New fence installation
Fence installation cost in Australia
Installing a new fence is more than panels and posts. Labour, footings, ground preparation, gates and clean-up all sit behind the final number. This guide explains what an installation quote usually covers and how to compare quotes fairly.
What a fence installation usually includes
- Site check, setting out the boundary line and locating services.
- Post holes and concrete footings.
- Posts, rails and panels or palings in the chosen material.
- Standard capping or finishing, and fixings.
- Clean-up and disposal of off-cuts and spoil.
Gates, removal of an old fence, retaining, tree removal, difficult digging and engineering are commonly extras. Always check the scope line by line.
| Item | Illustrative allowance |
|---|---|
| Remove and dispose of an existing fence | $12 – $30 per metre |
| Pedestrian gate, supplied and fitted | $250 – $650 each |
| Sloping or uneven land | +8% to +25% on the fence run |
| Under 10 m (small-job loading) | ×1.15 on the per-metre rate |
| 10 to 60 m (reference) | ×1.00 on the per-metre rate |
| 60 to 200 m (scale allowance) | ×0.95 on the per-metre rate |
| Over 200 m (scale allowance) | ×0.92 on the per-metre rate |
Illustrative placeholderThese figures are placeholders requiring validation. They are not live contractor prices or a quote.
Installed cost per metre by material
| Material | Per metre, installed | 20 m fence example |
|---|---|---|
| Colorbond steel | $95 – $180 | $1,900 – $3,600 |
| Timber paling | $70 – $150 | $1,400 – $3,000 |
| Aluminium slat / tubular | $160 – $300 | $3,200 – $6,000 |
| Pool fencing | $170 – $330 | $3,400 – $6,600 |
| Other / not sure | $90 – $250 | $1,800 – $5,000 |
Illustrative placeholderPer-metre figures assume a 1.8 m fence on flat ground, rounded. Placeholders requiring validation, not live contractor prices.
Before the installers arrive
- Confirm your boundary. A survey is the safest way to locate it; do not rely on an old fence line.
- Check council and any estate or strata rules on height, materials and front fences.
- Use Before You Dig Australia (1100.com.au) to check for underground services before digging.
- Talk to your neighbour about a dividing fence early; the law on notices and cost-sharing differs by state.
- Ask whether your contractor handles neighbour notices, permits and certification.
How to compare fence installation quotes
- Ask for itemised quotes with the same height, material, finish and scope.
- Check post material, footing depth, rail count and gate hardware, not just the total.
- Confirm GST treatment, deposits, timing and what happens if ground conditions change the job.
- Ask for licence and insurance details where required in your state, and verify them with the regulator.
- Find out what warranty applies to workmanship and materials.
Related guides
- Fence replacement costReplacing a fence: removal, neighbours, dividing fence law and cost factors.
- Fence removal costFence removal and disposal: what affects cost, asbestos warnings and utilities.
- Fencing costs in AustraliaThe national overview: what drives fencing prices and how to budget.
- Fencing material comparisonColorbond, timber, aluminium and pool fencing compared on cost, upkeep and suitability.
Useful official sources
Rules change and differ by council and by property. Use these official sources to confirm what applies to you before you build. Links point to each agency’s main site; use its search for the relevant topic.
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Open calculator →Frequently asked questions
How long does fence installation take?
A typical residential boundary can often be done in a day or a few days, depending on length, material and ground conditions, plus lead time before the contractor can start. Ask your contractor for a realistic schedule.
Do I need a permit to install a fence?
It depends on height, location and zone. Front fences, corner lots, heritage areas and pool barriers are often more regulated. Check with your local council.
Is it cheaper to install a fence myself?
DIY can save labour cost but needs tools, time and skill, and mistakes on the boundary line or footings are expensive to fix. Pool fences generally should be left to qualified installers because compliance matters.
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