COST GUIDES
Fence repair: UK Cost Breakdown in 2026
Updated 05/26
Storm damage, accidental impact, or just general wear and tear can all lead to the need for fencing repairs. But what's the average fence repair cost in the UK? Read on to discover all you need to know.
Fast Facts
The repair cost of a traditional lap/waney edge fence (1.8m x 1.8m) will cost on average £100–£150
A (1.8m x 1.8m) close board (feather board) fence will cost around £110–£150
The extent of the damage, accessibility, material and labour costs will all impact the total cost of fence repairs
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.
Read on for a full breakdown of fence repair costs, including the hidden costs to look out for.
How much does fence repair cost in 2026?
| Type of fence | Unit of measure | Average repair cost (includes labour) |
|---|---|---|
| Panel fence (traditional) | ||
| Lap / Waney Edge - (1.8m wide x 1.8m high) | m | £100–£150 |
| Lap / Waney Edge - (1.8m wide x 1.2m high) | m | £90–£130 |
| Hit and Miss - (1.8m wide x 1.8m high) | m | £150–£220 |
| Hit and Miss - (1.8m wide x 1.2m high) | m | £140–£200 |
| Close Boarded (featheredge 1.8m high) | m | £110–£150 |
| Close Boarded (featheredge 1.2m high) | m | £80–£120 |
| Other types of fencing | ||
| Palisade - (Timber 1.8m high) | lin.m | £80–£120 |
| Palisade - (Timber 1.2m high) | lin.m | £70–£90 |
| Chain Link Fencing - (1.2m high) | lin.m | £40–£50 |
| Chain Link Fencing - (1.8m high) | lin.m | £50–£70 |
| Sundry costs | ||
| Take down and clear away fencing | £20–£30 | |
| Timber Post - 8ft | each | £50–£70 |
| Concrete Post - 8ft | each | £50–£80 |
| Timber Gravel Board - 6ft | each | £30–£50 |
| Concrete Gravel Board - 6ft | each | £50–£70 |
| Postcrete (cost of material only) | bag | £7–£10 |
| Single Timber gate (1.8m high) | each | £200–£300 |
| Single Timber gate (1.2m high) | each | £150–£220 |
| Metal fence repair | per repair | £50–£500 |
| Notes | ||
| Last updated: May 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||
On average, fence repair costs range from £60 - £180 per metre. These costs are for 1.8m (or 6ft) fence panels and include labour.
Fence repair costs vary depending on the type and size of the fence and the additional items needed to complete the work, such as posts and postcrete.
Fence repair cost per metre
As a guide, here's what you can expect to pay for fence repairs (including labour):
A standard lap/waney edge fence (1.8m x 1.8m) will cost between £100–£150 per metre
A hit-and-miss fence (1.8m x 1.8m) typically costs between £150–£220 per metre
Close board (featheredge) fencing (1.8m x 1.8m) costs between £110–£150 per metre
Fence repair cost per hour UK
The average hourly rate for a fencing contractor to repair a fence is around £30 per hour.
More complex repairs may incur higher fees - we explore this in more detail below.
Data verified by our professional estimators
Estimators are CIOB & RICS members
Get an accurate quote for the cost of your fence repairs
View fencing contractor profiles, read customer reviews, and contact them directly for quotes. Simply enter your postcode below to get started.
Find fence repair services in your area
What's included in a fence repair quote?
When you get a quote for your fencing repairs, you can usually expect it to include the costs of:
Labour
Supply of new parts, including panels or posts
Supply of materials, including nails or wood paint
Disposal of broken fence parts
Always get a written quote that states the scope of work, so you know exactly what's included before booking the job.
Repair costs by fence type
Different types of fences are more prone to suffering different kinds of damage.
Here are some common reasons for needing fence repairs, depending on the type of fence you have and how much you can expect to pay.
How much does wooden fence repair cost?
The cost of wooden fence repairs depends on the damage and the number of panels affected. Expect to pay around:
£110 per m for a 1.8m x 1.2m lap/waney edge fence
£170 per m for a 1.8m x 1.2m hit-and-miss fence
£100 per m for a 1.8m x 1.2m close board fence
£80 per linear metre for a 1.8m x 1.2m palisade (picket-style) fence
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.
How much does PVC fence repair cost?
As a guide, vinyl fence panels typically cost around £22.50 per square foot.
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.
How much does electric fence repair cost?
The cost of installing an electric fence is typically in the region of £780.
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.
How much does chain link fence repair cost?
The average chain-link fence repair cost is £50–£70 per linear metre (1.8m high).
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.
How much does metal fence repair cost?
Metal fence repair can cost anywhere between £50–£500, with the average cost being around £150.
Metal fences 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.
Looking for more details about fence ownership with your home? At Checkatrade, we have a range of guides to help with planning, through to style ideas and colour inspiration.
Fence repair prices per project
Whether due to the unpredictable weather, accidental damage from a vehicle or an overzealous ball game, or even vandalism, an experienced local fencing contractor can help with all types of fence panel repairs.
How much does fence post support repair cost?
Wooden fences are commonly made up of panels and posts.
However, the posts can become unstable due to rot or ground movement. Repairing them involves reinforcing or replacing the post and possibly the footing
Timber posts (8ft) tend to cost between £50–£70
Concrete posts (8ft) typically cost in the region of £50–£80
How much does fence panel replacement cost?
Some fences are so damaged that they need to be replaced.
