Garden fences are essential in every home because they help create boundaries and ensure a sense of user protection. These fences go through a lot while protecting your gardens; footballs bouncing on them, cold rain showers, and the blistering heat are some of the things these garden fences must endure. Therefore, some fences look worn and beaten up after a while. Sometimes, a few repairs are all you need to do to get your fence back in shape. Depending on the damage, you could also need to replace some fence panels or install a new fence. Knowing how to fix or install your fence doesn’t typically take much time or energy. However, it could become an arduous task if you don’t know the proper procedure.
You may need to employ the services of a professional to help you figure out the best action to take. However, getting affordable and experienced garden fence experts could also prove challenging, so the best course of action is to do the work yourself. Thus, we have taken the initiative to explain the intricacies of fence panel replacement and installation. We also cover fence panel cost, factors that affect the cost of replacement or new fence panels, and how you can save money on fencing. Our article will also shed more light on the types of fence panels to choose for your job, the things needed for installation, and how to locate and hire fence panel professionals.
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Fence Panel?
Fence panel installation is affected by several factors. The table below outlines the estimated cost for each fencing type. This estimated cost will help you to prepare a realistic budget for fencing your garden.
| Estimated Cost | ||||||
| Fencing Type | 3-foot panels | 4-foot panels | 6-foot panels | Labour Costs | Time required | Total Estimated Cost |
| Trellis | £70 to £90 | £80 to £90 | £90 to £125 | £10 to £20 per hour | Four to eight hours | £110 to £285 |
| Wire or Chainlink Fencing | £25 to £35 | £35 to £50 | £55 to £65 | £10 to £20 per hour | Four to eight hours | £65 to £225 |
| Tongue and Groove | £275 to £300 | £350 to £450 | £380 to £690 | £10 to £20 per hour | Four to eight hours | £315 to £850 |
| Overlap | £100 to £120 | £140 to £160 | £180 to £250 | £10 to £20 per hour | Four to eight hours | £140 to £410 |
| Hit and Miss | £220 to £255 | £300 to £315 | £400 to £420 | £10 to £20 per hour | Four to eight hours | £260 to £440 |
| Picket Fencing | £100 to £170 | £100 to £180 | £100 to £200 | £10 to £20 per hour | Four to eight hours | £140 to £360 |
| Woven | £210 to £260 | £300 to £325 | £400 to £490 | £10 to £20 per hour | Four to eight hours | £250 to £650 |
| Featheredge | £135 to £435 | £150 to £520 | £200 to £600 | £10 to £20 per hour | Four to eight hours | £175 to £760 |
| Slatted | £170 to £230 | £260 to £320 | £325 to £480 | £10 to £20 per hour | Four to eight hours | £210 to £640 |
| Closeboard | £135 to £450 | £550 to £950 | £700 to £1,400 | £10 to £20 per hour | Four to eight hours | £175 to £1,560 |
| Wrought Iron | £140 to £160 | £165 to £195 | £170 to £210 | £150 to £750 per day | One to two days | £290 to £1,710 |
You should consider the Trellis fence if you need an affordable fencing choice. The fence panels have varying prices depending on your preference. These panels cost between £70 to £90 (3ft panels), £80 to £90 (4ft panels), and £90 to £125 (6ft panels). Alternatively, you could consider the Wire or chainlink fences, which are the cheapest options you could get. Chainlink fences go for £25 to £35 for 3ft panels, £35 to £50 for 4ft panels, and around £55 to £65 for 6ft panels.
One of the most popular fence types in the United Kingdom is the overlap fence. These fences and wavy cousins (waney lap panels) dominate the UK market. You can fix overlap panels for about £100 to £120 (3ft), £140 to £160 (4ft), and £180 to £250 (6ft).
If you love cottages, you should go for Picket fences, and these fences provide that distinct cottage looks to homes. The prices range from £100 to £170 to £200 depending on your desired panel (3ft, 4ft, or 6ft).
If, on the other hand, you are a homeowner who loves traditional slatted style, you should consider using the featheredge boards. These panels usually go from £135 to £600, depending on the panel you pick. Slatted fencing, unlike featheredge, has small gaps between each slat. These gaps make the panels a better choice for areas that don’t get much light. Alternatively, you can use these boards when you want to add an architectural touch to your design. Slatted boards usually cost around £170 to £230 (3ft), £260 to £320 (4ft), and £325 to £480 for 6ft panels. On the other hand, closeboard fencing offers privacy to your gardens. These panels cost between £135 to £450 (3ft), £550 to £950 (4ft), and between £700 to £1,400 (6ft).
