Updated 25 October 2026 · Evergreen Exteriors Care
COLORBOND and timber can both provide a private residential boundary, but they suit different priorities. COLORBOND has a consistent steel finish and lower ongoing maintenance. Timber offers a traditional appearance and flexible finishing options. Standard 1.8m COLORBOND fencing currently starts at $121/m + GST, while standard 1.8m timber paling fencing with a 150mm plinth starts at $105/m + GST. The best choice also depends on slope, access, ground levels, gates and how the fence meets neighbouring structures.
Is COLORBOND or timber fencing cheaper?
| Fence option | Starting rate | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| 1.8m COLORBOND fence | $121/m + GST | Solid privacy and low maintenance |
| COLORBOND with one 200mm wooden sleeper | $132/m + GST | A defined base or small level change |
| COLORBOND with two 200mm wooden sleepers | $143/m + GST | Additional base height where suitable |
| 1.8m timber paling fence with 150mm plinth | $105/m + GST | A traditional timber boundary |
| Timber fence with one 200mm sleeper | $110/m + GST | Timber appearance with a sleeper base |
| Timber fence with two 200mm sleepers | $120/m + GST | Extra base height where suitable |
These are guide rates for standard options, not fixed quotations. Capping, exposed finishes, taller sheets, gates, old-fence removal, difficult excavation, restricted access and retaining work can change the final price. Standard delivery is listed separately in the quotation.
How do COLORBOND and timber compare?
COLORBOND® fencing
COLORBOND uses steel sheets, posts and rails to create a solid boundary with a consistent finish. It is commonly selected for side and rear boundaries where privacy and low routine maintenance are priorities. The current 2.1m sheet upgrade is $22/m + GST: guide rates are therefore $143/m + GST with no sleeper, $154/m + GST with one 200mm wooden sleeper, or $165/m + GST with two wooden sleepers, subject to a suitable finished height for the property.
Timber paling fencing
Timber has a traditional appearance and can be configured with a plinth or wooden sleepers. Capping is also available: current timber starting rates with capping are $110/m + GST with a 150mm plinth, $115/m + GST with one 200mm sleeper, and $125/m + GST with two sleepers. Timber changes with weather and may need maintenance over its life.
Slat and blade fencing
Slat and blade systems are often used for front boundaries, feature sections and matching gates. Spacing, profile and angle affect privacy and visibility. They are different products from standard side-boundary COLORBOND or timber fencing and should be compared using the same height, opening sizes and hardware.
What determines the final fencing cost?
Height and base
The selected sheet or paling height, plinth, number of sleepers, capping and any genuine retaining requirement affect materials, posts and the finished boundary height.
Gates and access
Pedestrian or driveway gates, measured openings, locks, posts, swing or sliding space, restricted side access and material handling are quoted for the property.
Removal and ground conditions
Old-fence removal, disposal, hard or rocky digging, concrete around posts, slope and nearby services are separate cost factors unless the written quotation includes them.
How Evergreen builds a standard timber paling fence
Evergreen’s standard timber option uses 1.8m treated-pine palings with a 150mm plinth, producing an approximate total height of 1.95m, and 125×75mm red-hardwood posts. Evergreen uses screws for the structural framing connections and nails for fixing the palings. This keeps the framing securely fastened while using the appropriate fixing method for the visible palings.
Alternative sleepers, capping, exposed posts, taller palings and gates should be listed separately so the customer can compare the same specification across quotations.
Can sleepers be installed under the fence?
Yes, where they suit the boundary and ground conditions. Wooden sleepers can form a defined base below COLORBOND or timber fencing, and the number of sleepers affects both price and finished height. A sleeper beneath a fence is not automatically a retaining wall. If soil needs to be retained, the wall and fence should be assessed and quoted together.
What does supply and installation include?
A clear written quotation should identify the selected fence type and height, posts and rails, sleepers or plinths, capping where selected, installation and agreed gate hardware. Old-fence removal, difficult excavation, retaining work, special locks, custom gates and disposal are included only when they are written into the scope.
What gate options are available?
A standard COLORBOND pedestrian gate is currently $660 each + GST. Blade, slat, double, driveway and automatic sliding gates are separate options. Their price depends on the measured opening, posts, hardware, motor requirements, ground clearance and available sliding space.
Check the site before deciding
- Confirm the boundary position and discuss shared fencing with the adjoining owner where relevant.
- Identify underground services before excavation and tell the contractor about any known private pipes or cables.
- Check whether the ground slopes, retains soil or has restricted machine access.
- Confirm the preferred finished height, colour and gate opening direction.
- Ask the relevant council about permits or local controls where required.
Choose for the whole property
A fence and gate work better when they are planned together. Consider driveway width, pedestrian access, bin movement and how the new fence meets existing walls or fences. Evergreen Exteriors Care installs fencing and gates across the approximately 50 km service area from Preston, including northern, north-western and western suburbs.
See our fencing and gate services, check the detailed COLORBOND cost and inclusions guide, compare timber fencing options, or use the online price estimator for a starting figure.