Fence Installation Cost

Wondering what the average cost to install fence panels is?

The average fence installation cost in the UK ranges from £110 to £120 per metre, including materials and labour.

For a typical garden boundary of 10 to 15 metres, most homeowners pay £1,200 to £1,800 for a new fence installation. The final cost depends on several factors, including the fence type, height, number of panels, and ground conditions.

We’ll walk you through the main factors that affect fence installation costs, so you can compare quotes with more confidence.

Even if you're not ready to go ahead, seeing the numbers can help you weigh up your options. Getting a quote isn't a commitment — it's just a smarter way to see what's realistic.

With MyJobQuote, you can get quotes from local fencing companies (free, no pressure, no obligation).

Scroll on for a detailed look at UK fencing costs.

How Much Does Fence Installation Cost?

The total cost of fence installation depends on the fence style, the height, the number of panels required, and whether old fencing needs to be removed first.

In most cases, the quoted price includes both materials and labour. If you need your old fencing removed, expect this to add around £35 per panel.

Fence Installation Cost Per Metre

Fence installation costs are often worked out per metre, as this makes it easier to estimate the price for different garden sizes.

For a typical UK garden fence, the average installed price is £110 to £120 per metre, including materials and labour.

Most standard fence panels are around 1.8m wide, which is why panel prices and per-metre prices often work out similarly.

The examples below show typical installation costs for different fence lengths using standard wooden panels and timber fence posts.

Fence Installation Cost Calculator

Factors That Impact Fence Installation Costs

The overall fence installation cost you'll be quoted depends on three main factors:

• The number of replacement fence panels that you need.
• The height of the fencing you want.
• The type of fencing that you're looking to install.

The sections below explain how each factor affects the total cost.

How Many Fence Panels Do You Need?

The cost of installing fence panels will be higher for a large outdoor space than for a smaller area, as you'll need more fencing materials and a professional will take longer to complete the job.

If you only need a short section of new fence panels installed, the cost to install them will be between £500 and £1,000 (with materials and labour costs).

But, there are other things that impact fencing costs.

Let's keep going to get the full picture.

How High Do You Want the Fence To Be?

Most people tend to go with 6ft fences when installing or replacing their back garden fence. This provides privacy and is below the height restriction of 2 metres (about 6.5ft).

Fences next to a highway used by vehicles (or the pavement of that highway) are normally limited to 1 metre (about 3.3ft). Elsewhere, up to 2 metres is usually fine under permitted development.

As the illustration below shows, fence panel prices are tied to the height you choose. For standard wooden fence panels, 3-foot panels cost between £25 and £35 each, and 6-foot panels cost between £45 and £55 each.

Next up is another important factor that impacts the cost of fencing per panel.

What Type of Fence Style Do You Want?

The type of fence style you want significantly impacts the fencing prices you'll be quoted by professionals.

The cheapest and most popular styles chosen are:

• Closeboard panels (also known as featherboard panels), which have vertical fence boards.
• Lap panels (also known as waney edge or traditional panels), which have horizontal panels.

The fencing cost per panel for each of these styles is between £40 and £50.

You could choose from a variety of other fence styles, but none are as affordable as closeboard or lap panels.

We dive into the upsides and downsides of your different options later in this guide.

For now, here's an overview of the cost of fencing per panel for different styles of 6-foot high fences:

Fencing Labour Prices

What's the cost for a tradesperson to replace fence panels?

Fencing labour prices range between £300 and £400 per day. This tends to vary most based on the experience of the person you hire and where you are located in the UK.

The labour cost of fencing panels range between about £50 and £80 per panel for an average sized fence installation.

The table below highlights what the labour cost, by itself, would look like for different-sized fencing projects.

Fence Post & Gravel Board Prices

There are two other costs you need to know about.

Let's dive into these now.

Fence Post Costs

Fence posts connect the fence panels to one another and keep them secured.

You have two choices of materials to choose from, timber fence posts or heavy duty posts made from concrete.

The table below summarises the fence post price differences between these two options for different-sized posts.

Pros: Wooden fence posts have an attractive appearance and are easy to install and replace. Concrete fence posts are a strong, durable material and require little in the way of ongoing maintenance.

