Fence Panel Installation Costs in the UK

Quick Cost Breakdown:

• The average fence panel costs £45, with timber lap panels starting from as little as £20.
• Labour costs £40-£60 per panel for standard installation.
• A full garden fence installation covering around 15 metres (8 panels) costs £1,000-£1,500.

Fence Panel Cost Guide Contents

1. Fence Panel Average Cost Overview
2. Fence Panel Costs by Type and Style
3. Professional Fence Panel Installation Costs
4. Factors That Affect Fence Panel Costs
5. How to Keep Your Fence Panel Costs Down
6. DIY vs Professional Fence Installation
7. How to Find a Fencer on MyBuilder
8. FAQ: Common Questions about Fence Panel Costs

Fence Panel Average Cost Overview

The cost of fence panels in the UK ranges from around £20 to £240 per panel on average, for materials alone.

Once you factor in posts, gravel boards, concrete, and labour, the fully installed cost per linear metre typically runs between £70 and £150 for timber and up to £200 for composite or metal systems.

The table below gives a broad starting point for budgeting across the most common fence panel types:

Panel Type	Installed Cost (per metre)
Lap / overlap timber	£70 - £100
Close-board / feather-edge	£90 - £130
Slatted / lattice	£100 - £150
Composite (6ft x 6ft)	£130 - £200
Metal panels	£120 - £180

For a typical garden boundary of around 15 metres, expect to pay in the region of £1,000-£2,500 fully installed, depending on the material chosen and whether existing posts can be reused.

Labour typically runs at £300-£400 per day, with most installers covering 10-15 standard panels per day on straightforward ground. Projects involving concrete post removal, uneven terrain, or restricted access will take longer and cost more. If you want to discuss this with a professional, just post your garden fence needs on MyBuilder today.

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Fence Panel Costs by Type and Style

Before settling on a price, it is worth stepping back and thinking about what you actually need your fence to do. A fence built purely for privacy has different requirements to one that is mainly decorative, and a boundary fence on an exposed site needs to handle wind loading that a sheltered garden fence never will.

Getting the function right first makes the material and style decision much more straightforward - and avoids paying for a panel type that is not suited to the job.

The different types of fence panel to choose form;

Lap Panels

The most widely used fence panel in the UK. Made from horizontal overlapping boards, they are affordable, quick to install, and widely available. Prices start from around £20-£50 per panel for supply only. The downside is longevity, untreated softwood lap panels can start to deteriorate within five to eight years without regular treatment.

Close-Board or Feather-Edge Panels

These panels are durable. Vertical boards are fixed to horizontal rails, which means the panel holds its shape better over time and handles wind loading more effectively than lap panels. Supply costs run from £25-£60 per panel, though a close-board fence built on site (rather than using factory-made panels) can cost more.

Slatted and Lattice Panels

Increasingly popular for contemporary gardens. Slatted designs allow partial light and air through the fence, which reduces wind resistance and suits modern garden aesthetics. Expect to pay £60-£130 per panel for supply, with installed costs higher than standard timber due to the more precise fixing required.

Composite Panels

These are made from a blend of recycled wood fibre and plastic. They look like timber, require virtually no maintenance, and carry manufacturer warranties of 10-25 years. The upfront cost is considerably higher at £120-£240 per panel, but the absence of ongoing treatment costs means they can work out cost-effectively over a 15-20 year horizon.

Metal Panels (Aluminium or Steel)

Metal panels offer durability and a clean, contemporary finish. They are resistant to rot and most weather damage. Supply costs typically run £80-£140 per panel, with installed costs comparable to composite. Steel is stronger but can rust at unprotected cut edges; aluminium is lighter and fully rust-proof.

For a full breakdown of installation costs across all the fence types, see our fence installation cost guide.

Professional Fence Panel Installation Costs

The cost of installing fence panels depends on three main variables: the number of panels, the ground conditions, and whether new posts are needed.

Installation Type	Cost
Standard labour (per panel)	£40 - £60
Complex installation - uneven ground	£70 - £100
Labour day rate (covers approx. 10-15 panels)	£300 - £400

These figures assume reasonably straightforward conditions, a flat or gently sloping boundary, accessible from at least one side, with no significant vegetation or buried obstacles to deal with. In practice, most standard garden fencing jobs fall within this range.

Where they do not, the additional cost is almost always down to groundwork rather than the panels themselves. It is worth asking any installer to break down their quote between materials and labour, not because the total changes, but because it makes it easier to compare quotes accurately and understand what you are actually paying for.

For example: For a standard timber fence on reasonably flat ground with timber posts, expect to pay £90-£130 per linear metre all-in. On difficult ground, or where old concrete posts need breaking out and disposing of, costs can rise to £150-£180 per metre.

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Factors That Affect Fence Panel Costs

The difference between a £700 fence job and a £2,500 one is rarely down to the panels alone. These are the variables that move the price most significantly.

• Panel height: Has a direct impact on both material and labour costs. A 6ft privacy fence requires more material per panel, heavier posts, and deeper concrete footings than a 4ft boundary fence.

• Ground conditions: Are one of the biggest hidden cost drivers. Heavy clay slows digging and increases labour hours. Ground with buried rubble, old concrete, or compacted hardcore may require mechanical tools to set posts correctly.

