Cost calculator
Fencing cost calculator
Fencing is priced per metre, but the cost is really in the posts. Concrete posts and gravel boards cost more up front and typically double the life of the fence.
Total run of fencing, measured along the boundary.
Broad trade availability keeps day rates near the national average.
Estimated range, ex VAT
£1,500 – £4,150
- Labour (typical)
- £1,400
- Materials (typical)
- £1,400
Guidance only. A real quotation depends on site conditions, specification and access — which is exactly what an independent review of your own quote will tell you.
What affects the cost
Panel type
Waney lap cheapest, closeboard and featheredge mid-range, slatted and composite at the top.
Post material
Concrete posts and gravel boards cost more but avoid rot at ground level — the usual failure point.
Height
Above 2m you generally need planning permission, and 1.8m panels cost noticeably more than 1.2m.
Ground conditions
Rock, tree roots, concrete or a sloping boundary all slow post installation.
Removal of old fence
Taking out old posts set in concrete is heavy work and generates waste.
Regional pricing differences
Materials cost roughly the same everywhere in the UK; labour does not. Use the region selector above to apply a local index — London and the South East typically run 15–30% above the national average, while the North East, Northern Ireland and Yorkshire sit below it.
Labour vs materials
Roughly 50% of this type of work is labour and 50% materials. Roughly half labour. Digging and concreting posts is the slow part, particularly in stony or root-filled ground.
Common hidden costs
- Disposal of the old fence and concrete post bases.
- Stepping panels on a slope, which needs extra posts and cut gravel boards.
- Gates — a good hardwood or metal gate can cost as much as several metres of fence.
- Boundary disputes and access agreements with neighbours before work starts.
How to save money
- Use concrete posts with timber panels — the cheapest long-term combination.
- Replace panels only where the posts are still sound.
- Agree cost sharing with the neighbour where the boundary is jointly owned.
- Buy pressure-treated timber with a guarantee rather than untreated and painting it yourself.
Frequently asked questions
How much does fencing cost per metre?
£55–£145 per linear metre supplied and fitted in 2026, depending on panel and post type.
Who owns the fence?
Check your title plan. There is no universal 'left-hand side' rule, despite what people say.
How high can a fence be without planning permission?
Generally 2m, or 1m adjacent to a highway. Conservation areas and covenants may be stricter.
How long does a fence last?
10–15 years with concrete posts and treated panels; 5–8 years with timber posts in wet ground.
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