Fence painting in New Zealand costs $15–$35 per linear metre, or $500–$2,500 for a typical residential property.
The cost depends on fence height, material (timber paling, horizontal slat, or trellis), number of sides painted, and whether you're staining, oiling, or painting with a solid colour. Breakdown below.
For whole-house pricing, see the full NZ painting cost guide.
\nNZ painter pricing data — updated April 2026.
Prices last updated: April 2026
Budget for a fence paint or stain job and understand the cost difference between paint, stain, and oil options.
Price fence jobs accurately using per-metre rates. See how fence work fits into property maintenance packages.
Try the quoting tool →| Fence Type | Per Linear Metre | 30 m Fence Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timber paling (paint) | $15–$25 | $500–$800 | Brush or spray, 2 coats exterior paint |
| Timber paling (stain) | $18–$30 | $550–$950 | Penetrating stain, 1–2 coats, shows grain |
| Horizontal slat / louvre | $20–$35 | $650–$1,100 | More edges to coat, slower application |
| Post and rail only | $8–$15 | $250–$500 | Rails and posts, no palings |
| Trellis / lattice | $25–$40 | $800–$1,200 | Very slow — intricate surfaces, lots of edges |
| Retaining wall (timber) | $20–$35 | $650–$1,100 | Often one side only, waterproofing stain |
| Colour change (paint over stain) | $25–$40 | $800–$1,200 | Needs primer to block tannin bleed |
Prices are per linear metre for one side at standard 1.8 m height. Both sides adds 50–70%. Heavy prep (sanding, washing, repairs) is extra.
The finish you choose affects both cost and maintenance long-term:
For most NZ boundary fences (pine paling), solid paint is the best value — lower per-year cost despite the higher initial price.
Per-metre rates vary by 50–100% depending on these factors:
Use our NZ-focused calculator and AI quoting workflow to estimate fence painting jobs — factoring in length, height, timber type, and finish.
Here's a typical residential fence painting job:
Scenario: 55 linear metres of 1.8 m pine paling fence, one side, moderate condition, solid paint finish.
| Line Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Light wash and prep (55 m) | $200–$350 |
| Minor timber repairs (loose palings, split posts) | $100–$250 |
| Primer coat (spot-prime bare timber) | $150–$300 |
| 2 coats exterior paint (brush/roller) | $550–$900 |
| Paint and materials (15–20 L) | $150–$280 |
| Total | $1,150–$2,080 |
That works out to roughly $21–$38 per linear metre all-in. Spray application on the same job would run $900–$1,500 (faster labour, same materials).
NZ's high UV levels are the main enemy of fence coatings, especially on exposed, north-facing boundaries. Choosing a UV-resistant product and maintaining on schedule extends fence life by years.
$15–$35 per linear metre for one side at standard height (1.8 m). A typical 30 m side boundary costs $500–$1,200. A full property boundary (60–80 m) runs $1,000–$2,500. Both sides adds 50–70%.
Paint lasts longer (5–8 years vs 2–4 for stain) and costs less per year of protection. Stain looks more natural and is easier to maintain — it fades rather than peeling. For standard pine paling fences, paint is usually the better value. For cedar or premium timber, stain or oil shows off the grain.
Yes — fences are one of the safest and most accessible DIY painting jobs. You'll save $300–$800 in labour on a typical 30 m fence. The key is proper prep: wash the fence, let it dry fully, sand any rough spots, and use a quality exterior paint or stain. Spray application (hire a gun for $50–$80/day) is the fastest method for paling fences.
Roughly 1 litre per 3–4 linear metres of standard 1.8 m paling fence (one side, two coats). A 30 m fence needs 8–12 litres. Stain coverage is similar but depends on timber absorption — rough-sawn timber soaks up more.
Use our NZ-focused calculator and AI quoting workflow to estimate fence painting jobs — factoring in length, height, timber type, and finish.