Cons: Wooden fence posts are susceptible to rot, and you'll need to replace them more often. Concrete fence posts are harder to install, and panels slot into the post rather than being screwed on — if they rattle in high winds, simple panel clips or wedges usually sort it.

Gravel Board Costs

Although gravel boards aren't absolutely necessary, they are recommended by professionals.

These boards sit beneath the fence panels and prevent them from absorbing moisture from the soil, which can cause the panels to rot. Using these helps extend the life of a wooden fence.

You have two choices of gravel board materials: wooden or concrete.

Pros: Wooden boards have an attractive appearance and are easy to install and cheap to replace. Concrete options are likely to last a lifetime without being replaced and are a strong, durable material.

Cons: Wooden boards are susceptible to rot, and you'll need to replace them more often. Concrete boards are harder to install due to their size and weight and are used with concrete posts. They can be fixed to timber posts with the right brackets, but it’s less common.

Additional Fence Installation Costs

Putting in a new fence? A few extras can sneak in. Check out this quick checklist so you’re not caught out.

• Boundary line checks and permissions: Before anyone starts digging post holes, make sure you’re actually on your land. You can download your Land Registry title plan and register for about £3 each. If things look unclear, have a quick chat with your neighbour. For thornier disputes, budget for basic advice from a conveyancer (£150–£300 per hour) or, in rare cases, a simple boundary survey (£300–£700).
• Waste or skip hire (if not included): Most installers include disposal, but double-check. If you need your own skip, small mini or midi skips land around £120–£170, a standard 6–8 yard “builder’s” skip is £220–£300, and larger skips can run higher. Skip hire costs vary a little and very much depend on what size you opt for.
• Treatment for untreated timber: If the panels aren’t factory pressure-treated, you’ll want a wood preserver or primer before paint or stain. A 5L tin is roughly £15–£30 and will cover about 6–10 panels per coat. Want your fitter to treat it on site? You’ll need an extra £5–£10 per panel in labour for a quick brush or spray coat.
• Fence painting or staining: Fresh timber looks better and lasts longer with colour or clear protection. A tub that covers approximately 10 panels is £20–£25. Rather let a pro take care of it? Then you’re looking at £100–£200 for a simple run (one good coat), more if it’s difficult to get to. Fence painting or staining costs depend on how much fence paint or stain you’ll need, and what type of fence you have.
• Trellis or fence toppers: Handy for a bit of extra height or privacy without feeling boxed in. For clip-on or bolt-on toppers, you’ll pay £15–£40 per panel, with fitting often adding a further £10–£20 per panel to your fence installation cost when actioned at the same time.
• Garden gate installation: Ideal time to add one while the posts are going in. The average cost to hang a new garden gate installation sits at £200–£700. But obviously, the price you’ll pay rests a lot on what size, style or hardware you go for.

Choosing a Garden Fence Material

The material you pick sets the tone for everything else. For example, how long the fence lasts, how much attention it needs, plus what you’ll pay.

Below is a simple, side-by-side look at the most common options in the UK, with who they’re best for and the upsides or downsides.

Timber Fence Cost

Best for: A classic look on a sensible budget, good privacy.

Material cost (6ft panel): roughly £40–£65 depending on style (lap or closeboard).

Timber is popular among numerous gardens. It’s easy to find, comes in tons of styles, and you can paint or stain it to suit. It won’t beat metal for lifespan, but it’s friendly on the wallet and looks “gardeny” rather than industrial.

Pros

• ✔ Affordable and widely available.
• ✔ Great for privacy and shelter.
• ✔ Takes paint or stain well for a smart finish.

Cons

• ✖ Needs regular care (treat or paint).
• ✖ Can suffer from rot and bugs over time.
• ✖ Shorter lifespan than metal or concrete-supported options.

Metal Fence Cost

Best for: Long life, low maintenance, modern or secure feel.

Material cost (per panel): typically £80–£140. How much you’ll pay comes down to the design you pick.

Metal is tough and shrugs off bad weather. It’s a step up on price but a step down on upkeep. Styles range from simple panels to decorative wrought styles. So, you can go smart or statement. Just check it suits the house and street.

