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The average cost of garden fencing in the UK ranges from £70 to £120 per metre, including materials and labour.
Garden fences fulfil the function of marking boundaries and other purposes, including privacy, security, and, of course, aesthetic enhancement. On average, it costs around £70 to £120 per metre. A 10m garden fencing project can cost between £700 and £1200 to install a fence. The price is subject to variance based on the choice of material, garden shape, and whether one hires a fencing contractor for installation. While a basic fence may cost about £500, a high-end installation might reach up to £4,500. Keep reading; you will get an expert garden fencing cost breakdown to help you make a decision.
Materials: The main factor affecting costs would be the choice of materials. Softwood timber is about £20 per metre, but hardwood can rise to £50. Metal fences in steel or aluminium range anywhere from £40, increasing up to £100, depending on height and adornments. Composite and vinyl options fall within the range of about £30 to £70 per metre. Each material differs with its advantages and upkeep, so think wisely.
Fence Installers: Labour is the next big factor. A tradesman will usually charge £30 to £50 an hour or £150 to £300 a day. For instance, building a 20-metre fence on a flat ground with easy panels, labour would take one to two days, costing about £600 to £900. A good amount of that price could shoot up if you are working on uneven land or facing issues like roots of trees or a curved layout.
Fencing Design: Garden layout directly affects both material and labour costs. Straight fences go in quickly and with little waste. But a fence that curves around a hedge, elevations or existing hardscaping takes much longer. Every extra cut panel or concrete post adds time and cost.
Added Features: Extras such as gates, decorative caps, ornate posts, gravel boards, locks and hinges all push up the bill. A single gate with a post and lock might add £150 to £300 to your fencing work. Gravel boards help protect timber from damp, but again, add both materials and labour.
Your Location: Where you live also plays a role. Labour and materials cost more in London and the South East than in northern regions or rural areas. You may pay 20%–30% more for a fence in suburban Surrey compared with a similar one in Devon.
| Type of Fence | Cost Per Panel | Installation Cost (Per Metre) |
|---|---|---|
| Lap Panel Fence | £20 – £35 | £40 – £70 |
| Closeboard/Featheredge | £25 – £45 | £50 – £80 |
| Decorative Panels | £30 – £60 | £60 – £100 |
| Picket Fence | £15 – £30 | £40 – £60 |
| Trellis Fence (as topper) | £15 – £25 | £20 – £40 |
| Composite Fence Panels | £60 – £100 | £70 – £120 |
Softwood timber offers a classic appearance. It can be treated or stained and looks good across most garden styles. But it needs resealing every couple of years to prevent rot, warping and insect damage. Hardy treatment costs about £10 to £15 per metre, and the annual upkeep costs of around £100 if done by someone else.
Hardwood has better longevity and a richer appearance. It resists moisture and pests more than softwood. But at £50 per metre, it costs over twice as much. Labour is the same, but you’ll pay extra for treatment and smoothing.
Metal fencing is durable and nearly free. Chain‑link is cheap and functional, whereas aluminium and steel panels look decorative and modern. They don’t rot and require little upkeep beyond occasional rust touch‑ups. Manufacturers often match a 20‑year lifespan. Expect to pay between £40 and £100 per metre upfront. Expect to spend £50 to £150 a year to keep it looking smart.
Composite or vinyl fencing requires the least maintenance. It is mould and rot-proof. You can clean it with soapy water twice yearly, and maybe pay someone £50 to £100 for a tidy-up. Some options come with a guarantee of 20 years or more. Expect to pay £30 to £70 per metre installed.
Tradespeople charge per hour or day. Expect £30 to £50 per hour or £150 to £300 per day. A basic 20‑metre fence installed in a day is likely to cost £400 to £600 in labour, but a slope, tree roots or gate can double that.
You should expect the installer to set timber posts in concrete. That helps the fence stay upright over many years and avoid sagging. Gravel boards go on damp ground to stop timber rotting. Good tradespeople will remove waste from your garden and leave the space tidy.
If you fit the fence yourself, you save on labour. But you must be confident setting posts correctly, using concrete, getting panels level and solidly fixed. A mistake can shorten the fence’s life or cost more to fix later.
