How much does a COLORBOND® fence cost in Melbourne?
A COLORBOND® steel fence in Melbourne typically costs around $75–$130 per metre for materials, or roughly $200–$350 per metre installed. Here is what drives the price and how to get an exact figure for your job.
The NKSM Team
Fencing & steel supplies, Hallam VIC · · 3 min read
It is the first question everyone asks, and the honest answer is "it depends" — on how long the fence is, how tall, your ground, and whether you build it yourself or pay for installation. But you do not want a shrug, you want numbers, so here is a realistic guide for South-East Melbourne, plus the things that actually move the price.
The short answer
For a standard 1.8 m high COLORBOND® steel fence, as a rough guide:
- Materials only (DIY): about $75–$130 per lineal metre, depending on colour, height and post spacing.
- Supplied and installed: about $200–$350 per lineal metre, depending on site access, ground and who does the work.
- Gates: a single pedestrian gate kit is often $250–$500; a double/driveway gate more, depending on width.
So a typical 20 m backyard boundary might land somewhere around $1,500–$2,600 in materials to build yourself, or roughly $4,000–$7,000 installed. Your number will differ — read on for why.
What goes into the price
1. Length
The single biggest factor. Fencing is priced per metre, so measure every side you plan to do. Ourfence calculator works this out for multiple sides at once and gives you a to-scale plan.
2. Height
A 1.8 m fence is standard. Going to 2.0 m or 2.1 m uses more sheet material and can need beefier posts and deeper footings, so the per-metre cost climbs.
3. Colour and finish
Most core COLORBOND® steel colours are similar in price, but some premium or special-order colours cost more and may not be held in stock. Popular greys like Monument® and Woodland Grey® are usually easy to get.
4. Posts, footings and ground
Rocky, sandy or sloping ground means more digging, more concrete, and sometimes deeper or closer-spaced posts. A dead-flat, easy-dig block is the cheapest to fence.
5. Extras
Gates, timber sleepers to close the gap on uneven ground, and matching post caps all add to the total — but they are what make the finished fence look right.
DIY vs paying for installation
A COLORBOND® steel fence is designed to bolt together, so a confident DIYer can absolutely build one over a weekend with a mate. Doing it yourself saves the labour component — often the biggest single line on an installed quote. The trade-off is your time, the tools, and getting the posts plumb and the footings solid. Ourinstallation guide walks through the whole process.
If you can dig a straight line of holes and use a level, you can build a COLORBOND steel fence. If you would rather not, we can point you to installers.
How to get an exact price
Ballpark numbers are useful for budgeting, but every job is different. The fastest way to a real figure:
- Measure each side of the area you want fenced (in metres) and note the height you want.
- Run it through our fence calculator for a materials list and a to-scale plan.
- Send it through or call us — we confirm the exact list, give you a price, and have most of it ready for same-day pickup.
We supply everything for the job and can cut steel to size at our Hallam yard, which saves you doing it in the driveway.
Products in this guide
Everything you need — in stock at our Hallam yard.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a COLORBOND fence cost per metre in Melbourne?
As a general guide, materials for a standard 1.8 m COLORBOND® steel fence run about $75–$130 per lineal metre, and supplied-and-installed is roughly $200–$350 per lineal metre. Your exact price depends on length, height, colour, ground conditions and whether you build it yourself. Use our fence calculator or contact us for a precise figure.
Is it cheaper to build a COLORBOND fence yourself?
Yes — doing it yourself removes the labour cost, which is usually the largest part of an installed quote. The system is designed to bolt together, so it is well within reach for a confident DIYer over a weekend. You will need basic tools and to get the posts plumb and footings solid.
What is the cheapest way to reduce the cost of a new fence?
Keep the height standard (1.8 m), choose a stocked core colour, build it yourself, and make sure your ground is clear and easy to dig. Sharing the cost with your neighbour under Victoria’s dividing-fence rules can also halve your share for a boundary fence.
Does NKSM install fences?
We are a supply yard — we supply all the materials and cut steel to size, and most orders are ready for same-day pickup from Hallam. If you need it installed we can point you in the right direction.
Still have a question? Get in touch — we're happy to help.
Keep reading
COLORBOND® vs timber vs aluminium fencing: how to choose
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COLORBOND® fence colours: the full range and how to choose
The COLORBOND® steel Classic range runs to 22 colours, from soft neutrals like Surfmist® to dark greys like Monument®. Here is the full palette and a simple way to choose the right one for your fence.
Do you need a permit to build a fence in Victoria?
Most standard dividing fences up to 2 m in Victoria do not need a building permit — but front fences, tall fences, pool fences and corner blocks can. Here is what to check before you build.