For a striking and timeless touch, you should consider using wrought iron fencing. This fence costs anywhere between £140 to £160 for 3ft panels. The 4ft panels cost between £165 to £195 while the 6ft panels go for £170 to £210. The basketweave shape is the most common type of woven fence panel in the United Kingdom. These panels cost between £210 – £260 for 3ft boards. You could get these boards for £300 – £325 if you want a 4ft board, while the 6ft panels go for £325 – £480.
Hit-and-miss fencing boards usually have vertical or horizontal panels that alternate between the front and back. The supply cost for these panels ranges from £220 to £255 (3ft), £300 to £315 (4ft), and £400 to £420 (6ft). Another great option you could consider when looking for garden fences is the tongue and groove fence. This fence is an excellent choice for any homeowner who needs a durable fence with a touch of privacy. High-quality tongue and groove panels usually have tenoned and mortice frames that offer extra strength. These boards cost anywhere between £275 – £300 (3ft), £350 – £450 (4ft), and £380 – £690 (6ft).
You need to note that fencing boards are not the only thing to consider when making your budget. You also have to factor in the labour costs. Fence installers charge between £10 – £20 per hour to install timber or chainlink fencing. For wrought iron fencing, you may have to prepare between £150 and £750 per day for the installer. Installers charge much for wrought iron fences due to the additional labour involved with metal fencing.
Another factor to consider in your budget is the estimated time it takes to install your desired fence panels. Most fence boards take between four to eight hours of labour to install. However, wrought iron fencing takes about one to two days to complete the installation. The time for installing wrought iron fences could be three days if you have a large property.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
Factors That Affect the Cost of Replacement or New Fence Panels
Several factors determine the cost of new or replacement fence boards. You need to understand these factors to help you make the best fencing decisions when considering your budget.
Height and Length of Your Fence
The volume of the material needed to complete a job directly impacts the cost. This principle is shared with all DIY jobs. However, a large amount of material does not mean you cannot replace your worn-out panels. Additionally, prices increase based on the height and volume of the fence you want to install or replace. You will pay more money if your property needs a taller-than-average fence. It would help if you considered the type of material you want to use for the job to cut down on the cost.
Fence Panel Choice
The type of timber you select, along with the fence panel style, will directly influence the cost of your garden renovation project. Waney lap panels (aka overlap panels) are the cheapest options based on design. These panels feature prominently in gardens when it comes to creating garden boundaries. Most homeowners prefer to use overlap fencing because it screens them from their neighbours in the most traditional style possible—the design costs around £27.99 per fence board.
Choosing something more bespoke in style (e.g., tongue and groove) costs about £88.99 per fence panel. You will pay that much because the style comes from Victorian times, which offers premium hardwearing and luxurious styles. Such a style usually goes with an expensive price tag.
Fencing Post Choice
Choosing between concrete or timber fence posts is one of the likely decisions you must make when deciding on a garden makeover. Timber posts have a cost-effective advantage. Additionally, these posts are easy to install and have great longevity when correctly looked after. The disadvantage, however, is in the maintenance. If you cannot maintain these posts, they tend to rot and decay with time.
On the other hand, concrete posts are excellent due to their robust and sturdy materials. Unlike timber posts, concrete posts do not rot or decay or require too much upkeep. However, these posts tend to cost a fortune. Now you have two choices: pay for a more expensive concrete post or deal with maintenance on the cheap timber options.
The Cost of Concrete
Another factor you must consider to avoid last-minute rushes into the building supplies store is the cost of concrete. The amount of money you will spend on concrete depends on the quantity you need. The amount also depends on the ratio you need to work on your garden fence. You could spend anything between £0.60 to £1.60 per kilogram of concrete you need. Also, you will have to pay for other things like sharp sand, cement mixer hire, and aggregates which may cost about £230.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
Gravel Board Choice
Gravel boards help to prolong your garden fence’s lifespan. These boards sit on the ground, forming a moisture barrier between the earth and your garden fence. The barrier reduces the chance of decay in the fence panel. Like fence posts, you must choose between timber or concrete gravel boards.
