The Better Fences UK Fence Cost Index brings together typical 2026 supply-and-fit fencing prices across Great Britain in one place, so homeowners can budget and journalists can cite a clear national benchmark.
Headline figures (2026)
- Timber garden fencing averages £90–£150 per metre installed.
- Composite fencing averages £120–£200 per metre — typically 30–45% more than timber, but with no treatment needed for 20+ years.
- Replacing an average garden fence (15–20m) costs £1,300–£3,000 installed.
- London & the South East run 25–40% above the cheapest regions (North East, Wales, Scotland).
- Demand peaks in spring (Mar–May); quotes are often keenest in autumn and winter.
Average fence cost per metre, by type
| Fence type | Cost per metre (installed) |
|---|---|
| Lap / overlap panel (timber) | £90 – £120 |
| Feather edge / closeboard (timber) | £110 – £150 |
| Slatted / contemporary (timber) | £120 – £180 |
| Composite | £120 – £200 |
| Picket | £70 – £110 |
Regional variation
Indicative installed cost for a standard 1.8m closeboard fence, by region. Labour rates and access drive most of the spread.
| Region | Typical cost per metre |
|---|---|
| London | £130 – £190 |
| South East | £120 – £175 |
| East of England | £110 – £160 |
| South West | £105 – £155 |
| West Midlands | £100 – £150 |
| East Midlands | £100 – £145 |
| North West | £95 – £145 |
| Yorkshire & the Humber | £95 – £140 |
| Scotland | £95 – £145 |
| Wales | £90 – £140 |
| North East | £90 – £135 |
What is driving fence prices in 2026
- Materials — timber, concrete posts and gravel boards remain the biggest line item.
- Labour — roughly 40–50% of a typical job; regional wage differences explain most of the spread above.
- Seasonality — spring storms and garden season push demand (and lead times) up Mar–May.
- The shift to composite — more buyers weigh lifetime cost over upfront price, lifting average spend.
Typical cost of common jobs
| Job | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|
| Replace an average garden fence (15–20m) | £1,300 – £3,000 |
| Replace a single panel | £60 – £140 |
| Fit a side gate | £250 – £600 |
| Composite fence, average garden | £2,000 – £4,000 |
Methodology
The Better Fences UK Fence Cost Index is compiled from published UK fencing cost data and typical supply-and-fit rates across our installer-network service categories, reviewed June 2026. Figures are indicative ranges for budgeting, not quotes — your price depends on length, height, materials, ground conditions and access. For an accurate figure, use the calculator or compare local quotes.
Cite this index
Journalists, bloggers and publishers are welcome to reference the Better Fences UK Fence Cost Index 2026 with a link to this page. For data enquiries, email hello@betterfences.co.uk.