Cost of New Garden Fence UK 2025 Price Guide and Installation

Installing a garden fence in the UK involves considering material choices, labour, and extras that influence the overall cost. This guide provides clear information on the typical expenses for different fence types and installation, helping you plan effectively for your 2025 fencing project.

Factors That Influence the Cost of Installing a New Garden Fence

Materials and Styles

The materials and styles you select are key drivers of fencing costs:

Wooden Fence Panels: These are popular and cost-effective. A 6ft high wooden panel typically ranges from £40 to £60 per panel. Including posts and installation, expect about £100 per metre. Smaller 3ft panels are usually priced between £25 and £35 each. Common styles include closeboard (featherboard) and lap panels, which generally cost around £40–£50 per panel. Decorative options like lattice, slatted (Venetian), or hurdle fencing vary from £20 to £120 depending on complexity.
Metal Fences: Materials such as wrought iron, steel, and aluminium offer strong and durable options but are generally more expensive. Metal panels can cost between £80 and £140 each. Their installation often requires specialist skills, which can affect labour costs.
Composite and Vinyl Fences: These low-maintenance alternatives cost typically £30 to £70 per metre. Although they are less common than timber or metal, they provide a modern, weather-resistant option.

Posts and Gravel Boards

Posts and gravel boards are essential for fence stability and durability:

Fence Posts: Wooden posts typically cost between £15 and £25 each. They are easier and generally less costly to install but may be less durable, being more susceptible to rot. Concrete posts offer greater durability and weather resistance, ranging from £15 to £40 each. However, their installation can be more complex and expensive.
Gravel Boards: These protect fence panels from soil moisture and prolong fence life. Wooden gravel boards cost between £10 and £30, although they might require replacement more frequently. Concrete gravel boards are priced at £30 to £50 per panel and tend to be longer-lasting but more challenging to fit.

Choosing concrete posts combined with concrete gravel boards can increase initial costs but improve the overall longevity and stability of your fence.

Labour Charges and Installation Time

Labour usually represents a significant portion of the total cost for fence installation. Typical rates for 2025 are:

£30 to £50 per hour, or
Between £150 and £400 per day, depending on the installer’s experience and geographic location.

Labour costs per panel often range from £40 to £70. Installation duration depends on the fence type, with simpler wooden fences generally quicker to install than those requiring concrete footings or involving complex materials.

Additional Installation Costs

When budgeting your fencing project, consider extra expenses such as:

Removal of Existing Fencing and Waste Disposal: Professional removal may add about £35 per panel, and skip hire for waste disposal can range from £100 to £220. Removing old fencing yourself can reduce costs but will require time and tools.
Fence Gates: Adding a gate to your garden fence typically costs between £200 and £700, depending on the materials and design chosen.
Extras: Items such as decorative finishes, outdoor lighting, or post caps can increase the total cost depending on your preferences.

Typical Cost Breakdown for a Garden Fence

Here is an approximate cost breakdown for a 15-metre garden fence (about 8 panels):

Materials (wooden panels, posts, gravel boards): £600 – £800
Labour (professional installation): £600 – £1,000
Old fence removal (if applicable): £280 (8 panels x £35)
Additional costs (gates, decorations): £200 – £700 (optional)

Overall, a budget between £1,500 and £2,000 is reasonable for a standard wooden fence including materials and professional installation. Metal fencing for similar coverage typically increases to approximately £1,600–£2,400.

Planning Permission and Legal Considerations in the UK

Back Garden Fences: Usually must not exceed 2 metres (approximately 6.5 ft) in height without planning permission.
Front Garden Fences or Those Adjacent to Roads: Typically limited to 1 metre (around 3.3 ft) in height.
Replacing an existing fence at the same height generally does not require permission.

Properties that are listed or located in conservation areas might have stricter rules. It is advisable to check with your local council before starting any fencing work to ensure compliance and avoid fines or required removal.

DIY Compared to Professional Installation

DIY Installation: Material costs for a standard 6ft wooden panel range from £40 to £60. Installing the fence yourself can save on labour costs, typically £40 to £70 per panel, reducing your overall expense by several hundred pounds. However, installing a fence properly demands correct tools, skills, and effort. Poor installation can shorten the fence’s lifespan.
Professional Installation: Hiring professionals usually results in a reliable, compliant fence installation. They also handle waste disposal and remove old fencing, offering convenience and reducing the chances of errors and future repairs.

Maintenance Considerations for 2025

Wooden Fences: Require annual painting or staining to protect against rot and weathering. Paint or stain tins cost between £8 and £25, covering roughly 10 panels.
Metal Fences: Need occasional cleaning and rust-preventative repainting, with a full fence treatment potentially costing from £100 to £200.
Vinyl and Composite Fences: Require minimal maintenance beyond regular cleaning.

Regular upkeep extends fence life and reduces replacement frequency.

Selecting the Right Fence for Your Garden

When choosing a fence consider:

Purpose: Privacy, security, aesthetics, pet containment, or wind protection.
Durability: Wood is affordable with more upkeep, while concrete posts and gravel boards enhance longevity.
Budget: Balance initial installation costs with ongoing maintenance expenses.
Garden Conditions: Uneven ground or obstacles may increase labour and material needs.
Design Preferences: Simple styles like closeboard or lap panels are often more cost-effective.

Summary of Typical Costs in 2025 for Garden Fencing in the UK

This guide covers the main factors affecting fence installation costs across the UK in 2025. Whether opting for DIY or professional installation, understanding pricing, materials, and legal requirements will help you budget effectively and select a fence suited to your garden and lifestyle.

Sources

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