Painting

Painting your deck is one of the easiest ways to give your outdoor area a facelift and protect it from New Zealand’s weather. But how much does it actually cost in 2025?

In this guide, we’ll break down the average costs, what affects prices, and help you budget properly for your deck painting project.

---

Quick Summary

• Average cost: $25–$50 per square metre
• Small deck (10m²): $250–$500
• Medium deck (20m²): $500–$1,000
• Large deck (40m²+): $1,000–$2,000+

Prices include prep, materials, and labour.

---

Average Deck Painting Prices in NZ

Deck Size	Low End	High End
Small (10m²)	$250	$500
Medium (20m²)	$500	$1,000
Large (40m²+)	$1,000	$2,000+

Remember:
If your deck’s in bad condition and needs more prep, pay towards the high end.

---

What Affects the Cost of Painting a Deck?

Some things drive your project cost up or down:

Factor	How It Affects Cost
Deck size	More costly decks but can potentially have higher rates per square metre
Preparation required	Stripping, sanding, and cleaning add more labour time
Deck state	Mould or damaged wood requires extra prep
Paint quality	More durable paints but more costly to purchase
Complexity	Stairs, balustrades, and trouble spots add to labour
Location	Labour rates vary around NZ — typically higher in urban areas
Professional or DIY	DIY saves on labour but costs more in time

---

Labour vs. DIY Costs

Professional painters: Pay $50–$70 an hour or $25–$50 per square metre

DIY project:

• Paint & supplies: Around $150–$300
• Time: at least 1–2 days, depending on how big your deck is

If you’ve got the time and ability to do it yourself, DIY could save you a pretty penny, but do ensure you prepare things properly for a long-lasting finish.

---

What’s Involved in Professional Deck Painting?

When you hire a pro, the cost will generally include:

• Deck cleaning (old finish removal, dirt, moss)
• Sanding rough or delaminating patches
• Spot touch-up if required
• Priming if required
• Two coats exterior-grade decking paint
• Clean-up and rubbish disposal

Always make sure to know what’s included in your quote to avoid the surprise.

---

How Often Do I Paint My NZ Deck?

Every 2–5 years repaint under New Zealand’s extreme weather, depending on:

• Quality of paint used
• Sun
• Moisture and humidity
• Traffic

A good top-quality paint and decent preparation can get it to last 5 years or longer.

---

Tips for Saving Money on Deck Painting

• Prep the deck yourself to save on labor costs
• Get multiple bids from local painters
• Paint during the proper time of year — dry, warm weather is optimal
• Maintain your deck regularly to keep it clean and extend time between painting

---

What To Do Next

On average, painting a deck costs NZ $25–$50 per square metre, but the real price depends on the size, condition, and complexity of your deck. A professional finish ensures it lasts and looks great, or you can do it yourself and save money if you have the time.

What to do next:

• Measure your deck to get an idea of costs
• Get quotes from painters in your area
• Visit our other guides to painting for more tips

Painting your fence is one of the simplest ways to lift the look of your property and extend the life of your timber. But if you’re in Auckland and trying to budget for the project, you’re probably wondering: how much does it actually cost?

The rapid rundown: painting a New Zealand fence will range from $3,150 to $4,950 for a 50-metre fence, or around $35 to $55 per square metre. Auckland’s higher cost of living and wages will cause prices to tend towards the upper end of that bracket.

Let’s break it down right so you know what to expect whether you go DIY or hire a professional.

Average Auckland Fence Painting Prices

For an average timber fence that’s around 50 metres long and roughly 1.8 metres high, you’re looking at:

Low end: $3,150

High end: $4,950

That’s preparation, materials (primer and quality paint), and labour.

Here’s a handy size guide:

Fence Size	Approximate Cost (Auckland)
Small fence (30m)	$1,900 – $3,000
Medium fence (50m)	$3,150 – $4,950
Big fence (70m)	$4,400 – $6,800+

Tip: Quotes typically are provided per square metre ($35–$55). Your fence’s height has a lot to do with this — the higher, the more to paint.

What Affects the Cost of Fence Painting?

There are several factors that go into the final cost. Familiarity with these allows you to keep costs in check — and surprises in quotes at bay.

