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Slat Fence Palmerston North

Modern horizontal slat fences and privacy screens, built solid enough for Palmerston North wind.

100+
★★★★★
projects done

"The workmanship was excellent, the fence looks fantastic, and the attention to detail really shows."

Rob B. · Customer review
Timber privacy screen fence beside a new pergola, Palmerston North
Vertical board timber fence with a Rowdy Builders sign, Palmerston North
Vertical board timber fence beside a black steel gate, Palmerston North
Timber paling fence with rails along a backyard boundary, Palmerston North
100+ PROJECTS COMPLETED10+ YEARS EXPERIENCEFULLY INSUREDFREE QUOTESPALMERSTON NORTH WIDE100+ PROJECTS COMPLETED10+ YEARS EXPERIENCEFULLY INSUREDFREE QUOTESPALMERSTON NORTH WIDE

What Palmerston North
customers say

★★★★★

"We had a large fencing job done, and we couldn’t be happier with the result. The workmanship was excellent, the fence looks fantastic, and the attention to detail really shows. The whole process was professional from start to finish, with the job completed to a very high standard. It’s clear that pride was taken in the work, and the finished result has made a huge difference to the property. We would have no hesitation in recommending Rowdy Builders to anyone looking for a reliable, professional fence builder. Brilliant job and an excellent result."

Rob B.
Large fencing job
★★★★★

"We couldn’t be happier with the work from Guy at Rowdy Builders. From start to finish, he was friendly, professional and incredibly organised. He coordinated all aspects of the work, including arranging the additional trades required, and kept us well informed throughout the entire process. Everything was handled smoothly and professionally, and the end result was fantastic. We would highly recommend Rowdy Builders to anyone looking for quality workmanship and an stress-free experience"

Hayley & Rhys
Full job coordinated
★★★★★

"We recently had Guy and his ream construct a roof over the deck of our new house. He was pleasant and punctual on the site visit and made a number of suggestions on how it could be achieved. His quote was very reasonable and his timeline was stuck to. We are very happy with the result and recommend him to anyone looking for a similar job."

Steffan D.
Deck roof
★★★★★

"We recently engaged Guy from Rowdy Builders to repair a wooden fence blown over in strong winds, and construct a medium size deck at our property. From the outset, Guy was professional, approachable, and communicated extremely well, keeping us updated on progress and ensuring we knew what to expect at each stage of the project. The quality of workmanship was outstanding. The fence repairs were completed to a high standard, and the new deck has completely transformed our outdoor area. It is clear that Guy takes pride in his work and pays attention to detail, delivering a finished product that exceeded our expectations. We are extremely pleased with the result and would not hesitate to recommend Guy and Rowdy Builders to anyone looking for reliable, skilled tradespeople who deliver what they promise."

Steve C.
Fence repair and deck

A slat fence gives you privacy without a blank wall

A slat fence in Palmerston North is the modern answer to the plain paling fence. Horizontal slats give privacy, a clean contemporary line and, depending on the gap, some air and light. They suit front fences, courtyards, deck screens and the side of a house you want to hide.

Slat fences are more demanding to build than paling. Gaps and levels are on show, and wind loads are higher on solid screens. We build them with the detail they need.

Slat and privacy options

01

Timber slat

Horizontal timber slats on posts, left natural or stained. Warm, flexible and good value.

02

Aluminium slat

Powder-coated aluminium slats in a range of colours. Low maintenance and very straight.

03

Gap spacing

Tight gaps for privacy, wider gaps for airflow. We will show you samples at the measure up.

04

Privacy screens

Short runs of screening between neighbours, around a spa or beside a deck.

05

Front fences

A slat fence can be the feature of the street frontage, with a matching gate.

06

Combined designs

Slat panels mixed with paling or Colorbond to balance cost and look.

Want a price for your place?
Free measure up, written quote, no pressure.
New timber fence along an open driveway with the hills behind, Manawatū

Wind and slat fences

Solid screens catch the wind. A well-built slat fence needs deeper posts, solid rails and proper fixings. We think about the wind on every job, and we will tell you if a layout needs a different approach.

Where a very exposed site calls for gaps or a lower height, we say so rather than build something that will rattle or lean.

  • ✓Posts sized and spaced for the loads
  • ✓Fixings that suit the timber or aluminium
  • ✓Gaps measured and checked as we go
  • ✓Fully insured on every job

Slat fence prices

Slat fences cost more than paling because they need more material and more careful installation.

Timber slat, 1.8 m
$280 – $450
per lineal metre

Treated or hardwood slats on treated posts.

Estimate only. Costs are always subject to change and many factors affect the final price. Contact us for an accurate written quote.

Aluminium slat, 1.8 m
$260 – $400
per lineal metre

Powder-coated slats and posts.

