Cost Guide · Updated July 2026
Fencing Cost UK 2026 — Fence Installation Cost
Expect to pay £100–£180 per 6ft panel fitted including posts, gravel boards and labour — roughly £60–£110 per metre supplied and installed. A typical 15m garden boundary lands around £1,500–£2,700, depending on fence type, post material and ground conditions.
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For a standard 6ft (1.8m) closeboard or lap-panel fence, most UK homeowners pay £100–£180 per panel installed or £60–£110 per linear metre, with posts, gravel boards, concrete and labour included. A whole rear garden boundary of around 15 metres typically costs £1,500–£2,700. Cheaper overlap panels start near £60/m; premium composite or metal railings run £130–£250/m. Removing and disposing of an old fence adds £10–£25 per metre, and concrete posts add roughly £12–£20 per post over timber but last far longer.
Fence cost per panel and per metre installed
Garden fencing in the UK is usually priced two ways: per panel or per linear metre. A standard fence panel is 1.83m (6ft) wide, so one panel covers roughly two metres of run once you allow for the post. Most quotes bundle the panel, the post, a gravel board, postmix concrete and the labour to dig, set and hang everything into a single fitted rate.
For a typical 6ft-high timber fence in 2026, budget £100–£180 per panel fitted or £60–£110 per metre. The spread depends mostly on the panel style (a heavy closeboard panel costs more than a thin overlap one), whether you choose concrete or timber posts, and how easy the ground is to dig. Below is the fitted cost broken into its parts so you can see where the money goes.
| Component | Budget | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fence panel (1.83m × 1.8m) | £28 | £45 | £75+ |
| Post (timber or concrete) | £12 | £28 | £40 |
| Gravel board | £8 | £18 | £30 |
| Postmix / concrete + fixings | £8 | £12 | £16 |
| Labour (per bay) | £44 | £60 | £80 |
| Total per bay (fitted) | £100 | £163 | £241+ |
| Equivalent per metre | £55 | £89 | £132+ |
Labour usually accounts for 40–55% of a fencing bill. Fitters typically install 8–14 bays a day on clear, accessible ground, which is why day rates fall on longer straight runs and rise on short, awkward jobs.
Fencing cost by type
The style of fence is the single biggest driver of the panel price. A flimsy overlap panel and a heavy vertical-board closeboard fence do very different jobs and last very different lengths of time. Here is how the common UK fence types compare on fitted cost, look and lifespan.
| Fence type | Per metre (fitted) | Per 6ft bay (fitted) | Expected lifespan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overlap / lap panel | £60–£85 | £110–£155 | 8–12 yrs | Budget boundaries, rentals |
| Feather-edge / closeboard | £90–£130 | £165–£240 | 15–25 yrs | Strong, long-life privacy |
| Picket fence | £55–£95 | £100–£170 | 10–20 yrs | Front gardens, low boundaries |
| Post-and-rail | £35–£65 | £65–£120 | 15–25 yrs | Paddocks, open rural plots |
| Composite (WPC) | £130–£220 | £240–£400 | 20–30 yrs | Low-maintenance, modern look |
| Metal / steel railings | £120–£250 | £220–£460 | 25–40 yrs | Security, front boundaries |
Feather-edge & closeboard
Closeboard (also called feather-edge) is built on site from overlapping vertical timber boards fixed to horizontal arris rails. It is the strongest common timber fence, handles wind and knocks far better than a panel, and lasts 15–25 years with treatment. Expect £90–£130 per metre fitted. Because it is built board-by-board it costs more in labour but is easy to repair a section at a time.
Overlap (lap) panel
The classic waney-edge or overlap panel is the cheapest way to close a boundary, at £60–£85 per metre fitted. Panels are pre-made and drop straight into slotted concrete posts, so labour is quick. The trade-off is durability — thin overlap slats warp and split sooner, so plan for 8–12 years before replacement.
Picket fence
Picket fencing gives an open, decorative look for front gardens and low boundaries, usually 0.9m–1.2m high. Fitted cost is £55–£95 per metre depending on picket spacing and whether posts are timber or metal. It offers demarcation rather than privacy or security.
Post-and-rail
Two or three horizontal rails between stout posts — the cheapest fence per metre at £35–£65 because there is no infill. Ideal for paddocks, large rural plots and marking a line without blocking a view. Add stock netting for around £6–£12 per metre extra.
Composite (WPC) fencing
Wood-plastic composite panels slot between aluminium or composite posts and never need painting, staining or treating. At £130–£220 per metre fitted it is the priciest mainstream option, but a 20–30 year life and near-zero maintenance often make the whole-life cost competitive with repeatedly replacing cheap timber. See our artificial grass cost guide if you are doing a full low-maintenance garden makeover.
Metal & railings
Galvanised and powder-coated steel or aluminium railings suit front boundaries and security-conscious plots. Fitted cost runs £120–£250 per metre, more for bespoke wrought-iron. Lifespan is the longest of any fence — 25–40 years — and maintenance is minimal beyond the occasional touch-up.
