Fencing Cost Guide: What You'll Pay by Fence Type

Standard timber closeboard fencing typically costs £80-£150 per linear metre installed in the UK, with panel fencing (overlap or featheredge panels between posts) at the cheaper end around £60-£120 per linear metre, and more premium options like close-panel or bespoke timber fencing running higher. The exact cost depends on fence height, timber quality, ground conditions, and whether old fencing needs removing first.

Common fence types and their typical cost

• Panel fencing (overlap or featheredge panels): the most budget-friendly option, roughly £60-£120 per linear metre installed. Quick to install since panels come pre-made, but generally has a shorter lifespan than closeboard, especially in exposed, windy locations.
• Closeboard (featheredge board on rails) fencing: roughly £80-£150 per linear metre. More labour-intensive to install (built board by board on site) but generally more durable and better able to withstand wind, since individual boards can flex slightly rather than a whole panel taking the load.
• Concrete post and gravel board fencing: a common combination with either panel or closeboard fencing above — concrete posts and a gravel board at the base add cost (typically £15-£30 extra per metre) but significantly extend the life of the fence by keeping timber off the ground and away from rot.
• Trellis toppers: if adding height or a decorative top to an existing fence height limit, trellis toppers typically add £15-£40 per linear metre.

What affects installation cost

Removing and disposing of an existing fence adds cost, typically £10-£25 per linear metre depending on condition and access. Ground conditions matter too — fence posts set in concrete need holes dug to an adequate depth (usually at least 600mm for a standard-height garden fence), and rocky or heavily rooted ground takes longer and can add cost. Slopes and changes in level along the fence line also add complexity, since fencing either needs to step down the slope in sections or be raked (angled) to follow the ground level, and not every fence type handles this equally well.

Height and boundary rules

In most cases, a fence up to 2 metres high doesn't need planning permission, but this drops to 1 metre if the fence is next to a road used by vehicles. Rules can differ for listed buildings, conservation areas, or if there are specific planning conditions on your property, so it's worth a quick check with your local council for anything unusual before installing. Boundary responsibility (which side "owns" a given fence) isn't governed by a universal rule in England and Wales — check your property deeds, as they sometimes specify it, and discuss with neighbours before replacing a shared boundary fence.

DIY or professional?

Straightforward panel fencing on level, easy-access ground is a realistic DIY project for someone comfortable with basic tools and willing to dig post holes properly. Closeboard fencing, sloped ground, retaining fence sections, or anywhere requiring precise levels (alongside a new patio or driveway, for example) is often better left to a professional, since a poorly set fence post is difficult to fix without starting again.

Common mistakes

• Setting posts too shallow or without enough concrete. This is the single most common cause of fences leaning or blowing over within a few years.
• Skipping gravel boards. Timber in direct contact with soil rots far faster — a gravel board is inexpensive and adds years to a fence's life.
• Not checking boundary ownership before replacing a shared fence, which can cause avoidable disputes with neighbours.

If you're planning fencing alongside other garden work, see our overview of garden landscaping costs for how it fits into a wider project budget.

Metal and composite fencing options

Beyond timber, metal railings or estate fencing (steel or wrought-iron style) typically cost more than timber options, often £150-£300+ per linear metre, but offer very high durability and a more formal appearance suited to period or higher-spec properties. Composite fencing (recycled wood-plastic composite boards) has grown in popularity as a low-maintenance alternative to timber, typically costing somewhat more than closeboard timber but requiring no treating or staining and generally resisting rot and warping better over the long term — worth considering if ongoing maintenance is something you'd rather avoid even at a higher upfront cost.

Gates

If your fencing project includes a gate, budget separately for this — a simple matching timber gate typically adds £150-£400 including fitting, while a wider driveway gate, an automated gate, or one in metal can run considerably higher, sometimes £1,000+ for a quality automated system. Gate posts generally need to be more substantial than standard fence posts, since they take repeated lateral load every time the gate is used, so this is not an area to under-specify to save a small amount of cost.

Finally, consider wind exposure specific to your garden when choosing fence height and type — a very tall, solid fence in an exposed, windy spot acts like a sail and puts more load on the posts than the same height fence in a sheltered garden, which can be a reason to choose a semi-permeable design (such as a slatted or trellis-topped fence) in particularly windy locations.