Pros

• ✔ Strong and durable
• ✔ Minimal maintenance compared with timber.
• ✔ Good wind resistance with the right design.

Cons

• ✖ Higher price tag.
• ✖ Fitting can be pricier and more specialised.
• ✖ Not everyone loves the look of a cottage-style garden.

Composite (Plastic) Fence Cost

Best for: Low-maintenance fencing with a clean, modern finish.

Typical material cost: usually more than timber and often in the mid-to-upper range depending on brand and profile.

Composite boards are made from a mix of plastics and fibres. They don’t splinter and won’t need yearly painting. They’re getting more popular for smart, contemporary gardens, though extremes of temperature and scuffs can show on cheaper products.

Pros

• ✔ Very low upkeep — a wash now and then.
• ✔ No splinters and sport a tidy, consistent finish.
• ✔ Good for pairing with modern landscaping.

Cons

• ✖ Can cost more than timber.
• ✖ Budget boards may fade or mark.
• ✖ Not as easy to recycle at end of life.

Fence Panel Costs

To reiterate a point we've already covered:

The most affordable (and popular) are timber fences such as the wooden lap panel (i.e. waney edge) and closeboard (i.e. featherboard).

The cost of fencing per panel (6ft) for either of these styles is usually between £40 and £50 depending on the supplier.

But let's dive in a bit more:

We'll cover the pros and cons of different fence styles in this section, as well as the average cost of fencing per panel for each style.

Lap Panel Fence Cost

You might find lap panels are also referred to as waney edge fences.

This type of fencing is made from overlapping horizontal boards. It can be used with either wooden or concrete posts and gravel boards.

The average lap panel fencing cost per panel is £40 to £55.

Pros

• ✔ Gives privacy.
• ✔ Suitable for securing pets.
• ✔ Provides shelter for plants.
• ✔ Often the most affordable option.

Cons

• ✖ The structure can leave it vulnerable to high winds.
• ✖ Not the most robust option.
• ✖ Requires regular ongoing maintenance.

Closeboard Fence Cost

Closeboard fences are also sometimes referred to as featherboard fences in the UK.

This type of fencing is made from overlapping vertical boards. It can be used with either wooden or concrete posts and gravel boards.

The average timber close-board fencing cost per panel is £45 to £65.

Pros

• ✔ Provides privacy and shelter for plants.
• ✔ Robust, durable material.
• ✔ Suitable for securing pets.

Cons

• ✖ Requires regular maintenance.
• ✖ The close board structure can leave it vulnerable to high winds.

Weave Timber Picket Cost

Weaved fence boards are sometimes referred to as hurdle fencing.

This type of fencing is made by weaving willow or hazel branches between the upright posts. It is a very distinctive look. It is one of the most traditional forms of fencing in the UK.

The average cost of weave fencing per panel is between £20 and £30.

Pros

• ✔ Provides privacy, and is useful for marking boundaries.
• ✔ Plants can climb up it easily.

Cons

• ✖ Not the most robust or secure option.
• ✖ Requires regular maintenance.

Woven Fence Cost

This type of fencing is based on traditional hurdle fences - but they can be made from any material. They are also uniform in appearance than the traditional weave panels.

On average, the cost of woven fencing per panel is between £30 and £70.

Pros

• ✔ Good for marking boundaries and offering privacy.
• ✔ Can choose a material you prefer.

Cons

• ✖ Maintenance depends on the material used, but can be high.
• ✖ Not the most robust option.

Picket Fence Cost

Picket fences are also commonly referred to as palisade fences.

This type of fencing is most often seen in front gardens. They have spaced vertical struts and are typically around 3-foot high.

They can be used with either wooden or concrete posts and gravel boards. They can be made from either timber or PVC.

Palisade fencing per panel is typically around £20 to £30.

Pros

• ✔ Resistant to high winds while letting light through.
• ✔ Aesthetically appealing.
• ✔ Good boundary marker between properties.

Cons

• ✖ Doesn't provide privacy or security.
• ✖ Requires regular maintenance if made from timber.
• ✖ Will not be secure for all animals.

