Different publishers provide different price ranges for fully installed 1.8m closeboard or feather edge fencing. Trade2Base quotes £60-100 per metre including concrete posts and gravel boards. However, Less.co.uk suggests a typical price of £100 per metre, with a range of £80-130 per metre. Best Builders lists a range of £90-130 per metre for fitted fencing.

BookaBuilderUK provides different figures depending on your choice of materials. They quote £110-140 per metre for installation with timber posts. However, they quote £130-160 per metre when you choose concrete posts and gravel boards. You can use our fence cost calculator to help with your planning.

Individual contractors often quote very different prices. One tradesperson Q&A page shows individual replies ranging from £45 per metre to £130 per metre. No reply states whether VAT is included. Because prices differ so much, you should always check what a quote includes before you agree to the work.

Fencing labour day rates also vary between companies. Less.co.uk quotes £200-350 per day for a fencing contractor. Trade2Base quotes £150-300 per day. BookaBuilderUK quotes £200-300 per day for a two-person team. However, this rate rises to £250-350 per day in London and the South East.

Buying fencing materials

BookaBuilderUK separates supply costs by post type. For example, it lists £50-75 per metre for timber posts and £70-110 per metre for concrete posts and gravel boards.

Individual boards also have specific prices at UK merchants. A single 22 x 125 x 1800mm pressure-treated feather edge board costs around £1.53 to £2.43. For example, Atkinsons Fencing lists a board at £1.65 including VAT. Tudors lists a board at £1.70 including VAT or £1.42 excluding VAT.

Additionally, Build Buddy lists several prices for 22 x 125 x 1800mm green treated boards. Selco lists a board at £1.53. Jewson lists a board at £1.78. Huws Gray lists a board at £2.43. These prices do not state the VAT status.

Removing old fencing

Removing and disposing of an old fence usually costs extra. Best Builders quotes £10-25 per metre for this service. This price includes digging out the old posts and skip disposal. BookaBuilderUK quotes £15-30 per metre for this task.

In contrast, Less.co.uk suggests a lower price of £4-8 per metre. They note that many full installation quotes already include this service. You should ask your installer if they include disposal in their price. You can compare local quotes to see what others charge.

Fencing height rules

The Planning Portal says fences generally must not exceed 2 metres, or 1 metre next to a highway (it says including footpaths). You should check with your local planning authority for specific rules. Taller fences might require planning permission. Exceptions exist for listed buildings and removed permitted-development rights.

Fencing construction details

Feather edge boards are tapered and overlap by 25mm. Southern Timber says you need about 8 to 10 boards per metre depending on the width. For example, for 125mm width boards, it gives about 10 boards per metre. For 150mm width boards, it gives about 8 boards per metre. It also says to allow 5% to 10% extra for wastage.

Southern Timber describes a typical build as three nails per board into three rails (at least three rails for a 1.8m fence, no more than 600mm apart), with 100 x 100mm posts set 450-600mm deep. It adds that you will need about 1.5 bags of quick-setting postcrete per post.

For more information, view our UK fence cost index. This helps you understand the wider market.

Sources

• Best Builders: fencing cost UK / fence installation cost (mid-2026 averages)
• Less.co.uk: Fence Installation Cost UK 2026 (last updated 27 October 2026)
• Trade2Base: Fence Installation Costs UK: Panel, Feather Edge and Closeboard Pricing Guide (8 Jun 2026)
• BookaBuilderUK: How Much Does It Cost to Install a Garden Fence in 2026? (published 10/06/2026)
• Atkinsons Fencing: feather edge boards listing
• Tudors: feather edge boards listing
• Build Buddy: FSC 22 x 125mm x 1.8M Feather Edge Green Treated
• Southern Timber: Planning and constructing your featheredge fence

A gravel board sits at the base of a fence. It sits between the panels and the ground. This position keeps timber panels off damp soil. It also protects the panel base from mower and strimmer damage.

These boards help keep your panels level. They also limit soil erosion around the fence line. Because they reduce moisture contact, they help prevent rot in timber panels.

However, concrete materials have some practical downsides. They weigh significantly more than timber. They can also chip or crack over time. Wind and rain might cause these cracks to appear.

However, some people find that concrete looks out of place next to timber. You should consider the visual style of your garden. You can compare local quotes to see which material fits your budget.

Concrete gravel board costs

Retailer prices for concrete gravel boards vary. A 1.83m x 150mm board costs £13.25 at A&P Fencing. In contrast, Wickes lists a similar 1.83m x 150mm recessed board for £22.50. This equates to £9.38 per metre at Wickes.

For wider boards, prices increase. For example, David Musson Fencing lists a 1.83m x 300mm board at £18.22 inc VAT. Wickes lists a 1.83m x 300mm recessed board for £38. You can use our fence cost calculator to plan your budget.

In contrast, timber options often cost less than concrete. Wickes sells treated timber boards from £8. Less.co.uk lists a 1.83m gravel board at £5-10 (material not stated). Trade2Base notes that concrete boards cost between £12 and £20.

Concrete fence post costs

Concrete posts add extra cost to a fence installation. For example, Best Builders estimates this upgrade at £12-20 per post. BookaBuilderUK notes that installed closeboard costs £130-160 per metre with concrete posts and gravel boards. This compares to £110-140 per metre with timber posts.

Intermediate concrete posts have different prices depending on the merchant. AVS Fencing lists a 2.44m slotted intermediate post at £26.94 inc VAT. Bendrey Bros lists a 2.4m intermediate post at £25.43 inc VAT.

As a result, end and corner posts cost more than intermediate ones. Bendrey Bros lists a 2.4m end post at £39.43 inc VAT. Trade2Base suggests corner or end posts cost between £20 and £35.

Finally, timber posts generally cost less than concrete ones. Less.co.uk lists a 2.4m timber post at £12-20. In contrast, they list a 2.4m slotted concrete post at £18-30. Best Builders lists concrete posts at £25-40.

