
Best Local Picket Fencing Installation Near Me
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Last Updated Aug 6, 2024 · Written by hipages team · 7 min read
How to hire the best local picket fencing installer near you?
Picket fencing is a classic look for Aussie homes. It’s been a popular, and extremely versatile style of fencing for years that can be used for a range of homes and looks - and it doesn’t look like that will change anytime soon.
Read on for everything you need to know about picket fence installation in Australia, including:
What is a picket fence?
At its simplest, a picket fence consists of upright posts, pickets and horizontal supports (AKA: rails). These posts are secured or cemented into the ground at regular intervals with rails between them and pickets secured to the railings, creating aesthetic panels that give your home privacy and curb appeal.
Pros and cons of picket fencing
There are plenty of reasons people choose picket fences and it’s a good idea to think about whether it’s the right choice for your home before you commit.
Benefits of picket fences
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A relatively easy installation process
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Enhanced curb appeal
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Increased property value
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Privacy and security
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Durability and long life
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Budget-friendly
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Range of materials and styles
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Easy to fix individual posts or rails that get damaged without needing to replace the whole fence
Disadvantages of picket fences
A picket fence isn’t for everyone though, and some disadvantages of picket fences include:
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Regular maintenance requirements
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Commonly made from wood which isn’t always the best choice for Aussie homes given the harsh and dry weather
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Some styles don’t provide as much privacy for your home as Colorbond or other fence styles
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Depending on the spacing between pickets, it might not be suitable for households with smaller pets as they might be able to escape
Many of the advantages and disadvantages of picket fences will depend on the style of picket fencing that you choose. To ensure you get the best picket fencing design for your home, be sure to discuss your expectations and lifestyle with your professional picket fencing installer.
Types of picket fencing
Picket fences come in a wide range of styles and materials that can suit any home. Though the two most common examples are the classic white picket fence and those used to secure farm properties with a metal stake and wire, there is guaranteed to be a style that suits your home and aesthetic.
Your choices will most likely come down to:
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Materials
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Type of posts used
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Design of your pickets
Materials
Picket fencing can be constructed from a range of materials beyond the common wooden fences. Each comes with its own costs and benefits and most can be customised for colour and design.
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Wood: The most common and cost-effective material used in picket fences. Wooden posts (traditionally hardwoods or pine) come with a range of carved designs to add to the aesthetic of your fence but due to the harsh conditions in Australia, they will require the most upkeep
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PVC: An increasingly popular material option for picket fences, PVC picket fences give you the classic look without some of the hassle of a wooden fence. They are termite-resistant, low maintenance and budget-friendly
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Metal: Powder-coated aluminium or steel can be another low-maintenance option for picket fencing. They can be easy to clean and any scratches can be repaired with a new coat of spray paint
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Vinyl: Vinyl picket fences will have a glossy finish that’s hard to miss but they can imitate traditional white picket fences or other materials for a lower price
Type of posts used
Your picket fencing posts can use the same materials as the rest of the fence, adding designs for the cap or carvings in the post itself.
They can also be made with masonry, using brick, stone or render to give your fence a more permanent and elegant feel. Using these materials for your posts will increase the cost of your picket fence installation.
Design of your pickets
Because of their popularity, picket fences can come in a wide range of styles, many of which are prefabricated. Using one of these picket designs can save on costs and, luckily, there are a lot of choices.
You can also choose the height of the overall fence and the shape that your pickets make when put together.
While white is the most common colour for a picket fence, you can play with paints to make a unique style.
How much does a picket fence cost?
Picket fences will change in cost depending on the design, materials and size of the area you need to be fenced. In general, expect to pay anywhere between $500 - $4,500 to get your fence installed.
Materials are often calculated per metre. Some prices you can expect to pay, based on your fencing material choice, include:
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Timber picket fence: Up to $120 per metre
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PVC picket fence: $55 per metre
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Aluminium picket fence: $95 per metre
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Steel picket fence: $100 per metre
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Vinyl picket fence: $40 per metre
These costs may change depending on various factors, including supply and demand, as well as your geographical location.
Read more: How much does fencing cost per metre?
Getting quotes for picket fencing installation
At hipages, we always recommend getting at least three quotes before hiring a fencing installer. The cheapest option may not always be the best one and you may find that there are additional costs down the line that can add up.
Hiring the right picket fence installer can make the whole process go smoothly and it’s a good idea to ask them a couple of questions to make sure you get the right person for the job. Some of these questions include:
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How much experience do you have with picket fence installation?
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Are you licensed?
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What are your qualifications?
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Are you insured to work in my home?
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Can you provide a written quote?
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Do you have references I can follow up on?