering and these days, is commonly used for pool and spa fencing. On average it costs $6000, but a premium job is surprisingly cheaper at $5400.

Fencing rates by state
It pays to be a Queenslander when it comes to the hourly cost of fencing – at $45 per hour those from the Sunshine State pay less than those in New South Wales and Victoria – around $2200 for a Colorbond fence, and just $770 on average for a brick fence! Rates for Queensland and Victoria are in line with national figures – $50 per hour.

What to look for
When embarking on a new fence, be sure to check for a fencing license, public liability insurance, written quote detailing all inclusions, references and positive customer testimonials, as well as a valid ABN.