Fencing is one of the first improvements many homeowners consider: whether to define boundaries, increase privacy, improve security, or simply enhance garden aesthetics. But as with most home improvement works, the cost of fencing can vary dramatically depending on materials, height, design, labour, location, and site conditions. In this article we set out the latest 2025 estimates for UK fencing costs, what influences them, examples, hidden charges, and tips to get better value.
Key Cost Factors
When trying to estimate how much fencing will cost, it helps to understand the levers that move the price. The main factors include:
Material Type
Wood (various types: softwood, treated timber, more premium species)
Composite / wood‑plastic options
Metal (aluminium, steel, wrought iron)
PVC / vinyl
Concrete posts/gravel boards
Fence Type, Style, Height & Design Complexity
Simple panel fence vs closeboard (featheredge) vs hit & miss vs slatted or contemporary styles
Decorative elements, cap rails, trellis toppers etc.
Height: taller fences need more material and stronger posts
Terrain/ground slope, uneven ground, obstacles (e.g. tree roots, existing structures)
Posts, Foundations, Gravel Boards
Choice of post (wood or concrete)
Gravel boards (to prevent rot at the base), capping, fixings
Foundations / post‑holes, ensuring posts are set securely
Removal / Disposal & Prep Work
If replacing an old fence, costs to remove and dispose of the old material
Site access issues, difficult ground, existing obstructions
Labour Rate / Location
Contractor’s hourly / day rate
How many people needed, time required
Regional variation (e.g. London and South East tend to be more expensive than rural / Northern UK)
Other Extras / Features
Gates, locks, decorative panels, finishes (painting, staining)
Planning permission, if required
Permits / boundary disputes
Recent UK Cost Estimates (2025)
Here are published cost ranges and typical job‑examples, based on recent estimators, contractors and UK trade sources.
| Fence Type / Specification | Typical Installed Cost (per linear metre) | Notes / Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Closeboard panels with concrete posts + concrete gravel boards | £120 – £180/m | Classic privacy fence, durable, mid‑high cost due to concrete elements. |
| Horizontal double slatted panels (modern privacy) | £150 – £220/m | Stylish, contemporary look; more work to install, more material. |
| Horizontal hit & miss panels | £130 – £190/m | These allow airflow to reduce wind load; prices higher because of complexity. |
| Low picket (front garden run) | £70 – £120/m | Smaller height fences, more decorative; less material. |
| Standard panel fencing (wood) | £40 – £60/m | More basic / standard panel + timber post / gravel board. |
| Vinyl / PVC fencing | £50 – £90/m | Low maintenance, but material cost higher. |
| Metal fencing (wrought iron, aluminium) | £80 – £150/m | More expensive materials, decorative/higher finish. |
| Composite fencing (wood + plastic) | £100 – £200/m | Premium material, often longer lifespan. |
Case Examples
Here are some worked examples to illustrate what residents might actually pay, given various specifications.
Example 1: A suburban garden needs ~11 metres of closeboard fencing, 6ft high, with concrete posts and concrete gravel boards. According to East Coast Fencing, this might be in the region of £120‑£180 per metre, depending on site complexity.
Example 2: An installation of 14.64 m (~8 bays) double‑slatted privacy fence, with 9ft concrete posts, gravel boards, panel capping etc. Total cost comes out to ~£187/m for that spec.
Example 3: Low front garden picket run (~8m) using timber posts: this might cost ~£70–£120/m installed.
Average Costs & Material‑Only Figures
Many people want to know two numbers: what will materials alone cost, and what’s the total including installation.
The average cost of standard fence (closeboard panels, concrete posts, gravel boards) with installation is around £70‑£90 per metre for more basic setups. For premium or more elaborate setups (double‑slatted, decorative etc.), this goes higher to £150‑£220/m or more.
Materials only (i.e. if you install yourself, or pay only for supply) for standard types are often £40‑£60/m for panels + posts + gravel board for simple wood setups. More premium materials push that significantly higher.
Removal/disposal of old fencing often adds several pounds per metre or per bay, depending on material and access.
Repair Costs vs Replacement
Sometimes fence work isn’t full replacement; repair may be enough. Costs for repair are lower, but also vary depending on extent and type.
For a panel fence (lap or waney edge), 1.8m x 1.8m high, repair cost is ~ £100‑£150 per metre.
