How Much Does Colorbond Fencing Cost in Australia?

In Melbourne, the average Colorbond fencing cost in 2025 ranges from $100 to $180 per metre installed, depending on the fence height, design, and site conditions. Standard 1.8 m Colorbond fences typically fall around $110–$150 per metre, including materials and labour, while premium or sloped installations can reach $180+ per metre. These prices make Colorbond one of the most durable and low-maintenance fencing options for Melbourne homeowners seeking both privacy and modern curb appeal.

Colorbond fencing has become one of the most popular fencing options in Australia due to its durability, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance. However, before investing in a Colorbond fence, it’s essential to understand the costs involved. The price of Colorbond fencing varies depending on several factors, including material quality, fence height, labor costs, location, and additional customizations.

This guide will provide an in-depth breakdown of Colorbond fencing costs in Australia, including price variations by state, factors influencing pricing, cost comparisons with other fencing materials, and tips to get the best value for your money.

Table of Contents

Average Cost of Colorbond Fencing in Australia

1. Standard Colorbond Fencing Cost per Metre (2025 Update)

As of 2025, the average Colorbond fencing cost in Australia ranges from $100 to $180 per metre (including materials and installation). This reflects increases in steel prices, transport, and labour rates compared to previous years.

Fence Height	Material Cost (per metre)	Installed Cost (per metre)
1.5 metres	$60 – $90	$90 – $120
1.8 metres	$70 – $110	$110 – $150
2.1 metres	$85 – $130	$130 – $180

Note: Prices may vary depending on color selection, panel thickness, local supplier rates, and site conditions (e.g., sloped or rocky ground).

2. Cost of Colorbond Fence Installation (2025 Update)

Labour costs for Colorbond fence installation in 2025 generally range from $80 to $120 per metre, reflecting higher trade wages and insurance costs.

For a typical 20–30 metre residential fence, you can expect to pay approximately:

$2,200 – $4,500 for standard installation
$4,500 – $6,000+ for premium, complex, or sloped sites

Tip: Always request itemised quotes separating material, labour, and extras (gates, retaining walls, or decorative panels) to ensure transparent pricing.

If you’re still deciding between aluminium, timber, or Colorbond, our comprehensive fencing cost article explains how each type affects your budget.

Factors Affecting Colorbond Fencing Cost

To understand why quotes vary so much, let’s break down the prime cost drivers. These are the things that can stretch your price per metre (or reduce it) significantly.

1. Height, length, and design

A 1.5 m high fence is cheaper than a 2.4 m high one (more material, stronger posts). Curves, corners, returns, or custom profiles add to cost. A longer straight run gives more scale and better economies than many short sections with gates and corners.

2. Material grade, finish & accessories

Colorbond comes in different steel thicknesses, paint finishes, and color options. Premium colors or custom blends may cost extra. Extras like plinths, capping, pebbled posts, or decorative insets raise the bill.

3. Posts, foundations & footing work

If your soil is firm and level, costs are lower. But if rock, slope, unstable ground, or poor drainage are involved, you may need deeper or reinforced footings, retaining walls, or extra concrete — these add up.

4. Labour / access / site conditions

Easy access sites cost less. Tight spaces, limited access for machinery, or difficult terrain slow down workers and increase labour hours.

5. Removal of existing fence / site cleanup

If there’s an old fence to tear down and remove, or debris to clear, that cost may be included or quoted separately.

6. Gate / opening costs

Any gate opening (pedestrian, driveway) adds cost, both for the gate itself and the structural support around it.

7. Local wage / market rates & transport

In big cities like Sydney or Melbourne, labour and transport costs are higher. Rural or remote locations may add travel surcharges.

8. Permits, inspections & compliance

Some councils require permits or site inspections; complying with local building codes or neighbor fences may require extra engineering.

9. GST, quoting structure, hidden margins

Some quotes might exclude or include GST, or present “excluding site peculiarities” disclaimers. Always verify what’s included.

Colorbond Fence Cost by State (NSW, VIC, QLD, etc.)

Because Australia is large and labour/transport dynamics differ state to state, here’s a guide by major states:

NSW (New South Wales)

In metro areas (Sydney, Newcastle), expect the higher end of the national range. A standard Colorbond fence is often quoted between $100 and $160 per metre installed. Rural areas may be slightly lower but with transport loading.

VIC (Victoria)

In Melbourne and environs, typical prices might sit between $90 and $160 per metre, with more premium jobs (e.g. higher fences, special features) pushing toward $180+ per metre. Some local fencing companies in VIC suggest ~$170–180 in certain Melbourne suburbs for premium builds.

