Fencing installation cost in the UK
Fencing installation in the UK typically costs £40–£110 per metre depending on panel type, post specification and ground conditions. Close-board (featheredge) fencing is the most popular at £60–£100/m; budget overlap panels are £40–£70/m; premium hit-and-miss or slatted fences run £70–£110/m. Gates, gravel boards and concrete posts add extra.
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Cost table
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Overlap panel (budget) | £40–£70/m |
Close-board / featheredge | £60–£100/m |
Hit-and-miss / slatted | £70–£110/m |
Trellis topper | £15–£30/m |
Concrete post (each) | £15–£30 |
Timber post (each) | £8–£20 |
Gravel board (each) | £10–£25 |
Gate (standard timber) | £120–£350 |
Gate (premium metal / composite) | £300–£800 |
Labour costs
Fencing contractors charge £150–£250/day. A 15-metre run with concrete posts takes 1–2 days. Removing old fencing adds half a day.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Fencing contractor (per day) | £150–£250 |
Removal of old fence (per day) | £100–£200 |
Concrete post installation (per post) | £15–£30 |
Gate hanging | £80–£150 |
Waste disposal (skip or bags) | £80–£200 |
Materials costs
Materials include panels, posts (concrete or timber), gravel boards, nails, brackets and gates.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Overlap panel (6x6 ft) | £25–£45 |
Close-board panel (6x6 ft) | £40–£70 |
Concrete post (8 ft) | £15–£30 |
Timber post (4x4, 8 ft) | £8–£20 |
Gravel board (6 ft) | £10–£25 |
Post mix (per bag) | £5–£8 |
Factors affecting cost in the UK
- ·Panel type — overlap is cheapest; close-board is strongest; slatted is premium.
- ·Post material — concrete lasts 25+ years; timber 10–15 years.
- ·Ground conditions — rocky or sloping ground makes post holes harder.
- ·Height — 4 ft panels are cheaper than 6 ft; 3 ft trellis adds cost.
- ·Access — rear gardens with no side access increase labour time.
Ways to reduce cost
- ·Buy panels and posts from a timber merchant, not a garden centre, for 20–30% savings.
- ·Use concrete posts and gravel boards — they outlast multiple panel changes.
- ·Do your own removal and disposal to save £100–£200.
- ·Group the job with neighbours for shared boundary savings.
- ·Fit the fence in dry weather — wet ground makes posts unstable.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a timber fence last?
- 15–25 years with pressure-treated timber and concrete posts. Untreated timber may last only 5–10 years.
- Do I need planning permission for a fence?
- Not for fences under 2 metres (1 metre next to a highway). Over that height, or in front gardens, check with your local planning authority.
- Which side of the fence is mine?
- Convention says the posts are on the owner's side, but always check your deeds or a boundary agreement.
- Can I install a fence myself?
- Yes — panel fencing is DIY-friendly with a post-hole digger, spirit level and patience. Close-board is harder for beginners.
- How far apart should fence posts be?
- Typically 1.8–2.4 metres apart for standard 6-foot panels. Closer spacing (1.5 m) adds strength for exposed or sloping sites.