Quick Answer
Garden fencing costs £100–£300 per panel including posts, depending on the style and height. A typical 15-panel garden fence (30 metres) costs £1,500–£4,500 supply and fitted. Closeboard fencing is most popular — £80–£150 per metre installed. Prices rise sharply for hardwood, composite, or metal.
Whether you need to replace an old fence after a winter storm or you're enclosing a new garden for the first time, fencing is one of those jobs where costs vary widely depending on what you choose. A budget lap panel fence is straightforward and affordable; a hardwood slatted fence with metal posts is a completely different project. This 2026 guide covers all the main styles, realistic installed costs, and how to find a reliable fencing contractor.
In this guide
Garden Fencing Costs Per Panel and Per Metre
All prices below are supply and fit, including concrete posts and installation. Standard height is 1.8m (6ft) unless stated. Prices are UK averages for 2026 — expect London and South East to be 20–30% higher.
| Fence Type | Cost Per Metre (Supply & Fit) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Closeboard (featherboard) | £80–£150/m | Most durable standard option; built on-site |
| Lap panel | £60–£100/m | Budget option; pre-made panels, less durable |
| Picket fence | £60–£120/m | Decorative; typically 1.0–1.2m height |
| Slatted / hit-and-miss | £100–£180/m | Contemporary style; good wind resistance |
| Composite fencing | £150–£300/m | Low maintenance; 25+ year lifespan |
| Metal railings | £150–£400/m | Front gardens; wide price range by design |
| Post and rail (rural/agricultural) | £30–£60/m | 2–3 horizontal rails; open style |
| Trellis (decorative / privacy) | £40–£80/m | Often added above existing fence |
Closeboard fencing is the most common choice for UK rear gardens — it's built board-by-board on-site rather than arriving as pre-made panels, making it stronger in wind and better at accommodating uneven ground. For a decorative finish or front-of-property landscaping project, see our garden landscaping costs guide for how fencing fits into a wider scheme.
Total Cost by Garden Size
The table below shows all-in installed costs (supply, posts, concrete, and fitting) using closeboard fencing as the baseline, across a range of garden perimeter sizes. These assume standard 1.8m height and no significant access issues or ground level changes.
| Garden Perimeter | Budget (Lap Panel) | Mid-Range (Closeboard) | Premium (Slatted / Composite) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small garden (10 metres) | £600–£1,000 | £800–£1,500 | £1,500–£3,000 |
| Average garden (20 metres) | £1,200–£2,000 | £1,600–£3,000 | £3,000–£6,000 |
| Large garden (40 metres) | £2,400–£4,000 | £3,200–£6,000 | £6,000–£12,000 |
| Corner plot (60 metres) | £3,600–£6,000 | £4,800–£9,000 | £9,000–£18,000 |
Add £5–£10 per old panel for removal and disposal of an existing fence. If your ground level drops significantly along the run, or the ground is rocky, expect additional costs for post setting. Corner plots with long boundaries at the front are often the most expensive due to height restrictions on road-facing sections (see the planning rules section below).
Fence Post Options and Their Costs
The post is the most critical structural element of any fence — get this wrong and the whole run fails. Here are the main options and what you can expect to pay:
| Post Type | Material Cost Each | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete slotted post | £15–£30 | 25–40+ years | Standard rear garden fence; most popular |
| Timber post (treated softwood) | £10–£20 | 10–20 years | Budget installs; must be concreted in |
| Hardwood timber post | £20–£40 | 20–35 years | Premium timber fences; better rot resistance |
| Steel bolt-down post | £20–£40 | 20+ years | Hard surfaces (concrete, paving); no digging |
| Steel in-ground post | £25–£50 | 25+ years | Composite and metal fence systems |
| Post spur repair | £50–£100 per post | Extends life by 10–15 years | Repairing rotted post bases without full replacement |
Posts should be concreted to a minimum depth of 600mm in normal ground — deeper for taller fences or soft/clay ground. Spacing between posts is typically 1.8m (one panel width). If your existing fence has rotted timber posts but the gravel boards and panels are still sound, a post spur repair is a cost-effective alternative to replacing the entire fence.