Post and board specifications

Concrete posts come in various lengths. For example, David Musson Fencing offers slotted posts from 1.5m up to 3.0m. These posts have 50mm slots to hold panels. David Musson recommends installing its slotted posts 600mm (2ft) into the ground.

Standard concrete gravel boards usually measure 1.83m. They often come in heights of 150mm or 300mm. While most match standard panels, some boards for recessed posts can be longer. The Timber Group lists a 2.885m board for morticed posts.

Additionally, consider the durability of your materials. George Hill Timber says concrete posts can last around 25 years with minimal maintenance. Wickes' page says wooden gravel boards typically last 5-20 years and concrete 20-30 years (unsourced retailer figures). Jacksons guarantees its treated timber boards for 25 years.

Sources

• Jacksons Fencing: Concrete vs wooden gravel boards
• David Musson Fencing: Concrete gravel board 1.83m x 300mm x 50mm
• A&P Fencing: Smooth-faced concrete gravelboard 150mm
• Wickes: Gravel boards category page
• The Timber Group: Concrete gravel board 2885mm (for morticed or recessed posts)
• Less.co.uk: Fence Panel Cost 2026 (updated 26 October 2026)
• Trade2Base: Fence Installation Costs UK (8 Jun 2026)
• AVS Fencing: 2.44m professional concrete slotted intermediate fence post

Prices for installed overlap (lap) panel fencing vary between different publishers. Trade2Base quotes £40-70 per metre for budget overlap panels. This high end includes new concrete posts, while the low end covers replacing panels on sound concrete posts.

Other sources provide different figures for the same work. For example, Best Builders quotes £60-85 per metre for 6ft fitted panels. BookaBuilderUK quotes £90-110 per metre for timber posts, installed.

You can use our fence cost calculator to help plan your budget. However, no source states if these prices include VAT.

Closeboard and feather edge costs

Closeboard or feather edge fencing costs more than overlap panels. For example, Trade2Base quotes £60-100 per metre including concrete posts and gravel boards. Less.co.uk quotes £80-130 per metre, with a typical cost of £100. Best Builders quotes £90-130 per metre.

BookaBuilderUK provides higher estimates for this style. They quote £110-140 per metre for timber posts. In contrast, they quote £130-160 per metre for concrete posts and gravel boards. These figures also do not mention VAT.

For specific panel prices, Less.co.uk assumes posts already exist. They quote £55-95 for a fitted 6x6ft closeboard panel. While Best Builders includes posts, gravel boards and labour in their panel prices, they quote £165-240 for a closeboard bay.

Labour and daily rates

Labour costs form a large part of your total bill. Best Builders states that labour accounts for 40-55% of the total bill on straightforward jobs. You can find more details in our fencing cost per metre guide.

Fencers charge different rates depending on the company. Trade2Base quotes £150-300 per day. Less.co.uk quotes £200-350 per day. In contrast, MyJobQuote quotes £300-400 per day.

Additionally, BookaBuilderUK quotes £200-300 per day for a two-person team. This rate rises to £250-350 in London and the South East. You can compare local quotes to see how these rates apply to your area.

Removing old fences

Removing an old fence is usually priced separately, though Less.co.uk says it is often included in full installation quotes. Less.co.uk quotes £4-8 per metre. In contrast, BookaBuilderUK quotes £15-30 per metre. Best Builders quotes £10-25 per metre, which includes digging out posts and skip disposal.

Some guides quote by the panel instead of the metre. Less.co.uk quotes £30-50 per panel for removal. MyJobQuote quotes about £35 per panel if the quote does not include it. Less.co.uk quotes £40-60 per concrete post for removal.

Waste disposal might require a separate skip hire. Less.co.uk quotes £200-350 for a skip. MyJobQuote quotes £220-800 for a skip depending on size. BookaBuilderUK quotes £100-200 for waste disposal for a 10m job.

Garden size examples

Total costs depend on the size of your garden. For a 10m garden, Best Builders quotes £950-1,350 for installed closeboard, and its total excludes removal. In contrast, Less.co.uk's panel page quotes £700-1,100 for a 10m closeboard installation, covering posts, gravel boards, panels, concrete and labour. BookaBuilderUK quotes £900-1,500+ for 10m including waste disposal.

Medium gardens require more materials and labour. For example, Best Builders quotes £1,450-2,050 for a 15m closeboard installation, and its totals exclude removal. Less.co.uk's cost-page totals (£1,200-1,950 for 15m, £1,600-2,600 for 20m) include removal, posts, gravel boards, panels and labour.

Finally, large gardens see even higher totals. Best Builders quotes £2,350-3,400 for 25m and £3,700-5,300 for 40m, excluding removal. Less.co.uk's cost page quotes £2,400-3,900 for 30m, including removal. MyJobQuote quotes £2,100 for 22m of standard timber.

Planning and height rules

You can usually install fences without planning permission. The Planning Portal says it must not exceed 2 metres, or 1 metre next to a highway. Check with your local planning authority for specific rules. Exceptions exist for listed buildings or removed permitted-development rights.

Sources

• Best Builders: fence installation cost (mid-2026 averages)
• BookaBuilderUK: How Much Does It Cost to Install a Garden Fence in 2026?
• Trade2Base: Fence Installation Costs UK (8 Jun 2026)
• Less.co.uk: Fence Installation Cost UK 2026 (updated 27 October 2026)
• Less.co.uk: Fence Panel Cost 2026 (updated 26 October 2026)
• MyJobQuote: Garden Fence Installation Cost (page dated 30 September 2026)
• Trade2Base: Composite fencing costs UK (14 Jun 2026)
• Planning Portal: Fences, gates and garden walls: planning permission

Composite fencing is a mix of wood or plant fibres and recycled plastic. Most products use HDPE as the main plastic. Makers often add colourants and stabilisers, while some ranges add a polymer cap for extra protection.