This is common in wooden fences that are damaged by rot, extreme weather, or accidental impact.
Replacing wooden fencing usually costs between £60 - £180 per metre
Find a trusted fencing contractor near you
It's a good idea to get several quotes for fencing repairs or replacement to ensure you get a fair and competitive price for the job.
Find fence repair services in your area
Get an estimate for your fence repair
As you can see, the cost of fixing a fence can vary quite a bit. To get a better idea of how much your repair may cost, why not use Checkatrade's job estimate calculator?
Just jot down a few details, such as the type of fence and what needs fixing, and our tool will use Checkatrade pricing data to give you an estimated quote.
Job Estimate Calculator
Factors affecting the cost of fence repairs
Extent of damage
Small cracks or loose boards are cheaper to fix than widespread rot or damaged posts. The larger the repair area, the more materials and labour will be needed.
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, which will cost a lot more.
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.
Material costs
Wood is generally cheaper to source and replace than something like composite or metal. The need for special treatments such as rot-resistant timber or powder-coated steel can also raise the price.
Labour costs
The experience level of your fencing contractor is another factor to bear in mind. A specialist may have higher rates, but is likely to complete the job quicker and to an exceptional standard.
Accessibility
Some fences are in hard-to-reach areas, for example, in a tight alleyway or an overgrown part of the garden. If this is the case, the fence repair may take longer, which will be reflected in your quote.
Weather conditions
Most fencing contractors are extremely hardy when it comes to working in adverse weather, but do check if weather-based delays will impact the amount you are charged.
Urgency of repair
Emergency or out-of-hours fencing repairs will usually come with a premium charge. Therefore, where possible, check the condition of your fencing and book any necessary repairs before the problem worsens.
Regional differences
As with many home repairs, your location will play a part in the cost of your project due to the variance in regional labour rates and material costs. Fence repair in London or the South East tends to cost a little more.
Hidden costs to consider
We've outlined several of the more obvious costs that can affect the cost of fence repairs, but are there any hidden costs to be aware of?
Fence post removal and disposal
If a fence post needs to be dug out and removed, this adds to the time and labour involved. Disposal of old concrete or timber posts can also incur waste fees.
Waste removal
Damaged fence sections, old nails, and other debris often need to be cleared as part of fence repair work. Some contractors include waste removal costs in their quote, others don't, so be sure to check.
Fence painting and treatment
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.
Groundwork and root removal
Tree roots or uneven ground can add to the complexity of fence repairs. If this is the case with your project, ask whether any additional costs will be incurred for labour or equipment hire to clear and level the area.
Pest or rot damage
Fences that have been damaged by pests or rot may need more extensive repairs, and preventative treatment of the surrounding area to limit further spread.
Fencing cost calculator: Get an instant estimate for your project
Using our fencing cost calculator To get an estimated price for your new fencing, we need to know: The material of your chosen fence panels How many fence panels and posts you'll need The height of your fence panels - this will help us to estimate the cost of a professional tradesperson to install
Cost of hiring a fencing contractor vs DIY
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.
DIY repairs may seem cheaper, but without the right tools or experience, mistakes can cost more in the long run
Hiring a professional fencing company ensures a safe, quality, durable repair or replacement
Professional fencing contractors may also offer warranties, which offers further peace of mind upon completion of the job
Find and book a trusted local fencing contractor
Simply enter your postcode below to browse fencing contractors we've checked who work in your area.
Find fence repair services in your area
You can also Request A Quote to let local fencers get in touch with you, or download the Checkatrade mobile app to browse and contact tradespeople all in one place. Give it a go!
Fence repairs: Key takeaways
Rot, rust, insects, and the weather could all cause damage to your fences
Fence repair prices can vary depending on the type and extent of the damage, and the type of fence you have
A damaged fence can impact your garden privacy, as well as the safety of your home, pets, and children
Hiring a professional to repair your fence helps produce a quality, long-lasting result
FAQs
Repairing is often cheaper if the damage is fairly minor and localised. However, for older fences or those with widespread damage, replacement is generally more cost-effective in the long run.
The cost to replace your fence will depend on the type of fence you have and the extent of the damage. As a guide:
The repair cost of a traditional lap/waney edge fence (1.8m x 1.8m) will cost on average £100-£150
A (1.8m x 1.8m) close board (feather board) fence will cost around £110-£150
Fencing contractors will typically charge around £30 per hour to repair a 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.
The cost of a 6-foot (1.8m) fence will depend on several factors, including the material and style of the fence:
A standard lap/waney edge fence (1.8m x 1.8m) will cost between £100-£150 per m
A hit-and-miss fence (1.8m x 1.8m) typically costs between £150-£220 per m
Close board (featheredge) fencing (1.8m x 1.8m) costs between £110-£150 per m
A 6ft high palisade fence (picket-style) costs between £80-£120 per linear metre
Yes, taller fences need more material and are generally harder to access, increasing both material and labour costs.
Replacing or repairing an 8ft timber post could cost around £50-£70. If your timber fence post has rotted in parts, this will compromise your whole fence.
Concrete fence posts cost around £50-£80 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.
Spring and summer are ideal, with better weather conditions and easier ground access. Winter repairs may be slower or cost more due to challenging conditions.
Therefore, if you notice signs of damage, book your fence repairs before winter. This way, you'll avoid the rush and ensure your fencing is in top condition to withstand the harsher weather ahead.
More Fencing Repair / Replacement Articles
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job