Fencing is one of the most popular jobs for landscapers and general builders. It's also one of the easiest to price wrong — especially when you're dealing with slopes, old concrete posts, or restricted access. Here's how to quote for fencing work accurately in 2026.
Fencing Prices per Metre — UK 2026
Prices include supply and installation with concrete posts and gravel boards:
| Fence Type | Cost per Metre (Supply & Fit) | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Lap panel (6ft) | £40-£65 | 10-15 years |
| Closeboard (6ft) | £65-£100 | 20-25 years |
| Hit & miss (6ft) | £70-£110 | 20-25 years |
| Picket (3-4ft) | £50-£80 | 15-20 years |
| Post & rail (3 rail) | £30-£50 | 15-20 years |
| Composite (6ft) | £120-£200 | 25-30 years |
| Metal railings | £100-£200 | 30+ years |
Common Fencing Job Prices
| Job | Price Range | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Replace single fence panel | £80-£150 | 30-60 mins |
| Repair/replace fence post | £100-£180 | 1-2 hours |
| New garden fence — panels (10m) | £500-£750 | 1 day |
| New garden fence — closeboard (10m) | £750-£1,100 | 1-1.5 days |
| Full garden fence (20m panels) | £1,000-£1,500 | 1.5-2 days |
| Full garden fence (20m closeboard) | £1,500-£2,200 | 2-3 days |
| Wooden gate (single) | £200-£400 | 2-3 hours |
| Double driveway gates (timber) | £600-£1,200 | Half day |
| Remove old fence & dispose | £8-£15 per metre | Varies |
Pro Tip: Always recommend closeboard over lap panels to customers. It costs more upfront but lasts twice as long, looks much better, and you can charge more for the job. Explain the difference clearly in your quote.
How to Price a Fencing Job
1. Measure the Run
Measure the total length in metres. Count how many posts you'll need (typically every 1.83m / 6ft for panels, or every 2.7-3m for closeboard).
2. Check for Complications
These add significant time and cost:
- Removing old fencing — Especially concrete posts (these are heavy and take time to dig out)
- Slopes — Stepped panels or raked closeboard cost more in time and materials
- Restricted access — No side gate? Everything goes through the house. Add 20-30% for access difficulty
- Trees & roots — Root systems make post holes very difficult
- Rocky ground — May need a breaker. Factor in hire costs
3. Calculate Materials
- Fence panels or boards — Measure carefully, order 1-2 spares
- Posts — Concrete (slotted or recessed) or treated timber
- Gravel boards — Concrete or timber, one per panel bay
- Postcrete/concrete — 1-2 bags per post
- Clips, screws, nails — For closeboard: arris rails, featherboard, capping
4. Add Labour
A good fencer can install:
- 10-15 metres of panel fencing per day (new installation, no removal)
- 8-12 metres of closeboard per day
- Add half a day if removing old fencing first
Sample Fencing Quote
Here's a professional fencing quote for a typical rear garden:
Fencing Quote — Rear Garden Closeboard (15m)
This level of detail wins jobs. Customers can see exactly what they're getting and compare like-for-like with other quotes. Read more about why detailed quotes win more work.
Panel Fencing vs Closeboard — Which to Recommend?
| Lap Panels | Closeboard | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per metre | £40-£65 | £65-£100 |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 20-25 years |
| Wind resistance | Poor (catches wind like a sail) | Good (individual boards flex) |
| Repair | Replace whole panel | Replace individual boards |
| Slopes | Must be stepped | Can be raked to follow the slope |
| Appearance | Basic | Premium, clean finish |
Common Fencing Quoting Mistakes
- Not checking for old concrete posts — Removing concrete posts takes 2-3x longer than timber. Price accordingly
- Forgetting waste disposal — Old fence panels, concrete, and soil need removing. Factor in skip or tip runs
- Not accounting for slopes — Sloping gardens need stepped panels or raked closeboard, which take more time and skill
- Quoting from photos — Always visit the site. Photos don't show ground conditions, access, or hidden obstacles
- Undercharging — Fencing is hard, physical work. Post hole digging in clay or rocky ground is brutal. Your price should reflect that
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does fencing cost per metre in the UK?
Fencing costs per metre (supply and fit, 2026): lap panels £40-£65, closeboard £65-£100, hit & miss £70-£110, picket £50-£80, post & rail £30-£50, composite £120-£200.
How much does a new garden fence cost?
A new garden fence for a typical semi (15-20m) costs £800-£2,200 depending on the type. Lap panels are cheapest, closeboard costs more but lasts twice as long.
How long does it take to install a fence?
A fencer can install 10-15m of panel fencing or 8-12m of closeboard per day. A standard garden fence (15-20m) takes 1-2 days for new installation, plus half a day if removing old fencing.
Should I use concrete or timber fence posts?
Concrete posts last 25+ years and don't rot, but cost more (£20-£35 each vs £8-£15 for timber). Timber posts last 10-15 years even when treated. Most fencers now recommend concrete for longevity and lower long-term cost.
Create Professional Fencing Quotes in Minutes
TradeQuoteAI lets you build itemised quotes on your phone, calculate VAT automatically, and send via WhatsApp. Try it free for 14 days.
Start Free Trial