Quick answer: In Melbourne, repairing a section of timber paling fence typically costs $150–$500, replacing a rotten fence post costs $150–$300 per post, and gate repairs run $100–$350. A full new timber paling fence costs around $75–$120 per metre — which is why repairing early almost always beats replacing late.
Fence repair pricing at a glance
| Repair type | Typical Melbourne price |
|---|---|
| Replace individual palings | $10 – $25 per paling (min charge applies) |
| Re-secure loose palings / rails | $120 – $250 |
| Replace a fence post (incl. concrete) | $150 – $300 per post |
| Straighten a leaning fence section | $200 – $500 |
| Gate repair / realignment | $100 – $350 |
| Replace a fence panel/section (2.4m) | $250 – $600 |
| New timber paling fence (per metre) | $75 – $120/m |
Typical 2026 ranges for metropolitan Melbourne including labour and standard materials. Neighbours commonly split boundary fence costs 50/50 under the Fences Act.
What affects fence repair costs?
1. How many posts are affected
Posts are the expensive part — they need digging out and re-concreting. A fence leaning at one point usually means one or two failed posts ($300–$600 to fix). A fence leaning along its whole length usually means most posts have rotted at ground level, and replacement becomes more economical.
2. Timber condition elsewhere
If rails and palings are sound, repairing posts saves the fence. If palings snap when handled, the timber is at end of life and money is better spent on replacement.
3. Access
Fences with clear access on both sides are quicker to repair. Tight access, garden beds, or structures built against the fence add time.
4. Storm damage vs gradual failure
Storm-snapped panels with sound posts are a cheap fix. Check your home insurance too — storm damage to fences is often claimable.
Repair or replace?
- Repair if: the lean is localised, palings are mostly sound, and the fence is under ~15 years old.
- Replace if: multiple posts have rotted, palings are brittle and grey right through, or repair quotes exceed about half the replacement cost.
We give an honest assessment either way — see our fence repairs service for what we cover.
Frequently asked questions
Does my neighbour have to pay half?
For boundary ("dividing") fences in Victoria, the Fences Act generally makes adjoining owners equally responsible for a sufficient dividing fence. For urgent repairs you can proceed and recover half, but talking to your neighbour first is always the smoothest path.
How long does a fence repair take?
Most repairs — a couple of posts, a panel, a gate — are done in half a day. Post replacements need concrete to cure before the fence takes load, so we may stage the work across two short visits.
Can you match my existing fence?
Usually yes — treated pine palings are standard and weather to match within months. We can also stain or paint repaired sections to blend immediately.
Do you service my suburb?
We repair fences across Epping, Wollert, South Morang, Mernda, Thomastown, Lalor, Mill Park, Craigieburn, Bundoora, Doreen, Mickleham and Greensborough.