When should I call a tradie instead of DIY?

Call a licensed tradie if the job is outside your skill level, involves regulated work (electrical, gas, plumbing past the tap), or you're unsure about safety.

Outdoor & Fencing · Exterior

Replace a Broken Fence Paling

Q: How much does a tradie charge for replace a broken fence paling?

Estimated tradie cost: $180–$300.

Pull the old paling with a wrecking bar — work the nails out from behind. Cut a treated pine replacement to length, butt it tight against the next board, and nail with two galvanised nails per rail.

Likely issue

Rotten or split timber paling

DIY difficulty

2/5

Estimated DIY cost

$20–$40

Estimated tradie cost

$180–$300

Tools required

Hammer
Wrecking bar
Handsaw
Tape measure

Materials required

Step-by-step instructions

Lever the broken paling off the rails carefully to avoid splitting neighbours.
Pull the old paling with a wrecking bar — work the nails out from behind. Cut a treated pine replacement to length, butt it tight against the next board, and nail with two galvanised nails per rail.

Safety warnings

Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, safety glasses), isolate power or water where relevant, and stop work if anything looks unsafe or unfamiliar.

When to call a tradie

Call a licensed tradie if the work is outside the scope of this guide, involves regulated trades (electrical, gas, structural, waterproofing), or if you discover hidden damage. A professional will typically charge $180–$300.

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