Full garden fencing cost by boundary length
Most people don’t buy a single panel — they fence a run or a whole garden. The tables below turn the per-metre rates into realistic project totals so you can budget for your boundary. Measure the total run first: pace out each side that needs fencing and add them together. A typical UK semi has a rear boundary of 10–16m and, if fencing both sides too, a total of 25–40m.
| Boundary length | Overlap panel | Closeboard | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5m (side return) | £350–£480 | £480–£700 | £700–£1,150 |
| 10m (short rear) | £650–£900 | £950–£1,350 | £1,350–£2,250 |
| 15m (typical rear) | £950–£1,350 | £1,450–£2,050 | £2,000–£3,350 |
| 25m (two sides) | £1,550–£2,250 | £2,350–£3,400 | £3,300–£5,600 |
| 40m (full perimeter) | £2,450–£3,500 | £3,700–£5,300 | £5,300–£8,900 |
Totals assume clear access, level ground and no old fence to remove. Add £10–£25 per metre to strip out and dispose of an existing fence, and a little more for sloping or rooty ground.
Worked example: a typical 15m rear garden
A homeowner replacing a failed 15m overlap fence with mid-range closeboard on concrete posts and gravel boards would look at roughly: £1,600–£1,900 for the new fence, plus £180–£300 to remove and skip the old one — a realistic all-in figure of £1,800–£2,200. Opting for cheaper overlap panels on timber posts could bring it under £1,200; going composite pushes it past £3,000.
What drives fencing cost up or down
Two quotes for the “same” fence can differ by hundreds of pounds because of the details below. Understanding them helps you compare like-for-like and spot where a low quote has cut a corner you’ll pay for later.
Concrete vs timber posts
Posts are where fences fail first. Timber posts are cheaper (roughly £12–£18 each) but rot at ground level in 8–15 years. Concrete posts cost £25–£40 each but never rot and let you replace a damaged panel without digging — usually the better long-term buy. Budget an extra £12–£20 per post for concrete over timber.
Gravel boards
A gravel board is a strip along the bottom that keeps the panel off wet soil, where rot starts. Concrete gravel boards add £15–£30 per bay but dramatically extend panel life and are strongly recommended on any timber fence. Skipping them is a false economy.
Ground conditions & access
Clay, rock, tree roots, buried rubble or a steep slope all slow the dig and can add 15–40% to labour. Poor access — carrying materials through a house or up a narrow side alley — adds time too. Fitters often add a “difficult ground” allowance after seeing the site.
Removing the old fence
Stripping out an existing fence, digging out old concreted posts and skipping the waste typically adds £10–£25 per metre. Old concrete post footings are the slowest part — if yours are already loose, say so, as it lowers the labour.
Height
Taller fences use more material and catch more wind, so they need stronger posts set deeper. Going from 6ft to a trellis-topped 7ft–8ft raises both cost and the risk of needing planning permission (see below). A 5ft fence is a little cheaper but rarely enough for privacy.
| Item | Typical extra cost |
|---|---|
| Upgrade timber → concrete posts | +£12–£20 per post |
| Concrete gravel boards | +£15–£30 per bay |
| Trellis topper (1ft) | +£18–£35 per bay |
| Remove & dispose old fence | +£10–£25 per metre |
| Post caps & capping rail | +£6–£15 per bay |
| Paint / stain (per coat) | +£5–£10 per bay |
How much does a garden gate cost?
Gates are priced separately from the fence run because they need stronger posts, hinges and a latch. A standard single pedestrian timber gate costs £150–£450 fitted, depending on quality and whether new gateposts are needed. A wider double or driveway gate runs £450–£1,200+, and adding a lock, drop-bolt or automation raises it further.
| Gate type | Fitted cost |
|---|---|
| Softwood single pedestrian gate | £150–£300 |
| Hardwood / closeboard single gate | £280–£450 |
| Metal side gate (galvanised) | £250–£500 |
| Double timber driveway gate | £450–£900 |
| Composite / premium gate | £500–£1,200+ |
If security matters, ask for a gate stop, drop-bolt and a mortice or Euro-cylinder lock rather than a simple Suffolk latch. Matching the gate to the fence style keeps the boundary looking cohesive.
Supply-only vs installed — is DIY worth it?
Buying the materials yourself and fitting them can cut the bill roughly in half, because labour is 40–55% of a fitted quote. Supply-only materials for a 6ft bay come to about £55–£120 versus £100–£180 fitted. But fencing is heavy, exacting work: posts must be plumb, evenly spaced, set in concrete and left to cure, and a fence that isn’t straight or deep enough will lean in the first big storm.
DIY makes sense on a short, straight, accessible run in easy ground when you have a helper and a day or two. For long runs, sloping ground, concrete posts or anything on a shared boundary, a professional is usually worth it — and they carry the risk if it fails. Get a few quotes before deciding: our cost guides hub and free quote tool make it quick to compare.
| Option | Overlap | Closeboard |
|---|---|---|
| Materials only (DIY) | £55–£80 | £95–£140 |
| Fully fitted | £110–£155 | £165–£240 |
| Rough labour saving (DIY) | £55–£75 | £70–£100 |
Who pays for a boundary fence?
