Planning a new fence in 2025? This guide breaks down typical UK installation prices, real-world examples, and smart ways to save without cutting corners. We’ll show you how installers actually price a job, what drives the cost up or down, and how to scope a clean, durable spec using dependable components from East Coast Fencing—from fence panels and posts to gravel boards, capping and fixings. All prices below are indicative planning figures, based on common UK scenarios and mid-market day rates in 2025; always confirm with local quotes.
How fencing is priced in the UK (2025)
Installers tend to price one of three ways: per metre, per bay (one post-to-post section), or as a fixed price for the entire run after a site visit. The final figure usually blends materials + labour + waste removal + any extras (gates, tricky access, hedges to clear, steep slopes, etc.).
- Materials: panels or boards, wooden posts or concrete posts, gravel boards, concrete/cement, panel capping, ironmongery and exterior screws.
- Labour: often a 2-person crew. Day rates vary with region, demand and complexity.
- Waste & making good: removing old posts/panels, disposing of spoil, reinstating borders, paths or lawns.
- Extras: gates, fence topper trellis, custom cuts, awkward access, roots/rocks, retaining detail, wildlife-friendly features, etc.
Typical 2025 installed price ranges (quick snapshot)
| Specification | Typical Installed Price (per metre) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Closeboard panels with concrete posts + concrete gravel boards | £120–£180 | Classic privacy + long life; see closeboard |
| Horizontal double slatted panels (modern privacy) | £150–£220 | Stylish + private; see double slatted |
| Horizontal hit & miss panels (wind-friendly) | £130–£190 | Airflow reduces wind load; see hit & miss |
| Low picket front garden run | £70–£120 | Neighbourly height; see picket panels |
| Repair: replace a failed post (inc. concrete) | £120–£180 per post | Depends on access, base type, panel removal/refit |
Important: The above are planning figures for typical suburban conditions. Small jobs, hard access, steep slopes, tree roots or heavy demolition can push prices higher; longer straight runs in easy ground can bring them down.
What changes the price (and how to plan around it)
- Ground conditions: rubble, roots and services make holes slower and deeper—budget extra labour and concrete (see cement products).
- Wind exposure & height: taller fences and storm-hit sites favour concrete posts and concrete gravel boards, or wind-savvy hit & miss panels.
- Access & logistics: rear gardens with no side access can mean manual carrying and cutting down materials—adds time.
- Waste removal: old concrete footings, ivy, hedges and rotted timber increase disposal costs and duration.
- Spec choices: heavy-duty panels, taller gravel boards, capping, topper trellis and gates add to material and install time.
Bill of quantities per bay (standard 1.83m / 6ft layout)
Use this to sense-check your materials list. One “bay” is a post-to-post section, typically 1.83m (6ft) wide.
| Item (typical bay) | Quantity | Quick Link |
|---|---|---|
| Fence panel (e.g., closeboard / slatted / hit & miss) | 1 | Fence panels |
| Gravel board (timber or concrete) | 1 | Gravel boards |
| Intermediate post (shared with next bay) | ~1, but shared (allow 0.5 per bay + 1 for ends over run) | Concrete posts Wooden posts |
| Cement / post mix (bags per post) | Typically 2 bags per hole (check soil and post size) | Cement products |
| Panel capping (optional but recommended) | 1 length per bay | Panel capping |
Real-world example quotes (worked scenarios)
These examples use mid-market 2025 assumptions and realistic quantities. Your site and region may differ—use them to understand what drives the number you’ll see on a written quote.
Example 1: 6 bays (~11m) of 6ft privacy fencing, closeboard panels
- Spec: 6 × 6×6ft closeboard panels, 7 × 9ft concrete posts, 6 × 12" concrete gravel boards, 6 × 1.83m capping, cement, security brackets, exterior screws.
