Timber fencing cost per metre in Australia

The illustrative placeholder range below shows how cost scales with height for a standard timber paling fence.

Treated pine is the most common choice for boundary fences. Timber for outdoor use is sold in hazard classes under the Australian standards: H3 treatment is generally used for exterior above-ground use, while H4 or higher is used where timber contacts the ground, such as posts. Naturally durable hardwoods can last a long time but usually cost more and are heavier to work with. Ask your contractor which class and species they are quoting.

• Lap and cap or butted palings: lapped palings give more privacy; butted palings are cheaper but can gap as timber dries.
• Rails and posts: timber, steel or concrete posts change both price and lifespan.
• Capping, plinths and decorative tops add cost but protect palings and improve appearance.

Pros

• Usually the lowest upfront cost for a private boundary fence.
• Warm, natural appearance that can be stained or painted.
• Easy to repair or alter section by section.
• Widely available, with many contractors comfortable with it.

Cons

• Needs periodic staining or sealing to slow weathering.
• Can warp, split or rot, especially where posts meet the ground.
• Termite risk in many parts of Australia, higher in the north.
• Combustible, which matters in bushfire-prone areas.

Termite activity and moisture exposure differ a lot between regions. Tropical and subtropical areas, and any poorly drained site, put timber under more pressure. In bushfire-prone areas, combustible fences close to a building may be restricted under AS 3959 and local planning controls, so confirm what applies to your lot before choosing timber.