Garden Fence Installation Cost

Looking to find out the average fence installation cost in 2024?

In this cost guide, we cover everything you need to know about new fence prices.

This includes examining the total cost of fencing per metre and how the different materials and styles available (e.g. wooden fencing and concrete fencing) impact the average price of fencing installation.

We also separately cover the variations in fencing labour prices in the UK, which can significantly alter the affordability of a new fence.

But if you just want the bottom line?

Scroll down a bit further and check out our new fencing cost calculator. This will give you a good idea of what to expect the price of a fence installation to be.

Or why not contact one of our fencing specialists for a free quote?

Want to learn more first? Read on!

Fence Installation Cost Calculator

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 £185 per fence panel. This means that the average cost to install fence panels is £100 per metre of fencing material.

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 you can save money on the cost of a new fence installation - but we'll explore that further down in this guide.

What Impacts 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 to install 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 fence panels and wooden posts.

So if you only need a short section of new fence panels installed? The cost to install them will cost between £500 - £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).

In front gardens, the height of fencing is restricted to 1 metre (about 3.3ft).

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

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

The fencing cost per panel for each of these styles is between £40 - £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 of a tradesperson to install fence panels?

Fencing labour prices range between £300 - £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 per average-sized panel ranges between about £40 - £70.

The table below highlights what the labour cost, by themselves, 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 fence post materials: wooden or concrete.

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

You can make a decision based only on aesthetics or cost, but both choices have pros and cons.

Wooden Fence Posts

• Pros: Attractive appearance, easier to install and replace.

• Cons: Susceptible to rot, which means you'll need to replace them more often.

• Price: The average cost of a wooden fence post is between £15 - £25.

Concrete Fence Posts

• Pros: Strong, durable, and low maintenance.

• Cons: Harder to install and fence panels can be moved (because they're not fixed).

• Price: The average cost of a concrete fence post is between £15 - £35.

Gravel Board Costs

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

Why is this?

Gravel 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.

As before, there are pros and cons to both these options.

Wooden Gravel Boards

• Pros: Attractive appearance, easy to install, and cheap to replace.

• Cons: Susceptible to rot, which means you'll need to replace them more often.

• Price: The average cost of a wooden gravel board is between £10 - £30 per panel.

Concrete Gravel Boards

• Pros: Strong, durable, low maintenance, and should never need replacing.

• Cons: Harder to install as it's much heavier and difficult to cut to size. Can also only be used with concrete fence posts.

• Price: The average cost of a concrete gravel board is between £30- £50 per panel.

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 concrete posts and concrete gravel boards installed - just because they're harder to work with.

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

Additional New Fencing Costs

Installing new fencing can often involve clearing out sections of your garden.

This can present the perfect opportunity to tackle other jobs in your garden at the same time.

Getting everything done at the same time will not only be less disruptive but might also save some money in the long run!

Here are some things to consider:

Landscaping Prices

If a professional needs to clear land to get access to the space where the fence needs to be installed, it's a good time to consider landscaping your garden.

This could involve a whole range of projects.

For example: you could lay new turf down, have a children's play area built, or install new garden decking.

The overall garden landscaping cost will depend on what is required and who you hire.

Garden Gate Price

Have you thought about adding a garden gate?

There's no better time to have a job like this done than when you are already replacing your fence.

The average cost to hang a new garden gate is between £200 - £700.

Fence Painting Cost

Your fence panels should be made of treated wood, which - by itself - will help to protect them from the elements.

However, it's recommended that you paint new fences that you've had installed with a coat or two of garden fencing paint. You should clean and reapply a new coat of paint to your fence panels every year.

A tub of wood stain, which is usually suitable for around 10 panels, costs around £20 - £25.

Outdoor Lighting Cost

While you are having work done, it is a good opportunity to consider also fitting outdoor lighting.

To add aesthetic appeal, you could fit lights along the length of your fence and integrate the wiring so that it's not obvious it's there.

Cement Price

If you're planning to install a new fence yourself, then you will also need to consider the cost of the cement that's required to secure the fence posts.

This will cost between £5 - £10 per bag, with each bag being enough to secure between 1 - 3 fence posts.

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:

• A fence in the back garden should normally be no higher than 2m. Most homeowners install 6-foot (1.83 metres) fences in their back gardens.

• Fences in your front garden or next to a road should normally be no higher than 1m. Most homeowners install 3-foot (0.91 metres) fences in their front 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 fences 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've invested in a new fence.

Benefits of Replacing Old Fencing

What makes the fence installation cost worth it?

