Fencing FAQs:
Become a Garden Barrier Pro

Wondering how much fencing costs? What the best type of fencing is? How to protect your garden from pets and pests? Or looking for some installation tips? Jack’s got your back with a heap of popular fencing FAQs.

We don’t like to brag, but we’re fencing pros, designing and manufacturing strong, durable fencing products since 1977!

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a fencing newbie in need of some advice and inspo, you don’t need to go to fencing school. We’re here to lift the fog and help you build and maintain the best fences on the block!

Fencing prices can vary a lot! Depending on the materials you choose, you could pay as little as $50 or as much as $450 per metre. You also need to add any accessories you might need, including gates and hinges.

Wire mesh fencing and timber are usually the most cost-effective types of fencing. Wrought iron and Colourbond are more expensive. If we’re talking glass pool fencing, it can cost anywhere between $600 and $1,200 per metre.

On average, a fencing contractor will charge around $50 per hour.

However, this cost can, of course, vary a great deal depending on the quality of the tradesperson. Contractors usually charge around $2,000 to $4,000 to install a new boundary fence. That’s a fair whack, so why not do it yourself?

The best type of fencing for garden beds depends on your budget, the look you’re going for and your preferences. Common types of garden bed fencing include:

• Timber – A classic choice that’s easy to work with but will need regular maintenance to stop rotting or warping.
• Wire mesh fencing, such as Flower Mesh and Animal Netting – Mesh fencing is pretty inexpensive and easy to install. Galvanised steel wire mesh is also strong and weatherproof.
• Plastic or PVC – This type of fencing, including our Garden Mesh, is durable, low-maintenance and available in a variety of styles and colours. Jack Supa-Net – Plastic is almost invisible.

A hanging garden fence is a type of fence designed to support and display plants, creating a vertical garden. It typically consists of a framework or trellis attached to a wall or fence, with pots or planters hanging from it.

They’re a fab way to add greenery to small or vertical spaces, creating a beautiful and natural look in any outdoor area. Check out our Garden Up® range.

Wire mesh fencing is the best type of fencing to stop pests like rats, foxes and rabbits from wreaking havoc on your gardens and vegies. Our PVC Garden Mesh is perfect for the job. Plus, its green coating protects the wire and blends into your garden, chameleon style.

The best way to stop your dog from jumping a boundary fence is to make sure it’s tall enough. Here’s a rough guide by breed:

• Small breeds (Maltese, Shih Tzu) – At least 1.2 metres (4 feet)
• Medium breeds (Labrador Retriever, Collie): A 1.5 to 1.8 metres (5-6 feet)
• Large breeds (German Shepherd, Rottweiler): 1.8 to 2.4 metres (6 to 8 feet)
• Giant breeds (Great Dane, Newfoundland): 2.4 metres (8 feet) or taller

Our wire Jack Dog Mesh and Puppy Mesh are both great options to stop smaller breeds and puppies from escaping or destroying your beautiful garden. You could even add a motion-activated sprinkler system as an extra deterrent!

Learn how to build an easy-peasy mesh fence to protect your vegies from pets in our how-to.

Is your fur baby a digger and constantly trying to make an under-fence escape? Don’t worry. It’s easy to stop them with a Jack Under Guard Fence Barrier.

Simply align the fence barrier with the bottom edge of the fence and hammer it into position. Job done! Sections can be linked to create longer runs and cut to length for exact size and coverage. Check out this video from the Garden Gurus! (It’s under the product info).

Another option is to dig a trench along the perimeter of your existing fence, cut some wire mesh, and place it in the trench. Then, use stakes to secure it in place.

For best results, use strong, durable mesh made from galvanised steel with a small aperture size, such as our Jack Animal Netting.

Boundary fencing helps to establish the perimeter of your property and acts as a physical barrier to block entry. It can also help keep pets and kids safely contained within your yard. Plus, it can add a decorative finishing touch to your home.

There are many types of boundary fencing to pick from, including wooden and Colourbond, which is made from aluminium and zinc.

But if you’re looking for something budget-friendly and low maintenance, wire mesh fencing, like our A75 Project Mesh, is perfect. It’s super versatile and can be cut and installed easily. If you don’t like the visibility, simply grow some plants or shrubs alongside it or use it as a trellis.

Yes, there are different rules for dividing and boundary fences depending on where you live. These standards are set by state governments to regulate the building and maintenance of fencing. Learn more:

• ACT fencing laws
• NSW fencing laws
• NT fencing laws
• SA fencing laws
• WA fencing laws
• NZ fencing laws

A front picket fence is a fence installed at the front of a property, separating it from the street or path. Picket fences are made up of evenly spaced vertical boards, called pickets, attached to horizontal rails. They’re often made of wood but can also be vinyl or metal.

Picket fences can be low or high, depending on the desired level of privacy and security. They can also be painted or stained to match the style of the home and landscape.

If you love a classic and traditional look and feel, a crisp, white front picket fence is perfect.