The plant part differs by product. Some use reclaimed timber or hardwood fibres, while others use rice husk or bamboo fibres. These mix with recycled plastic to make the final boards.

For example, EnviroBuild says its panels contain up to 90% recycled material. Check the exact blend for the product you want.

How does it compare with timber?

Composite has some benefits over wood. Suppliers say it is made to resist rot, decay and insects. Trade2Base also lists resistance to warping and splintering. Yet Jacksons says some products fade or warp.

However, it has some drawbacks. You will pay more upfront than you would for wood. The boards also weigh more, which can slow down fitting.

You must also think about practical points. Cladco says to leave a gap of at least 5mm for expansion. It is harder to repair if it breaks, while its look is very uniform and man-made.

Maintenance and care

It needs very little upkeep because you do not need to paint, stain or seal the boards. In fact, you usually cannot paint or stain it later.

Simply sweep debris off the surface. EnviroBuild says to wash the boards with mild soap and water. It says you can use a low-pressure washer under 1500 psi, yet it says to avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools. EnviroBuild also suggests an annual deep clean in shaded or damp areas.

Understanding the costs

Composite panels cost more to buy than timber panels. For instance, a Walls and Floors price guide gives composite panels at £90-180 per 6ft panel (supply only). In contrast, closeboard timber panels cost between £50-100. You can compare composite vs wood fencing to see how they differ.

Total fitted costs vary between 2026 guides. You can use a fence cost calculator to plan your budget. For example, the table below shows some estimated fitted costs for a 10m run.

Trade2Base quotes a different range for fitted 1.8m fencing. It puts costs between £70 and £160 per metre. Best Builders puts them higher, at £130 to £220 per metre. Because the ranges differ, you should compare local quotes to find the best price.

Warranties and lifespans

Suppliers claim composite fencing lasts between 20 and 30 years. Yet you must check the exact warranty terms. Some products carry a guarantee of up to 15 years, such as DuraPost Vento slats or EnviroBuild panels. Retailer and trade listings give Ecoscape boards a 20-year warranty (full terms not seen).

In contrast, some timber products offer longer protection. Jacksons offers a 25-year guarantee on its pressure-treated timber. This covers rot and insect attack. Always read the full warranty terms before you buy.

Location also matters, because coastal sites may reduce the guarantee for some products. Check if your home is near the coast before you decide.

Sources

• BALI: Ecoscape UK Ltd member profile
• EnviroBuild: Composite fencing
• Cladco: Fencing
• Birkdale Sales: DuraPost Vento panel FAQs
• First Fence: Composite fencing (Bambura WPC)
• MKM: Ecoscape fence board graphite 45 x 157 x 1830mm, 20 year warranty
• Grand Designs Live: Clarity composite fencing (exhibitor listing)
• Trade2Base: Composite Fencing Costs UK 2026 (14 Jun 2026)

You can generally put up a fence without planning permission. The Planning Portal says you can build a fence up to 2 metres high. You must not exceed 1 metre if the fence sits next to a highway.

However, local rules may also apply, so check with your local planning authority. Some areas have exceptions for listed buildings or specific development rights. You should consult your local planning department before you extend any existing fence.

For example, Runnymede Council and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea both advise consulting the planning team before extending a fence. You should also check the planning permission for fences to ensure your changes meet local rules.

Some people wonder if toppers or trellises count towards the height limit. The Planning Portal does not say if these add to the height. While you can build up to 2m, always check with your local planning authority to avoid any legal issues.

Deterring foxes from your garden

Foxes can squeeze through a gap as small as 10cm square. Hastings Borough Council says a fox can scale a 6ft (2m) fence or wall with ease. Therefore, height alone might not keep them out of your garden.

Wandsworth Council suggests a barrier at least 2m high. They recommend a 30cm overhang at the top. You should also bury the barrier at least 45cm deep. In contrast, Bolton Council suggests a burial depth of 30cm.

Wandsworth Council says flexible trelliswork on top will discourage foxes from climbing over. Additionally, you might use solid weld-mesh with holes at least 4cm wide. The RSPCA advises avoiding flexible netting that can trap wildlife.

The RSPCA suggests you remove food and shelter to discourage foxes. You should secure your bins and composters. You should also clear fallen fruit and pet food from the ground.

Using legal repellents

GOV.UK (Natural England) says you must only use repellents and deterrents approved for use against foxes. Bristol City Council says it is against the law to use non-approved products like creosote or diesel oil. Similarly, the RSPCA warns that using unapproved substances as a deterrent is illegal.

Bristol City Council names several approved products. These include Scoot, Catapult, and Ready to use Stay Off. You can also use Johnson's Clear Off or B&Q Animal Repellent. These products often contain aluminium ammonium sulphate.

Repellents are not a foolproof solution. You will likely need to re-apply them constantly for weeks. Since none are foolproof, you should view these products as a last resort for your garden.

Managing cats in your garden

Cats have a legal right to roam. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 protects them from unnecessary suffering. Cats Protection says injuring or harming a cat with any deterrent could be considered an offence under the Act. The RSPCA says not to use snares, poison or traps designed to injure.

Cats Protection suggests using a high, close-boarded fence next to hedging. This makes it difficult for cats to enter. You can also use dense planting, lavender, or citrus peel to deter them.

Additionally, you can use motion-triggered water sprays. The RSPCA advises you to aim the spray near the cat rather than directly at it. You should always leave an escape route, such as a gap under a gate. This ensures visiting cats do not get trapped in your garden.

If you want to secure the perimeter, you can compare local quotes for new fencing. You can also use our fence cost calculator to plan your budget. Proper fencing helps you maintain a secure and private space.

