Fencing Cost Calculator
Work out exactly what your new fence will cost - materials, labour, the lot. Full breakdown with quantities so you know what to buy or what to expect on a quote.
Loading calculator...
Get price updates and money-saving tips
Join our free newsletter — fencing pricing updates, cost-saving tips, and the best deals. No spam, unsubscribe any time. Privacy policy.
How this calculator works
Our fencing calculator works out the total cost of your new fence based on the length, fence type, and height you select. It calculates the exact number of panels, posts, gravel boards, postcrete bags, and any other materials you need, then prices each item individually so you can see exactly what you are paying for.
The tool provides both a DIY cost (materials only) and a professional installation cost (materials plus labour), so you can decide whether it is worth doing it yourself or hiring a fencer. Labour costs are based on typical UK day rates for professional fencing contractors, adjusted for regional differences.
These prices reflect current 2026 costs from UK timber merchants and fencing suppliers. Your actual spend may differ depending on ground conditions (rocky or clay soil takes longer to dig), access to the site, and whether any old fencing needs removing first. For larger jobs, we recommend getting at least two quotes from local fencing contractors.
Frequently asked questions
How much does fencing cost per metre in the UK?
Fencing costs between £50 and £150 per metre depending on the type. Lap panel fencing starts from around £50 per metre installed, closeboard from £80, and composite fencing from £150 per metre. These prices include posts, concrete, gravel boards, and labour.
How many fence panels do I need?
Divide your total fence length in metres by 1.83 (standard 6ft panel width) and round up. You will need one more post than the number of panels. For example, 15 metres of fencing needs 9 panels and 10 posts.
Do I need planning permission for a fence?
You generally do not need planning permission for fences up to 2 metres high, or up to 1 metre if the fence is next to a highway. If your property is listed or in a conservation area, you should check with your local council before putting up any fence.
Is it cheaper to build a fence yourself?
Yes - DIY fencing typically saves 30-40% compared to hiring a professional. The main saving is on labour, which usually runs £200-£300 per day for a fencer. You will need to hire or buy tools like a post hole digger, spirit level, and drill, but tool hire is usually under £50 for a weekend.
How long does it take to install a fence?
A professional fencer can install 8-12 metres per day. For DIY, allow roughly 1.5 hours per metre - so a typical 15-metre fence takes a full weekend. The biggest time sink is digging post holes, especially in clay or rocky ground.