Fencing projects can be influenced by a range of factors
Given fencing is an important aspect of your house, especially in terms of security, it is not recommended as a DIY project.
Usually, fencing is priced per square metre with the material used affecting the price.
In Australia, fencing per metre can vary from $40 to $1,200 per metre – just highlighting how difficult it can be to estimate how much a project would cost without a quote from a fencer.
If an old fence needs to be removed, that needs to be considered. Older fences featuring asbestos or other hazardous materials can make the process more complicated and expensive.
It is possible to repair an old fence – this typically costs between $750 to $1,400.
What types of fencing are there? And how much do they cost?
In terms of a new fence, hipages suggests treated pine paling fence can cost from $75 to $120 per metre, $80 to $125 per metre for a hardwood paling fence, $450 to $600 per metre for a wrought iron fence or $800 to $1,200 per metre for a sandstone and timber fence.
| Types of Fencing | Cost of Fencing |
| PVC or vinyl fencing | $40 – $90 p/m |
| Treated pine paling fence | $75 – $120 p/m |
| Hardwood paling fence | $80 – $125 p/m |
| Colorbond fencing | $85 – $100 p/m |
| Tubular metal fence | $180 – $350 p/m |
| Semi-frameless glass fencing | $200 – $275 per linear metre |
| Frameless glass fencing | $275 – $600 per linear metre |
| Treated pine timber slat fence | $280 – $350 p/m |
| Wrought iron fence | $450 – $600 p/m |
| Brick or block fence | $550 – $800 p/m |
| Rendered brick and steel fence | $750 – $1000 p/m |
| Sandstone and timber fence | $800 – $1200 p/m |
PVC or vinyl fencing is low maintenance, so there is no need for it to be painted. Additionally, it as no risk of splintering.
Though on the more expensive end, brick fencing is extremely durable, and can be combined with other material, such as timber or steel. Colour options are virtually limitless as they can be painted or rendered.
Often council approval is required for brick fences – and often cannot be higher than 1.5 metres to 2 metres in height.
Timber fencing is more affordable, but does need to be treated and maintained. Softwoods like pine are cheaper than hardwood, but they do need to be rated H4 or higher otherwise they will rot over time. There are several other standards this type of fencing needs to meet.
Wrought iron fencing is a popular type of fencing that can add distinctives styles to homes. They can range from fairly simple designs to more elaborate and complex.
Glass fencing, mostly used around pools, are not just essential safety features required around most residential pools, but can be used as a landscaping feature.
Given it is made from tempered glass, glass fencing is typically very hard to break. It can come in 8, 10 and 12mm thickness.
What factors affect the cost of fencing?
So what are the other main factors that need to be taken into account when calculating the cost of fencing?
The height of the fence can have an impact. There are typically five standard heights: 0.9m, 1.2m, 1.5m, 1.8 and 2.1m.
Soil type and land contours can also affect the cost, along with the amount or length of materials required. Longer runs tend to work out cheaper. Painting or staining fence can increase the cost, as can the foundations needed for supports.
Understandably, fences on a sloping block will cost more than a simple, straight fence.
What to ask a fence installer?
When sourcing quotes – typically, three or so different quotes is recommended – it is best to ask the tradesperson ample questions.
These can include but are certainly not limited to:
- Can you offer a guarantee on your products or workmanship?
- How many years of experience do you have in the industry
- Are you fully insured and licensed?
- Do you have photos of past work?
- Do you have any customer references?
What are the five top factors someone should take into account when choosing a fence?
Andre and Jenny Jackson, who operate Fence Factory in Darwin, have shared with The Property tribune five factors that ones need to take into account when choosing a fence.
- Quality of product
- Service and after care
- Does the product require building certification
- Price
- Design
Quality of product
What materials are being used is it being manufactured locally or is it being imported?
Is it suitable for the application, saltwater pool should definitely have an aluminium fence opposed to steel so that rusting does not occur and provide longevity.
Service and after care
Will the Company/installer be there for me if any issues arise after the works have been completed. Check if the business has a shopfront and landline contact so that you can attend if problems arise.
Does the product require building certification
Not all fencing requires certification, if it does it is important to ensure that all the process is followed with the end result being noted against the title of your property to ensure that no problems arise when your either go to sell or lease your property.
Price
Big factor for most, but cheap is not always the best option as it may cost more in the long term. Eg, rusting issues due to poor quality materials being used, not custom made and may not look as nice as the neighbours.
Design
Will the design/style and height of the fence suit the area requiring fencing and comply with government regulations.