Sources

• Planning Portal: Fences, gates and garden walls: planning permission
• Planning Portal: What are the height restrictions for fences, gates and garden walls?
• Runnymede Borough Council: Foxes
• Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea: Urban foxes
• Wandsworth Council: Pest control: advice on discouraging foxes (appendix, Deterring and discouraging foxes)
• Bolton Council: Urban foxes (leaflet)
• Hastings Borough Council: Urban foxes: information and advice
• Southwark Council: Urban foxes

Different products offer different levels of protection against the weather. You should check the specific product data sheet for your chosen brand. For example, Ronseal Fence Life Plus+ becomes showerproof in 1 hour. This product allows you to recoat the wood after 4 hours.

In contrast, Ronseal One Coat Fence Life offers different results. This product becomes rainproof in 1 hour. It reaches a completely dry state in 4 hours. You can apply a second coat after 4 hours if you need to.

Meanwhile, Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback provides quick protection. This product becomes showerproof in 1 hour. It has a drying time of 2 to 4 hours. Cuprinol says to allow 2-4 hours between coats under normal conditions and to recoat within 2-3 days of the previous coat.

Sadolin Shed & Fence Woodstain works quickly, although only in specific conditions. It becomes rainproof in 30 minutes. The product is touch dry in 1 to 2 hours. You can recoat the timber in 4 to 6 hours at 20°C and 65% relative humidity.

Temperature and weather conditions

The weather affects how well your paint dries. For example, Ronseal says cold, wet weather stops the product drying and it may wash off.

Manufacturers set different minimum temperature limits. For example, Ronseal requires temperatures above 10°C for Fence Life Plus+ and One Coat. Sadolin requires temperatures between 8°C and 25°C. Cuprinol requires temperatures above 5°C for both 5 Year Ducksback and Garden Shades.

You must avoid applying paint if rain is expected before the coating dries. Cuprinol says do not apply 5 Year Ducksback in damp conditions. Sadolin warns you not to apply if there is a risk of rain. Additionally, you should avoid applying if the relative humidity exceeds 80%.

Preparing the wood surface

The condition of your timber matters for a good finish. You should not apply paint to dripping wet wood. Ronseal says the wood can be damp but not dripping wet. However, it adds that Fence Life Plus+ needs 5 hours for the wood to dry after rain.

Sadolin provides specific rules for timber moisture. The timber moisture content must not exceed 18% before you apply the coating. You should also check the air and substrate temperatures, since you must not apply if they fall below 8°C or rise above 25°C.

If you use Sadolin Quick Dry Wood Preserver, follow the instructions carefully. For example, you should apply two liberal coats of this preserver. On new, untreated timber, Sadolin says to allow 24 hours before you overcoat with the Shed and Fence Woodstain.

Ronseal Fence Life Plus+ requires 2 coats on rough sawn wood. You will need 3 coats on smooth planed wood. If you want to compare local quotes for professional work, check your local installers. You can use a fence cost calculator to plan your budget.

Sources

• Ronseal: Fence Life Plus+ Product Data Sheet RON/2025/2108/017/V1 (hosted by B&Q)
• B&Q: Ronseal Fence Life Plus Country Oak 5L (retailer page repeating Ronseal specification)
• Ronseal: One Coat Shed & Fence Protector (One Coat Fence Life)
• Cuprinol: Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback (cuprinol.co.uk)
• Dulux Trade Paint Expert (AkzoNobel, same manufacturer): Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback
• Cuprinol: Cuprinol Garden Shades (cuprinol.co.uk)
• Cuprinol: How to paint your garden fence
• Sadolin (Crown Paints): Shed and Fence Woodstain Technical Data Sheet (Dec 2021)

Headline figures (2026)

• Installed timber panel fencing costs about £40 to £180 per metre across the guides. Closeboard mostly sits at £80 to £140.
• Composite fencing costs about £70 to £220 per metre installed. It costs more than timber in every guide that lists both.
• Replacing a typical 15 to 20 metre garden fence in timber costs about £900 to £2,600 installed, before waste disposal and extras.
• London and the South East sit roughly 10 to 35 percent above the North, based on regional figures from Best Builders, Less.co.uk and Book A Builder.
• Labour makes up 40 to 55 percent of a typical bill, according to Best Builders.

Treat these as ranges, not quotes. Each guide builds its price from different assumptions, for example the post type, the fence height and whether the price covers removal. Therefore, compare like with like before you judge a quote.

Average fence cost per metre, by type

The table shows the lowest and highest installed price per metre that the guides give for each type. Prices differ because each guide assumes a different post type, height and region. Among lap, closeboard and slatted panels, lap is the cheapest in every guide that lists them.

The spread inside one type can be large. Book A Builder, for example, prices lap panels at £90 to £110 per metre, while Trade2Base puts them at £40 to £70. Check which post type and height each guide assumes before you compare.

Regional variation

Because labour day rates are higher in London and the South East, according to Book A Builder, prices there run higher. The table shows fitted closeboard fencing per metre, from the two guides that publish regional figures.

The North of England is among the cheapest regions in both guides, although the gap varies. Book A Builder says northern and rural areas can run 10 to 20 percent lower. In contrast, terraced housing with limited access can add 10 to 15 percent to labour costs, so your own street may matter as much as your region.

What drives fence prices

Labour is 40 to 55 percent of a typical job, according to Best Builders. Materials, including timber, posts and gravel boards, make up the rest. However, the split shifts with the fence type and the ground.

Ground and access matter too. Trade2Base says a post can take 45 minutes in rocky ground against 10 in good ground. In addition, the fence type matters too, since composite and slatted designs cost more per metre than lap panels in every guide that lists them.

Typical cost of common jobs

The job costs above include fitting. However, extras can change the total, because Book A Builder gives £100 to £300 per project for waste disposal, listed separately from removal. Ask each installer whether removal and waste are in the quote.

Methodology

This index is a round-up, not a survey. We read six published 2026 UK cost guides on 29 October 2026 and report the lowest and highest figure in each, with the guide named. Figures are indicative ranges, not quotes, because price depends on length, height, materials, ground and access. For a figure that fits your garden, use the calculator or compare local quotes.

