A new fence defines your garden boundary, creates privacy, keeps children and pets in, and significantly improves the look of your outdoor space. Fencing costs vary widely depending on the type of fence, the length, and whether the ground is level.
This guide covers all the main fencing types and their 2026 UK costs.
Average Garden Fence Costs Per Metre
Fence Type
Supply Only (per metre)
Supply and Install (per metre)
Featheredge/close board
£25 – £45
£60 – £100
Panel fence (6×6 standard)
£20 – £40
£50 – £90
Trellis top panel
£25 – £50
£55 – £95
Picket fence
£20 – £40
£50 – £85
Hit and miss
£30 – £55
£70 – £110
Slatted (horizontal)
£35 – £65
£80 – £130
Acoustic/heavy-duty
£60 – £100
£120 – £200
Metal railings
£80 – £200
£150 – £350
Posts: Concrete vs Timber
Post specification is critical. The most common failure in cheap fence installations is inadequate posts.
Concrete posts are the recommended standard for most garden fences:
More durable last 30-50 years versus 10-20 for timber
Not prone to rot at ground level
Slightly more expensive: concrete post £8 – £20 each vs timber post £5 – £12 each
Timber posts are cheaper but must be pressure-treated (green-tinged timber) and ideally placed on a metal spike rather than directly in concrete. When posts rot, panels usually follow.
Post spacing is typically 1.83m (6 feet) to match standard panel widths.
Labour Costs for Fence Installation
Fencing contractor day rate: £180 – £300 per day per person
An experienced fencer can install approximately 10-15 metres per day for a standard close board or panel fence on level ground
Typical fence installation costs: £40 – £70 per metre labour only
Difficult ground conditions clay soil, rocky ground, or significant slopes — slow installation and increase costs.
How Much Does a New 30-Metre Garden Fence Cost?
For a typical rear garden fence replacement of 30 linear metres:
Budget close board fence (pressure-treated softwood):
Materials: £800 – £1,200
Labour: £900 – £1,500
Removal of old fence: £200 – £400
Total: £1,900 – £3,100
Mid-range horizontal slat fence:
Materials: £1,200 – £1,800
Labour: £1,200 – £1,800
Total: £2,400 – £3,600
Premium composite or metal fence:
Materials: £2,500 – £5,000
Labour: £1,500 – £2,500
Total: £4,000 – £7,500
Who Is Responsible for a Shared Fence?
In England and Wales, fence ownership is typically shown on your title deeds (often marked with a “T” on the boundary plan). The owner marked with the T is responsible for maintenance. In practice, many boundary disputes arise from unclear deeds.
If both neighbours want to replace a fence, costs are often shared. If only one wants to replace or upgrade it, they typically bear the full cost. Always confirm boundary ownership before replacing a shared fence.
Planning Permission for Fences
In England, you can generally erect a fence up to:
2 metres in height without planning permission
1 metre in height if the fence is adjacent to a public highway
Higher fences, fences in conservation areas, or modifications to listed buildings require planning permission. Check with your local authority before installing a fence over 1.8 metres.
How Long Does a Garden Fence Last?
Pressure-treated softwood: 15-25 years with occasional treatment
Hardwood (oak, sweet chestnut): 25-40 years
Composite fencing: 25-30 years
Metal/aluminium: 40-50+ years
Untreated softwood: 5-10 years
Investing in quality posts and pressure-treated boards from the outset is nearly always cheaper than replacing a cheap fence after 10 years.
Getting a Fair Price for Fencing
Compare three quotes for the same specification
Ask whether old fence removal and disposal are included
Confirm concrete or timber posts and their depth (aim for 600mm in the ground minimum)
Check that panels will be attached with two fixing points per panel minimum
Ask for a written quote that specifies timber grade and treatment level
