Fence Installation Cost
Whether it is to improve the look of your garden, keep out nosy neighbours or act as a deterrent to burglars there are many reasons to install a new fence. Whatever the reason, a fence can completely transform the look and function of your garden, making it a place you will be proud to show off.
The great thing about installing a new fence is that once they’re in they can last till you are ready to sell and can also increase the value of your home. To find out how much it will cost to install a new fence, alongside the different types of fencing and additional costs, continue reading below.
How much does it cost to install a new fence?
How much a new fence will cost is dependent on three factors: the size of the fence, the height of the fence and the material you choose. However, most fences typically cost between £1500 to £2000, excluding materials.
Comparing different fencing materials, the average total costs for a 362 ft fence installation are:
|
TYPE OF FENCING PANEL
|
4FT (HEIGHT) AVG TOTAL COST |
6FT (HEIGHT) AVG TOTAL COST |
|
Picket Fencing |
£450 to £800 |
£550 to £1000 |
|
Lap Panel Fencing |
£450 to £800 |
£600 to £1000 |
|
Weave Fencing |
£450 to £800 |
£600 to £1200 |
|
Close board Fencing |
£500 to £900 |
£650 to £1200 |
|
Slatted Fencing |
£600 to £1000 |
£800 to £1500 |
|
Lattice Fencing |
£650 to £1000 |
£900 to £1500 |
Supply Costs
There are a wide range of fencing materials available on the market today with prices differing due to material, size, and quality. Most fencing panels can be purchased for as low as £30 for lap or picket fence panels. If you are looking for a more luxurious, higher quality fencing panel then this can cost up to £300 for the panels alone. Below is a breakdown of the average costs for the most popular fencing panel choices for both 4ft and 6ft high fences. The average costs are:
|
FENCING MATERIALS
|
4FT (HEIGHT) AVG COST PER PANEL |
6FT (HEIGHT) AVG COST PER PANEL |
|
Weave |
£15 - £25 |
£25 - £35 |
|
Lap panel |
£30 - £40 |
£35 - £45 |
|
Picket |
£25 - £35 |
£30 - £40 |
|
Close board |
£50 - £60 |
£55 - £70 |
|
Lattice |
£50 - £80 |
£90 - £110 |
|
Slatted |
£60 - £90 |
£90 - £130 |
Labour costs and Timescales
The cost of installing new fencing will also be determined by how long it takes to install. Palisade or picket fences are easier to install than closeboard or trellis fencing as closeboard, for example, must be professionally installed to make sure that it is tightly and evenly fitted. Most 36-foot fencing with either concrete or timber posts should take around a day to install, in comparison to a 200-foot fence which can take between 2 to 3 days to install.
You should expect to pay, on average, between £300 to £400 per day in labour costs to install and 36-foot fence and between £700 and £1200 to install a 200-foot fence. It is best to check with the fence installer you hire how they price their jobs as if they charge per hour, then you will be expected to pay between £7 to £15 in labour costs.
Additional Costs
Sometimes, there can be extra costs that can be added during the job when installing a new fence. Additional fencing costs can include:
- Fence Painting: If you are looking to match the colour of your fence to your home or shed, then you may want to paint or stain a fence.
- Waste Removal: Installing a new fence produces a lot of waste that will need to be removed. Sometimes waste removal costs are included however if not, then you will have to hire a waste removal company to dispose of the waste.
- Garden Maintenance: To match a brand-new fence, you also might want to spruce up the look of your garden. This will cost extra to hire a gardener for any landscaping or garden maintenance needs.
- Garden Gate: Unless the fence is installed to border an area, most will require a gate. This may cost extra however it is best to check with the fencing specialist you hire to see if it is included or how much it will cost.
Types of Fencing
It can be difficult to choose the right fence panels as there are so many choices available on the market. Below is a breakdown of the different fencing panels available alongside the costs and advantages and disadvantages of each.
Closeboard Fencing
One of the most popular types of fencing panels are closeboard panels which are made using vertical feather edge panes that are fixed with horizontal boards. Primarily used as fencing for security or to border a certain area as they do not let any light through, this fencing costs between £30 to £60 per panel.