Party Wall and Boundary Rules
Before replacing or erecting a fence, it's worth understanding the rules around boundaries — disputes between neighbours over fencing are one of the most common property disagreements in the UK.
Who owns the fence?
There is no automatic rule in England and Wales that the left fence or right fence belongs to you — it depends on your title deeds. Look for a 'T' mark on the boundary line of your deeds; the T points towards the owner of that boundary. If there's an H mark (sometimes shown as two Ts back-to-back), the boundary is shared. If in doubt, your solicitor or the Land Registry can help.
Planning permission
- Fences up to 2 metres high do not normally require planning permission under permitted development rights — provided the property isn't in a conservation area or an Article 4 direction area.
- Fences up to 1 metre high are permitted where they front a highway (road or public footpath). Any higher than 1m fronting a highway requires planning consent.
- Conservation areas and listed buildings — additional rules apply. Even a low garden fence may need consent. Always check with your local planning authority before starting work.
- Garden fencing generally doesn't require Building Regulations approval — unlike structures such as extensions or outbuildings with electrical or plumbing installations.
Neighbour disputes
If your neighbour's fence falls or is in disrepair, and they own the boundary, you cannot force them to repair it — there is no general legal obligation to maintain a boundary fence in England and Wales. If the situation is causing genuine problems (security, animals escaping), mediation services or a solicitor's letter are the practical routes before any legal action.
For context on related garden projects and how planning rules apply more broadly, see our guide on decking vs patio — the permitted development rules on garden structures share some principles with fencing rules.
Factors That Affect Fencing Cost
Fence height
Standard garden fence panels are 1.8m (6ft) tall — the baseline for all prices above. Taller fences (2.1m–2.4m) are more expensive: taller panels cost more, longer posts are needed, more concrete is used, and planning permission is likely required above 2m. Shorter fences (1.2m decorative or 0.9m picket) are cheaper on materials but the labour saving is modest.
Total length
Longer runs are more cost-efficient per metre as the fixed setup cost (getting to site, laying out tools) is spread over more panels. A 5-panel job costs more per metre than a 25-panel job with the same contractor.
Old fence removal
Removing and disposing of an existing fence adds £5–£10 per panel on top of new installation costs. If the old posts are concrete and concreted deep, their removal can add further time and cost. Always clarify whether the quote includes removal and disposal.
Ground conditions
Clay soil, rocky ground, or ground with tree roots significantly increases the difficulty of setting posts. Soft or waterlogged ground may need larger post holes or additional concrete. Ground that slopes requires either stepped panels or custom-cut closeboard to follow the slope — both add to fitting time.
Timber species and treatment
Budget lap panels typically use pressure-treated spruce or pine. Closeboard uses pressure-treated softwood arris rails and featherboards. Hardwood fencing (oak, sweet chestnut, larch) is significantly more expensive — typically 40–80% more on materials — but lasts considerably longer without treatment. Composite fencing has the highest upfront cost but the lowest lifetime cost.
Access to site
If materials can't be delivered or wheelbarrowed directly to the fence line — for example in a terraced property where everything must go through the house — expect a labour surcharge of 10–20%.
How to Find a Reliable Fencing Contractor
Unlike gas or electrical work, fencing is not a licensed trade — anyone can legally carry out the work. This means quality and reliability vary considerably. Here's how to find someone you can trust:
- Get at least three written quotes — with the materials spec (panel brand and grade, post type, concrete depth) clearly listed. A quote that just says "supply and fit fence" without specifics is hard to compare.
- Ask if they dispose of the old fence — some contractors include this; others don't. Know what you're paying for.
- Confirm they use pressure-treated timber — untreated timber will rot within a few years. Pressure-treated timber (brown or green tinted) is the UK standard.
