How much does a fence cost per metre?
Fencing in Australia typically runs from about $30 per metre for chain wire, $80–$180 per metre for the standard timber paling or Colorbond boundary fence, and up to $350 per metre for aluminium, with brick or masonry fences costing significantly more. Use the calculator below for an indicative supply-and-install range — or jump to the per-metre price table — then get free quotes from local fencing contractors.
The total run, in metres. A typical backyard boundary ≈ 25–40 m.
Fence cost per metre in Australia (supplied + installed)
| Fence type | Cost per metre | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chain wire / chain link | $30 – $90 | The cheapest fence — side and rear boundaries, rural runs, dog yards |
| Timber paling | $80 – $170 | The standard Australian boundary fence; natural look, needs maintenance |
| Colorbond steel | $90 – $180 | Low-maintenance, long-lasting; similar price to timber |
| Aluminium slat | $150 – $350 | Premium look — front fences and feature screening |
| Tubular steel (powder-coated) | $160 – $320 | Picket-style security and pool-area fencing |
| Glass pool fencing (semi-frameless) | $200 – $500 | Must meet pool-barrier safety standards |
| Glass pool fencing (frameless) | $300 – $800 | 12 mm toughened glass on stainless spigots |
| Steel palisade (security) | $400 – $700+ | Mostly commercial and industrial sites |
| Brick / masonry | $400 – $900+ | Includes footings; the most expensive option |
Indicative supply-and-install ranges for a standard ~1.8 m high fence, October 2026. Sloped ground, extra height, gates, old-fence removal and digging through rock or clay all add to the price — treat these as a starting point and get itemised local quotes.
Common questions
How much does fencing cost per metre in Australia?+
Supplied and installed, chain wire runs about $30–$90 per metre, timber paling $80–$170 and Colorbond around $90–$180. Aluminium is $150–$350 per metre, and brick or masonry fences cost considerably more ($400–$900+). Height, terrain, gates and ground conditions all affect the price.
How much does a chain link (chain wire) fence cost to install?+
Chain wire is the cheapest fence you can buy: roughly $30–$90 per metre supplied and installed for a standard 1.8 m galvanised fence, so a typical 40 m boundary run lands around $1,200–$3,600. Black PVC-coated mesh, extra height, barbed-wire topping and gates add to the price.
How much does glass pool fencing cost?+
Semi-frameless glass pool fencing typically costs $200–$500 per metre installed, and frameless (12 mm toughened glass on stainless spigots) $300–$800 per metre. A compliant self-closing gate is usually a separate line item. Pool barriers must meet strict safety standards and most states require an inspection, so always use an experienced installer.
What do palisade and security fencing prices look like?+
Steel palisade fencing is mostly a commercial and industrial product, typically starting around $400–$700 per metre installed depending on height and pale profile. For a residential security look, powder-coated tubular steel fencing is the usual choice at roughly $160–$320 per metre.
Colorbond vs timber fence — which is cheaper?+
They're similar to buy and install, around $80–$180 per metre. Timber paling is cheaper at the low end and gives a natural look but needs maintenance; Colorbond costs a little more, is low-maintenance and longer-lasting. The right choice often comes down to look and upkeep.
Who pays for a shared boundary fence?+
Under each state's dividing-fences laws, neighbours generally share the cost of a 'sufficient' boundary fence equally. You usually need to give written notice and agree before work starts. If a neighbour wants something more expensive, they typically pay the difference. Check your state's fencing act.
Do I need council approval for a fence?+
Standard boundary fences up to a typical height (often around 1.8–2.0 m) usually don't need approval, but front fences, taller fences, and pool fences have specific rules. Pool fencing in particular must meet strict safety standards. Check with your local council.