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Fence Post (Wood/Concrete) | £10 – £25 each |
| Post Mix Concrete | £5 – £10 per bag |
| Removal of the old fence | £100 – £250 |
| Gate installation | £100 – £250+ |
| Disposal skip hire | £150 – £300 |
Wood needs the most effort. Expect to reseal or paint every couple of years, and check annually for rot, splits and insects. If you pay a pro, that’s about £100–£200 a year.
Metal only needs occasional rust checks and repainting if needed. That costs £50–£150 per year.
Composite or vinyl needs minimal care. A wipe and rinse twice a year is usually enough. A paid tidy‑up might cost £50–£100. Still, look every spring for weeds or debris at the base and keep things trimmed back.
That regular maintenance keeps your fence looking good and saves you money on replacements later.
If you choose a straight 20‑metre softwood fence with concrete‑set posts and no gates, you might pay £400 in materials and £400 in labour. That equals a roughly £800 project.
The composite panel upgrade could take materials to £1,200, with labour adding £600, so bringing it to £1,800.
Decorative metal panels with a gate could set you back £2,100 (£1,500 for materials and £600 for labour).
A fence with a mix of materials on a slope-timber, composite, and metal for a 25-metre boundary-would probably cost about £2,800: £1,500 materials, £400 extras, and £900 labour.
Those prices show how material, design and site come together to shape the total spend.
Installing your fence saves labour costs. But you must know how to dig post‑holes and use concrete. The panels must be level. If you lack confidence, you could build a fence that leans or falls apart. The construction of fences installed professionally lasts longer and looks better.
If you are hiring a tradesman, ensure that the company holds public liability insurance. Ask whether the company is a member of a credible trade organisation, like the Federation of Master Builders. Members follow a code and often offer quality guarantees and dispute resolution.
A written contract is vital. Use a standard form like the JCT Homeowner Contract. It should name what materials will be used, the total cost, who does what when, and what happens if something goes wrong. It will also state who takes away the waste and how to handle snagging – the final check for small defects.
You normally don’t need planning permission for a fence up to 2 metres high. Exceptions apply if you live in a listed building, conservation area, or near the road, in which case 1 metre may be the limit. If you border a railway or waterway, extra rules may apply.
You can check the official rules via the Planning Portal or your local authority. Still, ask first. Avoid a costly enforcement order later.
Before digging, call for utility maps to locate underground cables or pipes. Network operators for power, water and telecoms have hotlines. You might have to pay a small fee or just give notice. But don’t skip it—striking a buried service can not only stop the job but also cause real danger.
Save money by choosing a simple, straight design. If possible, split a shared boundary with your neighbour—that halves the cost.
Shop around before buying materials. Options may vary by £5 to £10 per panel.
Prepare your garden before tradespeople arrive. Clear rubble, trim back overgrowth and remove old posts. That can save a few hours of labour and keep costs down.
Plan to build off‑peak. Tradespeople are less busy in autumn and winter. That could earn you a discount.
Finally, look after small problems early. The odd cracked panel or slight rot will cost little to fix, but should your eye be turned, the full-fence replacement will be staring at you.
Costs vary across the UK. In London and the South East, expect to pay 20%–30% more. In Scotland, Wales, the North and the countryside, such prices may drop by 10% to 20%. Check local prices first before going for quotes, so that you know what to expect.
| UK Region | Average Cost per Metre | 10-Metre Fence Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| London & South East | £90 – £120 | £900 – £1,200 |
| South West | £80 – £110 | £800 – £1,100 |
| Midlands | £75 – £100 | £750 – £1,000 |
| North West | £70 – £100 | £700 – £1,000 |
| North East | £65 – £95 | £650 – £950 |
| Yorkshire & Humber | £70 – £100 | £700 – £1,000 |
| Wales | £70 – £95 | £700 – £950 |
| Scotland | £70 – £100 | £700 – £1,000 |
| Northern Ireland | £65 – £90 | £650 – £900 |
A garden fence costs more than just materials. Labour, site conditions, extras and upkeep all shape the final bill. For a basic softwood fence for 20 metres, consider around £800 to £1,000 for installation. Composite and metal fences are likely to be between £1,500 and £3,000 for a length of that kind. Be squeaky clean in maintaining them, and expect to secure your permits and safety checks.
With proper planning, a clear brief, material selection and choosing tradesmen, you can have a strong, beautiful fence which will last for several years and, with good maintenance, increase the value of your home and secure your garden.
Costs of various services and materials in this cost guide should be taken as estimates. These depend on location, preference and demands in the market.