Hardwood or treated pine?
Spotted gum and other Australian hardwoods give the classic heavy post and rail look and suit high-traffic entrances and horse paddocks. CCA-treated pine is lighter and usually cheaper. Ask your fencer which timber grade and treatment they’re quoting, and how posts are set in your soil.
2, 3 or 4 rails
- ✓2-rail suits driveways and feature frontages
- ✓3-rail is a common choice for horse paddocks
- ✓4-rail or rails with mesh backing help keep smaller animals and dogs in
- ✓Mortised posts give a clean finish with rails let into the post
- ✓Strainer and gate posts are larger to take the load
Typical cost
As a guide, hardwood post-and-rail typically ranges from $75 to $140+ per linear metre, depending on rail count and timber grade. The contractor will give you a firm price after an on-site inspection.
Shoalhaven conditions to plan for
Coastal salt air shortens the life of light wire and fittings, sandstone and shale ridges can mean rock drilling for posts, and high-rainfall gullies soften the ground around strainers. Many properties also border bushland. Tell your fencer about all of these when you request a quote. More on rural fencing in the Shoalhaven.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does post and rail fencing cost per metre?+
As a guide, hardwood post-and-rail typically ranges from $75 to $140+ per linear metre, depending on rail count and timber grade. The contractor will give you a firm price after an on-site inspection.
Will my neighbour pay half?+
In NSW, the Dividing Fences Act 1991 generally has neighbours share equally the cost of a “sufficient” dividing fence. On rural land, councils give a wire fence on steel star posts as an example. If you can’t agree informally, you can serve a written fencing notice describing the boundary line, the fence type and the estimated cost. Your neighbour has one month to respond, after which either of you can apply to the Local Court or NCAT for a fencing order. Anything above the “sufficient” standard is usually paid by the owner who wants it. See NSW Legal Aid or the Local Court for the details.
How Shoalhaven Fence Co works
Shoalhaven Fence Co is a local lead-matching service connecting Shoalhaven property owners with independent local rural fencing contractors. When you call or send a request, we pass your details to a local fencing contractor who contacts you to inspect the line and quote. The contractor you’re matched with is responsible for the work, its pricing and any warranties.