Although closeboard fencing is attractive, durable and is easy to stain, they need to be maintained regularly to prevent any rotting and cracking, which if left, could leave you paying out for a new fence. Closeboard fencing is also a heavy and quite difficult to install so it is best left to the professionals to install.
Lap Panel Fencing
One of the cheaper options of fencing is lap panel fencing and they can cost between £20 to £30 per panel. Lap panel fencing features horizontal boards which have overlapping vertical posts for privacy and security. To help a lap panel fence last longer, gravel boards, concrete or timber are generally used as support.
Advantages of lap panel fencing includes they are an inexpensive option, good for privacy and act as a good deterrent for intruders, and they are perfect for homes with pets. Like closeboard fencing, lap panel fencing need to be maintained as they can be susceptible to damage is maintenance is neglected.
Picket Fencing
Mainly used to border flowers or gardens, picket fencing, like lap panel fencing, is one of the cheaper options for fencing. Picket fencing is generally made up of vertical boards which are evenly spaced to allow plenty of light and plants to be seen and grow through.
Alongside their cheap price at around £20 to £30 per panel, picket fencing panels are also available in many sizes and varieties. They are also easy to install and customise if you are looking to paint your fence to match your garden’s aesthetic. Although they are easy to maintain, picket fencing can be prone to rot and termite issues so they will need to be maintained often. Also, picket fencing can warp over time due to moisture which can damage the fence.
Slatted Fencing
Although slatted fence panels and closeboard fencing are very similar, slatted fencing are fixed horizontally and have larger gaps in between panels than closeboard fencing. This type of fencing is one of the more expensive fencing panels as they range from £50 up to £120 per panel.
Due to the high cost, slatted fencing is a more durable and long-lasting fencing option and can be customised often to match the look of your garden. The downsides to slatted fencing are the gaps in slatted panels limit the amount of privacy you have, and the large amount of material makes maintenance more difficult than other fence types.
Weaved Fencing
If you are looking for a more aesthetically pleasing choice of fencing, then weaved fencing is the option to choose. Weaved fencing is traditionally made from hazel, birchwood and willow and like its name suggests, features a woven design. The cost per panel of weaved fencing can cost anywhere between £15 to £35.
Its aesthetically pleasing look stems from its natural and organic look which can add a feature to any garden. It is also easily used to hide any unattractive parts of your garden and can be covered easily by flowers and plants. The main disadvantage of weaved fencing is that is requires a lot of maintenance and can be less durable than solid panel fencing options. Also, although it is quite a durable material, it can become brittle or crack over time.
Lattice Fencing
Generally made from either wood, metal or vinyl, lattice fencing is connected to make a small square or diamond shape. At £40 to £100 per panel, lattice fencing is one of the pricier options however the cost will depend on the design and option you choose.
Due to their holes, lattice fence panels are not the best option if you are looking for privacy. They are also mainly used for decoration, so they are not as long lasting as other materials.
Can I install a fence myself?
Most fence installations are quite simple and straightforward to install, so if you are confident in your DIY abilities then it is possible to install a fence yourself. For fencing that needs to be fitted into the ground to withstand extreme weather conditions, it is best to hire a professional.
If you are looking to install a fence yourself then there are things, you must take into consideration beforehand.
- Safety: Firstly, your safety must be at the forefront, so it is best, if the panels are heavy, to have some assistance to reduce any risk to yourself.
- Finished Product: Sometimes a DIY job is noticeable for all the wrong reasons. This can be seen in the finished product. For a professional finish it may be best to hire a professional fencing specialist.
- Quality: If you hire a professional it is likely that your fence will be installed to the highest quality. This means that you will be reassured that your fence will be able to withstand extreme weather conditions. A fence installed by a professional is also more likely to last longer than a DIY installation.
At any point, if you are unsure on how to properly install a fence on your property, then it is best to hire a professional who will be able to get the job done to the high standard you are looking for as well as relieving you of any stress or worry you may have!