Hit & Miss fence repairs at 1.8m often cost £150‑£220 per metre.
Close boarded (featheredge) fence (1.8m high) repairs: ~ £110‑£150/m.
Regional Variations, Labour and Other Additions
Labour costs (contractor’s day rate, number of installers etc.) make a big difference. In London or the South East, prices are frequently higher due to higher labour, transport, overhead costs.
For difficult sites (steep slopes, obstacles, hard ground, restricted access) extra labour/plant hire can add significantly.
Gates, decorative finishing, paint or stain, capping, topper trellis etc. are extras that many people forget to budget.
Permits or planning permission may be required if fence height is over certain limits (often >2m, or if near roads etc.). This can add time, cost, or require adjustments.
What Might a Typical Fence Project Cost in Total?
To give some ballpark totals based on common projects:
| Project Size / Type | Specification | Approx Total Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Small boundary fence (~10 m length, 1.2‑1.8m height), timber panel, timber posts | Basic panel + nails/gravel boards etc., DIY or simple install | £500 ‒ £1,200 depending on materials & access |
| Medium fence (~20‑30 m), 6 ft closeboard panels, concrete posts & gravel boards | Moderate quality panels, professional installation | £2,500 ‒ £5,000+ |
| Large‑scale contemporary fence (~30‑40 m), premium materials (slatted / double slatted / metal / composite), decorative elements | Higher end materials + design + perhaps gate(s) etc. | £5,000 ‒ £10,000+ |
| Decorative / ornate metal fencing or wrought iron, or complex site (slopes, curves) | Custom designs, heavy materials, more labour | Can run over £150‑£300+ per metre, so total becomes much higher depending on length |
*These totals are estimates; actual costs will vary.
Hidden Costs & Pitfalls to Look Out For
To avoid nasty surprises, these are things homeowners should check or budget for:
Removal of old fences: Posts, old panels, roots etc. Disposal fees.
Site preparation: Levelling ground, handling slopes, removing debris / obstructions.
Post foundations: Ensuring posts are deeply enough set, possibly using concrete posts vs cheaper timber ones. Poor foundations lead to early failure.
Weather and seasonal issues: Installing in wetter months may delay works or affect material costs.
Finish and maintenance: Some materials need regular treatment (staining, painting). Composite / metal may be lower maintenance but more expensive up front.
Warranty / guarantees: Does the contractor guarantee materials & workmanship? Are materials treated / weather‑resistant?
Regulatory requirements: Check local planning rules for fence height, especially near roads; sometimes consent is needed.
Access & logistics: If materials have to be carried far, or machinery used, this adds cost.
Tips to Get Good Value
If you’re planning to install or replace a fence, here are some strategies to get good value without compromising too much:
Get multiple quotes from reputable local contractors. Compare not just the price but what’s included (posts, gravel boards, gates, removal etc.).
Consider simpler designs and standard panel sizes: custom shapes, large heights, or uneven terrain cost more.
Use durable materials: spending a bit more up front on treated wood, concrete posts, etc., can reduce maintenance/replacement costs in future.
Reuse what you can: if posts are still in good condition, or panels salvageable, reuse to save material costs.
Timing: Some contractors have quieter periods (autumn/winter) when they might offer discounts.
Be clear about expectations: height, materials, finish, warranty, and timeline. Have everything in writing.
What’s Changing / What to Expect in 2025‑2026
Material price inflation continues to affect wood, metal, composite products. Delivery and transport costs also contribute.
Labour shortages in some areas push up rates, especially for skilled work.
Rising interest in environmentally‑friendly or sustainable materials (recycled composites, sustainably sourced timber) is increasing but often at a premium.
Increased regulation: rules around garden boundary heights, visual impact, safety, neighbour disputes likely to remain in focus.
Bottom Line
If you’re estimating a fencing project, a rough starter figure for a standard 6 ft (≈1.8m) closeboard panel fence with concrete posts + gravel boards in a suburban area might be £120‑£180 per metre. Simpler panels and timber posts lower the cost, while premium / decorative styles push the cost upward.
For a modest garden fence (say 10‑15 metres), expect to budget somewhere between £1,200 and £3,000, depending on materials and extras. Anything more complex, longer, or more decorative will of course cost more.