- Assumed unit costs (for planning): panel £65; 9ft post £45; 12" board £30; capping £5; cement £6/bag (2 per hole); brackets £2 each.
| Materials | Qty | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Closeboard panels (6×) | 6 | £390 |
| 9ft concrete posts (7×) | 7 | £315 |
| 12" concrete gravel boards (6×) | 6 | £180 |
| Panel capping (6×) | 6 | £30 |
| Cement (~14 bags) | 14 | £84 |
| Security brackets + misc fixings | — | £44 |
| Materials subtotal | — | £1,043 |
| Labour (2 installers × 1 day) | — | £500 |
| Estimated total | ~11.0m | £1,543 (~£140/m) |
Example 2: 8 bays (~14.64m) contemporary double-slatted privacy
- Spec: 8 × 6×6ft double slatted panels, 9 × 9ft concrete posts, 8 × 6" concrete gravel boards, capping, cement, brackets.
- Assumed unit costs (for planning): double-slatted panel £120; 9ft post £45; 6" board £20; capping £5; cement £6/bag; brackets £2.
| Materials | Qty | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Double-slatted panels (8×) | 8 | £960 |
| 9ft concrete posts (9×) | 9 | £405 |
| 6" concrete gravel boards (8×) | 8 | £160 |
| Capping (8×) + fixings | — | £70 |
| Cement (~18 bags) | 18 | £108 |
| Materials subtotal | — | £1,735 |
| Labour (2 installers × 2 days) | — | £1,000 |
| Estimated total | ~14.64m | £2,735 (~£187/m) |
Example 3: Storm repair—replace 3 failed posts and refit panels
- Spec: 3 × 9ft concrete posts, 3 × 6" gravel boards, cement, refit existing panels, tidy line.
- Estimated cost: materials ~£260; labour (2 installers, 1 day) ~£500; total ~£760.
Example 4: Low front run—~8m picket boundary with timber posts
- Spec: 5 × picket panels (category: picket fence panels), 6 × 1.8m 75×75mm timber posts, cement, fixings.
- Estimated cost: materials ~£430; labour (2 installers, 1 day) ~£500; total ~£930 (~£100/m over ~9.15m installed).
Example 5: Add topper trellis to 10 existing bays
- Spec: 10 × topper pieces from fence topper trellis, 10 × capping lengths, exterior screws.
- Estimated cost: materials ~£310; labour (half-day team) ~£300; total ~£610.
DIY vs professional installation: where the money goes
Going DIY can save on labour, but the right kit still matters. We recommend speccing components for long-term performance and a tidy finish—especially in exposed locations.
| Approach | Pros | Cons | Recommended Components |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY (confident) | Save labour; choose exactly the spec you want | Hard digging; accuracy crucial for a straight line | concrete posts + concrete gravel boards, exterior screws, cement |
| Professional install | Fast; neat; warranty; waste handled | Labour cost | Any panel style: closeboard, single slatted, double slatted, hit & miss |
Choosing materials (and why it affects cost/longevity)
- Posts: For lowest maintenance and storm resilience, use concrete posts (e.g., 6ft, 7ft, 8ft, 9ft). Prefer timber? Pick substantial, pressure-treated wooden fence posts and set them well.
- Gravel boards: Protect panel bottoms and keep timber out of splash zones—choose concrete gravel boards (including hedgehog-hole options) or wooden gravel boards.
- Panels: For classic privacy, see 6×6ft closeboard or ultra heavy-duty closeboard. For a modern vibe, explore single slatted, double slatted and airflow-friendly hit & miss.
- Finishing touches: Add panel capping for a crisp top line; use security brackets on slotted posts in exposed areas.
- Fixings: Exterior-grade screws cut down on staining and call-backs—stock trade tubs like 5.0×50mm, 5.0×75mm and 5.0×100mm. For sleepers or heavy stitching, see 150mm screws.
How many bays and posts do I need? (fast planning)
Divide your total run length by 1.83m (6ft) to estimate the number of bays. Round up to cover the line. You’ll usually have one more post than the number of bays.
| Run Length (approx) | Bays (1.83m) | Posts (end + intermediates) | Gravel Boards | Panels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~5.5m | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| ~9.2m | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| ~14.7m | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| ~18.3m | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
Ways to save (without sacrificing the finish)
- Protect timber at the base: include gravel boards—they dramatically lengthen panel life, meaning fewer replacements over time.