Sources

• Best Builders: fencing cost UK 2026
• Book A Builder: garden fence installation cost 2026
• Less.co.uk: fencing cost
• Trade2Base: fence installation costs UK
• Trade2Base: composite fencing costs UK
• MyJobQuote: composite fencing cost
• Fantastic Services: fence repair cost

Cite this index

Journalists, bloggers and publishers are welcome to reference the Better Fences UK Fence Cost Index 2026 with a link to this page. For data enquiries, use our online form.

Average fencing cost per metre (2026)

Each column below is one guide, checked on 29 October 2026. We have not averaged them, because each guide assumes a different post, height and region.

As a rule of thumb, closeboard costs about £90 to £160 per metre; Book A Builder's £130 to £160 is with concrete posts and gravel boards. Best Builders puts closeboard at £90 to £130. Use our fence cost calculator for a tailored ballpark.

The guides disagree because they make different assumptions. One may include concrete posts and gravel boards, while another prices a basic timber post. Regions and the date of the data also differ. As a result, treat the table as a range, not a price.

What affects the cost of fencing?

• Length and height matter because taller panels use more material and more labour.
• Panel type changes the price, since closeboard and slatted designs cost more than lap panels.
• Posts are another choice. Trade2Base puts the supply cost of concrete posts at £15 to £35 each.
• Removing the old fence costs extra. The guides give £8 to £30 per metre for removal.
• Ground and access count too. Rocky soil, slopes and tight rear access all push the price up.

Height deserves a second look. A 1.8m fence uses more board and more post than a 1.2m one, so the same run costs more. For example, Trade2Base says going to 2.0m or higher can add 15 to 25 percent to the per-metre price of composite.

Labour vs materials

Labour usually accounts for 40 to 55 percent of a fencing bill, according to Best Builders. Book A Builder shows a similar pattern, since its 10 metre example has materials of £400 to £800 and labour of £300 to £600.

Output varies with the job. Trade2Base quotes 4 to 6 metres of closeboard a day on flat ground, while Book A Builder gives 8 to 12 metres a day for a skilled team. Day rates also run higher in London and the South East.

Gates and extras

Per-metre prices cover the fence run only. Gates cost extra: Trade2Base gives £200 to £600 for a single timber pedestrian gate, and Best Builders gives £150 to £450. Therefore, add the gate separately when you budget.

Composite sits at the top of the table. In every guide that lists both, it costs more per metre than closeboard. However, it needs no painting or staining, so some buyers accept the higher price.

How to read a quote

Ask three questions before you compare prices. Does the quote include removing the old fence? Are the posts concrete or timber, and is the gravel board included? A low quote that leaves these out can end up costing more, because you then pay for the missing items yourself.

Ask for the price per metre as well as the total. That lets you compare quotes fairly, even when the runs differ in length. Still, a good installer will also check the height and the ground before they quote.

How to get an accurate price

Online averages only get you so far, because they cannot see your garden. The best way to know your real price is to compare two or three quotes from local installers who have seen the job. Get free quotes and we will match you with vetted fencers covering your postcode.

Sources

• Best Builders: fencing cost UK 2026
• Book A Builder: garden fence installation cost 2026
• Less.co.uk: fencing cost
• Trade2Base: fence installation costs UK
• Trade2Base: composite fencing costs UK

Typical fence replacement cost by run length

Longer runs cost more in proportion, because every extra metre needs more material and labour. A corner plot therefore costs more again. Guides list removing the old fence as a separate cost, at about £8 to £30 per metre.

The table gives installed prices, which include labour. If you plan to do the work yourself, the cost falls by the labour share, which is 40 to 55 percent according to Best Builders. However, you then take on the digging, the post setting and the waste.

What is included in a replacement

A full replacement covers more than the new panels. A full replacement can cover the following items, but many guides price removal and waste separately. Check the wording, because the price you compare must cover the same work.

• Removing the old panels and posts
• Disposing of the old fence (waste and tip charges)
• New posts, concrete or timber, set in postcrete
• New panels and gravel boards
• Labour and finishing

What can change the total

Ground and access matter, because they decide how long the team takes. Trade2Base says a post can take 45 minutes in rocky ground against 10 in good ground. Book A Builder adds that terraced housing with limited access can add 10 to 15 percent to labour costs.

Region also plays a part. London and the South East sit at the higher end in the guides, while northern and rural areas can run 10 to 20 percent lower, according to Book A Builder. Therefore, two identical gardens can get very different quotes.

Should you reuse the old posts?

If your existing concrete posts are sound, replacing just the panels is much cheaper, because you skip the posts and the concrete. Guides put a single fitted panel at about £40 to £120, depending on type and region.

However, if posts are leaning, cracked or rotten, replace them at the same time. Replacing them together avoids a second visit.

Before you replace

Check who owns the fence first, because you cannot replace your neighbour's fence without their agreement. Our guide on which side of the fence is yours explains how to check your deeds.

Check the height rules as well, since a new fence above the limits may need planning permission. In England the usual limit is 2 metres, or 1 metre next to a highway used by vehicles. Replacing a fence with one that is no taller is the simplest route.

How to compare quotes

Get at least two or three quotes for the same run. Because prices vary between installers, a single quote tells you little. Ask each one to price the same fence height, posts and gravel boards, and to say whether the price covers removal.

Ask for the price per metre and the total. Specifically, check how each quote treats waste, since Book A Builder gives £100 to £300 per project for waste disposal on top of removal.

Ways to keep the cost down

1. Replace like-for-like where posts are sound.
2. Ask whether the quote uses concrete or timber posts and includes gravel boards.
3. Clear access and move plants and pots before the team arrives.
4. Compare local quotes, since prices for the same job vary between installers.

After storm damage? Do not wait. Get free quotes and we will match you with local fencers fast.

