Removing an Old Fence: A Guide to Installing a New One

Many aging fences may not completely fail. Instead, they often begin to lean progressively until a panel becomes detached during a storm, signalling a critical moment for replacement.

Once you have organised a new fence installation, it is vital to remove the existing fence and dispose of it properly—a task often overlooked until the last minute. This guide highlights important considerations to address before taking down the old panels.

Communicate with Your Neighbour Before Starting Fence Removal

If the fence serves as a boundary between properties, discussing its removal with your neighbour is essential. This conversation can help avoid potential disputes down the track.

In New South Wales, the Dividing Fences Act 1991 outlines how neighbours can share costs associated with a dividing fence and the steps required to reach an agreement. NSW Fair Trading provides clear guidance on this matter, including actions to take if an agreement cannot be reached. Familiarising yourself with this information prior to dismantling the old fence can help prevent uncomfortable discussions later.

Key points to clarify include the timeline for removing the fence, the duration during which the boundary will be exposed, and how costs will be divided. A brief conversation beforehand can help avert misunderstandings and complications.

Understanding the Old Fence Removal Procedure

The details of fence removal largely depend on the type of construction.

Timber paling fences are typically taken apart in a systematic way. Initially, the palings are removed, followed by the rails, and finally, the posts. While the palings come off quickly, the posts can present challenges due to their usual concrete anchoring.

Colorbond fences can be dismantled more quickly but can be cumbersome to handle. The sheets detach easily from the rails, but they are long, have sharp edges, and do not stack neatly. Similar to timber fences, the posts are generally set in concrete.

Older boundary fences may also consist of various materials, including chain wire on steel posts, timber lattice over a low brick base, and occasionally durable hardwood. The type of material affects both the duration of the removal process and the associated costs.

Deciding What to Do with Posts and Footings

This decision should be made before removal, as it significantly impacts the fencer’s work more than your own.

Concreted posts can either be excavated with their footings attached, resulting in a series of holes along the boundary, or they can be cut off at ground level, leaving the footings in place. The choice depends on where the new fence posts are to be positioned. If the new fence aligns with the existing line, the buried footings could complicate the fencer’s job on their first day.

It’s wise to consult with the fencer regarding their preference before scheduling the removal. They will likely provide a clear recommendation, and a quick phone call can help prevent complications when they arrive to start work.

Critical Checks Before Dismantling the Old Fence

Certain older boundary and side fences in Sydney may not be constructed from timber or steel. Instead, they might consist of flat grey fibre cement sheeting, often affixed to steel posts, and in some cases, this material could contain asbestos.

If the fence resembles flat sheeting rather than palings or Colorbond, it’s crucial to pause any demolition efforts until you can identify the material. SafeWork NSW and your local council offer resources for recognising these materials and information on licensed handlers. This is not a decision to rush during a weekend project; proper identification and understanding of the correct procedures are essential.

Post-Removal Management of Old Fence Timber

Fence materials can be divided into distinct categories. Steel posts, Colorbond sheeting, and chain wire comprise one category, while timber makes up another. Concrete footings are treated separately.

It’s important to note that treated pine, commonly used in modern fencing, should not be burned. Burning treated timber releases harmful preservatives into the smoke and ash, making it unsuitable for fire pits, wood heaters, or backyard bonfires. Although old fence palings may seem like a free source of firewood, they are not safe to burn.

In contrast, hardwood palings from genuinely old fences can be valuable if you have a specific purpose for them. If you wish to keep some for future use, please communicate this preference before the job begins.

What Other Items Will Be Removed Along with the Old Fence?

A fence line rarely remains clear of debris. Vegetation that has grown alongside the fence and items that have been stored against it often accumulate over time.

• Vegetation along the fence line: creeping plants, overgrown shrubs, and roots that may have contributed to the fence leaning.
• Timber offcuts and old palings: remnants from previous repairs, often leaning against nearby structures.
• Pots and garden edging: items that have remained adjacent to the fence and have not been relocated.
• Old outdoor furniture and equipment: items that have been tucked away out of sight along that side of the yard.
• Green waste from clearing the area: this is necessary for the fencer to work efficiently and generates its own waste load.

To ensure the fence line is fully prepared for the new installation, consolidating all debris into one load optimises the use of the truck and facilitates the fencer’s arrival.

Planning for the Gap Between the Old and New Fence

It is essential to prepare for this gap, as it can unexpectedly catch homeowners off guard.

During the period between the removal of the old fence and the installation of the new one, the boundary will be exposed. If you have dogs, small children, or a pool in your yard, it is crucial to have a plan in place before the removal, rather than scrambling afterwards. Temporary fencing, securing pets indoors, or timing the removal to coincide with the fencer’s arrival are all effective strategies. Not having a plan can lead to complications.

If a pool is present, remember that pool barrier regulations remain applicable even when the boundary fence is down. If the boundary fence forms part of the pool barrier, consult your certifier before any removal occurs.

Scheduling Old Fence Removal Services in Sydney

Our fence removal services are part of our comprehensive backyard demolition and junk removal solutions, with debris and cuttings from the fence removal transported in the same vehicle under green waste removal.

When you contact us, please provide details about the fence: the approximate length in metres, whether it is timber, Colorbond, or wire, if the posts are concreted, and any additional items that need to be cleared from that side of the yard. If a fencer has already scheduled a start date, mention this, as aligning the removal with this date can lead to a smoother process.

Consider two additional resources: the differences between council hard waste and private junk removal, which can be useful before placing fence timber on the kerb, and the comparison between skip bags and skip bins if you prefer to dismantle the fence yourself over a weekend.

Common Questions About Old Fence Removal

Should the Old Fence Be Taken Down Before the Fencer Arrives?

In most cases, yes. Most fencers prefer a cleared boundary so they can begin setting up on their first day rather than spending valuable time stripping and stacking the old fence. Consult your fencer to clarify their preferences, as some include removal in their services while others do not, which may determine whether you need our assistance.

Can You Remove the Concrete Footings from the Old Fence Posts?

Yes, the footings can be removed along with the posts, leaving holes in the ground, or the posts can be cut off at ground level, leaving the footings intact. The best option depends on the positioning of the new posts, so consult with the fencer first and relay their advice before we commence work.

Is Neighbour’s Consent Necessary for Removing a Dividing Fence?

Since a dividing fence impacts both properties, it is important to discuss the matter with your neighbour rather than making unilateral decisions. The Dividing Fences Act 1991 outlines how neighbours in New South Wales can agree on and share the costs associated with a dividing fence. Ensure this is settled before scheduling the removal.

Can I Keep the Old Palings for Firewood?

Not if they are treated pine, which is the case for most modern palings. Burning treated timber is unsafe as it releases harmful preservatives into the smoke and ash. Older hardwood palings are a different matter. If you wish to keep some, please inform us before the job begins, and we will set aside a stack for you.

What Other Items Can Be Cleared Along with the Fence?

The entire area alongside the fence can be cleared as required. The fence line typically contains overgrown vegetation, old timber leaning against it, and various items stored out of sight. Since the boundary must be cleared for the fencer, consolidating everything into one load is a more efficient use of the truck than scheduling separate removals.