Fencing Installation Cost

Trying to find out how much installing a fence costs?

In this guide, we breakdown all the fencing prices for different materials and styles, and we also look at the labour costs associated with new fence installation and replacing old fence panels.

If you'd like a fencing quote, why not contact one of our fencing specialists for a free quote?

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How Much Does Fencing Installation Cost?

The cost for fence installation and replacement comes down to two main factors–the amount of fence you need to replace and the type of fencing you choose.

Let's get specific...

If you only need a short section of fence, for example, down one side of your garden, then this will cost around £500-£700 to install and take about a day. This would give you a 6ft high fence in the most common style.

What about the entire garden?

If you need to fit the fence around the whole of your garden and you want to have a more contemporary style, then you could be looking at as much as £2,000-£3,000 in fencing cost.

Fencing Installation Prices

There are a few different factors that will affect the fence repair cost or fence replacement cost.

The table below outlines the fencing prices for a range of jobs and fence styles, including installation and labour costs.

The size of the fence has an effect on the overall cost. Below we show an example of how sizes changes the price. For the sake of comparison, these costs are for a timber waney edge fence with timber fence posts and no gravel boards.

Different Fence Styles

To allow comparison, these fencing prices are for supply and fitting of a 36ft of 6ft tall fence.

Supply Only Costs

To calculate the cost of fencing, you need to calculate how many panels, gravel boards, and posts you will need. Measure the length of the area to be fenced. Then divide this length by the length of the fence panels.

This is usually 6ft. Round your answer up to get the number of posts and gravel boards you will need. Then add one to get the number of posts.

Fence Panel Prices

Fence Post Prices

Gravel Boards

Labour Costs and Timescales

The labour costs and timescales for different types of fence don’t vary much. There will be a slightly higher cost the more concrete you are using, just because it is harder to work with.

Additional Fencing Costs

If you are installing fencing, this often involves clearing out sections of your garden. This can be a good opportunity to tackle other jobs in your garden.

This can save you from having disruption more than once and may save money in the long run.

Landscaping

Because you will need to clear land to get access to dig the holes for your fence, it is a good time to consider landscaping your garden.

This could involve a whole range of projects from laying new turf, making a children’s play area or building a workshop and laying patio and decking. An overall garden landscaping cost depends on what requires doing and who you hire.

Cement

If you plan to do the job yourself, you will need to pay for the cement to secure the fence posts. This will cost £5-£10 per bag. One bag should be enough for between 1 and 4 posts, depending on the height of your fence.

Garden Gate

If you have thought about adding a garden gate, then there is no better time to do so than when you are already replacing the fence. A new gate can cost around £75-£100.

Fence Paint

Your fence panels should be made of treated wood. This will protect them from the weather. However, it is a good idea to seal them with a coat of weatherproof paint. This should be repeated every year. A tub of paint for around 10 panels costs £8-£15.

Outdoor Lighting

While you are having work done, it is a good opportunity to consider also fitting outdoor lighting. You can easily fit lights along your fence. You could integrate the wiring so that it is not obvious.

Cost Factors of Installing a Garden Fence

When it comes to fence replacement cost, there are only two factors that will affect the price. The first is the length of the fence to be laid. The longer the fence, the more it will cost. Since there is little you can do about this, there is not much you can do to reduce this aspect of the cost.

If you are working with a fixed budget, then you can alter how much it costs with your choice of fencing. You can make choices that will reduce the fencing cost. If you are looking for cheap fence panels, you can find them, and they will be effective, but you will have limited choices in finish and size.

How to Install a Fence

If you'd like to find out how to install a fence - check out our guide, which has detailed instructions and images to show you exactly what to do.

Can I Replace Garden Fences Myself?

Putting up a fence is not an overly complicated job. For anyone who has experience with DIY, it is fairly straightforward.

If you decide to do the work yourself then you'll be saving yourself the labour costs, so the fence costs would be between £320-£640, depending on the size of the job. However, there are a few situations which can make it a lot harder to do the work yourself.

Building Permissions Needed for Garden Fences

When it comes to planning permission, it is better to check first. If you did need it, you could be made to take down your fence.