Never pick a quote on price alone. A very low figure may leave out removal, gravel boards or waste, and you then pay for them later. Still, a high quote is not always better, so compare what each one includes.

Sources

• Less.co.uk: fencing cost
• Best Builders: fencing cost UK 2026
• Book A Builder: garden fence installation cost 2026
• MyJobQuote: composite fencing cost
• Fantastic Services: fence repair cost
• Trade2Base: composite fencing costs UK

Prices below are for a standard 6ft (1.83m) wide panel, supplied without fitting. They come from retailer listings and cost guides, and they move with height and grade. However, retailer prices change, so check the live listing before you buy.

A materials-only 6ft bay is a different measure from a single panel. Best Builders puts a bay of panel, post, gravel board and postmix at £95 to £140. Fitting adds labour, and Best Builders puts a fitted 6ft bay, with its post and gravel board, at about £100 to £180. In contrast, Fantastic Services gives £60 to £120 to replace one panel on an existing post.

Retail and trade prices differ. Sure Green, for example, offers trade accounts exclusive pricing, so an installer may pay less than the listed price. Therefore, a fitted quote can come in below the sum of retail parts.

How height changes the price

Panels are 1.83m wide, and Jacksons Fencing lists heights from 0.6m to 1.8m, or about 2ft to 6ft. Taller panels cost more because they use more timber. Sure Green lists a 4ft by 6ft closeboard panel at £30.89. B&Q lists a 6ft by 6ft closeboard panel at £59 (B&Q: out of stock, reduced from £70 when checked).

Grade matters too, since budget, mid-range and premium panels all sell at different prices. Best Builders gives £28 for a budget panel, £45 for mid-range and £75 or more for premium. Always compare panels of the same height and grade.

Supply only or supply and fit?

Some installers supply the panels, and some ask you to buy them. A labour-only quote looks cheaper than a supply-and-fit quote, but you then pay for the panels yourself. Therefore, ask what each quote includes before you compare.

Do not forget the posts and gravel boards

The panel is only part of the cost, because each one also needs a post, a gravel board and concrete. The list below shows typical prices.

• A post: concrete posts cost £15 to £35 each, according to Trade2Base, while timber posts cost about £25, according to Fantastic Services
• A gravel board: £10 to £25 for timber or concrete, which keeps the panel off wet ground
• Postcrete: a bag costs around £5, according to Fantastic Services

How many panels do you need?

A 6ft panel covers 1.83m of fence. MyJobQuote counts 8 panels for a 15 metre garden. At £25 to £45 each, lap panels for that run cost roughly £200 to £360 before posts and labour.

Gravel boards sit under each panel, so wet soil does not reach the timber. They cost little, but they protect the panel. Therefore, include them in your budget from the start.

Which panel is best value?

Lap panels are the cheapest choice, while closeboard costs more for a neater finish. Composite costs the most upfront but needs no painting or staining. See our composite fencing cost guide for the figures.

Value depends on how long you plan to stay. A cheap panel may suit a short-term fix, while a dearer one can save money if it needs less upkeep. However, a panel is only as good as its posts, so budget for both.

Want fitted prices for your exact garden? Get free quotes from local installers.

How to save on panels

Check the posts you already have. If they are sound, you only need panels. As a result, you save the cost of new posts and the concrete to set them, and Fantastic Services puts a bag of postcrete at around £5.

Buy the right grade for the job. A budget panel may suit a low-stakes boundary, while a mid-range or premium panel suits a front garden. However, the cheapest panel can cost more in the long run if it fails early.

Sources

• Carvers: lap fence panel
• Sure Green: closeboard fence panel
• B&Q: closeboard fence panel
• Best Builders: fencing cost UK 2026
• Fantastic Services: fence repair cost
• MyJobQuote: composite fencing cost
• Trade2Base: fence installation costs UK
• Jacksons Fencing: featherboard panel spec sheet

Composite fencing cost (2026)

The spread is wide because the guides price different products. Trade2Base splits composite into budget at £70 to £100 per metre, mid-range at £100 to £130 and premium at £130 to £160. Best Builders and Less.co.uk sit higher, at £120 to £220.

The 15 metre figure is for the fence only. Gates, removal of the old fence and any groundwork come on top. Trade2Base gives £8 to £20 per metre for removing an old fence and £250 to £600 for a matching fitted gate.

Capped and uncapped composite

Dino explains that capped panels have a polymer layer that protects the core. This helps prevent fading and improves scratch and stain resistance. Uncapped panels cost less. However, they lack that protection and need more upkeep.

As a result, a cheap quote may be for uncapped boards. Ask which type the installer will fit, because the difference shows up in how the fence ages.

Why composite costs more upfront

You are paying for materials that last. MyJobQuote says rot guarantees run from 10 to 25 years, and that composite needs very little maintenance. Timber, in contrast, needs treating, and Jacksons Fencing notes that some timber guarantees require a yearly treatment.

One supplier, Ultra Decking, puts a timber fence at 10 to 15 years and composite at 20 to 30 years or more. However, that is a seller's estimate, so check the guarantee wording on any product you buy.

What else changes the price

Height, ground and access all push the price up, as they do for timber. For example, Trade2Base says going to 2.0m or higher often adds 15 to 25 percent. It also gives £250 to £600 for a matching fitted gate.

Questions to ask an installer

Ask which brand and which board thickness they fit. Ask whether the posts are composite or concrete, because that changes both the cost and the life of the fence. Ask what the guarantee covers, since rot cover and colour cover can differ.

Jacksons Fencing suggests looking for long guarantees, such as 25 years. However, a long guarantee only helps if you can claim on it, so read the terms before you sign.

Is composite fencing worth it?

It can be, over a long period. Ultra Decking's own worked example for 10 panels on existing posts puts the break-even against timber at around 12 to 13 years (composite priced as DIY, wood with professional labour). However, that figure comes from a composite seller, so treat it as a guide and not a promise.

