How Much Does Garden Fencing Cost in the UK? (2026 Guide)

Whether you're replacing old panels after a winter storm or putting up a boundary for the first time, garden fencing costs in the UK typically range from £90 to £180 per metre supply and installed. This guide covers what you'll actually pay in 2026, the main fence types and their costs, and how to avoid the most common mistakes when hiring a fencing contractor.

Quick Answer: Garden Fencing Cost at a Glance

Fence Length	Estimated Cost (Supply & Install)	Based On
10 metres	£900 – £1,800	Standard timber panels
15 metres	£1,350 – £2,700	Standard timber panels
20 metres	£1,800 – £3,600	Standard timber panels
20 metres (composite)	£2,200 – £4,000+	Composite panels & posts

For a typical UK garden boundary of 10–15 metres, most homeowners pay £1,200–£1,800 for standard timber fence installation in 2026.

Fencing Cost by Type

Fence Type	Cost Per Metre (Supply & Install)	Best For
Lap panel (timber)	£40–£80 per metre	Budget, quick installation
Feather edge / closeboard	£60–£120 per metre	Privacy & durability
Composite	£110–£200 per metre	Low maintenance, modern look
Metal / steel	£100–£200+ per metre	Security, long lifespan
Trellis (timber)	£30–£60 per metre	Climbing plants, light privacy
Acoustic / noise-reducing	£150–£300+ per metre	Near roads or railways

What Affects the Cost of Garden Fencing?

Fence type and material — As the table above shows, composite and metal fencing can cost two to three times more than basic timber panels. However, they require significantly less maintenance over their lifespan.

Fence height — Standard 6ft (1.8m) fencing is most common. Taller fences require bigger posts, more material, and in some cases planning permission.

Post type — Timber posts are the cheapest option; concrete posts add durability and typically cost £14–£50 each. Concrete is usually worth the extra cost for a longer-lasting fence.

Removal of existing fencing — If you're replacing old panels, factor in a disposal cost. Most contractors include this, but confirm before agreeing a price.

Ground conditions — Rocky or very hard ground requires more time to set posts. Uneven ground may need levelling before installation.

Regional rates — Labour costs run higher in London and the South East. Expect to pay roughly 15–20% more than national averages in those areas.

Number of panels — Longer runs of fencing have a lower per-metre cost as the setup time is spread over more work. Short runs of three to five panels tend to cost more per metre.

Detailed Cost Breakdown for 15m of Timber Fencing

Cost Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Fence panels (timber lap, x8)	£320 – £520	~£40–65 per panel
Concrete posts (x9)	£130 – £270	£14–30 each
Gravel boards (x8)	£80 – £160	Protects base from ground rot
Post mix / concrete	£40 – £80	Setting posts
Labour	£400 – £700	1–2 days for a fencer
Removal of old fencing	£100 – £200	Skip or trade waste disposal
Total (approximate)	£1,070 – £1,930	15m, standard timber, full install

DIY vs Hiring a Fencing Contractor

Fencing is one of the more DIY-friendly garden jobs. Replacing like-for-like panels on existing concrete posts is straightforward with basic tools and a free weekend. However, setting new concrete posts accurately is harder than it looks — posts that aren't plumb or set deep enough will lean or blow over within a few years. If you're putting in a full new run with new posts, hiring a professional usually produces a better result for the money.

How to Get the Best Price on Garden Fencing

Get three quotes — fencing prices vary widely. Ask each contractor to specify panel type, post material, and whether removal of existing fencing is included.

Buy your own panels — you can source fence panels from a local merchant or DIY store and ask the contractor to supply only labour and posts. This removes the contractor markup on materials, which can be 20–30%.

Avoid storm season bookings — fencing contractors get extremely busy after autumn and winter storms. Booking ahead in late summer typically means better availability and sometimes lower prices.

Check who owns the boundary — before you spend anything, check your property deeds. A 'T' mark on the boundary indicates responsibility. Replacing a neighbour's fence is an unnecessary cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need planning permission for a garden fence?

Not usually. Standard garden fences up to 2m (6.5ft) high are covered by permitted development rights. The exception is fences adjacent to a highway or public road, where the limit drops to 1m. Always check if your property is in a conservation area or is a listed building, as restrictions may apply.

How long does fence installation take?

For a typical domestic garden of 10–20 metres, most professional fencers complete the job in one to two days. Longer runs or complicated ground conditions will take longer.

How long does timber fencing last?

Treated timber fence panels typically last 10–15 years. Concrete posts can last 25+ years. Composite fencing can last 25–30 years with minimal maintenance. Using gravel boards at the base significantly extends the life of timber panels by preventing ground contact rot.

Can I paint or stain my new fence?

Yes, and it's recommended. A good quality fence paint or wood stain applied every two to three years significantly extends the lifespan of timber panels and posts. Budget around £20–£40 per tin, covering roughly 8–10m² per litre.

Who is responsible for the fence between neighbours?

This is determined by your property title deeds, not the side the posts face. Check your deeds for a 'T' mark indicating responsibility. When in doubt, it's worth a conversation with your neighbour before booking any work.

Final Word

For a typical 15-metre garden boundary, budget £1,200–£2,000 for standard timber fencing professionally installed. If you want low-maintenance composite, allow £1,800–£3,000 for the same run. Always get itemised quotes, confirm post and gravel board specifications, and check your deeds before starting.

For more garden project pricing, see our guide to how much a patio costs in the UK.