Some general guidelines should help you identify if you are likely to have an issue. Even when you don't need planning permission, it is a good idea to speak to your neighbours about your plans first.

Height Limits

In most cases, as long as your fence is no more than 2m high, you will not need planning permission.

Fences Next To The Road

There are limits on how high a fence can be if it next to a road or a pavement. These fences can't be more than 1m in height without permission.

Listed Properties

If your home is a listed property, then there may be a lot of limitations surrounding the fences. If the fence you wish to build, borders a listed property, then you may also be subject to limitations. You would have to check the conditions of the listed property to be sure.

Replacing or Repairing

If you are replacing or repairing an existing fence and are not planning to change the height, then you will not need planning permission.

Benefits Of a New Garden Fence

There are a lot of reasons why it is a good idea to invest some money into your garden fencing.

Here are some things to consider when you are deciding what to do about your garden boundaries:

Extra Security

A well-built, tall fence can be a deterrent to thieves. It not only makes it harder to access your home, but it also shields your home from prying eyes. If a thief can’t see into your home, they are less likely to break in.

Privacy

One of the main reasons for having fences around your garden is to give you and your family some privacy. It is a lot easier to enjoy your garden when you don’t feel like you are being overlooked. A good fence will provide you with the privacy you need to feel happy enjoying your space.

More Reliable

Fences deteriorate over time. They need to be replaced. The longer your fence has been up the, more likely it is to come down during a storm or to just give way. If you don't know how old your fences are then, it can be a good idea to check them for signs of rot and weakness.

If they are in poor shape, you should consider replacing them before they fail. 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.

More Weather Resistant

A new fence will be able to stand up to the weather better than an old one. With the weather becoming more extreme, it is worth considering if you have the right fencing. Some fences are better than others at dealing with the wind and rain. If you replace your fence, you can select one that will stand up the elements longer than an old wooden one that has been in your garden for years.

Aesthetically Pleasing

The fence you put in your garden has a big effect on the look of your garden. Picking the right fence can make your garden look bigger, or more intimate, or more modern. Changing the fences will have a big impact on how you enjoy your garden.

Garden Fence Repair

The decision to repair or replace will depend on the state of the old fence. If the fence panels are damaged, but the fence posts are still solid, then you can easily replace the fence panels. You can tell if the fence posts are still good by pushing on them. If they move, they need replacing; if they hold firm, then you can leave them.

Replacing the fence panels is usually quite straightforward. If the fence posts are concrete, you will only need to slide the old panels out. If the posts are timber, then you will need to remove the nails or screws that have been used to hold the panels on. You then just put your new fence panels in.

Sometimes fence panels fail because the bottom rail, of the fence has become rotten. In this case, you might be able to salvage the panel. As long as the rot is only in the bottom rail you can remove, the slats from the rail and replace it.

If you choose to do this, check the rest of the panels for rot carefully, and make sure to treat the fence with a protective layer of sealant or paint. The fence repair cost can vary depending on type of fence repair, and how many needs repairing.

Garden Fence Materials

When you are deciding on which type of fencing you want to choose, there are several considerations to keep in mind. Cost and durability will factor in, but you will also need to consider what you want from your fencing.

Do you also want it to provide some measure of privacy? Should it keep pets secure? Do you need it to provide a windbreak to protect your garden plants? All of these factors should be considered when picking your garden fence.

The material that you choose for your fence panels will have a big impact on how durable it is. It also affects the look and the long-term maintenance steps. The three main choices are timber, metal and plastic.

Timber

Timber fences are the most traditional option. In some locations, such as listed homes you might have no other choice.

Pros

• ✔ Easiest to source
• ✔ Lots of styles options
• ✔ Can be painted
• ✔ Natural

Cons

• ✖ Weathers quickly
• ✖ Requires yearly maintenance
• ✖ Vulnerable to wind, rain, rot and insects
• ✖ Has a limited lifespan

Metal

There are a lot of different types of metal fences with very different final appearances. You can choose from, wrought iron and chain link, for example. Although to some people, a metal fence will look out of place in a residential setting.