You will have to treat timber gravel boards before using them to ensure a long-lasting lifespan of about seven to eight years. After this period, you will need to replace the gravel boards with new ones. However, concrete gravel boards do not require any treatment or maintenance. Additionally, these concrete boards last a lifetime and remain unaffected by the ground’s dampness.
Another essential thing to note is that your gravel board affects the overall height of your fence. Hence, it’s something to consider lest you end up with shorter-than-expected fencing.
Painting, Staining, or Wood Treatment
If you bought panels without pressure treatment, you might need to consider a wood treatment to supercharge your fence’s longevity. In addition, you can decide to quickly upgrade your panels if you choose to go with a different colour altogether.
Adding a Gate
A gate adds value to your property and offers a focal access point. The material you choose for your gate dictates the price. Have in mind that price-wise, metals are relatively dearer than wood. Additionally, more elaborately designed gates have higher prices than regular swing gates.
Decorative Add-Ons Choice
You need to consider several decorative add-ons when you put up your fence. Such add-ons include the lighting, trellis, and decorative post caps. These add-ons are embellishments on your fence. Note that adding a trellis requires extra height in your fence posts so that the trellis has something to attach itself to above the fence panels.
Removing Waste and Existing Fences
You have to factor in the cost of removing an existing fence if there’s one. Also, you need to consider the time it will take to remove the panels before you can begin with the new fence installation. You will also need to hire a removal or skip company to convey the waste if you have a large garden or can’t dispose of the waste yourself. This process could cost you about £400 on average. However, you could consider the process a DIY job and save money which you could use on other things.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
How to Save Money on Fencing
Fencing panel installation can sound expensive. However, it is not always the case. You could save money on certain things if you plan right. Don’t worry; you will not get defective materials or an underwhelming fence afterwards.
Consider the Material
You must pick a material that enhances your fence’s longevity and value. You will get a longer lifespan on more premium materials. In addition, such materials tend to add more value to your property. It also depends on the ideology. You could save money in the short run using timber overlap panels. However, you will be trading durability for a price you may have to pay in the long run. If you can afford to, you should get the highest budget material to ensure you save money on repairs in the long run.
Lower the Fence Height
Lowering the fence height impacts the cost of your materials. A higher fence height means more materials, which means more money. In contrast, a shorter fence means fewer materials and less money. You should consider this option if you are replacing old panels but don’t need to have a like-for-like replacement. Additionally, you can use this option if you don’t want to spend too much money on your new fence.
Use the Right Timing
Winter or autumn is the best time to replace or install your fence. You could consider these seasons because fencing contractors tend to be less busy. Hence, they offer better deals than you would typically get in the summer when everyone wants to change their fence.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
What Type of Fence Panel Should I Consider?
| Type of fence material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Featheredge | RobustBetter longevityEasy to install | Requires maintenanceCould cost moreMay fare nicely in strong weather conditions |
| Closeboard | DurableFlexible design optionsEasy to install | Costs moreProne to warping |
| Composite | No maintenance requiredOffers old panel retrofittingBespoke design for your space | Colour may fade with timeMore expensiveMay stain |
| Tongue and Groove | Can withstand strong weather conditionsDurableTraditional aesthetic | May need treatmentLimited in design choices |
| Metal | No warping or decayUltra-durabilityAvailable in several styles | More time-consuming and costly to installHighly expensive compared to other optionsMay have less appeal |
| Overlap | Cost-effective designTraditional designOffers privacy | May not be as durableNot too strong in harsh weather conditions |
| Trellis | More affordableMore organicExcellent for plants | Less durableMay need replacements or repairs over time |
| Hit and Miss | Provides a strong design choiceOffers “good” fencing on both sidesExcellent for windy areas | May require maintenanceDoes not offer total privacy |
| Picket | Cost efficientAppealing traditional styleEasy to install | Prone to warpingMay require treatment |
| Slatted | Offers less wind resistanceExciting design choiceProvides more light into the garden | May rot Prone to warpingMay require maintenanceVarying quality |
| Woven | Several design choicesOffers lots of lightEasy building and installation | Prone to warpingMore stress on wood planksMay need high-quality purchase |
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
What Do I Need to Install or Replace a Fence?
Fence installation or replacement requires a few steps. You will have to take meticulous measurements and check to ensure that you have consistent gaps in the fence. Additionally, you may need to check to ensure you line up the fence correctly. Whether you hire a professional or do the job yourself, here is what you can expect.