Jaktop Fence Cost

This type of fencing is very distinctive.

It has a decorative lattice pattern, with many styles of lattice panels to choose from. These could also be used in addition to an existing fence that you have to add aesthetic appeal to your garden space.

The average cost of a jaktop fencing per panel is between £50 and £100.

Pros

• ✔ Very attractive, easy to train plants to grow up.
• ✔ Good for separating garden areas.

Cons

• ✖ Doesn't provide much privacy or security.
• ✖ Likely to require regular maintenance.
• ✖ Won't be secure for all animals.

Slatted Fence Cost

Slatted fencing is also commonly known as venetian fencing.

Slatted fence panels are made up of horizontal slats. There are gaps between the slatted panels to allow some light through.

You can expect to pay between £50 and £120 per panel for venetian fencing.

Pros

• ✔ Contemporary, attractive finish.
• ✔ Resistant to wind.
• ✔ Can help to make a garden look longer.

Cons

• ✖ Doesn't provide full privacy.
• ✖ Requires regular maintenance.

Hit and Miss Fence Cost

This type of fencing has a distinctive look.

The horizontal panels are alternately fixed to the front and the back of the fence, creating a feeling of depth.

The average cost of hit and miss fencing per panel is between £60 and £80.

Pros

• ✔ Attractive appearance on both sides of the fence.
• ✔ Suitable for securing pets.
• ✔ Good wind resistance.

Cons

• ✖ Requires regular maintenance, which can be difficult due to the design.
• ✖ Weeds can grow through the panels.

Solid Metal Fence Cost

These panels are made entirely from metal.

These type of panels often come in different colours. They're extremely durable and will last much longer than fences that are traditionally made of wood.

The average cost of metal fencing per panel is between £80 and £140.

Pros

• ✔ Gives privacy, suitable to secure pets.
• ✔ Good wind resistance.
• ✔ Very little maintenance required.

Cons

• ✖ Can be expensive to fit.
• ✖ Requires specialist fitting and posts.

How Long Does Fence Installation Take?

The time it takes a professional to install fencing panels doesn't tend to vary much between the different types of fence panels available.

Installing standard wooden fencing panels with timber posts tends to take professionals the least amount of time.

On the other hand, you should expect it to take longer if you're getting new concrete posts and concrete gravel boards added as part of your fence installation - just because they're harder to work with.

The table below highlights how long you should expect it to take for different-sized projects.

What's Involved in Installing a Garden Fence?

Installing a garden fence isn't typically a complicated job for a professional. Here's what you can expect when you hire a contractor to put up a new fence:

Before the Work Begins

• Measuring the Boundary — The contractor will measure where you want the new fence installed and figure out how many panels and posts will be needed.
• Removing the Old Fence — If an existing fence is being replaced, the installer will check for cables, remove the old panels, take out the hardware, remove the posts, and fill any holes in the ground that won't be reused for the new fence.
• Marking Post Positions — The positions of the fence posts will be marked to ensure installation goes smoothly.

During the Installation

• Digging Post Holes — Holes are dug at regular intervals where the posts will sit, typically 450–600mm deep and 300mm wide. For softer ground, the holes may need to be deeper, and the posts may need to be longer.
• Installing the Fence Posts — Once gravel or MOT has been added to the hole, the fence posts will be installed, typically with temporary battens to secure them in position.
• Adding Gravel Boards — Gravel boards are often installed at the bottom of the fence to help protect the panels from soil moisture.
• Fitting the Fence Panels — The fence panels will then be carefully lifted into position and fitted between the posts. In some cases, the fence panels may need to be trimmed to fit in the required space.

After the Installation

• Checking Everything Is Level — The installer will check that the fence is straight and secure along the full length.
• Clearing Up — Any leftover materials or old fencing will usually be removed.

Do You Need Planning Permission to Install Garden Fencing?

There are some circumstances when you might need to apply for planning permission when installing a garden fence.

It's always a good idea to check your plan against the restrictions before starting any work. If you find out you did need planning permission for a new fence, you could be forced to take it down.