Pros

• ✔ Strong
• ✔ Durable
• ✔ Minimal maintenance

Cons

• ✖ More expensive upfront
• ✖ Difficult to install

Plastic

PVC fences have not taken off. They are lower maintenance then wooden fences, but they are still vulnerable to the weather. Composite fencing is a new type of plastic fencing that becoming very popular.

Pros

• ✔ Low maintenance
• ✔ No splinters

Cons

• ✖ Large changes in temperature can make it brittle
• ✖ Can stain
• ✖ Can’t be painted
• ✖ Can be expensive to dispose of

Fence Panel Costs

When you are choosing the style of fence panel, you want it will be a choice based on a mixture of both form and function. You should choose a fence panel that does what you need it to, and then pick one you like the look of.

Weave Timber Picket / Hurdle Fence

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 weave fencing cost is £20-£30 per panel.

Pros

• ✔ Gives privacy
• ✔ Good for marking boundaries
• ✔ Plants can climb up it easily

Cons

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

Woven Fence

This type of fencing is based on traditional hurdle fences; however, they can be made from any material. They are more uniform in appearance than the traditional weave panels. The average woven fencing cost is £30-£70.

Pros

• ✔ Gives privacy
• ✔ Good for marking boundaries
• ✔ Can choose a material you prefer

Cons

• ✖ Not the most robust option
• ✖ Maintenance depends on the material used

Lap Panel / Waney Edge / Traditional Fence

For this type of fencing, the fence is made from overlapping horizontal boards. It can be used with either wooden or concrete fence posts as well as gravel boards. The average lap panel fencing cost is £20-£30 per panel.

Pros

• ✔ Gives privacy
• ✔ Suitable for securing pets
• ✔ Provides shelter for plants
• ✔ Often a cheaper option

Cons

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

Timber Close-board / Featherboard Fence

For this type of fencing, the fence is made from overlapping vertical boards. It is typically around 6ft high. It can be used with either wooden or concrete fence posts as well as gravel boards. The average timber close-board fencing cost is £40-£60 per panel.

Pros

• ✔ Robust and durable
• ✔ Gives privacy
• ✔ Suitable for securing pets
• ✔ Provides shelter for plants

Cons

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

Palisade / Picket Fencing

This type of fencing is most often seen in front gardens. It has spaced vertical struts. It is typically around 3ft high. It can be used with either wooden or concrete fence posts as well as gravel boards. It can be made from either timber or PVC. The average palisade fencing cost is £20-£30 per panel.

Pros

• ✔ Resistant to high winds
• ✔ Aesthetically Appealing
• ✔ Allows light through
• ✔ Good boundary marker

Cons

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

Jaktop Fencing

This type of fencing is very distinctive. It has a decorative lattice pattern. They come in many different styles and sizes. They can be used as an addition to an existing fence. The average jaktop fencing cost is £50-£100 per panel.

Pros

• ✔ Very attractive
• ✔ Easy to train plants to grow up
• ✔ Good for separating garden areas

Cons

• ✖ Does not provide privacy or security
• ✖ Requires regular maintenance
• ✖ Will not be secure for all animals

Venetian / Slatted Fencing

This type of fencing is made up of horizontal slats. There are gaps between the slats to allow some light through. You can choose the size of the gap you desire. The average venetian fencing costs are £50-£120 per panel.

Pros

• ✔ Contemporary finish
• ✔ Resistant to Wind
• ✔ Can make the garden look longer

Cons

• ✖ Don’t provide full privacy
• ✖ Requires regular maintenance

Hit and Miss Fence Panels

This type of fencing has a distinctive look. The horizontal boards are alternatively fixed to the front and the back of the fence, creating a feeling of depth. The average hit and miss fencing costs are £60-£80 per panel.

Pros

• ✔ Both sides of the fence look good
• ✔ Gives privacy
• ✔ Suitable for securing pets
• ✔ Good wind resistance

Cons

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

Solid Metal Fencing

These panels are made entirely from metal. They often come in different colours. These panels are extremely durable and will last much longer than traditional wooden fences. The average solid metal fencing costs are £80-£140 per panel.