- Choose wind-savvy panels: in breezy corridors, hit & miss or single slatted reduce storm damage risk and call-backs.
- Standardise heights and bay widths: fewer bespoke cuts = quicker install.
- Keep access clear: move cars, pots and garden items; plan a straight material carry route from kerb to dig line.
- Dispose smartly: if you can recycle green waste or old panels locally, you may trim disposal charges.
Hidden costs to anticipate
- Demolition & disposal: old concrete footings can be substantial; confirm who’s lifting and removing what.
- Level changes: stepping the fence on slopes adds time and extra posts or boards.
- Front vs back: front boundaries are often quicker; rear gardens can be slower and pricier due to access.
- Permissions: front garden height limits near highways are tighter; if unsure, check with your local authority before ordering.
Gates, add-ons and upgrades (with ballpark costs)
- Garden gates: allow extra for a quality leaf and furniture—see garden gates plus matching gate posts and gate furniture. A straightforward install is commonly priced as a half-day add-on.
- Topper trellis: cost-effective way to gain privacy without making a run feel heavy—browse fence topper trellis and full-height trellis panels.
- Wildlife features: choose hedgehog-hole gravel boards where appropriate—minimal cost, big biodiversity win.
- Hardstanding installs: where digging is a no-go, use bolt-downs such as 100mm or 75mm post supports.
Specification checklist (so your quotes are comparable)
Copy/paste this into your enquiry email to installers and tick the boxes that match your project:
- Length (m) and desired height (m)
- Panel style: closeboard / single slatted / double slatted / hit & miss / decorative
- Posts: concrete or timber
- Gravel boards: concrete or timber; height 6" or 12"
- Finishing: panel capping yes/no
- Gate(s) required: size, style, handedness; link to garden gates
- Obstacles: trees/roots, hardstanding, old concrete, sheds or services
- Waste: who disposes of old materials and spoil?
- Access: side access width; parking restrictions
- Timing: any deadlines; weekday access constraints
Costed component examples (popular 6×6ft options)
These links help you specify the exact parts your installer will recognise:
- 6×6ft closeboard panel (brown) and 6×6ft closeboard panel (green)
- 6×6ft ultra heavy-duty closeboard (brown) and ultra heavy-duty (green)
- 6×6ft single slatted panel • 6×6ft framed double slatted panel
- 6×6ft horizontal hit & miss panel
- 12" smooth concrete gravel board • 6" smooth concrete gravel board • 12" board with hedgehog hole
- 9ft concrete intermediate post • 8ft • 7ft • 6ft
- 1.83m fence capping (brown) • capping (green)
- Fence panel security bracket
- 100mm bolt-down post support • 75mm bolt-down post support
- 5.0×50mm wood screws • 5.0×75mm • 5.0×100mm • 150mm flush-head
Front garden costs vs back garden costs
Front boundaries can be simpler (short runs, easier access, less demolition), which helps costs. Back gardens often involve moving materials through the house or a tight side passage. For frontages, check height rules near highways; if tall privacy isn’t permitted, keep the front friendly with picket or low trellis panels, then create a private inner “room” deeper in the garden with closeboard or double slatted panels.
Is it cheaper to repair than replace?
If the panels are sound but posts have failed, a post-only repair is cost-effective. Swap to concrete posts and add gravel boards to prolong panel life. If panels are tired and warped, full replacement often gives a straighter line, stronger structure and lower maintenance for the next decade.
Installation steps that keep labour efficient (and quotes keener)
- Mark a true line: strings and levels save time, especially over slopes.
- Post holes first: correct spacing for 1.83m bays sets the rhythm and avoids panel cutting.
- Set posts solidly: correct depth and enough cement mean fewer revisits.
- Set gravel boards level: this creates a clean datum for panels and capping.
- Finish neatly: consistent top line and tidy fixings are what you notice every day.
