How Much Does a Fence Panel Really Cost in the UK? Discover Practical Ways to Save in 2025

Did you know the average UK fence panel with installation costs around £185 in 2025? Whether you're upgrading a garden boundary or planning a new layout, this guide explores cost-saving strategies, popular materials, and key factors to help you plan your fence project smartly and avoid hidden expenses.

Typical Cost Range for Fence Panels and Installation in the UK (2025)

The average cost to install a new fence panel in the UK, including both materials and professional labour, is approximately £185 per panel. This breaks down roughly to about £100 per metre of fencing material when factoring in installation. If you require removal and disposal of old fence panels, an additional cost of around £35 per panel can be expected.

For smaller-scale projects involving just a few panels, the total price for materials and installation generally falls between £500 and £1,000.

Why Costs Vary

Number of panels required: Larger projects naturally need more panels and labour time.
Fence height: Taller fences typically cost more due to material usage.
Fence style and material: Different types of panels and posts have varying price points.

Fence Panel Types and Their Costs

Wooden Fence Panels: Closeboard and Lap Styles

Wooden fence panels are widely used in the UK and generally come at affordable prices, especially:

Closeboard (featherboard) panels: Vertical boards fixed on a strong full frame.
- Cost per 6-foot panel: £45 to £55 plus VAT (approximately £54 - £66 including VAT) from suppliers such as G&G Fencing & Landscape Supplies.
- Features: Fully pressure-treated for durability and resilience.
- Maintenance: Applying a timber protector annually is advised to maintain condition.
Lap (waney edge) panels: Horizontal overlapping boards.
- Cost per 6-foot panel: Typically £30 to £50.
- Commonly chosen for affordability and privacy with a traditional look.

Smaller 3-foot wooden panels suitable for front gardens, where height restrictions apply, usually cost between £25 and £35 each.

Full View Fence Panels

"”Full view fences”” typically refer to fencing that allows visibility through the panels, such as wire mesh, metal, or slatted designs. Available data for 2025 UK pricing includes:

Metal full view panels generally cost between £80 and £140 per panel, depending on design and durability.
Slatted or venetian fencing, which includes gaps for partial visibility, ranges from £50 to £120 per panel.
Mesh or wire fences may require installation costs similar to metal fencing, reflecting materials and labour, with panel replacement frequency varying.

Labour and Additional Installation Costs

Labour and installation costs may include:

Installation labour typically ranges between £40 and £70 per panel, with daily rates between £300 and £400, varying by installer experience and region.
Installation using concrete posts and concrete gravel boards requires more time and increases costs compared to wooden posts, which are quicker and less expensive but have different durability considerations.
Fence post prices:
- Wooden: £15 - £25 each
- Concrete: £15 - £35 each
Gravel boards to protect panels from ground moisture:
- Wooden: £10 - £30 per panel
- Concrete: £30 - £50 per panel (usually paired with concrete posts)

Composite Fencing: An Option Worth Considering

Composite fencing panels offer a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional timber:

Panel cost: Between £117 and £200 each.
A typical garden installation (including posts) might cost around £600 to £1,250.
Composite gates are generally priced between £500 and £600, with hanging costs of about £200 - £300.
These panels require little maintenance and provide resistance to weather and decay.
Labour costs remain in the typical range (£300-£400/day), with variations depending on site specifics.

DIY Installation Can Reduce Expenses

For those with the necessary skills and tools, installing fence panels can reduce costs:

Purchasing wooden panels alone ranges from £40 to £50 per panel.
Including materials to secure posts (e.g., cement), the total DIY cost may be around £100 per panel.
This approach may save on labour costs, but users should be prepared for the requisite work and equipment.
Cement for securing posts generally costs about £5 - £10 per bag.

Planning Permissions and Regulations in the UK

Key points about planning and regulations include:

Planning permission is generally not required if fence heights meet these limits:
- Rear garden fences: up to 2 metres (6.5 feet).
- Front garden/near roads: up to 1 metre (3.3 feet).
Repairing or replacing existing fences without altering the height usually does not require permission.
Properties subject to additional controls, such as listed buildings or those adjoining them, may face further restrictions.
Confirming boundary ownership through the Land Registry before installation can help avoid disputes.

Additional Costs and Factors

Additional considerations include:

Paint or timber protector costs are typically £20 to £25 per tub, covering about 10 panels, and recommended annually for wooden fences to help maintain their condition.
Hiring professionals to install garden gates may cost between £200 and £700.
Removal of old fencing might add skip hire or disposal costs ranging from approximately £100 to £220.
Soil conditions such as waterlogged or boggy ground can influence the choice of post type and installation method, potentially adding to costs.

Summary of Fence Costs for 2025 in the UK

When estimating fence costs in 2025, expect an average cost of around £185 per wooden closeboard panel, including materials and professional installation. Prices vary according to fence type, size, and additional features.

Composite fencing panels provide a low-maintenance alternative but generally come with higher initial costs, often more than double those of timber panels.

Full view fences such as metal or slatted panel designs tend to be priced higher and offer different aesthetics, levels of privacy, and durability.

Costs can potentially be reduced through DIY installation and thoughtful selection of materials and accessories such as posts and gravel boards.

It is advisable to consider local height restrictions, property boundaries, and planning regulations in preparation for any fencing project.

Sources

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