Pros

• ✔ Gives privacy
• ✔ Suitable for securing pets
• ✔ Good wind resistance
• ✔ Very little maintenance required
• ✔ Very durable

Cons

• ✖ Expensive to fit
• ✖ Requires specialist fitting and posts

Fence Post Costs

The fence posts are what give your fence its structure. They keep the panels secure and in their place. For some, the choice of material is purely aesthetic, but there are advantages and disadvantages for both choices.

Concrete

The average cost is £15-£35 per post

Pros

• ✔ Strong
• ✔ Durable
• ✔ Low maintenance

Cons

• ✖ Harder to install – much heavier
• ✖ The fence panels are not fixed so can be moved

Timber

The average cost is £10-£25 per post

Pros

• ✔ Attractive appearance
• ✔ Easy to install

Cons

• ✖ Can be affected by rot

Gravel Board Costs

You do not need to fit gravel boards when you fit a fence, but you should consider it. The gravel board sits beneath the fence panels. It protects the panels from absorbing moisture from the soil, which can cause them to rot. Using them will extend the life of any wooden fence. You can either get wooden or concrete gravel boards.

Concrete

The average cost is £30-£50 per panel.

Pros

• ✔ Strong
• ✔ Durable
• ✔ Low maintenance
• ✔ Should last forever

Cons

• ✖ Harder to install – much heavier
• ✖ Difficult to cut to size
• ✖ Can only be used with concrete fence posts

Timber

The average cost is £10-£30 per panel.

Pros

• ✔ Attractive appearance
• ✔ Easy to install
• ✔ Cheap to replace

Cons

• ✖ Can be affected by rot
• ✖ Must be treated

Cleaning and Maintaining Garden Fences

The maintenance needed for your fence will depend on what it is made from. Metal and plastic fences need little more than a quick clean as needed. This can easily be done with a hosepipe and a sponge.

Timber fences need to be painted or sealed annually. You can do this yourself with a tin of paint and a brush or sprayer. The paint will cost around £8-£15 for enough paint for around 10 panels. To pay someone to do this will cost between £100-£200.

Removing Garden Fences

If your old fence is damaged beyond repair, then it will need to be removed. This will be the case if it is rotten. You will also have to remove your old fence if you wish to change it to a different style. This is usually a pretty easy job, so it is a good DIY option. You will need a good solid hammer. A crowbar can also be helpful.

Removing a fence just involves brute strength, as long as you don’t want to save the wood. If you want to save the wood, you can remove the nails or screws holding the panels in place and then carry away the wood.

If you need to dispose of the old fence, you will have to take the waste to landfill. There will likely be a charge for this, but it will depend on your local council’s rules. Check the information for your local dump before you go.

Hiring a Garden Fence Fitter Checklist

A lot of different professionals may be able to fit a fence for you. You can get the work done by a gardener, landscaper or general handyman. Whoever you choose to do the work you want to look for the same things.

• Previous work – If possible, have a look at work they have completed in the past. If they can show you a fence that was put up a few years ago and is still standing strong, then that is a very good sign.
• Clear pricing – Make sure your fitter is clear about what is included in the price when you get a garden fence quote check if you are paying for their time or for the job. If your ground is hard to dig, and you are paying per hour, this can lead to a very expensive job.
• Recommendations – It is always a good idea to hire a workman how has good reviews and recommendations. If they are happy for you to speak to previous clients, then that is a good sign that they do quality work.

FAQs

Sources

https://colourfence.co.uk/blog/which-garden-fence-type-is-best/
https://www.trentwoodfencingoxfordshire.co.uk/news/what-is-the-best-type-of-fence-for-gardens.htm
https://www.diy.com/ideas-advice/how-to-put-up-a-panel-fence/CC_npcart_400191.art
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/problems-where-you-live/if-you-disagree-with-your-neighbour-about-a-wall-or-fence/
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/20/fences_gates_and_garden_walls
https://www.wickes.co.uk/how-to-guides/garden-landscaping/install-a-fence
https://www.homebase.co.uk/ideas-advice/garden-and-outdoor/patio-decking-and-fencing/how-to-put-up-a-fence