This is the question that causes the most neighbour disputes. In England and Wales there is no automatic legal rule that a particular side’s fence is yours — ownership depends on your title deeds and the Transfer or Conveyance plan, where boundaries you are responsible for are often marked with an inward “T” mark. The old “you own the left/right fence” belief is a myth with no legal force.
Practical points on paying and etiquette:
- Check your deeds / Land Registry title plan first — T-marks on your side mean you maintain that boundary.
- If a fence is genuinely shared, neighbours often split the cost, but no one can be forced to contribute unless a deed covenant says so.
- The “good side” (smooth face) traditionally faces the neighbour, though this is courtesy, not law.
- You can only build a replacement on your own land or exactly on the line — not over it — without agreement.
- Talk to your neighbour before starting; a quick written agreement avoids disputes later.
- The Party Wall Act covers walls, not standard garden fences, but does apply if you dig foundations near a shared structure.
If you are unsure who owns what, our team can help you frame the question — ask a free question and a vetted local tradesperson will point you in the right direction.
Planning permission & fence height limits
Most fences are covered by permitted development and need no planning application, but there are firm height limits you must respect:
- Up to 2m (6ft 7in) high is generally allowed for a fence, wall or gate around a garden.
- 1m (3ft 3in) maximum where the boundary is next to a road, highway or footpath used by vehicles — taller needs permission for sightline safety.
- Heights are measured from ground level; a trellis topper counts towards the total.
- Listed buildings and conservation areas often remove these permitted-development rights — check with your local planning authority.
- A fence marking the boundary of a listed building’s curtilage may need consent at any height.
These are the rules for England; Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are broadly similar but confirm with your council. If in doubt, a quick call to the local planning department is free and avoids an enforcement notice. Doing a wider garden project? Compare with our patio installation cost guide to budget the whole space.
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Compare Fencing Quotes →Fencing cost FAQs
If only a panel or two has failed and the posts are sound, repairing is far cheaper — swapping a single panel costs roughly £40–£90 fitted. But once several posts have rotted at the base, or more than a third of the run is failing, a full replacement usually works out better value because the labour to piecemeal-repair adds up. As a rule of thumb, if repairs would cost more than about half the price of a new fence, replace it.
Usually not. Fences up to 2m high are permitted development, dropping to 1m next to a road or vehicle-access footpath. You will need permission for anything taller, and possibly at any height if you are in a conservation area or next to a listed building. Always measure from ground level and include any trellis topper in the total height.
There is no universal left-or-right rule — that’s a common myth. Ownership is set by your title deeds and Transfer plan, where boundaries you maintain are often marked with a “T” on your side of the line. Check your Land Registry title plan, and if it’s genuinely unmarked the boundary may be shared, in which case costs are typically split by agreement rather than obligation.
It depends heavily on type and posts. Cheap overlap panels on timber posts last 8–12 years; closeboard on concrete posts with gravel boards lasts 15–25 years; composite lasts 20–30 years and metal railings 25–40 years. Concrete posts and gravel boards are the single biggest factor in longevity because they stop rot at ground level.
Concrete posts cost more up front (about £12–£20 extra per post) but almost always win over the fence’s life. They never rot, hold panels firmly in slotted sides, and let you slide out a damaged panel without digging. Timber posts look warmer and are cheaper initially, but even treated they fail at the soil line within 8–15 years. For a set-and-forget fence, choose concrete posts with concrete gravel boards.
A typical 15m rear boundary in 6ft fencing costs £950–£1,350 in overlap panel, £1,450–£2,050 in closeboard, or £2,000–£3,350 in composite — before removing any old fence, which adds £10–£25 per metre. Fencing two or three sides of an average garden (25–40m) commonly lands between £1,550 and £5,300 depending on type.
Yes. Stripping out the old fence, digging out concreted-in posts and disposing of the waste typically adds £10–£25 per metre. Old concrete footings are the slowest part; if your existing posts are already loose the labour will be at the lower end. Ask whether waste disposal and skip hire are included in your quote so you’re comparing like for like.
Late spring to early autumn is easiest — the ground digs well and postmix cures reliably. Fitters are busiest then, so booking in autumn or winter can mean shorter waits and occasionally keener prices, provided the ground isn’t waterlogged or frozen. Avoid setting posts in heavy frost, as concrete cures poorly below about 3°C.
Written by the BestBuilders Editorial Team · Reviewed by a qualified landscaping and fencing contractor · Last updated: July 2026.
How we produced this guide: Prices are compiled from quotes gathered through the BestBuilders installer network and cross-checked against 2026 UK merchant material rates. Planning and boundary guidance follows the permitted-development rules published by the UK Planning Portal and HM Land Registry title-plan conventions.
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