Below are a few things to consider when thinking about 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 wooden 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 and gravel boards to 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.

Garden fences in back gardens are typically restricted from being more than 2 metres (about 6.5ft) in height. Because of this, most people opt for 6-foot high fences in the back garden.

Garden Fence Material Comparison

There are a number of things to consider when deciding which type of fencing to buy.

This includes:

• Do you want to keep costs as low as possible?

• Is long-term durability more important to you?

• Do you want it to provide the maximum amount of privacy possible?

• Does it need to keep pets or children safe and secure?

• Do you need a windbreak to protect your garden plants?

All of these factors should be considered before getting a new garden installed.

The material that you choose for your fence panels will have a significant impact on how durable it is.

The three main choices are timber, metal, and plastic.

Let's cover the pros and cons of each of these now.

Timber Fencing Material

By far, timber fencing materials are the most popular option for homeowners in the UK.

They're the most traditional option too. In some locations, such as listed homes, you might not be permitted to use any other type of materials on the boundary of your home.

• Pros: Easiest to source, lots of styles available, can be painted, and look natural.

• Cons: Vulnerable to wind, rain, rot and insects. Requires consistent maintenance and has a more limited lifespan than concrete or metal fences.

Metal Fencing Material

There are a few different types of metal fences with distinctive appearances.

For example, you can choose between options like wrought iron and chain link.

• Pros: Strong, durable, and require minimal maintenance.

• Cons: Higher material costs and fencing labour costs.

And although there might be no restrictions on putting up a metal fence in a residential neighbourhood, it might look out of place and potentially upset your neighbours.

Plastic Fencing Material

PVC fences haven't seen widespread adoption in the UK, but composite fences are becoming more popular.

• Pros: Low maintenance with no splintering.

• Cons: Temperature changes can make them brittle, suspetible to staining, and can be expensive to dispose of.

In short? They're lower maintenance then wooden fences, but they are still quite vulnerable to the weather.

Fence Panel Costs

To reiterate a point we've already covered:

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

The average cost of fencing per panel (6ft) for either of these styles is between £40 - £50.

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 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 £30 - £50.

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 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 £40 - £60.

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

Weave Timber Picket Cost

Weave timber picket fencing is 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 - £30.

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 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.

The average cost of woven fencing per panel is between £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

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.

The average cost of palisade fencing per panel is £20 - £30.

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 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 - £100.

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

Slatted Fencing Cost

Slatted fencing is also commonly known as venetian fencing.

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

The average cost of venetian fencing per panel is between £50 - £120.

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 Cost

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

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 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 traditional wooden fences.

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

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

Garden Fence Maintenance Costs

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

Metal and plastic fences don't require much 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 to be painted or sealed annually. You can do this yourself with a tin of paint and a brush or sprayer. Paint costs between £8 - £15 per tin, with a single large tin usually being enough for around 10 panels. The cost to stain a fence is between £100 - £200.

Garden Fence Removal Price

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 if you wish to change it to a different style.

If you want to save money, this is a good DIY opportunity.

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

Removing fence posts will be more difficult, as they're secured in place with concrete. There are a few methods for dealing with this which we cover in our dedicated fence removal cost.

Once you've removed the fencing materials, you'll need to consider waste removal.

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 average cost to hire a skip is around £220, with smaller skips costing about £100 and larger ones costing up to £800.

Garden Fence Repair Cost

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

And 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 fence 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 fence posts or gravel boards. In this case, the average cost to replace a fence panel would be around £70 - £80.

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 for a professional:

• If the fence posts are concrete, they'll just need to slide the old panels out and put the new panels in.

• If the posts are timber, 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, the bottom rail, has become rotton.

If that's the case, then it might be possible to salvage the panel - which are more expensive than the gravel boards. As long as the rot is only in the bottom rail, you can remove the slats from the rail and replace it.

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.

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 a garden 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:

• Previous work: Take a look at examples of work they've previously completed. It's a good sign if they can show you fence installations that are still standing strong after many years.

• Recommendations: Check for online reviews of tradespeople you're considering for the job. On MyJobQuote, you can find previous customers' experiences on the person's directory page. And if they're happy for you to speak with previous clients, then it's a good sign that they're confident in their work.

• Clear pricing: When a tradesperson gives you a quote, ensure that they're clear about what is included in the price of a new garden fence installation. In particular, you will want to clarify whether they're quoting you a fixed cost or charging per hour of work required. If they run into problems and you're paying on an hourly or daily basis, then the job can suddenly become less affordable.

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