QLD (Queensland)

In places like Brisbane, you may find slightly elevated costs in prime areas. Some adverts show pricing “Colorbond fencing Brisbane from $135 per metre installed” for certain classes of fences.

Other states / territories

WA and SA may see moderate to high pricing depending on remoteness and logistics.
Tasmania and Northern Territory often face higher transport costs, pushing up estimates.
In ACT / Canberra, materials + installation quotes often fall between $75 and $120 per metre for standard fencing.

When requesting quotes, always compare apples-to-apples: height, finish, site complexity and inclusions matter just as much as the state.

Cost of Gates & Accessories for Colorbond Fencing

Gates and accessories can add a surprising chunk to your overall expense. Here’s what to expect:

Types of gates & typical costs

Pedestrian gate (single leaf): may cost between AUD $300 to $1,000+, depending on width, hardware, hinges, locking mechanism, and matching Colorbond panels
Driveway gate (double leaf or sliding gate): expensive — you might see $1,500 to $5,000+ depending on width, motorisation, automation, structural supports, and finishes
Automatic gates / motor kits: adding motors, sensors, safety features, intercoms can tack on thousands more
Matching infill panels, decorative inserts, capping: extras like lattice tops, privacy slats, decorative cutouts, or integrated screens increase cost

Accessories & extras

Post caps, capping rails, base (plinths)
Capping for water run-off, flashings
Bracing posts, strainers, corner returns
Retaining walls or ground leveling
Color matched screws, fasteners, trims
Protective treatments, undercoats, edge finishes
Anti-rust or anti-corrosion extras

When getting a quote, ensure the fence’s price and the gate/accessory price are separated. Sometimes suppliers bundle them and mask the cost.

Hidden Costs in Colorbond Fencing Quotes

One of the reasons people get surprised by fencing projects is hidden costs or ambiguous exclusions. Here are common ones to watch for:

Site prep / removal of old fence: if old fencing, stumps, rocks, trees must be removed
Rock or hard substrate requiring specialized drilling or breaking
Uneven ground / slope requiring extra fill, cut / fill, retaining walls
Engineering / structural enhancements for wide spans, long unsupported runs
Council permits, inspections, compliance costs
Travel / transport / surcharge for remote areas
GST or tax not included
Warranty inclusions and conditions (if a supplier uses lesser grade materials or excludes parts of work from warranty)
Extras like cleanup, disposal of waste, reinstatement of landscaping
Timing / delays (if job is phased or delayed, cost creep)

Always ask your quote provider to break down every line item — materials, labour, allowances, extras — so you can see where the “fudge room” may lie.

Life Expectancy & Maintenance Cost of Colorbond Fencing

One of Colorbond’s strong selling points is longevity and low maintenance compared to timber, but it’s not “no maintenance.” Here’s what to know:

Expected life span: 20 to 35+ years is typical under normal conditions. In more aggressive climates (coastal salt spray, extreme sun) it may degrade sooner.
Warranty: Colorbond manufacturers often offer warranties (e.g., 10–25 years) on paint finish and structural integrity (check local product terms).
Routine maintenance: occasional washing (mild detergent + water), checking for scratches or chips, touching up with matching paint to prevent corrosion.
Repairs: panels, posts or screws may need occasional replacement; if a panel is damaged you’ll want an identical match (color fade over time may cause mismatch).
Repainting / retouching: minimal, unless damage or severe environment.
Cost over time: because of its durability, many homeowners find the “cost per year” low compared to timber, which may require more frequent replacement or painting.

The relative durability and low upkeep are a big factor in justifying Colorbond’s higher upfront cost.

Colorbond vs. Other Fencing Materials: Cost Comparison

Fencing Type	Average Cost Per Meter (Installed)	Maintenance Costs	Durability
Colorbond Fencing	$80 – $120	Low	20+ years
Timber Fencing	$70 – $100	High	10-15 years
Aluminium Fencing	$90 – $150	Low	25+ years
PVC Fencing	$100 – $160	Low	25+ years
Brick Wall	$300 – $600	Very Low	50+ years

Colorbond fencing offers a balance between affordability, durability, and low maintenance compared to other materials.

