Fence Installation Cost Guide: How Much Does Fencing Cost in the UK?

Understanding what a new fence will cost before you start makes the whole project easier to plan and budget. Prices vary depending on the material you choose, the height and length of the fence, ground conditions and whether old fencing needs removing first. This guide uses Ward Fencing's own approved guide pricing to give you a clear and honest starting point and helps you decide where to invest for the best long-term return.

All figures below are materials-only guide prices based on Ward Fencing's approved pricing. Installation labour is quoted separately following a free site survey, as access, ground conditions and gates all affect the final figure. Always request a site visit for an accurate all-in quotation

ColourFence / Metal Fencing: Materials Guide Prices

ColourFence panels are available in plain and trellis-top variants at 1.8m high, with pricing based on the number of panels required for your fence run.

Composite Fencing: Materials Guide Prices

Composite panels are available from 0.9m up to 1.8m high, with pricing rising proportionally for taller panels.

Timber / Wood Fencing: Materials Guide Prices

Timber pricing includes concrete posts and 1ft concrete gravel boards at 1.8m high.

Gates: Supply & Install Prices

ColourFence gates are available on a supply and installation basis only (not supply-only). Current guide prices include VAT:

Railings: Materials Guide Prices

Railings are available in flat top, bow top and Fleur de Lys styles at 0.9m high as standard.

What Affects the Final Installed Price?

The materials prices above are your starting point. The total installed cost will also depend on:

• Fence length and height: longer runs and taller panels increase both materials and labour.

• Ground conditions:  rocky ground, slopes, tree roots or restricted access all add time and labour.

• Removal of old fencing:  stripping out existing panels and concrete posts is an additional charge; confirm this at survey stage.

• Gates and extras:  matching gates, additional gravel boards and post caps all affect the total.

• Location and access: labour rates in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire reflect South East pricing.

The Real Cost of Timber vs Long-Life Fencing

Looking at the materials prices alone, timber appears the most affordable option. But a lap-panel timber fence typically needs replacing or extensively repairing within 10–15 years, plus annual treatment costs in time and materials. ColourFence materials start from £371 for a short run, and the system carries a 25-year guarantee against warping, cracking, fading and peeling, meaning the cost per year over its lifetime often compares very favourably with timber that requires ongoing treatment and eventual full replacement.

Fence Installation Costs FAQs

• How much do ColourFence materials cost per panel?

  Based on Ward Fencing's approved pricing, ColourFence plain panels at 1.8m high work out at approximately £185 per panel in materials (based on a 13-panel run at £2,412.15). Trellis-top panels cost slightly more. Installation labour is quoted separately at the survey stage.

• How much does it cost to fence a typical 20-metre rear garden?

  For ColourFence plain panels at 1.8m high, materials for approximately 18.8 metres (8 panels) are £1,484.40. For composite at 1.8m high, materials for 15–20m are £1,054.64–£1,510.08. For timber at 1.8m high with concrete posts and gravel boards, materials for the same run are up to £1,008. Add installation to all figures.

• What is included in the timber fencing price?

  Ward Fencing's timber pricing includes concrete posts and 1ft concrete gravel boards at 1.8m high. The price shown is a materials-only guide, installation labour is quoted separately following a site survey.

• Are gate prices included in the fencing quote?

  ColourFence gates are priced separately on a supply-and-install basis. A plain pedestrian gate (0.9m wide x 1.8m high) is £1,100 inc. VAT, and a plain driveway gate (3.5m wide x 1.8m high) is £1,750 inc. VAT. These are quoted in addition to the fence materials and installation.

• Why is ColourFence more expensive in materials than timber?

  ColourFence is manufactured from pre-painted Colorbond steel with a factory-applied colour coating and carries a 25-year product guarantee. Timber materials are lower upfront but require ongoing annual treatment and are typically replaced within 10–15 years. When the total cost over 25 years is considered, including treatments and replacement, ColourFence usually represents better long-term value.

Get a Quote

All prices above are materials-only guide figures. For a full installed price, contact Ward Fencing to arrange a free site survey in Hertfordshire or Bedfordshire.