1. Size and Height of Your Fence
Obviously, the bigger the fence, the more material and time required. A 50-metre fence at 1.8 metres high will cost much less than a boundary fence at 2.2 metres, just due to surface area.

2. Fence Material
Most Auckland fences are timber, which is very easy to paint. But:

• Rough-sawn timber absorbs more paint, so more paint volume (and cost).
• Iron or metal fences can need special primers and rust treatment.
• Concrete fences require specialized paint and seal preparation.

3. Preparation Work
Thorough preparation is necessary to produce a long-lasting finish. Costs can rise if your fence:

• Has peeling or flaking old paint.
• Requires sanding or waterblasting.
• Requires mould treatment or repairs.

Preparation of a weathered, worn fence could cost an additional $300–$800 or more.

4. Paint Quality
Exterior paint costs and lasts differently. With Auckland’s wet winters and UV-rich summers, a quality paint is the money well spent. Budget for:

• Budget paint: around $60–$80 per 10 litres.
• Premium, UV-resistant paint: $100–$140 per 10 litres.

High-quality paint might cost more to begin with but can double the job’s life.

5. Access and Site Conditions
If painters have restricted access (tight spaces, steep sections, or obstacles like garden beds), the job takes longer and costs more. Difficult access can add 10–20% to your overall cost.

6. Location
Labour rates in Auckland are typically higher than in smaller towns. Painters in Auckland usually charge $50–$75 per hour, which factors into the square metre pricing you’ll see.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
You might be tempted to do it yourself. Here is a quick comparison to help your choice:

Option	Pros	Cons
DIY	Lower initial cost, satisfaction	Time-consuming, risk of poor preparation, hire of equipment
Professional	Quality finish, professional prep, save time	More initial cost, dependent upon availability of contractor

DIY Costs (for a 50m Fence)

• Paint & primer: $400–$700
• Equipment (brushes, rollers, drop cloths): $50–$100
• Optional sprayer rental: $60–$100 per day

So, you could pay up to $500–$800 just for supplies and tools, not including your time (which could easily absorb an entire weekend or more).

Professional Fees

Of course, you’ll be shelling out more at the beginning — between $3,150–$4,950 for a 50-metre fence — but the labor will likely take longer and be hassle-free. Professionals have the preparation and application process honed to a science, and they’ll often warranty their work.

A good painter will also use the right primers and sealers to make sure your fence lasts as long as it can in the Auckland environment.

How Frequently Should You Paint Your Fence?

In Auckland, you can expect to repaint your fence every 5 to 7 years based on exposure to weather and the quality of the work.

North- or west-facing fences — exposed to more sunlight — will break down sooner. Conversely, shaded fences can be prone to moss and water damage.

Regular maintenance, including regular washing and prompt repairs, can extend the life of your paint job by a few years.

How to Save Money

Do Preparation Yourself, vegetation removal, washing the fence, or even sanding can save labor time and money.

Choose Spraying for Large Fences

Spraying paints covers surface areas faster than rolling or brushing, reducing hours of work.

Get Multiple Quotes

Auckland painter costs will vary, so always ask for 2–3 quotes to compare.

Book During Off-Peak Season

Painters are usually less busy late autumn or early spring and can negotiate a reduced price.

Shell Out Extra for Quality Paint Now

Better paint reduces how often you’ll have to repaint — saving you money later.

Summary

The cost to paint a fence in Auckland will typically be between $3,150 and $4,950 for a typical 50-metre fence, or $35 to $55 per square metre. The actual cost will vary based on the length of your fence, its condition, the paint type, and how difficult the job will be.

While doing it yourself might save you money in the short term, a professional painter leaves a higher-quality, more durable finish — especially in Auckland’s sea climate. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, the most important thing is proper preparation and quality materials.

If you’re ready to give your fence a new lease on life, start by getting a few quotes from trusted local painters. That way, you’ll get the best value for your investment — and a fence that looks great for years to come.

On average, painting a 50-metre fence in Auckland costs between $3,150 and $4,950, depending on the condition of the fence, paint quality, and site access. This price typically includes preparation, primer, and two coats of exterior paint.

Frequently Asked Questions