If you’re considering a new front fence, one of the first questions you’re likely to have is: how much does a Besser block fence cost?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple per-metre price that will be accurate for every property.
A Besser block fence is a masonry structure, and the cost depends on much more than the number of blocks required. Fence height and length, footings, reinforcement, site access, piers, gates, rendering and the overall design can all influence the final price.
At Coastwide Brick & Blocklaying, we construct Besser block fences across the Sunshine Coast, from individual masonry piers through to substantial rendered front fences and privacy walls.
In this guide, we’ll explain what actually affects the cost of a Besser block fence and what to consider when planning your project.
Besser blocks are concrete masonry blocks used to construct walls, fences, retaining structures and other masonry projects.
For residential fencing, they can be used in several different ways.
Some homeowners choose a completely solid block front fence for greater privacy. Others use Besser blocks to construct masonry piers, with aluminium or another suitable fencing material installed between them.
Besser block fences can also be rendered, making them particularly popular for contemporary Sunshine Coast homes.
This flexibility means two fences using the same type of block can have completely different construction requirements and costs.
When comparing quotes or budgeting for your project, there are several major factors to consider.
Unsurprisingly, the overall length of the fence affects how much material and labour will be required.
However, comparing two fences purely by length can be misleading.
A 20-metre fence consisting primarily of masonry piers and aluminium infills is a very different project from a 20-metre solid Besser block wall.
Height can have a significant impact on the amount of masonry required.
A relatively low front boundary wall requires fewer blocks than a tall privacy fence.
Height can also affect other aspects of construction, including structural requirements, so it’s important to consider the complete design rather than simply calculating the number of blocks.
A masonry fence needs an appropriate foundation.
The requirements can vary according to the fence dimensions, design, ground conditions and other site-specific factors.
Footings are an important part of the overall project and shouldn’t be overlooked when budgeting for a Besser block fence.
Depending on the design and structural requirements, Besser blockwork may incorporate steel reinforcement and concrete core filling.
These elements add strength to the masonry structure but also contribute to the materials and labour involved in construction.
This is another reason generic online “price per metre” estimates can be misleading.
You don’t necessarily need to construct an entirely solid Besser block fence.
One popular Sunshine Coast front fence design uses Besser block piers with aluminium infill fencing positioned between them.
This creates the appearance and strength of masonry while maintaining more visibility and airflow through the front boundary.
A fence constructed predominantly from masonry piers will have different requirements from a continuous block wall.
Piers are commonly incorporated around:
The number, size and design of these masonry elements can affect the amount of blocklaying involved.
If your front fence will include gates, these should be considered during the planning stage rather than treated as an afterthought.
The masonry needs to work with the proposed openings and overall gate design.
Depending on the project, additional masonry piers or other structural considerations may be required around these areas.
Access can make a considerable difference to masonry projects.
A straightforward site with good access for materials and equipment may be easier to work with than a property where everything needs to be transported through narrow or difficult areas.
Sloping properties and other site conditions can also add complexity.
That’s why seeing the property is often necessary before providing an accurate quote.
Many Besser block fences are eventually rendered.
Rendering creates the smooth, contemporary appearance commonly associated with modern masonry front fences.
The cost of rendering and any subsequent painting or finishing needs to be considered separately from the blocklaying component when establishing the total cost of the finished fence.
If you’re replacing an existing front fence, there may be work required before the new masonry construction can begin.
The condition of the site, existing structures and preparation required can all influence the overall scope of the project.
Generally, a solid masonry wall involves considerably more blockwork than a design consisting of individual piers with another fencing material between them.
However, that doesn’t automatically tell you which option will be cheaper overall.
A pier-and-infill design can involve additional products and trades, including aluminium fencing, gates and potentially automation.
The better question is therefore:
What type of front fence do you actually want?
Once the design is established, the individual components can be properly priced.
A Besser block fence is a different type of structure from a lightweight timber or aluminium fence, so comparing the initial price alone doesn’t necessarily provide a useful comparison.
Masonry fencing involves foundations, professional blocklaying and potentially reinforcement, core filling and rendering.
You’re effectively constructing a permanent masonry structure around part of your property.
For homeowners looking for privacy, durability and a substantial architectural entrance, that additional construction can be precisely why they choose Besser blocks.
Potentially.
If you like the appearance of masonry but don’t need a completely solid wall, using Besser block piers with infill fencing can be worth considering.
You might also use solid blockwork strategically in areas where privacy is most important rather than building a solid masonry wall across the entire boundary.
The best design isn’t necessarily the one containing the most blockwork.
It’s the one that provides the privacy, functionality and appearance you’re trying to achieve.
A complete front fence can involve several different components.
There may be masonry construction, rendering, fencing panels, pedestrian gates, driveway gates, automation and other products involved.
At Coastwide Brick & Blocklaying, we specialise in the bricklaying and blocklaying component.
Where other specialist trades or suppliers are required, we regularly work alongside trusted local businesses.
Where appropriate, clients can deal directly with the relevant supplier or trade for their component of the project rather than Coastwide purchasing every third-party product and adding another margin.
This gives clients greater transparency over the different costs involved in completing their front fence.
It’s reasonable to compare quotes for a significant project, but make sure you’re comparing the same scope of work.
One quote may include elements that another doesn’t.
When reviewing a quote, understand what’s included regarding:
A lower headline price isn’t necessarily cheaper if significant parts of the project haven’t been included.
A Besser block fence is masonry work.
The quality of the blocklaying, foundations and overall construction directly affects the finished structure.
At Coastwide Brick & Blocklaying, bricklaying and blocklaying are our trade.
With more than 25 years of industry experience, we construct masonry fences for homeowners, builders and other trades throughout the Sunshine Coast.
If you’re specifically looking for this style of fence, you can learn more about our Besser Block Fences Sunshine Coast service, including block piers, rendered fencing, gate surrounds and custom front fence construction.
Coastwide Brick & Blocklaying provides Besser block fence construction throughout Buderim, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Mountain Creek, Sippy Downs, Bokarina, Birtinya, Kawana, Caloundra, Baringa, Coolum, Yandina, Noosa, Tewantin and surrounding Sunshine Coast areas.
Whether you’re considering a solid rendered front fence, Besser block piers or a combination of masonry and aluminium fencing, we can discuss the requirements of your project and provide a quote based on your property and proposed design.
So, how much does a Besser block fence cost on the Sunshine Coast?
The most accurate answer comes from knowing exactly what you’re building.
Fence dimensions, foundations, reinforcement, piers, access, gates and finishing can all affect the final cost, which is why Coastwide quotes projects based on their individual requirements.
If you’re planning a new Besser block front fence, contact Coastwide Brick & Blocklaying to discuss your project.
Call 0456 586 891 or get in touch today for a free quote.