Fence Installation Costs at a Glance (2026)
| Fence Type | Supply & Fit Per Metre | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lap panel fence (1.8m high) | £60–£100/m | Budget option, lower lifespan |
| Close-board / featherboard | £90–£140/m | More durable, good privacy |
| Timber post and rail | £40–£80/m | Rural/farm style |
| Trellis topper | £20–£40/m | Addition on top of existing fence |
| Closeboard with gravel boards | £100–£160/m | Best for longevity |
| Metal/composite panel | £150–£350/m | Longer lifespan, premium look |
Concrete posts and gravel boards add 10–20% but significantly extend the fence lifespan. Postcrete for timber posts is included in most quotes.
Who Owns the Fence?
This matters more than most homeowners realise. Check your title deeds or the Land Registry title plan — fence ownership is usually marked with a T-mark on the boundary, with the top of the T on the owner's side.
Convention (which is not universal): typically you own and maintain the left-hand boundary when facing the front of the property. But this varies. If your neighbour needs the fence replaced and it's legally yours, you're responsible for cost. If it's theirs, you can only replace with their agreement.
For shared replacement where both parties contribute, agree everything in writing first.
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Fence?
Generally no — fences under 2m high in the rear garden and under 1m high on a front garden/boundary with a road are Permitted Development. You need planning permission if:
- The fence would be over 2m high (rear) or over 1m high (adjacent to a highway)
- The property is listed
- You're in a conservation area with specific restrictions
What Makes Fencing Last Longer?
- Concrete posts over timber — concrete posts outlast treated timber posts by 20+ years. The post is the component most likely to rot first
- Gravel boards — a 150mm concrete or timber board at the base keeps fence panels off the soil, massively extending their life
- Close-board over lap panels — close-board is constructed on site from individual boards; lap panels are factory-made and much more likely to warp and split
- Annual treatment — pressure-treated timber still benefits from a yearly coat of fence preserver on exposed sides
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new fence cost per metre in 2026?
Lap panel fencing costs £60–£100/metre supply and fit. Close-board fencing costs £90–£140/metre. Metal or composite panels cost £150–£350/metre.
How long does fence installation take?
A standard 20-metre run takes 1–2 days. Allow longer if concrete posts are being set — they need 24–48 hours to cure before panels are hung.
Do I need planning permission for a fence?
No for fences under 2m high in the rear garden and under 1m adjacent to a road. Higher fences, listed buildings, and conservation areas need permission.
How long does a wooden fence last?
Lap panels: 5–15 years. Close-board with concrete posts and gravel boards: 20–30 years. The quality of installation and use of concrete posts is the biggest factor.
Who is responsible for repairing the garden fence?
Check your title deeds — the T-mark on boundary plans shows ownership. There is no automatic legal rule that one neighbour owns one side.
Are You a Tradesperson?
These are consumer prices including labour and materials. If you're a landscaper / fencer working out what to charge, our free calculator covers your overheads, tax, and target income.
Calculate Your Day Rate