How to Build a Fence in NZ
- TopBuilders
- May 13
- 3 min read
Putting up a new fence is one of the best DIY upgrades you can make to your home. It boosts privacy, adds value, keeps pets in, and gives your place that polished boundary. If you’re wondering how to build a fence in NZ, the good news is you don’t need a permit for anything under 2.5 metres high. That said, there’s a bit of groundwork before you start digging.
Know the Rules Before You Start
It’s smart to check with your local council before you start building, especially if you’re near pipes, boundary lines, or public land. If you're fencing along a shared boundary, it's worth having a chat with your neighbour about the style, cost, and when you're planning to get started. Having a copy of the Fencing Act handy helps if things get tricky.
You’ll need to identify your boundary line accurately. If your pegs aren’t visible, grab a copy of your site plans or get a surveyor in. It's also worth checking your utility plans and giving your power provider a call in case there are underground cables nearby.
Choosing the Right Fence Materials
The most common type of fence in New Zealand is the classic post and rail with vertical palings. It’s cost-effective and durable, especially when built with treated radiata pine.
Here’s a rundown of what you’ll be working with:
Posts: Standard rough-sawn H4 treated 100mm x 100mm posts are great for most residential fences. For a sleeker or more premium look, consider dressed or laminated posts.
Rails: Use H3.2 treated rails, either 75x50mm or 100x50mm depending on the weight and span. These can be fixed between or across the face of the posts.
Palings: Choose between 19mm or 25mm thick H3.2 treated palings. Go for rough-sawn if you’re after a traditional look or opt for dressed palings if you want something neater. For a higher-end finish, you can add capping along the top and use cover boards or trim between joins to really tidy things up. A capping rail not only looks sharp but also helps keep rainwater off the paling ends.
Laying It Out and Getting Started
Once you've decided on your fence layout and ordered your timber, clear the fence line and set up a string line along the boundary. This marks the centre of your post holes. Posts are typically spaced around two metres apart. If you're working around obstacles or old footings, feel free to adjust your layout slightly — just keep it consistent.
Dig your post holes to at least 600mm deep and around 250mm wide. A post hole borer makes quick work of this, but you can use a shovel if you’re up for it. Drop your posts in, brace them straight, and set them in concrete. Let that cure for 24 hours before moving on.
Fixing the Rails and Adding the Palings
Once your posts are solid, mark out where your rails will sit. The top rail usually goes 150mm down from the top of the fence, and the bottom one about 150mm up from the ground. Add a middle rail if your fence is taller than 1.2 metres.
You can fix rails across the face of the posts or sit them between posts for a cleaner look. Galvanised nails or bugle screws do the trick, but in high-wind zones, coach screws are a sturdier option.
When it comes to nailing up your palings, sit them slightly off the ground to avoid rot. Nail them tight against each other as timber shrinks as it dries, so this helps avoid gaps down the line. Finish off by running a chalk line across the top and trimming the palings to a consistent height. You can also cut your post tops on an angle to help water run off.
Want the Premium Look?
If you’re after something more than just the basics, consider upgrading to a premium paling fence.
These often include:
Dressed posts and palings for a smoother, more uniform finish
Top capping to protect the palings and polish the look
Cover boards between the joins for added strength and visual appeal
Staining or painting to match your home’s aesthetic
The build method is the same, but the attention to detail and finish is what sets it apart. This type of fence not only adds privacy and security but seriously boosts your curb appeal.
Final Tips If You're Thinking About How to Build a Fence in NZ
Building a fence might seem like a big job, but it’s manageable if you take it one step at a time. Measure twice, take your time with the posts, and keep your lines straight. You’ll be surprised at how satisfying it is to look back and see a tidy, solid fence you built yourself. And if it’s not your thing, get one of our local fence builders involved — it’ll still be money well spent.
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