- Ask about concrete footing depth — a minimum of 600mm is standard for 1.8m panels; deeper for heavier or taller fences. Shallow footings are the main cause of fence failure in high winds.
- Check for public liability insurance — essential if the contractor is working near your property or a neighbour's. Ask to see proof before work begins.
- Read reviews and ask for local references — fencing contractors often work in defined local areas; neighbours or local Facebook groups can be useful sources of recommendations.
You can post your fencing job for free on GetQuickHelp to receive quotes from local fencing contractors — no call centres, no obligation.
Fencing Maintenance and Lifespan
How long your fence lasts depends primarily on the material and how well it's maintained. Here's a realistic guide:
| Material | Expected Lifespan | Maintenance Required |
|---|---|---|
| Lap panel (pressure-treated softwood) | 10–15 years | Annual treatment with fence paint or preservative |
| Closeboard (pressure-treated softwood) | 15–25 years | Treat every 2–3 years; check post bases annually |
| Hardwood (oak, larch, sweet chestnut) | 20–40 years | Minimal treatment needed; annual visual check |
| Composite fencing | 25+ years | Occasional wash down; no painting or staining |
| Metal railings (powder-coated steel) | 20–30 years | Check for rust spots; touch up paint as needed |
| Concrete posts (all fence types) | 40–50+ years | No maintenance required |
The most common cause of premature fence failure in the UK is post base rot. Each spring, check your post bases at ground level — push a screwdriver firmly into the timber at ground level; if it penetrates more than a few millimetres, rot has set in. Catching this early allows a post spur repair (£50–£100 per post) rather than a full replacement. Gravel boards at the base of closeboard fences also protect the panel from ground contact — replace these before they rot through to the arris rails.
For a full picture of what a garden renovation can involve, our garden landscaping cost guide covers fencing alongside patios, driveways, planting, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission for a 6ft fence in the UK?+
In most cases, no — a 1.8m (6ft) fence in a rear or side garden does not require planning permission under permitted development rights. However, if the fence fronts a highway (road or public footpath), the limit drops to 1 metre without consent. Properties in conservation areas, Article 4 direction areas, or on new-build estates with restrictive covenants may have additional rules. Always check with your local planning authority if you're unsure.
Who is responsible for garden fence repair between neighbours in the UK?+
Responsibility depends on who owns the boundary — this is shown in your property title deeds, usually indicated by a 'T' mark. The owner of the boundary is responsible for its maintenance. There is no automatic rule in England and Wales (unlike in some other countries) that the left or right fence belongs to you. If the title deeds are unclear, check with the Land Registry or consult a solicitor. Neighbours cannot be legally compelled to repair their fence unless specific covenants apply.
How long does garden fencing last in the UK?+
Pressure-treated softwood closeboard fencing typically lasts 15–25 years with reasonable maintenance. Cheaper lap panels in softwood may need replacing after 10–15 years. Hardwood fencing (oak, larch) lasts 20–40 years. Composite fencing carries 25+ year warranties from most manufacturers. Concrete posts outlast the fence panels by decades and rarely need replacing. The weak point on any timber fence is the post at ground level — check this annually.
Can I put fence panels on my neighbour's side of the fence?+
No — if your neighbour owns the boundary, you cannot attach anything to their fence or place panels on their side of the boundary line without their permission. Doing so could constitute trespass. If you want additional privacy or a different style, the practical options are: erecting a separate fence on your side of the boundary line (even if it's just a few centimetres inward), adding trellis to your own existing fence structure, or reaching a written agreement with your neighbour.
How do I stop my fence from rotting?+
The most effective steps are: use pressure-treated timber in the first place (it comes pre-treated from the sawmill); concrete in your posts rather than using spike anchors which leave timber in direct contact with soil; fit gravel boards at the base so fence panels don't touch the ground; treat exposed cut ends with end-grain preservative when trimming boards; and apply a quality fence paint or preservative every 2–3 years. The post base is the most vulnerable point — check it annually and repair early with post spurs if rot is detected.
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