Fencing & Gate Installation Across Sydney
Fencing does three different jobs and they have almost nothing in common: marking a boundary, giving privacy, and, for pools, meeting a legal child-safety standard. Pool fencing in particular is compliance work with a certification deadline, not a landscaping choice.
Types of Fencing & Gates
Colorbond steel
The default in Sydney. Standard 1.8m panels, full colour range, effectively no maintenance.
Timber paling
Cheaper up front, warmer looking, but needs staining or painting periodically and won't last as long in coastal air.
Aluminium slat
Contemporary horizontal slat look with adjustable spacing for privacy versus airflow. Handles coastal salt better than steel or timber.
Frameless glass pool fencing
Preserves sightlines to the pool while meeting AS 1926.1. The premium option.
Automated driveway gates
Sliding or swing, with motor, remote and safety sensors. Usually specified alongside boundary fencing.
Why choose fencing & gates
- Lasting privacy and security with virtually no maintenance
- Pool fencing that meets the law while preserving sightlines
- Automated gates add convenience and security
- Clearly defined boundaries reduce neighbour disputes
- Colorbond and aluminium resist coastal salt far better than untreated timber
Council approval in NSW
Front and street-facing boundary fences are generally limited to around 1.2m without approval; side and rear fences may be exempt up to 1.8m non-masonry. These limits vary by council. Pool fencing is governed by AS 1926.1 (updated 2024): minimum 1.2m height, maximum 100mm gaps at ground level and between vertical members, a 900mm non-climbable zone outside the barrier, and self-closing, self-latching, outward-swinging gates. Cost-sharing for dividing fences between neighbours is governed separately by the Dividing Fences Act 1991, with disputes heard at NCAT. Licensed contractor over $5,000; HBCF insurance over $20,000.
General guidance only, requirements vary by council and by property. We confirm what applies to your address before quoting.
Our process
- 01
Consult
A free on-site visit to understand the brief, the block and what council will expect. - 02
Quote
A clear, itemised quote, no vague allowances, no surprise variations later. - 03
Council
We handle exempt development, CDC or DA paperwork so the build is fully compliant. - 04
Build
Our own dedicated crew builds the job, not a rotating cast of subcontractors. - 05
Inspect
A final walkthrough against the quote before we call the job done.
Fencing & Gates FAQs
Do I need council approval for a fence?
Front and street-facing boundary fences are generally capped around 1.2m without approval; side and rear fences can often go to 1.8m. Rules vary by council, and corner blocks, heritage areas and fences backing onto public reserves are frequently stricter.
What are the pool fencing laws in NSW?
AS 1926.1 requires a minimum 1.2m fence height, gaps no greater than 100mm at ground level and between vertical members, a 900mm non-climbable zone outside the fence, and gates that are self-closing, self-latching and swing outward only. NSW councils run compliance inspections on existing pools.
Who pays for a boundary fence in NSW?
Under the Dividing Fences Act 1991 adjoining owners generally share the cost of a sufficient dividing fence equally. Disputes go to NCAT. If one owner wants something better than 'sufficient', they usually carry the difference.
Can my neighbour refuse to pay for a fence?
They can disagree on the fence or the cost, which is what the Dividing Fences Act process exists to resolve. It's worth serving a proper Fencing Notice rather than starting work and invoicing afterwards.
Colorbond or timber?
Colorbond for low maintenance and longevity, timber for warmth and lower up-front cost. In coastal suburbs Colorbond or aluminium is the more sensible long-term choice.
Can I install my own pool fence?
Compliance is what matters, not who installs it, and a non-compliant pool barrier is a serious liability. We build to AS 1926.1 and can coordinate certification.
Related services
Ready to start your fencing & gates project?
Tell us about your project and we’ll come back with a free, no-obligation quote.