Picket fences evoke a sense of nostalgia and homeliness—they’re the image of the idyllic suburban dream—and add instant curb appeal. Plus, they can also add privacy and additional security.

What material is best for building a fence depends on your budget, the look you want and how much time you have for maintenance. Here are your best options:

• Wire mesh fencing – Durable, budget-friendly, easy to install and low-maintenance, especially when made of galvanised steel. Mesh is a great choice for lots of fencing projects, including protecting garden beds, containing animals, defining boundaries and using them as a temporary barrier.
• Wood fencing – Wood fences offer natural beauty and versatility. They can be stained or painted to match your home’s exterior and easily customised to fit your desired style. But, wood needs work, such as staining or painting, to prevent rotting, warping and insect damage.
• Metal fencing – Metal fencing, such as Colourbond, is durable and long-lasting. It provides excellent privacy and security and comes in a range of colours and styles. The downside is that it can be expensive and may require a bit of love to stop rusting.

When it comes to how to build a fence, here’s a quick how-to:

• Plan – Decide the location and layout of your fence, check local regulations (and obtain permits if necessary), decide on the type of fencing you want (wood, metal, mesh) and calculate what materials you need.
• Prepare site – Clear the area where the fence is going to be installed, removing obstructions such as trees, bushes and rocks. Then, mark the fence line using stakes and string to ensure it’s straight and level.
• Set posts – Dig holes for your posts or drive them in, making sure they’re deep enough to support the height of your fence. Place the posts in the holes and fill them with soil for light mesh fencing or concrete for heavier materials. Use a level to ensure they’re straight.
• Install fencing – Install the wire mesh, panels or pickers between the posts. Attach using screws, nails or brackets. Again, use a level to make sure they’re straight.
• Finish it off – Add any finishing touches such as post caps and paint or stain, cut off any sharp edges and tighten any loose screws.

And that’s your fence done!

Metal fence posts are the best option, even on wood fences, as they’re more durable and won’t rot, warp or be attacked by insects. While they may be a little bit pricier than wooden posts, they need less love and are more cost-effective over the years.

Our Jack Ultraposts are made from high grade steel and come with pre-drilled holes, making installation easy. They’re perfect for building a budget garden fence, such as a wire mesh fence. Choose standard galvanised or dipped black.

How deep a fence post should be dug depends on a few things, including the height of the fence and the types of soil.

As a guide, they should be buried at least one-third to one-half of their length in the ground. If you have sandy or loose soil, you may need to bury the posts deeper to provide additional stability.

Here are some more specific depths based on height:

• 2-foot fence – At least 0.5 to 1 foot deep
• 3-foot fence – At least 1 to 1.5 feet deep
• 4-foot fence – At least 1.5 to 2 feet deep
• 6-foot fence – At least 2 to 3 feet deep
• 8-foot fence –At least 2.5 to 4 feet deep

Fence posts typically need to be evenly set 2 m to 2.7 m (6-8 feet) apart for a fence up to 1.8 m (6 feet) high. Proper post spacing helps distribute the weight and tension of the fence evenly, ensuring it can stand up to strong, blustery winds. It also stops unwanted sagging.

Wondering how to paint a fence? Whatever type of fence you have, painting it is pretty simple. Just make sure you pick the right paint and clean it first. Use a paintbrush, roller or sprayer and apply multiple thin coats for better coverage.

The great thing about wire and metal fencing is that it doesn’t need painting. If you do want to paint it to match your outdoor aesthetic, go for it! Just know that it will need touching up over time.

The best way to clean a fence depends on what type of fence it is. Here’s a quick run-down:

• Wire mesh fencing – Remove any debris, such as twigs and leaves caught in it, using a broom, brush or leaf blower. Use a mild detergent plus a scrub or sponge to wipe and scrub the mesh.
• Wood fencing – Scrub the fence with a mixture of mild detergent and water using a brush or pressure washer.
• Metal and wrought iron fencing – Scrub the fence with a wire brush or steel wool to remove rust and dirt. Rinse with water.

he quickest and simplest way to fix a leaning fence is to dig out and pull the fence posts back into an upright position. Then, fill the gap (with soil or cement) to put it back in a secure, upright position. Use a level to help.

You can also insert t-posts. See our Jack article to learn how.

Again, this depends on the type of fence. Generally, you need to remove any damaged or broken parts of the fence, replace the damaged boards and/or posts and make sure they’re reattached straight and securely.

How often fencing needs replacing depends on what type of material it’s made from, how well it’s been maintained and the conditions it’s exposed to.

Wood fencing can last 10-20 years. Staining and painting can extend its lifespan. Most other types of fencing, including wire mesh and metal, can last 20-30 years or even longer if you look after them.

Now we’ve answered all of your garden fencing questions, the final question is, are you ready to get started on your fencing project?

If the answer is yes, don’t sit on the fence! Head to your nearest local supplier to pick up your tools, materials and Jack products.

Built a fantastic fence with Jack? Why not share your images on socials, tagging @meetdiyjack?