One of the first questions homeowners ask before replacing an old fence is:
How long will the removal take?
The answer might seem simple — but in reality, there are a few key factors that can make one job finish in hours while another drags out for days.
Some of these factors are obvious. Others catch people by surprise. If you’re planning a new fence soon, read below to discover what really affects a fence removal timeframe — and what you can do to make your project run faster!
Typical Timeframes for Fence Removal
For a standard two-man crew, here’s a general guide for how long fence removals take in Adelaide:
| Fence Length | Typical Duration |
| Under 15 metres | Half a day |
| 15–30 metres | 1 full day |
| 30–50 metres | 1 – 2 days |
| 50+ metres | 2 – 3 days (depending on access & disposal) |
5 Things That Affect Fence Removal Time
No two fence removals are exactly the same. Even if two fences are the same length, the time it takes to remove them can be completely different.
Below are a few factors that can speed up or slow down a removal process.
1. Fence Type
Different fence types come down at different speeds.
Colorbond fences are usually the quickest to remove — once the panels are down, the posts can be cut off at ground level or removed from the ground.
Brush fences on the other hand…
The thick brush material is heavy and awkward to handle, and the concrete foundations underneath can be a real hassle to work with. The removal process is more complex, so it takes longer and costs more.
Read: Fence Removal Costs By Fence Types (Adelaide 2025)
2. Post Removal Method
Do your posts need to be fully removed, or simply cut off at ground level?
As I hinted at earlier, cutting off posts is quick and simple, but digging them out of deep concrete can double or even triple removal time. When going for a fence replacement, you can often get away with cutting posts off and digging new holes in the spaces between the cut-offs.
That way, the entire job is cheaper, and you still get the same result!
3. Site Access & Obstacles
Limited or tight access, or steep terrain, slow things down.
We need enough room to carry out materials, operate tools, and safely remove debris.
It’ll take us longer to complete the job if the site is difficult.
4. Vegetation & Tree Trimming
Fences surrounded by plants, vines, or roots take longer to clear.
In most cases, removing overgrowth first is a necessary part of the job.
It keeps the process safer and prevents damage to nearby gardens or structures.
Any gardening work on top of the removal will take extra time.
5. Disposal & Clean-Up
Site clean-up is the final step, but how long it takes can vary.
Skip bins, dump runs, and sorting materials like concrete or brush can take a few hours, depending on load size and how far the tip is located.
Real Job Example — 47-Metre Findon Fence Removal
We recently removed an old 47-metre corrugated iron fence in Findon, Adelaide, to make room for a new Good Neighbour fence.
This job had good access, and the fence was simple to take down.
Because it was a standard post and rail setup with posts cut off at ground level, the entire removal was done by two men in 1 day.
By comparison, a 40-metre brush fence removal we completed in Golden Grove took around three full days, even though it was shorter. The brush material and heavy concrete footings made the job much slower.
These two jobs show how much removal timeframes can differ.
How You Can Speed Up the Process
If you need a fence removed in Adelaide, there are a few things you can do to help your contractor finish the removal faster. (which also means you get a better price!)
- Clear the fence line before we arrive — remove plants, garden decorations, or storage items.
- Ensure vehicle/skip bin access to the property if possible (moving your car is always much appreciated!)
- Let neighbours know ahead of time — this avoids delays if shared access is involved.
- Bundle removal with installation — it’s more efficient and cost-effective to have one team handle both.
Get an Accurate Timeline for Your Fence Removal
Would you like us to tell you exactly how long your fence removal will take?
This article gave you a ballpark timeline.
Every job is different, and the best way to get an accurate timeframe is to send photos and measurements. Once we know the length, fence type, and access details, we can tell you exactly how long it will take — Plus provide a same-day quote.
>> Get a fence removal quote & timeframe from Calabria Fencing Adelaide! <<
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