A leaning fence panel after a spell of wind and rain is rarely just a cosmetic problem. It can leave a garden exposed, affect privacy and create an unsafe boundary for children or pets. So, how much does garden fencing cost? For a professionally installed fence in the UK, most homeowners should budget roughly £60 to £350 per linear metre, depending on the fence style, materials, ground conditions and access to the garden.
That is a wide range because fencing is not a one-size-fits-all job. A straightforward timber panel fence on level ground costs very differently from a closeboard boundary with concrete posts, gravel boards and difficult side access. A clear, site-specific quotation is the best way to protect your budget and ensure the finished fence is built to last.
How Much Does Garden Fencing Cost by Type?
The material and construction method have the greatest effect on the final price. The figures below include typical supply and professional installation costs, but should be treated as useful planning estimates rather than fixed prices.
Standard timber fence panels
Overlap or waney-edge panels are usually the most affordable option. Installed with timber posts, a basic panel fence commonly costs around £60 to £120 per linear metre. This can suit a short-term improvement or a sheltered garden, but lower-cost panels and timber posts may need more frequent maintenance or replacement.
For a stronger result, many homeowners choose pressure-treated panels with quality timber posts and gravel boards. Spending a little more at the outset can reduce the risk of rot at ground level and give the fence a neater, more substantial appearance.
Closeboard fencing
Closeboard fencing is built on site using vertical feather-edge boards fixed to horizontal rails. It is a popular choice for long boundaries, sloping gardens and areas exposed to the weather because the installer can follow the contours of the land more precisely than with pre-made panels.
Expect closeboard fencing to cost approximately £80 to £150 per linear metre installed. The total depends on the board height, the spacing of posts, whether timber or concrete supports are used, and the amount of groundwork required. It is often one of the best-value choices where strength, privacy and a traditional finish matter more than decorative detailing.
Concrete posts and gravel boards
Concrete posts and gravel boards are not a fence style in themselves, but they are a major cost consideration. They are more expensive and heavier to install than timber alternatives, yet they provide excellent protection against rot and moisture where the fence meets the ground.
A panel fence with concrete posts and gravel boards may cost around £100 to £200 per linear metre. The upfront cost is higher, but this system can be a sensible long-term investment for damp gardens, properties with clay soil or boundaries that regularly face strong winds.
Composite fencing
Composite fencing has a modern, uniform appearance and requires very little routine maintenance. It will not need annual staining, and it is resistant to rot, splintering and insect damage. These benefits make it attractive for homeowners who want a smart garden boundary without ongoing timber treatment.
Prices are typically from £180 to £350 or more per linear metre installed. Composite boards, aluminium framing and specialist fixing systems all add to the material cost. It is not the cheapest option, but it can deliver a long service life and a high-end finish when installed correctly.
Decorative and premium fencing
Trellis-topped panels, slatted screening, hit-and-miss boards and bespoke timber designs can all increase the cost. These options work particularly well around patios, seating areas and front gardens where appearance is as important as privacy. A premium design may cost £150 to £300 per linear metre or more, especially if it includes custom framing, gates or planting features.
What Is Included in a Fencing Quote?
When comparing prices, check what each contractor has allowed for. A low figure can look appealing until it becomes clear that old materials, concrete, posts or waste removal are not included.
A professional fencing quotation should normally cover the chosen panels or boards, posts, rails, gravel boards where specified, fixings, concrete foundations, labour and removal of the old fence. It should also state the planned fence height and length. If a gate is required, this should be listed separately, as fitting a secure garden gate can add roughly £150 to £500 depending on size, material and hardware.
At Apex Surfacing and Roofing Ltd, we believe homeowners should know what they are paying for before work begins. A detailed free quotation makes it easier to compare materials, understand the scope of work and choose a solution that balances appearance, durability and cost.
Factors That Can Increase Garden Fencing Costs
A fence line is only as strong as its foundations. Even quality panels will fail early if posts are poorly set, unsupported or installed in unsuitable ground. This is why the cheapest quote is not always the most economical over time.
Access is one of the main practical considerations. A contractor may need to carry panels, posts and concrete through the house or down a narrow side passage where there is no direct garden access. Restricted access takes longer and can raise labour costs.
The condition of the existing fence also matters. Old concrete footings, broken posts, established roots and buried rubble can make removal and excavation more difficult. Sloping land often requires stepped panels or closeboard construction, while uneven ground may need careful setting-out to avoid unsightly gaps beneath the fence.
Fence height is another important factor. A standard rear garden fence is often around 1.8 metres, or 6 feet, but taller fencing needs longer, stronger posts and more material. Planning rules may apply, particularly for fencing beside a road or near a listed property. As a general guide, a fence over 2 metres high may require planning permission, and restrictions can be tighter for front boundaries. Checking before work starts avoids costly alterations later.
Finally, boundary responsibility should be confirmed before replacing a shared fence. Title plans, property deeds and an open conversation with a neighbour can help prevent disputes. If the boundary is shared, agreeing the style and cost in advance can make the project simpler for everyone.
Example Garden Fencing Budgets
For a typical 10-metre rear boundary, a basic timber panel fence may cost approximately £600 to £1,200 installed. A stronger closeboard fence could be around £800 to £1,500, while timber panels with concrete posts and gravel boards may come in at £1,000 to £2,000.
For the same 10 metres, composite fencing could cost from £1,800 to £3,500 or beyond, depending on the system selected. These estimates assume reasonably level ground and standard access. A long garden, difficult excavation or extensive removal of an old fence will increase the total.
Rather than choosing solely by price per panel, consider how long you expect to stay in the property and how much maintenance you are willing to undertake. A rental property or short-term refresh may suit a practical timber solution. For a family home, a sturdier construction with concrete supports can offer better long-term value and fewer repair worries.
How to Keep Your Fencing Project on Budget
The most effective way to control cost is to agree the specification before installation. Decide whether privacy, security, appearance or low maintenance is your priority, then select the material to match. Avoid changing fence height, post type or layout halfway through the work, as this can add labour and material costs.
If only part of the boundary is damaged, it may be possible to replace that section rather than the entire run. However, patch repairs are not always sensible when the remaining posts are weak or panels are nearing the end of their lifespan. An experienced installer can assess whether a repair offers real value or simply delays a more substantial replacement.
It is also worth considering connected garden work at the same time. Replacing fencing alongside a new patio, driveway edge or landscaping project can make access easier and create a more coordinated finish. The important point is to use suitable materials, solid installation methods and a contractor who provides clear communication from quotation to completion.
A well-built fence should make your garden feel private, secure and properly finished for years to come. If you are planning new fencing in London, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire or Peterborough, request a free quotation based on your actual boundary, access and preferred finish. It is the clearest route to a durable result and a price you can trust.