Let's cover the main things:

• Where the fence is next to a highway used by vehicles (or the pavement of such a highway), it must not exceed 1m in height without planning permission.
• Elsewhere, up to 2m in height is permitted development. Many homeowners choose 6-foot (1.83m) fences for back gardens.
• You shouldn't normally need planning permission if you're replacing or repairing an existing fence and not changing the height. It's always best to check if you're unsure, though.
• If your home is a listed property or borders a listed property, there are many restrictions. In these cases, you'll need to check the conditions of the listed property.

When looking to repair, replace, or install a fence on a boundary between yourself and someone else, it's always a good idea to have a quick chat about your plans with them. It's much better to figure out any issues before you invest in a new fence.

DIY Fence Installation vs Hiring a Professional

If you're confident at DIY, you could think about installing your fence yourself to save money. If you've got the right tools for the job, the time, and the physical capacity, then fence installation can be a manageable project.

Hiring a professional installer costs more upfront, but it can save you time and help avoid mistakes that could cost you future repairs.

If you've only got a small section of fencing that needs replacing, then doing the job yourself could be feasible. However, larger fencing projects could be more challenging, especially if the ground is uneven or post holes need to be dug.

If you're unsure, consider getting a few quotes from professional installers to help you compare the cost of hiring a contractor against doing the work yourself.

Signs You May Need to Replace Your Garden Fence

If you're deciding whether it's worth replacing your garden fence, here are some common things to consider:

• Is your existing fence still reliable? Fences, especially wooden fence materials, deteriorate over time. Signs you might need a replacement include cracks, loose panels, or posts that sway during bad weather. Replacing the fence before it falls over is usually cheaper and easier than arranging urgent repairs after storm damage.
• Will a new fence handle the weather better? A new fence will usually stand up to the weather better than an older one. With the weather becoming more extreme in the UK, it’s worth checking whether your fencing is still fit for purpose. Timber fences with wooden posts and gravel boards are often the most affordable option, but they may not always be the most durable long-term choice.
• Is your garden soil suitable for timber posts? Some gardens have soil that holds more water (e.g., boggy or swampy ground). In these cases, timber posts may deteriorate faster. Concrete posts can be a better long-term option, as they help slow down the overall deterioration of your fencing.
• How will the fence affect your garden’s appearance? The fence you choose can have a big impact on how your garden looks and feels. The right style may make your garden appear larger, more private, or more modern.
• Could a new fence improve security and privacy? A well-built fence can make access more difficult and reduce visibility into your garden, which may help deter opportunistic thieves. It can also provide the privacy many homeowners want when using their garden. In most cases, garden fences are limited to 2m high (about 6.5ft), so many people choose 6ft fencing for back gardens.

Garden Fence Maintenance Costs

How much maintenance a fence requires depends on the materials it's made from.

Metal and plastic fences don't require much in the way of ongoing maintenance. They need little more than a quick clean when they start looking dirty, which can be easily done with a hosepipe and sponge.

Timber fences need treatment every 1–3 years depending. This depends on exposure and the product used, though. You can do this yourself with a tin of paint and a brush or sprayer. Paint costs between £8 and £15 per tin, with a single large tin usually being enough for around 10 panels. The cost to stain a fence is between £100 and £200.

Checklist: Hiring a Garden Fence Installer

Various types of tradespeople may be able to install a fence for you.

Garden fence installations can be done by specialised sole traders and companies.

However, you can also have your fence installed by a gardener, landscaper, or handyman.

In either case, you want to look out for the same things when looking at fence installers:

• Do they have public liability insurance? This isn't a legal requirement, but it's important protection in case of accidental damage to your property during the installation.
• Are they clear about pricing? When a tradesperson gives you a quote, ensure that they're clear about what is included. In particular, you will want to clarify whether they're quoting you a fixed cost or charging per hour of work required.
• Is waste removal included? Fencing installers normally handle removal and disposal of old fencing. However, not all of them do, so you should confirm whether this is included.
• Do they have examples of previous work? Look for example photos on their MyJobQuote profile so you can see the quality of their completed work.
• Do they have positive reviews? Check for online reviews of tradespeople you're considering for the job. On MyJobQuote, you can find previous customers' experiences on their directory page.