Fencing & Gates Cost Guide & Council Planning Rules (2026)
Boundary fences, dividing timber palings, Colorbond steel panels, security fencing, and aluminium slatted screening.
Material Pricing & Longevity Comparison
Supply and installation brackets for common residential specifications in Australia.
| Material Option | Installed Range (per lm) | Expected Lifespan | Description & Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treated Pine Paling (1.8m) | $80 –$115 | 15-20 yrs | Traditional overlapping vertical timber palings with timber posts and rails. |
| Colorbond Steel (1.8m) | $95 –$140 | 25-30 yrs | Genuine Bluescope Colorbond modular steel panels. Low maintenance, fire resistant. |
| Hardwood Paling / Slats | $125 –$175 | 25+ yrs | Spotted Gum or Blackbutt Australian hardwoods for a premium natural boundary look. |
| Aluminium Slat / Modular Screen | $220 –$350 | 30+ yrs | Modern horizontal powder-coated slats, zero rust, common for front boundaries. |
State & Territory Exemption Thresholds
Select your state to view development approval exemption triggers under local planning schemes.
Height <= 2.3m behind front building line; Front fence <= 1.2m
Height <= 1.8m behind front building line; <= 1.2m forward of front line
Height <= 2.1m for timber/Colorbond behind front setback; <= 1.2m front
Height <= 2.0m for side/rear fences; Front fence <= 1.2m
Height <= 2.1m for timber/masonry; <= 1.0m for masonry if near road
Height <= 2.1m for side/rear fences; Front fences <= 1.2m
Height <= 2.0m for timber/Colorbond behind front setback; <= 1.5m in front
Height <= 1.8m behind front setback line; Front boundary <= 1.2m
Calculate by Local Government Area (LGA)
Select your council area for interactive dimension calculators and local certifier checklists.