Fencing Cost Guide: Colorbond, Timber & Pool Fencing

Fencing is a key element of your new home — providing security, privacy, safety, and compliance with estate and pool regulations. Here's what to expect cost-wise.

Colorbond Fencing

The most popular fencing type in Australian new estates. Made from pre-painted steel, available in a range of colours.

• Cost: $130 – $180 per linear metre (installed)
• Height: Standard 1.8m (6ft); 2.1m available for privacy
• Lifespan: 25+ years
• Maintenance: Very low — occasional wash down
• Best for: Boundary fencing in most new estates

Most estates specify the required Colorbond colour (often Woodland Grey, Monument, or Surfmist). Check your estate guidelines before ordering.

Timber Fencing

Traditional timber paling fences are still popular, particularly for rear boundaries and privacy.

• Cost: $180 – $300 per linear metre (installed)
• Height: 1.8m standard; 2.1m+ for privacy
• Lifespan: 15–25 years (treated pine); 25+ years (hardwood)
• Maintenance: Moderate — re-stain/paint every 5–10 years, watch for rot
• Best for: Privacy, rear boundaries, rural properties

Glass Pool Fencing

Frameless or semi-frameless glass fencing for pool compliance.

• Cost: $250 – $450 per linear metre (semi-frameless); $350 – $600+ per linear metre (frameless)
• Height: 1.2m minimum (pool compliance)
• Lifespan: 15–25+ years
• Maintenance: Regular cleaning (shows fingerprints and water spots)
• Best for: Pool areas where you want to maintain views

Tubular Steel Fencing

Metal vertical bar fencing, often used for front boundaries in estates that require decorative fencing.

• Cost: $150 – $250 per linear metre (installed)
• Height: 1.2m – 1.8m
• Lifespan: 25+ years
• Maintenance: Low
• Best for: Front fencing where estates require decorative style

Slat Fencing (Aluminium/Timber)

Horizontal or vertical slats providing a modern look with partial privacy.

• Cost: $200 – $400 per linear metre (aluminium); $150 – $300 (timber)
• Height: Custom
• Lifespan: 20–30+ years (aluminium); 15–25 years (timber)
• Maintenance: Low (aluminium); Moderate (timber)
• Best for: Feature fencing, gates, modern facades

Boundary Fence Cost-Sharing

In most Australian states, boundary fencing costs are shared equally between adjoining property owners under state fencing acts. In new estates:

• The developer may have already installed fencing to a standard specification
• Side and rear fencing may be included in your estate guidelines
• If your neighbour hasn't built yet, you may need to pay upfront and claim half later
• Pool fencing and front fencing is typically the homeowner's full cost

Additional Fencing Costs

• Gates — $300–$1,500 (pedestrian); $800–$3,000 (vehicular/automatic)
• Retaining wall + fence combination — $400–$800 per linear metre
• Removal of old fencing — $10–$30 per linear metre
• Excavation/levelling — if the boundary isn't level
• Council permits — usually not required for standard boundary fencing, but check for front fencing

How Much Fencing Do You Need?

For a standard 450m² block:

• Front: ~15m
• Two sides: ~30m (15m each)
• Rear: ~15m
• Total: ~60m

At $150/m for Colorbond, that's approximately $9,000 for full boundary fencing.

Find a fencing contractor on Trade Connect for your new home build.