Fencing & Gates Specialists

There's a wide range of garden fencing and gates to choose from so there is sure to be a size and design of fencing that suits your garden and your needs. The main types of fencing are closeboard fencing (made up of overlapping vertical boards of timber), overlap fencing, palisade and trellis. Closeboard fencing is the strongest and heaviest type of panel fencing that offers complete privacy, ideal for boundary fencing. Overlap fencing is made from overlapping horizontal timber boards, cheaper than closeboard fencing but still offering good levels of privacy.

Palisade fencing is the traditional picket-type fence whereas trellis fencing is an open screen fencing used on it's own or often or as a decorative panel on top of a solid fence for privacy. When building a fence remember that one of the things neighbours argue about most is the boundary between their properties, so check your title deeds to ensure the fence is in the right position and know who is responsible for the upkeep. Once you ave chosen the type of fencing panel, you now need to choose the right posts. You have a choice of wooden, metal or concrete posts and there are pros and cons for each.

Concrete posts ensure a good strong fence, but need a fair bit of work to put up. Wooden posts are easier but there is a higher risk that they'll rot. Metal post supports can help you put up a fence relatively quickly and are very strong. Panel fencing is extremely popular and is easily the most common type of fencing in the UK, especially good for those on a tighter budget or those who are planning to go the DIY route. They are extremely simple to erect and provide excellent flexibility and value. Plus individual panels can easily be replaced in the event of damage.

Fences & Gates Planning Permission

You need to apply for planning permission if you wish to erect or add to a fence, wall or gate that is over 1 metre high and next to a highway used by vehicles or over 2 metres high elsewhere; or your house is a listed building or the property is subject to any other restrictions. You will not need to apply for planning permission to take down a fence, wall, or gate, or to alter, maintain or improve an existing fence or gate if you don't increase its height. However, in a conservation area, you might need planning permission to take down a fence or gate. Fences, walls and gates do not require building regulation approval but the structures must be structurally sound and well maintained.

Fence and Gate Costs

Closeboard fencing typically costs around £55 per metre, assuming using 4ft 6inch closeboard on a 6in gravel board supported by 4x4 concreted posts and 3 horizontal rails ( this price would normally include removing the old fence, but double check any quotes to make sure this is the case). Fence panels (6x6) work out slightly more expensive at an average of around £65 per metre. Steel palisade fencing installation starts from around £40 per metre, but this price is for labour only, concrete and fencing have to be supplied by customer. Gates start from around £80 supplied and fitted, but can easily exceed several hundred pounds depending on the materials used.

Choosing a Garden Contractor to Build Fencing and Gates

When looking to hire a gardener always write a brief before you speak to anyone, so you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. This allows you to provide all contractors bidding for the job with exactly the same information leaving you able to compare figures on a like-for-like basis. Compile a list of gardeners in your area, three contractors is a good number to start with (just enter brief details using the free quote service on this site and you can easily have three local recommended gardeners getting in touch with you provide quotes and offer advice).

Ask to talk to previous clients and visit their gardens to check out previous fencing work if possible. Remember that a landscaper, designer or gardener can be a very skilled person who may have spent many years learning their trade. It is this experience and skill that you are paying for and they deserve to be paid a fair amount for their time and their skills. The cheapest price is not always the best!