How Much Does a Fence Cost?2026 Price Guide
A complete breakdown of fence costs by material, style, and project size. Covers timber, metal, composite, and panel fencing with material prices, labour rates, and tips to save money.
Quick Answer
A fence costs £15 to £50 per metre installed in 2026, depending on the material and style. A 15-metre timber privacy fence costs £600 to £1,500 for materials (DIY) or £1,200 to £3,000 professionally installed.
Fence Cost by Material
The material you choose is the single biggest factor in fence cost. Here are 2026 prices for the most popular fence materials:
| Fence Material | Cost Per Metre (Installed) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Timber | £15 – £30 | Budget privacy fences, most popular residential choice. Lasts 15–20 years. |
| Cedar Timber | £25 – £45 | Natural rot resistance, premium appearance. Lasts 15–25 years. |
| Close-Board Fencing | £20 – £40 | Strong, durable, wind-resistant. Ideal for exposed gardens. |
| Chain Link | £10 – £25 | Security, pet containment, lowest cost. Lasts 15–20 years. |
| Composite | £30 – £55 | Wood look without maintenance. Lasts 25–50 years. |
| Metal Railings | £30 – £60 | Decorative, front gardens, no-maintenance. Lasts 20–30 years. |
Fence Cost by Project Size
Total fence cost depends on the total length in metres. Here are typical 2026 costs for common fence projects using pressure-treated timber:
| Project | Typical Cost (Installed) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small Garden (10 m) | £300 – £800 | Materials only: £150–£400. Common for terraced houses. |
| Average Garden (15 m) | £500 – £1,200 | Materials only: £250–£600. Most common residential fence. |
| Large Garden (25 m) | £800 – £2,000 | Materials only: £400–£1,000. May qualify for bulk discounts. |
| Full Perimeter (40 m) | £1,200 – £3,200 | Materials only: £600–£1,600. Consider phased installation. |
| Panel Fence with Gate | £800 – £2,500 | Add £100–£300 per gate for hardware and fitting. |
| Front Garden Railing | £600 – £2,000 | Metal railings common for front boundaries. Planning rules may apply. |
Labour & Installation Costs
Labour is typically 40 to 60% of the total fence cost. Understanding what drives labour costs helps you budget accurately.
Professional fence installation costs £8 to £20 per metre for labour alone. A standard 15-metre timber fence takes a fencer 1 to 2 days to complete.
Several factors increase labour costs. Rocky or clay soil makes post hole digging harder. Sloped terrain adds 10 to 25% to labour. Removing an old fence costs £5 to £12 per metre for demolition and disposal.
Get at least 3 written quotes from fencing contractors. Ask whether the quote includes post hole digging, postcrete, cleanup, and old fence removal. Late autumn and winter bookings often save 10 to 20%.
DIY vs Professional Installation
Building a fence yourself can save 40 to 60% of the total cost, but requires the right tools and physical effort:
- DIY material cost for a 15-metre timber fence: £250 to £600 (posts, rails, panels or boards, postcrete, screws).
- Professional installation for the same fence: £500 to £1,200 total (materials + labour).
- Tools needed: post hole digger or auger, spirit level, string line, saw, drill, and tape measure.
- Physical demands: Digging post holes is the hardest part. Plan for 1 to 2 full weekends for 15 metres.
- Common DIY pitfalls: posts not plumb, inconsistent spacing, posts not deep enough.
- Best DIY approach: Set all posts on day one, let postcrete cure overnight, then attach panels or boards on day two.
DIY makes sense if you are handy and want to save £300 to £600. Hire a professional if you have rocky soil, steep slopes, or limited time.
How to Save Money on Fencing
These strategies can help reduce fence costs without sacrificing quality:
- Choose pressure-treated softwood over cedar — it costs 30 to 50% less and lasts nearly as long with maintenance.
- Build during the off-season — late autumn or winter bookings often save 10 to 20% on labour.
- Share the cost with your neighbour — boundary fences are commonly split 50/50.
- Use pre-made fence panels instead of close-board — panels install much faster, reducing labour costs.
- Buy materials from a timber merchant rather than a DIY superstore for 10 to 15% savings.
- Get the permit or planning check yourself if required — saves £50 to £100.
Calculate Your Fence Materials
Use our free fence calculators to estimate the exact materials and cost for your project.