Fence Paling Calculator Australia — Palings, Posts & Rails
Fence dimensions
Standard: 1.5 m or 1.8 m
Paling details
0 mm = butted privacy fence · 5–15 mm = semi-open
Choose a stock length equal to or just above your fence height.
Posts & rails
Minimum 600 mm for a 1.8 m fence. General rule: bury at least ⅓ of total post length.
Fence materials estimate
Palings
Posts
Rails
Concrete (post footings)
This fence paling calculator estimates the number of palings, posts, rails, and concrete bags needed for a standard Australian timber paling fence. Paling counts are calculated from fence length divided by paling pitch (face width plus gap). Post counts use the specified bay spacing plus one post for the end. Rail lineal metres are based on bays multiplied by rails per bay and post spacing. Post footing volumes use a 200 mm diameter cylinder at the specified depth, consistent with standard residential fence construction practice across Australian states. All timber sizes reference standard DAR (dressed all round) sections available from Bunnings and trade timber merchants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are standard fence palings in Australia?
The most common Australian fence paling is 75×19 mm DAR (dressed all round) treated pine, available in 1.8 m lengths to match a standard 1.8 m fence height. The 100×19 mm paling is popular for a more contemporary look with fewer pieces. Both are widely available at Bunnings, Mitre 10, and timber merchants. Hardwood palings (e.g. merbau, treated hardwood) are also available in the same face widths.
How far apart should fence posts be?
The Australian standard for residential paling fences is 1.8 m post spacing centre to centre. This matches standard rail lengths sold at hardware stores. In high-wind zones or on exposed sites, 1.5 m centres are preferred. Steel posts or larger hardwood posts can span to 2.4 m, but this is less common for timber paling fences.
How deep should fence posts be set in Australia?
A general rule is to bury at least one third of the total post length. For a 1.8 m fence you need a post approximately 2.4 m long with 600 mm in the ground. On soft or reactive soils, 700–900 mm is safer. Always set posts in concrete (not just compacted soil) and use post stirrups or post bases where possible to keep timber out of ground contact and prevent rot.
How many rails does a paling fence need?
A fence up to 1.2 m high typically needs 2 rails (top and bottom). A standard 1.5–1.8 m fence should have 3 rails — top, middle, and bottom — to prevent palings from bowing outward over time. Fences over 1.8 m or in high-wind locations should use 4 rails. Rails are typically 75×38 mm or 100×38 mm treated pine.
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Australia?
In most Australian states, a boundary fence under 2.0 m does not require a building permit. However, rules vary by council, and dividing fences on shared boundaries are subject to state fencing laws (e.g. the Dividing Fences Act in NSW, QLD, and VIC). Fences adjacent to a road, in bushfire zones, or on sloped sites may have additional requirements. Always check with your local council before construction.