Real Adelaide fencing prices by type

Boundary fencing is priced per linear metre installed. The variables that push the price: post spacing (2.4m standard, tighter on windy blocks), concrete type in footings (Adelaide clay needs proper mix depth), and whether the fence is one-sided or double-sided finish.

• Colorbond 1.8m sheet fence — $95-$140/m installed
• Hardwood timber paling (single sided) — $110-$160/m
• Merbau / spotted gum feature paling (double sided) — $180-$260/m
• Aluminium slat / privacy screen — $220-$380/m
• Acoustic fence (rated 25dB reduction) — $260-$420/m
• Standard swing gate + hardware — $400-$1,200
• Retaining fence (fence over 300mm grade change) — add $150-$280/m for engineering

Fences Act — splitting the cost legally

In both SA (Fences Act 1975), a boundary fence between two owner-occupied lots is a "shared fence" and both neighbours are legally required to contribute to a "sufficient" replacement. If you want anything above sufficient (e.g. a $250/m feature screen when a $110 Colorbond would suffice), you fund the difference yourself. Serve a "Notice to Fence" in writing before you start — otherwise you can't recover the neighbour's share through the tribunal.

Adelaide climate + boundary conditions

Reactive clay soil across much of metro Adelaide makes shallow post-holes fail. Proper footings in metro Adelaide are 600mm deep minimum, 900mm on reactive clay. If you're on a slope, the fence needs stepping or raking rules that stop water tracking down the boundary. Pool fencing has its own regime (Class A) — never overlap boundary fence with pool fence and assume they'll co-exist.

How to shortlist a Adelaide fencer

Fencing is one of the trades with the largest quote spread. On a 30m boundary, we routinely see $2,900 vs $5,400 quotes for the same 1.8m Colorbond. The difference is usually footing depth and gauge of steel.

• Verify Consumer and Business Services (CBS) for jobs above $12,000
• Get 3 quotes on the same spec sheet (height, material, footing depth)
• Ask for pole and rail gauge in writing (not just "Colorbond")
• Confirm concrete mix, hole depth and post-spacing in writing
• Serve your neighbour a Notice to Fence before signing anything
• Sight recent jobs — a good fencer's alignment and gate hang give them away

Frequently asked questions