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.
Height limits and permission
In England you can usually put up a fence, wall or gate without planning permission if it is no higher than 2 metres, or 1 metre if it is next to a road used by vehicles or its footpath. Listed buildings and some estates with restrictive covenants have stricter rules.
Which side is yours?
Check your title plan from HM Land Registry and any deeds for 'T' marks showing who owns each boundary. Even if a fence is yours, it is courteous — and avoids disputes — to talk to your neighbour before replacing it. Posts should sit on your side of the boundary line.
Materials that last
Concrete posts with gravel boards last far longer than timber posts set in the ground. Pressure-treated panels and closeboard (featheredge) fencing resist wind better than lap panels on exposed sites.
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.
Sources & how we estimate
Prices are typical UK ranges compiled by ModernExpert.AI from published trade rates and supplier price lists, and are estimates — always get at least three written quotes. Rules on permissions, safety and certification come from the official sources below. Last reviewed 19 October 2026.
- Planning Portal — Extensions
- GOV.UK — Party Wall etc. Act 1996 explained
- GOV.UK — Building regulations approval
- Planning Portal — Do you need permission?
- ONS — Construction output price indices
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