COST GUIDES
Fence painting: Cost breakdown 2026
Updated 06/26
You can quickly and affordably give your garden fence a new lease of life with a fresh lick of paint.
Learn about the average fence painting costs – including the cost of the materials and labour.
Fast Facts
The average cost of painting a wooden garden fence, including labour, is in the region of £26 per panel
The average cost of staining a wooden garden fence, including labour, is approximately £30 per panel
It will take, on average, half a day to two days to complete painting a fence
How much does fence painting cost?
| Cost provided item | Unit | Price range - Low | Price range - High | Average UK cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paint (materials only) | Per panel | £5 | £7 | £6 |
| Wood stain (materials only) | Per panel | £8 | £12 | £10 |
| Labour | Per day | £150 | £200 | £175 |
| Labour | Per panel | £15 | £25 | £20 |
| Last updated: May 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
The cost of painting a fence is split into two figures - the cost of the materials and the cost of labour.
But fence painting prices also depend on:
The number of panels
The condition of the fence
Whether you're using paint or stain
Let's break down the costs to help you decide whether it's a DIY job or one best left to a professional exterior painter.
Data verified by our professional estimators
Estimators are CIOB & RICS members
Fence painting cost: Materials & labour
The average cost of painting a wooden garden fence, including labour, is in the region of £26 per panel for paint and £30 per panel for wood stain.
However, the total cost of painting your garden fence depends on the fence's size.
Here are some average costs you can expect for a full fence:
Small wooden garden fence (materials & labour) – between £104 and £120
Medium wooden garden fence (materials & labour) – between £156 and £180
Large wooden garden fence (materials & labour) – between £208 and £240
Fence painting labour cost in the UK
Already brought your paint or stain and just need the labour costs? Here's what you can expect to pay a professional exterior painter to paint or stain your wooden fence:
The average cost of labour is £175 a day (the average time to paint a fence will be half a day to two days)
Meanwhile, the average cost of labour per panel is £20
That said, the total price you pay for garden fence painting will depend on the size of the fence, and also the paint or stain materials used.
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Fence painting cost calculator
Not quite ready to contact a tradesperson? Why not try our nifty cost calculator tool for an instant estimate based on your paint type and fence size?
Job Estimate Calculator
Fence painting cost: Materials only
Decided you've got the time (and patience!) to take on the job yourself, but not sure whether to go for a fence paint or a fence wood stain?
Here's the main pros and cons of both and the price difference:
1. Fence paint cost per panel
Cost: The average cost of paint per panel is £6
Pros: Weatherproofing, affordable, lots of different colours, good coverage, revives tired fences in an instant
Cons: Can peel or crack over time, covers natural wood grain, will eventually need repainting
2. Fence stain cost per panel
Cost: The average fence staining cost per panel is £10
Pros: Weatherproofing, shows the natural wood grain, easy to apply, less prone to peeling (as the stain penetrates the wood)
Cons: More expensive than paint, fewer colour choices, doesn't hide imperfections, may need restaining more often due to UV damage
Taking on a large fence row? Consider a sprayable or one-coat paint to get the job done quicker.
Wrought iron fence painting cost
Wrought iron fencing with intricate twists and turns will be trickier to paint.
This means that while a similar amount of paint will be used, it may take longer to paint, which is reflected in the labour costs:
The average wrought iron fence painting cost will be £6 per panel in paint
The labour will probably be at the higher end of the estimated cost range of £15 - £25 per panel
But for an exact quote, you're always best off speaking to an exterior painter directly.
How much does it cost to paint your garden shed?
Decided to go the whole hog and paint your shed as well to tie everything together? Good plan!
Painting a garden shed is similar to painting a fence and has similar costs:
Small wooden garden shed – between £104 and £120
Medium wooden garden shed – between £156 and £180
Large wooden garden shed – between £208 and £240
Can't decide on what colour to go for? Our shed paint ideas guide has lots of decorating tips and inspo.
Factors affecting the cost of painting a fence
Several factors will affect your overall fence painting quote:
Fence height and length: The larger/longer the fence, the longer the painting will take (meaning more materials and longer labour times)
Material of the fence: Different types of fencing are easier/harder to paint (wooden fences are very quick and easy to paint, whereas plastic fences require more prep work and primer coats)
Type of paint used: Sprayable treatments are very quick to apply, whereas waterproof paint may need more than one coat
Fence condition: Heavily weathered fences may need cleaning, sanding, moss removal or repairs before painting can begin
Hidden fence painting costs to watch out for
While not necessarily 'hidden' costs, there are some additional factors to be aware of:
Weather: This may delay painting, and painters could need to stop halfway through a job and return another day. This could increase the cost
Location: If the fence is located in a difficult-to-reach area, such as behind sheds or on steep slopes, this will increase the overall price
For an exact quote, contact an exterior painter near you.
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Paint can refresh a weathered fence, but it can't hide damage. It makes sense to repair any broken panels, loose posts or rotten timber before getting started on the painting. A garden fence repair contractor can help.
Professional fence painting vs DIY
Painting a fence yourself can be a good way to save money, but it's important to weigh up the benefits against hiring a professional.
DIY fence painting:
Lower upfront costs
Flexibility (spread out the job over a few weekends)
Good for small fences in good condition
Risk of uneven coverage or missed areas
Time-consuming and physically demanding
Professional fence painting:
High-quality, even finish with professional tools and skills
Thorough preparation and treatment of the timber
Faster completion time
Less mess
Decided to save your weekends and hire a professional fence painter instead? Search your postcode below to find an exterior painter today.
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What should your fence painting quote include?
Hire right, and your fence painting quote should typically include:
Basic prep work (removal of the odd moss patches and light sanding)
Painting of fence (one coat or several, depending on paint chosen)
Final tidy up and removal of any waste
Want to keep fence painting costs down? Consider tackling the prep work yourself. Removing moss, lichen, and flaking paint before your painter arrives can lower labour time (and potentially your overall cost). Using a pressure washer can speed up the process.
Why use Checkatrade to find fence painting services near you?
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Fence painting cost checklist
Looking for inspiration for other ways to refresh your outdoor space? From garden patio ideas to a complete garden redesign, we've got it all ticked off.
FAQS
How long will it take to paint a fence?
Depending on the fence's intricacy and other factors, such as size and condition, the average time to paint a fence is between half a day and two days.
What colour fence paint makes a garden look bigger in the UK?
Lighter shades, such as soft grey, sage green and pale beige, can help make a garden feel larger and more open. Dark colours can add depth, but may make smaller spaces feel more enclosed if overused.
Is painting a fence black a good idea?
Yes, black fence paint is a popular choice for modern gardens. It can make plants and flowers stand out, creates a striking backdrop and helps disguise dirt. However, it may show fading over time in areas exposed to strong sunlight.
Is it better to paint a fence with a sprayer or a brush?
A paint sprayer is usually faster and works well for large fences. A brush offers more control and can provide better coverage on rough or weathered timber. Many professionals use a combination of both methods for the best finish.
Should you pressure wash a fence before painting?
Yes, cleaning a fence before painting helps remove dirt, algae and loose debris, allowing the paint to adhere properly. Just make sure the fence is completely dry before applying any paint or stain.
Can I paint my fence any colour I want?
You can choose any fence colour that suits your garden. However, if you live in a listed building, conservation area or managed development, it's worth checking whether any restrictions apply.
What is the law on fence painting?
There are generally no laws preventing you from painting your fence. However, if the fence marks a boundary, it's important to establish ownership before painting. If the fence belongs to your neighbour, you'll need their permission before making any changes.
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