How to Get a Reliable Quote for Colorbond Fencing

Here’s a checklist to help you get solid, comparable quotes that avoid surprises:

1. Request itemised quotes

Materials, labour, site prep, gates, extra works each separately
Ask what’s included/excluded (e.g. removal, disposal, permit fees)

2. Specify dimensions & details clearly

Height, length, slope, color, grade of panels, profile
Gate openings and gate types
Details like corner returns, plinths, retaining walls

3. Ask about material specs

Steel gauge, coating, paint warranty
Brand of Colorbond or equivalent

4. Include site visit

Ask the installer to inspect your property — hidden site issues must be accounted for
Unseen obstacles (rock, roots, underground pipes) can wreck unverified quotes

5. Compare multiple suppliers (3+ ideally)

Don’t settle on first quote unless you see excellent value
Use differences in inclusions and specs to compare, not just total cost

6. Check licensing, insurance, references

Make sure your installer is licensed and insured
Ask for past work, warranties, photos

7. Clarify timing, payment terms & warranties

When will work commence, how long will it take
Staging payments, deposits, final payment timing
Warranty on workmanship, materials, paint

8. Get everything in writing

Quote, timeline, materials list, terms and conditions
Confirm whether GST is included

With good quotes in hand, you can make side-by-side comparisons beyond just “price per metre” and choose the offer that balances cost, quality, and reliability.

Cost-Saving Tips for Colorbond Fencing

1. Get Multiple Quotes

Obtain at least 3 quotes from different fencing contractors to compare prices.

2. Buy in Bulk

If you need a long fence, bulk purchasing materials can reduce costs per meter.

3. Opt for Standard Colors

Premium finishes and rare colors add unnecessary costs. Stick to standard Colorbond colors for affordability.

4. DIY Installation (If Feasible)

If you have the skills, installing a Colorbond fence yourself can save $65 to $100 per meter on labor costs.

5. Choose Off-Peak Installation Periods

Demand for fencing contractors is higher in spring and summer. Scheduling installations during autumn or winter can lower labor costs.

DIY vs Professional Colorbond Fence Cost

DIY (Do It Yourself)

Going the DIY route can reduce labour cost, but it comes with risks:

Pros:

You save on labour (which is a big chunk of cost)
You can choose your own pace and materials
You have more control over subcontracting or sourcing parts

Cons:

If you mess up foundations, posts can lean or fail
You may lack correct tools or skill to cut, brace, or align panels properly
Building code, compliance, and safety issues may arise
Time cost, frustration, and possible delays

Rough cost for DIY:

Material cost of Colorbond panels, posts, rails, fasteners, concrete, etc. might run AUD $40 to $80+ per metre depending on height and grade
You’ll still need to rent tools, maybe get someone to help on heavy lifting
For gates and custom features, it can get tricky and expensive if adjustments or rework are needed

If labour would add, say, $60–$100/m to a pro quote, doing it yourself might reduce your cost to something like $50–$100/m material + incidental expenses — but only if you do a solid job.

Professional installation

A professional will handle design, materials, site prep, installation, finishing, cleanup, and compliance. The benefit is quality, warranty, and fewer surprises. But your labour cost is baked into those $80–$150+ per metre ranges we discussed.

In many cases, the difference between a poor DIY job and a pro job ends up costing more in repairs, straightening, or replacement in subsequent years.

Pentagon Fencing & Gate: Your Trusted Colorbond Fencing Installation Partner

At Pentagon Fencing & Gate, we specialize in high-quality Colorbond fencing installation across Australia. With years of experience, our team ensures professional craftsmanship, durability, and aesthetic appeal for your fencing projects. Whether you need a standard Colorbond fence, a customized decorative design, or additional features like gates and retaining walls, we provide cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs.

Why Choose Us?

Expert Colorbond fence installation with precision and care.
Competitive pricing with no hidden costs.
Wide range of Colorbond colors and styles to choose from.
Fast and reliable service across Australia.
Free consultations and quotes to help you make the best decision.

Contact Pentagon Fencing & Gate today for a free consultation and get the best Colorbond fencing solution for your home or business!

FAQs About Colorbond Fencing Costs

1. How long does a Colorbond fence last?

Colorbond fences typically last 20-30 years, depending on maintenance and environmental conditions.

2. Does Colorbond fencing require maintenance?

Minimal maintenance is needed. Regular cleaning with water prevents dirt buildup and extends longevity.

3. Can Colorbond fences withstand Australian weather conditions?

Yes. Colorbond fencing is designed to resist harsh sun, heavy rain, and strong winds.

4. Is Colorbond fencing more expensive than timber?

Initially, Colorbond fencing may cost slightly more, but its low maintenance and longer lifespan make it more cost-effective in the long run.

5. Can I install a Colorbond fence myself?

Yes, but it requires the right tools, skills, and preparation. Professional installation is recommended for better durability and structural integrity.

Conclusion: Is Colorbond Fencing Worth the Investment?

Colorbond fencing is a cost-effective, durable, and stylish choice for Australian homes and businesses. Contact Pentagon Fencing & Gate today for expert installation services at competitive prices.