Fence panel installation: Cost breakdown 2025

Whether your fence has blown down or you’re looking to give your garden a makeover, you’ll want to know how much to budget for a new fence.

In this guide, we reveal the average cost of installing fence panels.

How much does fence installation cost in 2025?

When installing a new fence, you’ll need to factor in:

• The labour cost to install fence panels: average £1,450 (4 ft) - £1,850 (6ft)
• The cost of fencing panels/materials: average £45 per panel
• The cost of other materials such as fence posts: average £25.50 per post

That said, there are many different types of fence panels – ranging from lap fence boards to weaved fence boards. The cost of fencing varies widely depending on which type you’re using.

View fencing company profiles, read reviews, and contact them directly.

Factors affecting fence installation costs

The cost to install fence panels isn’t something that can be easily estimated as there are so many things that can impact your price. Here are some of the most important factors to bear in mind when planning for new fencing.

Number of panels needed

The size of your garden – and therefore the length of fence you need – will determine the number of fence panels you require. Most panels are six feet wide. So, once you’ve measured the space where your new fencing will stand, it should be relatively easy to calculate how many panels you need.

Height of the new fence

Usually, fence panels are between 4 feet and 6 feet in height. However, there are other options if you want a higher or lower fence. As a general rule, the higher the fence, the higher the cost of fencing will be.

For example, a 36-foot-long fence with 4-foot-high panels costs on average £1,450.  Meanwhile, the same fence with 6-foot-high panels costs on average £1,850.

Quality of the new fence

Even when looking at the same fence type, you’ll find that not every supplier provides the same quality materials.

The better the quality of the materials you choose, the higher your overall fence panel installation cost will usually be. However, this isn’t an area you should skimp on. Always check the quality of your new fence to be sure of its durability and longevity.

Type of fence

One of the biggest factors affecting your fence installation costs is the material and style of your fence. For example, a simple post and rail wooden fence will be much cheaper than a custom-designed metal fence.

We’ll cover the different types of fencing in more detail later.

Finish required

If you have basic DIY skills, you may be able to reduce your fencing costs by treating or painting a wooden fence yourself. But if you’re looking for a professional finish, you’ll need to budget for a professional to complete the work for you.

Location of fence

If your fence is located in an area that is difficult to reach, or the surface you’re building your fence on is uneven, this will increase the fence installation cost.

Start your search for a local fence installer today.

Understanding fence panel materials

Choosing a fence material isn’t always an easy task. As well as the cost of your chosen fencing, you’ll need to consider the aesthetics and function – such as durability and security. To help you decide, we’ve compiled some common fence panel materials, with a brief description of each.

Wooden fencing

These are probably the most common types of fence and with good reason. Wooden fences are usually cost-effective, can be easily painted, and come in a huge variety of styles such as featherboard or slatted. Unfortunately, they are not particularly durable. They need to be regularly treated to protect against the elements and are not designed to last forever.

Metal fencing

Other than wrought iron fences, metal fences are less commonly used in residential areas. Instead, they’re more likely to be found surrounding business or industrial sites. They are more expensive than their wooden counterparts and fence panel installation is more complex. On the plus side, they are extremely durable, very strong and designed to last.

Concrete fencing

Lots of fences use concrete fence posts and baseboards. But did you know you can also get concrete fence panels? Concrete fence panels are strong, stable and maintenance-free, while being a lot cheaper than a brick wall. Plus, they’re sound-proof and can last a lifetime – making them a cost-effective way to add privacy to your garden

Plastic fencing

Not a common material choice,PVC fences are almost impossible to paint, can be easily stained and aren’t especially durable. Despite this, they are much easier to maintain than wooden fences (that need yearly treatments) and are usually not difficult to work with.

Composite fencing

Composite fences look and feel very similar to wood, but they don’t need to be maintained in the same way as timber fencing. So, they can be a great choice from both an aesthetic and practical point of view. Plus, they’re environmentally friendly, as they’re often made from recycled materials.

However, they do come with a higher price tag.

Different types of fence panels

As well as your fencing material, you’ll need to choose what style of fence you’d like to go for. There are lots of different types of fence panels to choose from, all offering different benefits and aesthetics for your garden. Here are some of the most popular fencing types in the UK.