Think about how long you will stay. If you plan to move in two or three years, you may not recover the extra cost. In contrast, if you plan to stay for 15 years or more, the maintenance saving has time to build.

Composite suits some buyers more than others, because the benefits build over time. It is especially worth a look if you:

• Do not want the yearly job of treating a fence
• Want a consistent, modern finish
• Plan to stay in the property long term

Compare composite quotes from local installers. Get free quotes.

Sources

• MyJobQuote: composite fencing cost
• Trade2Base: composite fencing costs UK
• Less.co.uk: fencing cost
• Best Builders: fencing cost UK 2026
• Jacksons Fencing: composite vs wooden fencing
• Ultra Decking: composite fencing vs wood
• Dino: does composite fencing fade?

Within each guide that lists both, composite costs more than closeboard. For example, Less.co.uk gives a typical £150 per metre for composite against £100 for closeboard. Best Builders gives £130 to £220 against £90 to £130.

Cost over time

Ultra Decking, a composite seller, gives a worked example for 10 panels on existing concrete posts. Wood starts at £520 and composite at £1,200 (composite priced as DIY, wood with professional labour). After 15 years, wood reaches £1,712 including a £520 replacement, while composite reaches £1,440.

The example assumes sealing every two years and painting every five, at £84 a treatment. Therefore, it favours composite more than a lightly maintained timber fence would. Treat it as one supplier's model, not a rule.

Timber spreads its cost over time, because you pay for treatment every year or two. Composite front-loads the cost instead. As a result, the better choice depends on whether you prefer to pay now or later.

When timber wins

Choose timber if your budget is tight, you are fencing a long boundary, or you like the natural look. It is also easy to repair one damaged panel. However, you must be ready to treat it, and Jacksons Fencing notes that some guarantees depend on a yearly treatment.

When composite wins

Choose composite if you want a fence you can fit and forget, with a clean modern finish. Jacksons Fencing says it needs no painting, staining or sealing, and soap and water will clean it. It pays back best if you plan to stay put, because the saving builds up over years.

Maintenance in practice

Timber needs a routine. Jacksons Fencing says some guarantees require a yearly treatment, so skipping it may affect your cover. In contrast, composite needs only soap and water, and as a result the time you spend matters as much as the money.

Looks and fading

Timber has a natural grain that varies from board to board. Composite looks more uniform. However, composite changes colour early on, and Dino says the early colour change from tannin bleeding usually takes eight to 24 weeks.

Jacksons Fencing adds that some composite products fade in sunlight. Capped boards resist this better, although they cost more, so ask which type you are buying.

Repairs

Repairs differ too. With timber you can replace a single damaged panel, which is quick and cheap. With composite you may need a matching board from the same range, so ask the supplier about spares.

What to ask before you choose

Ask for a written quote that names the product and the guarantee. Ask what the guarantee covers, because rot, warping and fading are different risks. Jacksons Fencing says some composite products warp, so check the terms.

The bottom line

If upfront price is the priority, timber wins. However, if upkeep and a long guarantee matter more, composite is the stronger choice. See the full composite fencing costs, then compare local quotes for both.

Sources

• Jacksons Fencing: composite vs wooden fencing
• Ultra Decking: composite fencing vs wood
• MyJobQuote: composite fencing cost
• Less.co.uk: fencing cost
• Best Builders: fencing cost UK 2026
• Dino: does composite fencing fade?

How high can a fence be without planning permission?

• Up to 2 metres on most boundaries, such as rear and side fences, under permitted development.
• Up to 1 metre next to a highway used by vehicles. The Planning Portal says this includes the footpath of that highway.
• No taller than before if you replace a fence that already stands above the limit.

The limit runs from ground level. Count the gravel board and any trellis as part of the total height, and ask your council if the ground slopes. For example, a 1.8m fence with 0.3m of trellis is 2.1m, which is over the 2m limit on a rear boundary.

The same limits cover gates and walls as well as fences. The Planning Portal says this applies to structures that are next to a highway or on any other boundary. Therefore, check a new gate against the same numbers.

When you do need planning permission

• The fence would be over 2m, or over 1m next to a vehicle highway
• Your home is a listed building or in its curtilage, or your boundary adjoins a neighbouring listed building
• An "Article 4 direction" removes your permitted development rights, which is most common in conservation areas
• A condition on the original planning permission removes the right to put up fences

Replacing, repairing and taking down

You can repair, maintain or improve an existing fence without raising its height. The rules say the height cannot go above the old height or the usual limit, whichever is greater. As a result, you can replace a fence that is already over the limit, as long as the new one is no taller.

Taking a fence down is different in a conservation area. The Planning Portal says you may need permission there, so check before you remove one. Hedges are different again, because you do not need planning permission for a hedge as such.

Wales and Scotland

Although the rules differ by nation, Wales uses the same two limits. The Welsh Government says you need permission for a fence over 1 metre next to a highway used by vehicles, or over 2 metres elsewhere.

Scotland differs in some ways. According to mygov.scot, a fence around a house cannot be higher than 2 metres, or 1 metre if it faces a road or extends past the front or side of the house. You also cannot use these rights in a conservation area or in the grounds of a listed building. For Northern Ireland, ask your council, because the guidance we checked does not cover it.

What about my neighbour's view or light?

The height limits above do not depend on your neighbour's view. They apply to the fence itself. For example, a 1.9m fence on a rear boundary is within the 2m limit even if it blocks a view.

However, a dispute over where the fence stands is a separate matter, and your deeds decide that. Talking to your neighbour first can save trouble later.

Measuring your fence

Measure at the tallest point, because the limit applies to the height above ground level. If the ground slopes, the height changes along the run. Therefore, ask your council how it measures a sloping boundary before you order materials.

