Fence Installation Cost

Wondering what the average cost to install fence panels is?

We'll walk you through everything that impacts the prices you're quoted, so you've got a solid idea of what replacing fences really costs.

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?

Trying to find out how much installing a fence costs?

The overall cost to install fence panels would be around £200 to £220 per fence panel. That puts the average fence panel cost at £110 to £120 per metre.

These costs include average material costs and what you'll be charged to install fence panels by a professional.

Having your old fencing removed and the waste disposed of would add around an additional £35 per panel. However, this is an area where a new fence installation cost can save you money and prove cost effective - but we'll explore that further down in this guide.

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.

Let's go through each of those now.

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.

The table below highlights an example of the total cost of a new fence, which has standard wooden panels and timber fence posts.

So, 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 pmaterials 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 boards 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 alternatively 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.

Benefits of Replacing Old Fencing

What makes the fence installation cost worth it?

Below are a few things to consider when it comes to the cost breakdown and whether it's worth paying the price for new garden fencing.

Reliability

Fences, especially wooden fence materials, deteriorate over time.

A common sign that you might need to replace them in the near future is when they show visible signs of weakness (like cracks) or sway when there's bad weather.

If you think they're in poor shape, you should consider getting quotes and replacing the fence before it falls over. Replacing them at a time that suits you will be cheaper and easier than trying to get them fixed in a hurry after they come down in a storm.

Weather Resistance

A new fence will be able to stand up to the weather better than an old one.

With the weather slowly becoming more extreme in the UK, it's worth considering if your fencing is still fit for purpose.

While timber fences with wooden posts and gravel boards are the most affordable options, they might not be the most long-term economical option for you.

For instance: Some gardens have soil which holds more water ('boggy' or 'swampy'). In these cases, a better long-term option might be to invest in concrete posts instead, to help slow down the overall deterioration of your fencing.

When you get quotes from professionals, they can advise you on whether it might be worth investing in more expensive options in your circumstances.

Aesthetically Pleasing

The fence you put in your garden has a big effect on its appearance.

Picking the right fence can make your garden look bigger, more intimate, or more modern. This can dramatically change how much enjoyment you get out of your garden space.

Security

A well-built, tall fence can deter thieves.

It not only makes it harder to access your home, but it also shields it from prying eyes. If a thief can’t see into your home, they're less likely to break in.

Privacy

One of the main reasons for having fences around your garden is to provide you with privacy.

It's much easier to relax and enjoy your garden when you don’t feel like you're being overlooked. A good fence will provide you with the privacy you need to feel happy in your space.

If you are installing a fence in your garden, they are typically restricted to being no more than 2 metres high (about 6.5ft). Because of this, most people opt for 6-foot high fences in the back garden.

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.

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.

Garden Fence Repair Cost

The decision to replace or repair a garden fence will depend on the state of the old fence panels.

The repair cost will vary depending on type of fence repair, and how much fencing needs repairing.

If the fence panels are damaged, but the posts are still solid, then it's quite affordable to replace just the fence panels.

This is because it will take a professional a lot less time if they don't have to worry about the posts or gravel boards. In this case, the average cost to replace a fence panel would be around £70 to £80.

You can tell if the fence posts are still good by pushing on them. If they move, they need replacing, and if they hold firm, then you can leave them.

Replacing the fence panels is usually quite straightforward for a professional:

• If the posts are made of concrete, they'll just need to slide the old panels out and put the new panels in.
• If you have timber fence posts, they'll need to remove the nails or screws that have been used to hold the panels on. They'll then attach your new fence panels to the posts.

Sometimes fence panels need to be repaired or replaced because the gravel board, or the bottom of the rail fencing has become rotten.

If that's the case, then it might be possible to salvage the panels themselves to re-use. As long as the rot is only in the bottom rail, you can remove the slatted fence panels from the rail fencing and re-use them.

If you take this path, ensure that the rest of the panels are checked for rot. Also, make sure to treat the fence with a protective layer of sealant or fencing paint.

Garden Fence Removal Cost

You will need to remove a fence if it's damaged beyond repair.

If it's a wooden fence, then this is likely because it's rotten. You might also need to remove your old fence panels if you wish to change it to a different style.

If you want to save money, hiring a professional to install your new fence is understandable, but to make the project more cost effective, you can always remove the old fence panels by yourself.

Removing the wooden fencing just requires a hammer and brute strength, but a crowbar can also be helpful.

Fence removal will be more difficult if the posts are secured in place with concrete.

Once you've removed the fencing materials, you'll need to consider a waste removal company, unless you plan to dispose of the old fence boards and other debris yourself.

Local council rules vary, but you may be able to take a reasonable amount for disposal at a recycling centre for a small charge (sometimes it can be free).

But there are other waste removal options you could consider. The price of skip hire is usually around £220 to £800 depending on the size of skip needed, although exact prices may vary throughout the country.

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.