2025 style choices (and price implications)
- Closeboard: best value for dense privacy; easy to pair with concrete posts and boards. Try 6×6ft closeboard or step up to ultra heavy-duty in exposed sites.
- Slatted: seeing lots of love in 2025. For maximum privacy with airflow, pick double slatted. For a breezier look, single slatted suits smaller gardens and reduces wind load.
- Hit & miss: a sweet spot for windy plots where you still want screening—see horizontal hit & miss.
- Decorative / trellis: use thoughtful accent bays to frame seating, pergolas or gates—omega lattice, diamond trellis, traditional trellis.
Sample day-rate planning (for expectations)
Two skilled installers with a van typically price per day for standard replacement work. For planning, allow a mid-market figure for a two-person team. Larger crews, specialist equipment or complex works (retaining, terracing, tree root management) will be higher; very simple, short runs may be lower.
VAT, guarantees and paperwork
- VAT: check whether quotes are inclusive; a 20% swing surprises many budgets.
- Guarantees: ask what’s covered (materials vs workmanship) and for how long.
- Utilities & consent: confirm underground services; if sharing a boundary, keep neighbours informed and agree finish/facing.
- Front garden rules: near highways, tall front fences usually need permission—consider low picket or trellis out front, with a private inner screen.
Finishing touches that make a big visual difference
- Panel capping: a small spend that sharpens the silhouette and sheds water—see capping.
- Consistent gravel boards: keep the base line level and panels out of splashback—mix timber boards with concrete boards strategically if you want a warmer look near seating.
- Matching gate set: choose a gate that mirrors your panels; explore garden gates and gate posts.
- Green the boundary: focus climbing plants onto trellis panels so the fence itself can breathe and last.
Example shopping lists (copy for your order)
| Scenario | Key Items | Links |
|---|---|---|
| 6ft privacy replacement (closeboard) | Panels, concrete posts, 12" concrete boards, cement, capping, brackets | panel post board cement capping bracket |
| Modern slatted look | Double slatted panels, concrete posts, 6" boards, capping, fixings | panel post board capping fixings |
| Wind-wise boundary | Hit & miss panels, concrete posts/boards, hedgehog option, fixings | panel post board fixings |
| Front garden facelift | Picket panels/gate, timber posts, cement | picket picket gate posts cement |
FAQ: 2025 fencing costs
What’s the cheapest way to get 6ft privacy?
A straight run of closeboard panels between concrete posts on concrete gravel boards remains the value winner for longevity vs spend.
Is slatted fencing more expensive?
Usually, yes—especially premium framed double-slatted panels—but it delivers a contemporary look with airflow. Expect a higher per-metre price than classic closeboard.
How do I stop rot and splashback damage?
Lift timber off the ground with gravel boards and finish with panel capping. These details add years.
Can I mix timber and concrete?
Yes—common and sensible. Timber panels give warmth; concrete posts and concrete boards add strength and low maintenance.
How long will installation take?
As a planning guide, a two-person crew may replace 5–8 bays in a day on straightforward ground. Add time for demolition, difficult digging and custom gate work.
Your next steps (and how we can help)
- Measure your run and decide the look: closeboard, slatted, hit & miss or decorative.
- Pick your post system and base: concrete posts with concrete boards for maximum durability, or timber posts for a warmer appearance.
- Add longevity details: capping, security brackets, wildlife-friendly hedgehog board.
- Send your spec to a few local installers and ask for like-for-like quotes. Use our links so everyone prices the same parts.
- Order everything in one drop from East Coast Fencing to keep the job moving—panels, posts, boards, capping, fixings, and more.
Why homeowners trust East Coast Fencing
We’ve supplied 200,000+ panels with a 4.9/5 service rating and over 15,000 positive reviews. From robust closeboard to on-trend double slatted, low-maintenance concrete posts to wildlife-friendly gravel boards, our components are built for British weather and designed to fit together on site. Ready to cost your project with confidence? Start with the ranges linked above, pick your style and spec, and you’ll be set for a boundary that looks sharp in 2025—and stays that way for years.