Always check locally

Rules can vary, especially in conservation areas, so check with your local planning authority if in doubt. The Planning Portal guidance covers England only, while Wales and Scotland publish their own.

Sources

• Planning Portal: fences, gates and garden walls
• The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, Schedule 2 Part 2
• Welsh Government: planning permission for fences, gates and garden walls
• mygov.scot: build a fence or wall at your house

The myth of left vs right

HM Land Registry says there is no rule that the fence, wall or hedge on the left or right of a property belongs to that owner. It adds that the side the posts and rails sit on is not a reliable guide either. Therefore, ownership depends on your deeds.

How to find out which fence is yours

Work through these steps in order, because each one adds a clue. Stop as soon as the deeds give a clear answer.

1. Check your title deeds and deed plan. A T mark on a deed plan normally shows who owns a boundary structure, and it can also show who must maintain it. Two T marks meeting back to back, called an H mark, may mean both neighbours share responsibility.
2. Get your title register and title plan from HM Land Registry. The title plan shows general boundaries, and most plans do not show exact ones. GOV.UK says there is usually no record of who owns a fence, so the deeds matter most.
3. Read the deeds for covenants. A covenant to maintain a boundary can show who must look after it. However, it does not always mean that person owns the fence.

Some people face the smooth side towards the neighbour, but there is no rule, and it does not show who owns the fence. Higgs LLP, a law firm, says the side a fence faces is not a way to decide who owns it. Therefore, do not rely on which side the rails face.

What the Land Registry can and cannot tell you

HM Land Registry says the red edging on a title plan often follows walls, hedges and fences. However, you cannot assume the legal boundary follows them. Many deeds also say nothing about who must maintain a boundary.

If your deed says "copy filed", you can ask for a copy using form OC2. That copy may hold the deed plan and any T marks. Meanwhile, the Land Registry cannot give legal advice, so ask a solicitor if the wording is unclear.

Who is responsible for repairs?

If a T mark sits on your side, HM Land Registry says you generally own and must maintain that fence. Where the deeds are silent, the Home Owners Alliance says there is no legal duty to maintain a boundary. You cannot force a neglectful neighbour to repair theirs. However, an owner can still be liable for damage that neglect causes.

Higgs LLP says both neighbours are responsible for a shared boundary, which an H mark often shows. Agree any cost sharing before work starts, because this is where disputes often begin.

Before you replace a fence

Check who owns it first, because you cannot alter a fence your neighbour owns without their permission. The Home Owners Alliance says this includes staining or painting your side. If the fence is theirs and they will not act, you can build your own fence inside your boundary, as long as you do not damage theirs.

If you are not sure

When deeds are unclear, neighbours often agree who looks after which boundary. Put any agreement in writing, since a clear record avoids future disputes. GOV.UK also explains how to make a formal boundary agreement with your neighbour.

HM Land Registry cannot give legal advice. Therefore, if talking fails, ask a solicitor to read the deed wording.

Start with a polite chat, because many disputes end once both sides see the deed plan. However, if the matter drags on, GOV.UK also explains how to apply to record the exact boundary.

Sources

• HM Land Registry: boundaries and boundary disputes
• HM Land Registry: plans and boundaries, practice guide 40 supplement 3
• GOV.UK: your property boundaries
• Home Owners Alliance: which fence is mine?
• Higgs LLP: who owns the fence?

The same rules cover gates and garden walls. Hedges are different, because you do not need planning permission for a hedge as such.

When you do not need planning permission

You do not need permission if the fence is 2 metres or less (1 metre or less where it is next to a highway used by vehicles, including its footpath), and your permitted development rights have not been removed. You can also replace a fence that is already over the limit, as long as the new one is no taller. However, the other exceptions below still apply.

When you do need planning permission

There are four main cases, and any one of them is enough. Some are easy to miss, because they depend on your home's history. Read the list before you order materials.

• The fence exceeds 2m, or 1m next to a vehicle highway
• Your property is a listed building or within its curtilage, or your boundary adjoins a neighbouring listed building
• An Article 4 direction has removed the right to put up fences, which is most common in conservation areas
• A condition on your property's original planning permission removes the right

You may also need permission to take down a fence in a conservation area. If you need permission, apply to your local council, because a fee applies. Ask your installer what they know, but check with the council before you build.

Article 4 directions and conditions

An Article 4 direction removes permitted development rights in a set area. The Welsh Government says these are most common in conservation areas. However, your solicitor may have told you if one applies, or you can ask the local planning authority.

A planning condition works differently, because it attaches to the original permission for your home. The local planning authority holds a register where you can check. As a result, a home can carry a fence rule that its neighbours do not.

Wales and Scotland

Although Scotland and Wales set their own rules, Wales uses the same limits as England. The Welsh Government adds that you might need conservation area consent to take down a fence in a conservation area.

Scotland, in contrast, has its own rules. According to mygov.scot, a fence at a house cannot be higher than 2 metres, or 1 metre if it faces a road or extends past the front or side of the house. It also cannot go in a conservation area or in the grounds of a listed building.

How to check

1. Measure the intended height from ground level, including the gravel board and trellis.
2. Check whether your boundary faces a road used by vehicles, or its footpath.
3. Search your local planning authority's website, or call the council's planning team.

Take the measurement at the tallest point, because the limit applies to the height above ground level. If you plan trellis on top, add it to the total. As a result, a 1.8m fence with 0.3m of trellis is 2.1m, which is over the 2m limit.

Write down what you find before you hire anyone. A short note of the height, the boundary type and any conservation area or listed building nearby helps an installer quote accurately. Meanwhile, your council can confirm whether a direction or condition applies.

Once you know what you can build, get free quotes from local fencing installers. They can advise on materials, although the planning check stays with you.

Sources

• Planning Portal: fences, gates and garden walls
• The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, Schedule 2 Part 2
• Welsh Government: planning permission for fences, gates and garden walls
• mygov.scot: build a fence or wall at your house