Timber Fence Cost per Metre: 2026 Price Guide

Timber fencing remains a popular choice for Adelaide homeowners who value the natural warmth, character, and design flexibility that only real wood provides. However, timber fence costs can vary enormously depending on the species, style, height, and site conditions. Understanding the full cost picture—including materials, installation, and ongoing maintenance—helps you budget accurately and avoid unpleasant surprises.

For a broader view of all fencing material costs, our comprehensive fencing cost guide covers Colorbond, aluminium, glass, and timber options side by side.

Timber Fence Costs by Material

Treated Pine

Treated pine (H4 treatment for in-ground use) is the most affordable timber fencing option in Adelaide. It is readily available, easy to work with, and when properly maintained, can last 15–20 years.

Standard paling fence (1.8m high): $65–$100 per lineal metre installed
Capped paling fence: $80–$120 per lineal metre installed
Slat fence: $100–$150 per lineal metre installed
Picket fence (1.2m high): $55–$90 per lineal metre installed

Merbau (Kwila)

Merbau is an imported hardwood prized for its rich reddish-brown colour and natural durability. It resists rot and termites well but does require regular oiling to maintain its appearance and prevent greying.

Slat fence (1.8m high): $150–$220 per lineal metre installed
Screen fence: $180–$260 per lineal metre installed
Feature front fence: $160–$240 per lineal metre installed

Spotted Gum

An Australian native hardwood, spotted gum is exceptionally durable and resistant to termites. It features beautiful colour variation from light browns to deep chocolates and can last 25–30+ years.

Slat fence (1.8m high): $170–$250 per lineal metre installed
Screen fence: $200–$300 per lineal metre installed

Cypress Pine

A naturally termite-resistant Australian timber, cypress pine is an excellent choice for Adelaide where termites are a genuine concern. It has a distinctive pale colour with attractive knots.

Paling fence (1.8m high): $80–$130 per lineal metre installed
Slat fence: $120–$180 per lineal metre installed

What Affects Timber Fence Costs?

Several factors cause timber fence costs to vary significantly in Adelaide:

Timber species: The biggest variable—hardwoods cost 50–150% more than treated pine
Fence height: Standard 1.8m fencing is most economical. Heights above 2.0m require stronger posts and more material
Post type: Timber posts are cheaper but steel posts (with timber capping) are more durable and increasingly preferred
Soil conditions: Adelaide’s reactive clay soils may require deeper post holes (600–800mm) or concrete footings
Slope: Stepped or raked installations on sloping blocks add 20–40% to the base price
Access: Difficult access (narrow side passages, no rear access) increases labour costs
Old fence removal: Removing and disposing of an existing fence adds $15–$30 per lineal metre

Installation Cost Breakdown

Professional timber fence installation in Adelaide typically breaks down as follows:

Materials: 50–60% of total cost
Labour: 30–40% of total cost
Site preparation and cleanup: 5–10% of total cost
Old fence removal (if applicable): 5–10% of total cost

For a standard 20-metre boundary fence in treated pine at 1.8m high, expect total costs of approximately $1,300–$2,000. The same fence in merbau would be approximately $3,000–$4,400. Professional fencing contractors can provide exact quotes based on your specific requirements.

Timber Fence Maintenance Costs

Unlike Colorbond, timber fences require ongoing maintenance that adds to their lifetime cost. Budget for:

Oiling or staining: $8–$15 per lineal metre every 1–2 years (DIY) or $15–$25 per lineal metre professionally
Minor repairs: $50–$200 per year for occasional paling or rail replacement
Full sand and re-coat: $20–$40 per lineal metre every 5–7 years

Over a 20-year lifespan, maintenance can add $2,000–$5,000 to the total cost of a timber fence—a factor worth considering when comparing with low-maintenance alternatives. For a broader perspective on fencing costs, see our complete fencing cost guide which includes lifetime cost comparisons.

Timber vs Colorbond: Cost Comparison

For a direct comparison, consider a 30-metre boundary fence at 1.8m high:

Treated pine paling: $1,950–$3,000 installed + $3,000–$6,000 maintenance over 20 years = $4,950–$9,000 total
Colorbond (standard colour): $2,250–$3,600 installed + minimal maintenance = $2,400–$3,900 total
Merbau slat: $4,500–$6,600 installed + $2,500–$4,500 maintenance over 20 years = $7,000–$11,100 total

Timber is often cheaper upfront but more expensive over its lifetime. However, many homeowners consider the aesthetic value of timber worth the premium. For a deeper dive, our Colorbond cost analysis provides additional comparison data.

Hidden Costs to Budget For

When budgeting for a timber fence in Adelaide, several costs beyond the basic per-metre rate can catch homeowners off guard. Planning for these in advance prevents budget blowouts.

Council fees may apply if your fence requires development approval (front fences above certain heights, or fences in heritage areas). Application fees range from $100 to $400 depending on the council and complexity.

Boundary survey costs ($300–$800 for a licensed surveyor) may be necessary if the boundary position is unclear or disputed. Building on the wrong side of a boundary can result in costly legal disputes and potential fence relocation. While many Adelaide properties have clear fence lines established by previous fencing, properties where fences have not been replaced in decades or where subdivision has occurred may need professional surveying.

Stump and root removal is another common hidden cost. If your existing fence line runs along mature trees, removing old stumps and dealing with roots that interfere with new post holes can add $200–$800 to the project depending on extent.

Retaining within the fence line is often necessary in Adelaide where ground levels differ between adjacent properties. A small retaining element (300–500mm) built into the fence line typically adds $30–$80 per lineal metre to the project cost. For larger level differences, a separate retaining wall may be needed before the fence can be installed.

Choosing the Right Timber for Adelaide Conditions

Adelaide’s climate places specific demands on timber fencing that influence the best species choice for different situations.

For maximum longevity in Adelaide’s hot, dry conditions, spotted gum and ironbark are the premium choices. These Class 1 durability hardwoods resist termites naturally, weather beautifully, and can last 25–30+ years with periodic oiling. Their density makes them heavier and harder to work with, which contributes to higher installation costs, but the reduced maintenance and longer lifespan often justify the premium.

Merbau remains popular for its rich colour and moderate durability (Class 2), but be aware that fresh merbau leaches dark tannin for the first 6–12 months after installation. This tannin can stain adjacent paving, paths, and walls. Sealing merbau before installation or directing runoff away from paved surfaces mitigates this issue.

Treated pine (H4 grade for in-ground contact) is the budget choice and performs adequately in Adelaide when maintained. The key vulnerability is end-grain exposure where cuts have been made—these areas should be sealed with end-grain preservative during installation to prevent moisture penetration and premature decay.

Seasonal Pricing Variations

Fencing costs in Adelaide can vary by 10–20% depending on the time of year. Autumn and winter (March–August) are typically the quietest periods for fencing contractors, and you may receive more competitive quotes and faster start dates during these months. Spring and early summer (September–December) are the peak seasons when demand is highest and contractors are busiest, potentially resulting in longer wait times and less room for price negotiation. If your project is not urgent, scheduling fence construction during the quieter months can deliver meaningful savings and the additional benefit of having your new fence installed before the summer entertaining season. The weather during Adelaide’s autumn and winter is generally suitable for fence construction, with the main consideration being that concrete footings take slightly longer to cure in cooler temperatures.

Get Accurate Timber Fencing Quotes

Every fencing project is different, and online estimates can only provide a rough guide. For an accurate quote based on your specific timber choice, site conditions, and design preferences, get matched with experienced Adelaide fencing professionals who can visit your property, assess the site, and provide a detailed, no-obligation quotation.