Estimate only. Costs are always subject to change and many factors affect the final price. Contact us for an accurate written quote.

Short privacy screen
$450 – $1,200
per screen

Depends on length and height.

Estimate only. Costs are always subject to change and many factors affect the final price. Contact us for an accurate written quote.

Matching gate
$700 – $1,600
per gate

Depends on width and hardware.

Estimate only. Costs are always subject to change and many factors affect the final price. Contact us for an accurate written quote.

Indicative ranges, installed, GST included. Prices last reviewed October 2026. See the full fence cost guide and calculator.

How we build a slat fence

  1. 1

    Measure up and choose

    We bring samples of slats and finishes and talk through spacing and height.
  2. 2

    Written quote

    You get the slat type, posts, gates and any removal listed separately.
  3. 3

    Posts and frame

    Posts are set and plumbed with the frame built to hold the slats level.
  4. 4

    Slats on

    Slats are fixed with a consistent gap and checked as the fence goes up.
  5. 5

    Finish and clean up

    We walk the finished fence with you and tidy the site.

Common slat fence problems

✕
What goes wrong

Gaps that look uneven because timber moved or spacing was guessed.

✕
What goes wrong

Slats that cup, twist or fade quickly.

✕
What goes wrong

A fence that sways in strong wind.

✕
What goes wrong

A fence that looks good only from the street.

Fences we've completed

A selection of fences we've built around Palmerston North.

New timber paling fence across a lawn beside a Palmerston North home
Timber paling fence across a lawn
Long timber fence along a Palmerston North street frontage
Long timber fence along a street frontage
New capped timber fence along a side yard, Palmerston North
Capped timber fence along a side yard
Stained timber fence across the front of a Palmerston North home
Stained timber fence, front yard
Capped timber paling fence beside a gravel driveway, Palmerston North
Capped timber paling fence
New timber paling fence along a driveway, Palmerston North
Timber paling fence along a driveway
Capped timber paling fence on a corner section in Palmerston North
Capped timber fence, corner section
Timber paling fence with a letterbox panel beside a footpath, Palmerston North
Timber fence with letterbox panel
New timber paling fence beside a footpath, Palmerston North
Timber paling fence beside a footpath
Stained timber picket fence and gate around a Palmerston North home
Stained picket fence and gate
New timber paling fence along the edge of a driveway, Palmerston North
Timber paling fence beside a driveway
New timber boundary fence along a lawn beside a neighbouring house
Timber boundary fence along a lawn
Timber gate set into a timber paling fence, Palmerston North
Timber gate in a paling fence
Capped timber fence with rails beside a Palmerston North home
Capped timber fence with rails
Finished timber paling fence along a driveway with a tidy site
Finished timber paling fence, side access
Long timber paling fence beside a driveway built by Rowdy Builders
Long timber paling fence beside a driveway
Black aluminium pool fence around a patio and swimming pool, Palmerston North
Black aluminium pool fence
Black aluminium pool fence around a patio and swimming pool, Palmerston North
Black aluminium pool fence
Black aluminium pool fence beside a timber deck, Palmerston North
Aluminium pool fence beside a deck

More fence options

Timber fences →
Paling, picket and capped fences.
Colorbond fences →
Steel fencing for low maintenance.
Fence gates →
Gates to match your fence.
Fence cost guide →
Ranges and a calculator.

Good questions

How much does a slat fence cost in Palmerston North?+

As a rough guide, a 1.8 m slat fence is about $260 to $450 per metre installed depending on timber or aluminium. This is an estimate only and costs are always subject to change. Many factors affect the final price, so contact us for an accurate written quote.

Is a slat fence private?+

That depends on the gap. Tight slats give strong privacy. Wider gaps let in light and air but you can see through at an angle. We will show you samples.

Are slat fences good in wind?+

They can be, if built properly. A solid screen needs solid posts, rails and fixings. We design for the wind on each site.

Timber or aluminium slats?+

Timber is warmer and cheaper, but it needs finishing. Aluminium is very straight and low maintenance but usually costs more. We will help you weigh it up.

Can I have a slat fence at the front only?+

Yes. A front slat fence with paling or Colorbond on the sides is common and keeps costs sensible.

How high can a slat fence be?+

Height rules are the same as for other fences. See our consent and height guide.

Do you build privacy screens beside decks?+

Yes. A short screen beside a deck or spa is a common job. We can also tie it into a new deck.

How long does installation take?+

Most slat fences are a few days on site. Detailed designs and long runs can take longer.

Can I get a matching gate?+

Yes. See our fence gates page.

How do I look after a timber slat fence?+

Keep it stained or oiled and clear of soil and plants. Recoat when the finish starts to look dry.

Let's get your fence sorted

Spring and summer book out fast. Get your free measure up in now.