You must ensure you own the fence or are responsible for maintaining it before starting any work. Ensure to talk to your neighbour to update them on your plans. You can ask to use your neighbour’s garden during the installation if you have a good relationship with them. Using their garden makes the fitting a lot easier. Next, you will have to measure the area and then use a detector to check for buried pipes or cables.
You will have to mark and dig out the fenced area. After that, you will need to install the fence posts and place the fence panels. Ensure you (or the contractor) apply at least two coats of stain, wood preserver, or paint of your choice if the timber fence isn’t pressure-heated.
Do I Need Planning Permission to Install or Replace a Fence?
For a new fence, you need to find out if you have legal permission to install the fence in that area. However, for an already existing fence, you may need to find out if the buck falls on your boundary. While several homeowners can install or replace a fence without planning permission, you may only do so under the following conditions:
- If you have an existing fence with higher height limits, you must ensure that any replacement does not exceed the height of the existing fence.
- The fence height must not exceed one meter from ground level when backing out onto a public pathway or roadside. If elsewhere, the height must not exceed two metres.
- No part of your ground forms a boundary with a listed curtilage or building or is registered as a listed building.
Note that there are no article four directions or planning conditions that take away your right to build or replace a fence.
How to Find and Hire a Professional to Install or Replace a Broken Fence?
You may have to consider hiring a professional tradesperson to fix or install your fence since the process is labour-intensive and time-consuming. You can get recommendations from your friends, neighbours, or family members on trusted tradespeople to patronize. Alternatively, you can ask for a professional’s contact whose work you admire. You can also use HouseholdQuotes to get professional and reputable tradespeople to fix or install your fence.
Ensuring the Professional Fits Your Job Order
You must ensure that the professional you hire writes all estimates in a formal quote. You need a written quote for reference purposes. While you may not find it easy to refute verbal quotes, you can always come back to a written quote for reference. Additionally, ensure to sign a contract before agreeing to any work.
Another thing to consider is the tradesman’s experience. It does not matter whether they come from a friend’s recommendation. Also, ask for past references from other completed jobs. It is always good practice to ensure your preferred tradesman keeps a consistent track record of excellent jobs.
Another thing you should consider is the qualification. Examples of suitable qualifications include Lantra Foundation at level two or three. Alternatively, you could choose a professional with an NVQ level two or three qualifications.
Always ensure that your fencing contractor has insurance that serves as a warranty. Furthermore, ensure that these tradespersons belong to a professional body like the Association of Fencing Industries. Always make this requirement a priority to eliminate the cowboys and protect yourself from shoddy work.
Lastly, inquire if rubbish removal is included in your quote. There is usually a lot of debris to clear when you remove an old fence. Hence, it would help to have the rubbish removal clause included in the contract to avoid any bad experience.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
Final Checklist
A garden makeover is a great way to give your garden a new look. You could also spend some time during the warmer months with family and friends if you have a great garden. Here are some essential things you must check before the work begins:
- Ensure the existing fence is on your side of the property boundary and belongs to you. Confirm the building regulations list to ensure you do not break any rules when making a new fence.
- Measure your space, including the extra height from gravel boards. Also, consider if you want a trellis on your fence panels.
- Compare several quotes from different contractors before settling on a trusted tradesperson.
- Scan the ground for wires or pipework that may hinder your project.
- Apply wood preservative as a final step if you obtained untreated timber fence panels.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Fencing & Fences
- Are fences shared property? How do I determine which side of the fence belongs to me?
The best way to answer this question is to check your property’s deeds. A ‘T’ marked beside your fence denotes full ownership. An ‘H’ beside the fence means shared ownership between you and your neighbour.
- Can I replace or install a fence by myself?
Replacing a fence is something you can do by yourself if you take the proper steps and precautions before starting the job. However, using a contractor ensures you get the best fencing from a professional perspective.
- Which way should fence panels face?
A fence panel usually has two sides – a rough and smooth side. You should ensure that the smooth side faces inwards to you if you own and replace the fence.
Conclusion: How Much Does It Cost For Fencing In UK?
There you have it – a complete and detailed guide on fence panel installation. Whether you decide to install and fix the fence panel yourself or hire professional help, this article details the clauses to remember and enforce. Enjoy your renewed fence in any weather!
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
