When it comes to determining the cost of a rural fence, two main factors come into play: the type of fence and the materials chosen for construction.
Determining the appropriate fence type is heavily influenced by the specific animals you aim to keep in or out. Different fence types call for specific materials, each with their own set of advantages or disadvantges and costs.
Consider wallabies, for example; an effective exclusion fence requires tightly spaced mesh (11-90-15) plus an apron to prevent animals going under. Building a fence to keep out wallabies requires more expensive mesh and tighter post spacing than a fence designed to contain only cattle, where a simple two-strand electric fence would suffice.
Another essential factor is post material, and typically, the decision revolves around choosing between pine or steel.
Strainer posts and End Assembilies in particular are a significant portion of material cost and function as they play a critical role in the fence line, which is to take the strain of the fence and provide support for any gates. The failure of a strainer leads to a loss of tension and sagging in the fence. It is recommended that strainer posts be a minimum of 2.4 meters long, whether made of steel or pine, as this ensures optimal strength.
While steel strainer posts come at a higher price tag, they exhibit greater resistance to moisture and rot, offering superior durability. On the other hand, pine strainer posts, are more affordable and possess better damage absorption, making them safer to drive in rocky conditions where steel posts may be prone to mushrooming or bending
For intermediates, steel star posts provide easy installation without requiring special equipment, although they may not match the holding power of pine posts driven by a post rammer. Ultimately, the choice between steel and pine strainer posts depends on factors such as cost, durability, and specific fencing needs.
The pricing of rural fencing is also impacted by the location and the level of installation complexity.
The nature of the terrain directly impacts the installation process as uneven ground or rocky surfaces may necessitate additional labor and specialised equipment such as a rock spike or drill, contributing to higher costs. On the flip side, a terrain that is easily reachable and level will facilitate a quicker and simpler process for the contractor, resulting in lower costs.
The remoteness of a location also plays a role in pricing. Contractors operating in remote areas typically incur higher travel costs, impacting the overall budget for a fencing project. The need to transport fencing equipment and materials over longer distances can lead to increased fuel expenses and additional logistical challenges.
Including gates in a fence project adds to the overall cost due to the need for extra end assemblies. The number of gates can notably affect the final expenses of the fencing project, especially when dealing with fences that need to be divided into several shorter strains.
Dealing with electric fences requires consideration of energiser requirements and the cost of purchase. Fencing a larger area requires a powerful energizer capable of carrying more power. The presence of vegetation touching the fence amplifies the power needed, as power loss occurs when grass makes contact. Additionally, installing underground cables for physical gates contributes to increased labor costs.
When everything is considered, here are some price ranges for common rural fences.
Two Strand Electric - $4-5 pm
5 Barb $6-8 pm
6/70/30 Sheep Mesh $6-9 pm
8/90/30 $9-11 pm
11/90/15 /w Apron Footer Wallaby Fencing $14-18 pm
13/122/5 Equine Fencing $28-40 pm
900mm Netting $20-25 pm
Note - These prices do not include end assembilies, gates and or clearing.
It's not just about the quoted price; understanding what you're getting for your money is key. Think of it like comparing apples to apples—look at the post spacing and strainers. Some may try to save money by cutting corners with wire or posts that won't last as long, so, it's essential to consider longevity and quality of the materials used in your fencing project to ensure you make a worthwhile investment.
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