• Access: Matters more than most homeowners expect. A rear garden with no side access requires materials to be carried through the house or over a gate - some installers charge a supplement for this, and it slows the job down regardless.

• Removal of existing fencing: Adds to cost if concrete post footings need breaking out. Budget £50-£100 per post for removal if the existing posts are set in concrete.

• Regional labour rates: In London and the South East, expect day rates at the upper end of the quoted ranges. In the North of England, the Midlands, and Wales, rates are typically lower, though material costs are broadly consistent across the country.

How to Keep Your Fence Panel Costs Down

The panel price is rarely where fencing budgets go wrong. It is usually the groundwork, the posts, and the add-ons that push costs up. These tips address the variables you can actually control before a fencer sets foot in your garden.

Reuse existing posts where possible. If your current posts are still structurally sound - no significant rot at the base, no wobble when pushed - replacing just the panels is significantly cheaper than a full post-and-panel job.

Add gravel boards from the outset. They cost £5-£30 each depending on material, but they keep the bottom of the panels off damp ground, which is where timber rot almost always starts. Fitting them now adds a modest upfront cost but can add years to panel lifespan, delaying the next replacement job.

Combine fence and gate installation. If you need a gate too, having it fitted at the same time as the fence panels is considerably more cost-effective than returning for a separate job. The fencer is already on site, the posts are already in, and you avoid a second call-out charge.

Stick to standard panel sizes. Panels in non-standard widths or heights need to be custom-ordered or cut down on site, both of which add cost. Standard 6ft wide panels are the most widely available and the most competitively priced — if your boundary length does not divide neatly, a small overlap is usually cheaper than a custom-cut solution.

Get at least three quotes. Fencing prices can vary by 20–30% between installers for identical specifications. The gap is not always about quality - it often reflects how busy a contractor is, how far they are travelling, and how they price materials. Getting multiple quotes from fencers on MyBuilder takes minutes and gives you a realistic sense of the market rate for your job.

DIY vs Professional Fence Installation

Installing fence panels yourself is a realistic option for a straightforward garden boundary with reasonably flat ground and accessible posts.

The main saving is on labour, typically £1,000-£1,800 for a standard garden run, though the true saving depends on how the job goes.

Challenges of DIY

The most common challenge for DIY fencing is getting posts level, straight, and set at the right depth. Posts need to be embedded at least a third of their total length into the ground, for a 6ft fence, that means posts of at least 9ft with roughly 3ft underground. Underestimating this is one of the most frequent causes of fence failure after a storm.

For most homeowners, the compromise is to handle panel replacement on existing sound posts as a DIY job, and bring in a professional for full post-and-panel replacements or new fence runs.

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How to Find a Fencer on MyBuilder

It only takes a couple of minutes to post your fencing job on MyBuilder. Once you do, local fencers with availability will register their interest, and you can review their profiles, read customer reviews, and request quotes before deciding who to hire.

When posting your job, it helps to have the following ready: the approximate length of fencing needed, the panel height you want and whether you need posts replaced.

All tradespeople on MyBuilder undergo checks at registration - such as ID documents, company details, certifications for regulated jobs and skill assessments - allowing you to hire with confidence.

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FAQ: Common Questions about Fence Panel Costs

Do I Need Planning Permission for a New Fence?

In most cases, no. Fences up to 2 metres high at the rear or side of a property fall under permitted development and do not require planning permission. For fences fronting a road or public footpath, the limit is 1 metre.

If your property is in a conservation area, is listed, or has had permitted development rights removed via an Article 4 Direction, you will need to check with your local planning authority before installing. Your fencer should be familiar with local rules and can advise.

How Long Do Fence Panels Last?

Timber lap panels, if left untreated, can start to deteriorate within five to eight years. With regular treatment, a preservative or exterior stain applied every two to three years, a well-installed timber fence should last 10–20 years. Close-board or feather-edge fences tend to outlast lap panels due to their stronger construction. Composite and metal panels are considerably more durable, with manufacturer warranties of 15–25 years common across reputable brands.

You can browse photos of completed fencing projects on MyBuilder to see how different materials look over time and compare the finish from local fencers in your area.

What Is the Cheapest Type of Fence Panel?

Lap or overlap timber panels are the most affordable option, starting from around £20 per panel for a standard 6ft width. They are widely available from builders' merchants and DIY stores, and straightforward to install.

The trade-off is longevity, cheaper softwood panels need regular treatment and will not last as long as close-board or composite alternatives. For a longer-term low-maintenance option, pressure-treated close-board panels at £25-£60 per panel offer better value over a 10-15 year horizon.

Does Home Insurance Cover Fence Panel Damage After a Storm?

Most standard home insurance policies cover fence damage caused by storms, but the definition of "storm" varies between insurers, some require wind speeds above a certain threshold before a claim is valid. It is worth checking your policy wording before paying out of pocket for replacement panels.

Importantly, most policies do not cover gradual deterioration or rot, so a fence that has been declining for years is unlikely to result in a successful claim even if a storm is the final cause of failure.

Can You Mix Timber Panels with Concrete Posts?

Yes, and for most homeowners it is the most practical combination. Concrete posts are significantly more durable than timber and are worth the modest additional cost, while timber panels are cheaper, easier to replace individually, and widely available. The two materials work together without any compatibility issues.

This approach avoids the most common cause of fence failure, post rot at ground level, while keeping overall material costs lower than a fully concrete or composite system.