Palisade fencing

Palisade fencing, also known as picket fencing, consists of vertical pales attached to horizontal rails. In domestic settings, it’s usually made from wood and offers a traditional look.

However, it can also be made of vertical steel bars. This kind of palisade fencing works perfectly as a security fence, as it offers no support for intruders to climb up. Palisade security fencing typically costs £30.50 per metre.

Feather edge fencing

Feather edge fencing – also known as feather board or close board fencing – is extremely popular due to its versatility and simplicity. The close board fencing cost per panel is on average £50. As standard fence panels are 6 feet or 1.82 metres wide, this means an approximate cost per metre of £45.

If you like the style but want a less maintenance-heavy material, composite fencing often offers a similar look. For composite fencing in a close board style, you’re looking at around £120 per panel.

Post and rail fencing

Post and rail fencing is commonly used in fields and countryside settings. It is inexpensive and doesn’t obstruct views although it is by no means durable.

On average, post and rail fencing costs £4 per foot, plus any labour costs if using a professional.

Hit and miss fencing

Hit and miss fencing usually consists of vertical battens with wooden boards fixed alternately to either side of the panel. In this way, it creates an intricate pattern and textured look, which can make a garden feel more open and still allow some air and light to flow through.

You can also find some hit and miss fencing with the wooden boards installed vertically. This is sometimes known as double-sided palisade fencing. As a rough guide, you’re looking at between £50 and £100 per panel for hit and miss fencing.

Trellis fencing

Also known as lattice fencing, this can be an eye-catching feature. With the option to grow plants up it, trellis fencing offers a degree of privacy without blocking your views or light. Plus, it’s available in a wide range of sizes and styles. If you’d prefer a little more privacy, you can even find solid fence panels that have a latticed section at the top.

For basic trellis panels, expect to pay around £15 to £20 per panel.

Slatted fencing

Slatted fence panels consist of horizontal wooden slats spaced out so that there are gaps between them. In this way, you get some privacy, but you also won’t block light and air from entering your garden. Depending on how much privacy you want, you can choose slatted fence panels with wider or narrower slats.

Lap panel fencing

Lap panel fencing, also referred to as overlap fencing, is made up of horizontal panels that slightly overlap each other. This traditional fencing style is very common in gardens around the UK, providing both privacy and security for a reasonable price.

Hidden costs to consider

In some cases, the cost of fencing may include more than just the installation of the fence. Some extra costs to keep an eye out for include…

Project complexity

More complex projects will typically take longer, which will push up your labour costs. In particular, fence building on sloped ground can be more complicated and time-consuming than if your garden is perfectly flat. Similarly, if the work site is difficult to reach, this can make the project trickier.

Fence panel height

The prices in this guide assume that your fence panels are between 4 feet and 6 feet in height. However, if you apply for planning permission, you may be able to install a fence that’s taller than 2m. In this case, you’ll need to factor in the cost of planning. Plus, your fence panels will generally cost more.

Removing your old fence

Replacing a fence rather than installing one from scratch? In this case, your labour costs are likely to be higher, as your fencing installer will need to factor in the cost of removing your old fence first.

Unless waste removal is a part of the service offered by your professional fence installer, you may also have to pay for a skip, or for a waste removal company to collect the waste generated.

Preparing the garden

If your new fence is part of a new look for your garden, you may need to fork out on  garden landscaping or maintenance on top. Consider also what currently sits in the place where your new fence will go.

For instance, if there’s currently a hedge there, removing this will be an essential part of the job, which will come at an extra cost.

Fence panel paint and finish

You may want to paint a wooden fence to match the colour of your exterior walls, shed, or simply to protect it. Experts tend to recommend painting or treating wooden fences every two to three years. As a rough guide, professional fence painting could cost you around £170 - £270 each time.

Garden gate installation

Unless you’re enclosing an area, you’ll need a garden gate installed with your fence. Having one can be great for both security and ease of access.

Garden fence maintenance

Properly maintaining your garden fence is key to increasing its longevity. How much maintenance your fence needs will depend on the material. For example, a plastic fence may need nothing more than a wipe-down. A wooden fence, on the other hand, needs regular painting or staining to protect it from the elements.

Repairing your fence swiftly when you spot signs of damage will also help to keep it in good condition.

Fence repair costs

Fence repair costs vary depending on the type, extent and location of the damage. Here are a few common fence repairs you may face, together with typical costs.

