Fence repair cost guide

On the hunt for the average fence repair cost? You’re in the right place.

There are many ways in which a fence can become damaged; in a storm, mould, rot, unstable fence posts, loose fencing panels, accidental damage (football kicked through it), and attacked by insects.

If your fence is in a bad way, there are two options: repairing the fence or replacing part or the whole fence.

In this guide, we’ll focus on fence repair costs. For a more in-depth look at new and replacement fencing, check out our guide to the cost of installing fence panels.

How much does fence repair cost?

As a ballpark estimate, for a traditional lap/waney edge fence that’s 1.8m wide x 1.2m high, you could be looking at an average cost of £102.93 - £148.22 per m (includes labour).

Fence repair costs vary hugely depending on several factors, such as the type and extent of the damage.

Fence repair hourly rates

The average hourly rate for a gardener to repair a fence is around £30 per hour.

However, this will depend on the complexity of the job. To find out more, check out our guide to gardener prices.

Factors affecting fence repair costs

Type of damage

Lots of different things could damage your fence – from rot to insects or even the weather. The type of damage will affect the cost of your repair.

For example, a wobbly fence panel can often be quickly nailed back into place. However, large areas of rot can only be repaired by replacing a whole section, this will cost a lot more.

Extent of damage

The more the damage to your fence, the higher the cost to repair it.

In particular, a hole in your fence will be cheaper and quicker to repair the smaller it is.

Type of fence

The cost of repairing your fence will often be affected by what type of fence you have.

For example, a small hole in a wooden fence can be cheaply repaired, as the cost of wood to patch this is not expensive. Repairing a wrought iron or composite fence, on the other hand, can be much more complex and time-consuming, pushing up the cost.

Number of sections

With wooden fences, the number of sections or panels affected by damage will change the overall cost of the repair.

More damaged panels mean a more costly repair.

Finish

Once your repair is complete, you might need to pay extra for painting or staining (with wooden fences).

Fence repair cost calculator

To calculate the cost of repairing your fence, you’ll need to consider the extent of the damage and the section or length of fence that needs repairing (or, in the case of wooden fences, the number of panels).

You’ll also need to factor in the material costs of the new fencing, as well as the labour cost for the fence repair work.

If your existing fence is stained, painted or otherwise treated, make sure to bear in mind the additional cost of that work to make sure your new sections of fence match the old fencing.

Getting fence repair quotes

The best way to get an accurate fence repair price is to get in touch with fencing contractors near you.

We always recommend getting at least three quotes from local contractors. That way, you can be sure you’re paying a fair and competitive price for the job.

Our request a quote feature is perfect for getting quotes. Just post details about the job and we’ll send it out to local tradespeople in your area.

Alternatively, enter your postcode into the search box below to browse a selection of the best fencing contractors near you on Checkatrade.

Common fence damage

Different types of fences are more prone to suffering different kinds of damage.

Here are some common fence problems that you might see based on the kind of fence you have.

Wooden fences

These fences are very common due to their affordability and pleasing aesthetics. There are many types of wooden fencing, such as close board or post and rail. However, the damage they are susceptible to is similar.

Due to the organic nature of wood, these fences are often damaged by mould, rot and insects. Panels and posts can also become loose over time due to windy conditions.

Metal fences

Metal fences, such as chainlink and wrought iron, can be damaged considerably by the weather.

When these fences are not properly protected by paint, rain and other moisture can cause rusting. Paint peeling is another common problem.

Metal fences are also susceptible to damage from impact. This includes cars, furniture and other hard objects hitting them with force. Physical damage can cause bending and, in more extreme cases, force the fencing to become uprooted.

PVC fences

PVC fences are very durable and not susceptible to most types of damage. These fences will only need to have the odd small crack or hole repaired and this is unlikely to happen unless the fence is very old.

Our guide to vinyl fence costs goes into more detail.

Electric fences

Electric fences are commonly used to control livestock. Often, damage occurs when these fences are hit with force by a hard object or animal.

Alternatively, the weather can cause damage to their connections.

Head to our guide on electric fence costs to learn more.

Common fence repair costs

How much does wooden fence repair cost?

Wooden fence repairs include patching, nailing or restabilising.

Correcting damage to a wooden fence can be either quick and simple or time-consuming and costly. It all depends on the damage and the number of panels affected.

How much does it cost to repair fence posts?

Wooden fences are commonly made up of panels and posts. Posts can be concrete or wood and can become wobbly or unstable.

If your fence panels are not damaged, then the average fence post repair cost in the UK is around £102.93 - £148.22 per m (for a lap/waney edge fence that’s 1.8m wide x 1.8m high).

How much does chain link fence repair cost?

Chain-link fences are a common option when it comes to security fencing. They’re made from wires that are twisted into a zig-zag, diamond pattern. They can be damaged by rust or impact.

The average chain-link fence repair cost is £50.26 - £72.37 per linear metre (1.8m high).

How much does fence replacement cost?

Some fences are so damaged that they need to be replaced.

This is common in wooden fences that are damaged by rot. In this case, you’ll need to replace your fence to stop the rot from continuing to spread, which can compromise the integrity of the whole fence.

Also, with extensive impact damage, certain fences cannot be repaired without replacing sections.

Always get multiple quotes for fence replacement to ensure you understand the extent of the work.

Can I repair a fence myself?

If you’re experienced in DIY and knowledgeable about fence repair, you may be able to repair small patches of damage yourself.

However, when it comes to larger, more extensive areas of damage, it’s essential to hire a professional who has the skills to carry out your fence repair correctly and skillfully.

Hiring a good fencing company will reassure you that the repair will hold up against time and the elements. It will also prevent any further damage, which you could cause by incorrectly repairing your fence yourself.

Finally, a fencing contractor will have the skills, knowledge, tools and experience needed to achieve a professional finish that you wouldn’t be able to achieve on your own.

Simply use our free search feature to find a professional who can give you a personalised cost for fence repair near you.

Key takeaways

• Rot, rust, insects and the weather could all damage your fence
• Fence repair prices can vary depending on the type of damage, the size of the damage and the type of fence you have
• A damaged fence can impact your garden privacy and soundproofing, as well as the safety of your home, pets and children
• We recommend hiring a professional to repair your fence

FAQs

How much does it cost to replace a fence UK?

The cost to replace your fence will depend on the type of fence you have and the size. Take a look at the cost table for more information.

How much do fencing contractors charge UK?

Fencing contractors will typically charge around £30 per hour to repair a fence.

Whose responsibility is a broken fence?

Whoever owns the fence will be responsible for repairing it if it’s broken. If you own your property, check the deeds and title plan to see who’s responsible for each fence. If it’s not clear, check to see if there’s a boundary agreement in place stating who’s responsible.

How much does a 6-foot fence cost?

The cost of a 6-foot fence will depend on a number of factors, including the material and style of the fence. Installing a close boarded featheredge fence that’s 1.8m high will cost on average £105.41 - £151.79 per m. A featheredge fence that’s 1.2m high will cost on average £83.76 - £120.61 per m.

How much does it cost to replace a fence post UK?

Replacing or repairing an 8ft timber post could cost around £47.93 - £69.01. If your timber fence post has rotted in parts, this will compromise your whole fence.

What’s the cost to replace a concrete fence post?

Concrete fence posts cost around £54.64 - £78.68  per post. You’ll also need to factor in the labour costs for installing them, which is often in the region of £30 per hour.

Always get bespoke quotes from fencing contractors near you to get an accurate fence repair cost. Simply type your postcode into the search box below to begin.