How much does garden fencing cost in the UK?
Fencing is usually priced per bay or per linear metre. The cost difference between quotes normally comes from post type, panel grade, disposal of the old fence and whether concreting is included.
A standard bay is around 1.8m wide. Counting bays yourself is the quickest way to make two quotes comparable.
Concrete posts and gravel boards cost more up front than timber but change the labour and the lifespan, so compare the whole specification rather than the panel price.
Indicative UK cost ranges
QuoteCheck does not hold a live UK pricing feed. The figures below are indicative planning ranges, assembled from commonly published UK ranges and typical job structures, and they are deliberately wide. Treat them as a starting point for questions, not as a valuation. Real prices depend on specification, access, ground conditions, region, season and how each firm prices its own labour and overheads.
| Item | Unit | Indicative range |
|---|---|---|
| Lap panel fencingBudget option; timber posts at the lower end. | per bay | £90 – £170 |
| Closeboard fencingHeavier and longer lasting than lap panels. | per bay | £140 – £260 |
| Concrete posts and gravel boardsAdds cost but reduces future replacement. | per bay extra | £40 – £90 |
| Removal and disposal of old fenceIncludes tip charges. | per bay | £20 – £45 |
| Gate, timberIronmongery and frame quality vary widely. | per item | £150 – £500 |
| LabourRegional rates differ considerably. | per day, 2 operatives | £300 – £500 |
What moves the price
- Number of bays
- Count them; it is the simplest check you can make.
- Post type
- Timber, concrete or metal spikes, and whether posts are concreted in.
- Ground conditions
- Rock, roots or existing concrete slow post holes down.
- Height
- Over 2m generally needs planning permission; taller fencing costs more.
- Disposal
- Old panels and concrete are bulky to remove.
- Levels
- Sloping runs need stepped or raked panels.
Worked example — 10 bay closeboard fence (illustrative only)
- Remove and dispose of old fence
- £300
- Concrete posts and gravel boards
- £620
- Closeboard panels
- £980
- Postcrete and fixings
- £140
- Labour, 3 days, 2 operatives
- £1,050
- Indicative total before VAT
- £3,090
Fictional figures illustrating how a fencing total is assembled.
What your quote should show
- Number of bays or metres
- Panel type and height
- Post material and fixing method
- Gravel boards included or not
- Removal and disposal of the old fence
- Gates and ironmongery
- Labour days
- VAT treatment
Frequently asked questions
How much does a fence cost per metre in the UK?
Indicatively around £50–£150 per linear metre installed, depending on panel type, post material and disposal. Counting bays gives a more reliable comparison than metres.
How tall can a garden fence be?
In most of the UK, up to 2m without planning permission, or 1m next to a highway. Check with your local authority and your deeds.
Who owns the fence?
Ownership is set out in your title deeds rather than by convention. Check before commissioning replacement work on a boundary.
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