A new fence can be a stunning home improvement, but how much does a new fence cost? The cost to install a fence will depend on the type of fencing you purchase and whether it's professionally installed.
The average new fence costs $2,100 to $3,900 overall, but more complex installation will be more expensive. Read this guide to find out about the new fence cost.
New Fence Costs By Material
Fencing is typically charged by the metre, with the average new fence costing $75 to $350 per metre to supply and install. Expect to pay around:
$75–$125 per metre for a timber paling fence
$65–$100 per metre for a Colorbond fence
$75–$85 per metre for an aluminium fence
$115–$600 per metre for a wrought iron fence
$600–$1000 per metre for a glass fence
$550–$800 per metre for a brick fence
How Much Does A Timber Paling Fence Cost?
A new timber fence costs around $700–$2,000 on average, depending on its size and the type of timber.
A treated pine fence costs around $75 to $120 per metre, while a hardwood paling fence costs $80 to $125. Treated pine is one of the cheapest fencing materials, but it should be painted to look its best, as raw treated pine has a green colour that may not appeal.
Some other timber fencing costs for a 10 metre long by 1.95 metre high paling fence may be:
$750 for a cypress fence with exposed posts and capping
$2050 for a brush panel fence with exposed posts and capping
$1850 for a merbau fence with exposed posts and capping
These costs include installation. If your fence is less than 10 metres, measure the length you need to come to a more realistic figure.
How Much Does A Colorbond Fence Cost?
A new Colorbond fence costs around $950–$1900 on average.
The average cost to install Colorbond fencing is $75 per metre, but it can vary from $65 to $100 in different areas. These are the prices for the fencing only. Installation may cost between $68 and $78 per metre.
How Much Does An Aluminium Fence Cost?
Aluminium fencing costs $75 to $85 per metre, while a powder-coated aluminium slat fence screen can cost $95 to $155 per square metre.
If you plan to build a wall with your aluminium fence, this will be considerably more expensive. A rendered brick and aluminium fence can cost $750 to $1200 per metre, while a sandstone and aluminium fence can cost $850 to $1000 per metre.
How Much Does A Wrought Iron Fence Cost?
A wrought iron fence costs $115 to $140 per metre for black iron, with higher quality iron fencing costing from $450 to $600 per metre.
Wrought iron fencing is also priced per panel. Depending on the panel's size and quality, this can vary from $135 to $2500.
How Much Does A Glass Fence Cost?
A glass fence is more expensive, as the glass used must be toughened for outdoor use.
Building a glass fence with a frame may cost $1400 to $2300 for the average-sized fence, while a frameless glass fence can cost as much as $600 to $1000 per metre.
How Much Does A Brick Fence Cost?
Brick, concrete, and natural stone fences are some of the most expensive options. A 10-metre brick fence can cost $1000 to $1750 for materials, with labour charged at $50–$60 per hour.
Expect to pay around:
$550 to $880 per metre for a brick or concrete block fence
$750 to $1000 per metre for a rendered brick and steel fence
$800 to $1200 per metre for a sandstone and timber fence
What You Need To Know About Fencing Regulations
Fences are subject to Australian standards, just as most home improvements are. Each state has different fencing regulations, and regulations for dividing fences vary by state. See our article Australian Fencing Standards for information about different types of fences, including dividing fences and pool fencing.
Pool fencing is strictly regulated to ensure that small children can't gain access to a pool without parental supervision. There are also standards for different fencing materials, including timber, aluminium and other materials. A fence should be of sound construction, and if it's made of timber, the timber posts should be treated, so they don't rot in the ground.
Factors That Affect New Fence Costs
Fencing costs can vary depending on where you live and other factors. To get accurate online quotes for fencing prices, you need to do five things:
Find the type or types of fencing materials you want
Measure the area that needs fencing
Mention the height of the fence
Mention whether the fencing is on a flat or sloping area
Will the fencing contractor be removing an old fence?
Fences generally come in standard heights, such as:
0.9 metres
1.2 metres
1.5 metres
1.8 metres
2.1 metres
If you prefer another height, you must pay more to get your fencing custom-made.
When requesting quotes from fence builders, mention anything that might make installing the fence more difficult. This could include whether the ground is flat or sloping, if there are rocks in the fencing area, and even the soil condition. If fencing contractors have to dig in clay soil, they may go more slowly than in softer soil.
Most fences also require gates, which can add around $250 to the cost depending on the type of gate.
Getting Quotes For A New Fence
Once you've decided on the type of fence you want, get quotes from fencing contractors in your area. They will want to visit your property for a final quote, but getting several initial quotes online will allow you to compare prices.
Not all fencing contractors are the same, and some specialise in certain types of fences. To find the best fencing contractor for your fence, you should find out the following:
How long have they been working in your area
If they can show you examples of other fences they have built
Are they licensed and insured?
Trade licensing is different in different states. To determine what type of licence a fencing contractor needs in your state, look at Licensed Trades, Fencing and scroll down to your state. If you're installing a brick fence, look at the regulations in your state regarding bricklayers.
A fencing contractor who has been working in an area for a long time is probably someone you can trust to do a good job, but they should be happy to show you examples of their previous work so you can see what they've done for others.
Fencing contractors should carry insurance. If they do, they may be more professional than they are, and if an accident occurs, you may be held liable for it. They should also have public liability cover and insurance for their workers.
Saving a few dollars on a fence may be a mistake if the contractor cuts corners on construction. A good fencing contractor will guarantee their work for several years.
*Costs 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.