Arris rail repair cost

Arris rails are the horizontal strips on your fence panel that hold the vertical slats in place. If these are broken, you’d need to spend around £2 for the rail bracket, plus around £7 - £15 in labour costs.

Replacement fence post

Timber fence posts are sturdy but they are susceptible to weather damage. If your post has rotted in parts, it compromises your entire fence. To replace it, you may have to spend around £150.

Replacement fence panels

The average cost of replacing fence panels will depend on the size, material and style of the panels you have in your garden.

Here are the typical prices you can expect to pay, depending on the materials.

• 4ft garden fence panel – £15 - £100
• 5ft garden fence panel – £20 - £120
• 6ft garden fence panel – £20 - £140

Weave timber picket and traditional/lap/waney edge fence panels are generally the cheapest options.

The most expensive garden fence panels to replace are solid metal and Venetian/slatted fence panels.

Fence installer day rates in the UK

Average fence installer rates in the UK are around per day or per hour. That said, you’ll usually be quoted a set price that takes into account the price of the panels themselves, plus extra materials and labour. The average fencing labour price to install fence panels is £1,600 (4ft) - £2,200 (6ft). 

Just bear in mind that labour rates tend to vary up and down the country.

Cost of hiring a fence installer vs DIY

If you have strong DIY skills, you could consider reducing your fencing costs by installing your fence yourself.

• DIY costs = the price of fence panels (approx £45 per panel) + the price of fence posts (approx £25.50 per post)
• Hiring a fencing installer = the price of fence panels (approx £45 per panel) + the price of fence posts (approx £25.50 per post) + the cost of labour (average £1,450 (4 ft) - £1,850 (6ft))

With that in mind, tackling the job on a DIY basis could save you around £1,450 (4 ft) - £1,850 (6ft). However, this is only something you should consider if you’re confident you’ll be able to install your fence to a high standard. Here are some other considerations:

• Risk to yourself
• Difficulty
• Equipment
• Finish quality

DIY also only something that should be attempted with very simple, lightweight fencing that doesn’t need to be dug into the ground and is properly anchored against the elements.

DIY discounts and protections

As a DIY-er, you won’t have the benefit of trade discounts on fencing materials. You also won’t be protected by public liability insurance – or any warranties or guarantees. On the other hand, when you find and book a trade through us, we’ll guarantee their work for up to £1,000*. *12 months guarantee – Eligibility and T&Cs apply.

To find reputable local fencing companies near you who can give you a personalised cost to install a fence, use our free search feature.

Fence installation cost calculator

Try out our free fence price calculator and get an instant estimate for your fencing!

Find local fence companies

Finding a local fencing company you can trust is easy with Checkatrade.

All our tradespeople have to pass up to 12 checks and regularly receive reviews from homeowners on everything from punctuality to professionalism.

In fact, we even check all the reviews our trades receive to make sure they’re genuine.

In this way, you can be sure that you and your fencing project are in safe hands.

To get started on finding a reliable fencing contractor near you, type your postcode into the search box below.

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

FAQs

Are fences shared between neighbours?

While technically fences are not shared property, you may be sharing one with your neighbour if you live in a terraced or semi-detached house.

In such a case, it’s always a good idea to check with your neighbours before you make any changes to it. You may also want to check if they’d be willing to share the cost of the fence with you.

Read our guide to fence ownership and responsibilities to learn more.

How high can I have my fence?

You can have fences as high as 2m if you are not applying for planning permission. You’d need permission for fences that are higher. Also, if your property is next to a road, it may need to be lower than 1m. We recommend checking with your local council to be sure.

How deep should the fence posts be buried?

During fence post installation, your fence posts should nearly always be buried to a depth of 600mm. This applies no matter what the height – unless the fence is higher than 2.14m. However, the hole you dig for the post needs to be three times the fence post’s width.

Why install a new fence?

Installing a new fence can have a huge impact on the appearance of any outside space. Here are a few reasons why it could be time to consider installing a new fence.

• Make your garden more private from neighbours
• Increase security by making it harder for burglars to gain access to your property
• Create separate zones and areas outside your home
• Create a fresh new look for summer
• Replace an older, broken fence

No matter the reason, installing a fence can completely change your garden style and function, giving you a space to be proud of.