Fence installation prices vary considerably across the country, and the difference often comes down to material, boundary length and labour. This guide breaks down typical costs by material, explains what affects the day rate for fence installation services, and shares practical ways to lower the final bill.
If you’re also comparing other outdoor improvements, it may help to review typical garden landscaping costs in London to see how fencing fits within a wider project budget.
The Quick Answer: Fence Installation Cost by Material
Fence prices depend heavily on the material chosen, and quoted costs typically include both materials and standard installation labour. The table below shows typical 2026 UK ranges per linear metre for the most common options, based on a standard 15-metre garden boundary. Exact costs vary with fence height, ground conditions and regional labour rates, so these figures work as a general starting point rather than a fixed quote.
| Material | Typical cost per metre | Typical range for a 15m boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Timber (wood) | £45–£100 | £700–£2,000 |
| uPVC | £60–£130 | £900–£2,600 |
| Chain-link | £45–£100 | £700–£2,000 |
| Aluminium | £100–£200 | £1,500–£4,000 |
Wood fences
Timber remains the most popular choice for garden boundaries, with typical installed costs of £45 to £100 per metre depending on the type of wood and finish chosen. Timber fencing is often included as part of larger projects such as patio laying and fencing installations where boundaries are upgraded alongside hard landscaping.
uPVC fences
uPVC fencing costs more upfront, usually £60 to £130 per metre installed, though it needs little maintenance and holds its colour for longer than painted timber.
Chain-link and aluminium fences
Chain-link fencing sits at the lower end of the market from £45 to £100 per metre, while aluminium panels cost considerably more at £100 to £200 per metre for a similar boundary length.
How Fence Material Affects the Total Cost
Several factors beyond the headline price per metre shape what a finished fence actually costs. The material sets the baseline, but so do the height and style of the panels, how much groundwork the site needs before posts go in, whether an old fence needs removing first, and how easy the site is to access for delivery. Understanding how each material behaves under these conditions explains why two quotes for the same length of fencing can differ so widely.
Wood
Timber panels sit in the middle of the market and offer the widest choice of styles, from simple lap panels to closeboard designs. Costs rise with panel height and with harder or pressure-treated wood, since both increase material use and installation time. Softwood options bring the price down but need more frequent treatment to prevent rot. The difference between wood and vinyl fencing guide compares how the two materials hold up over a longer ownership period.
For homeowners considering fencing as part of a broader garden redesign, our recent fencing projects across London show how material choice impacts overall finish.
uPVC
uPVC panels cost more per metre than timber but need almost no ongoing treatment, since the material does not rot, warp or need repainting. The higher upfront price reflects the manufacturing process and the longer expected lifespan of the panels. Homeowners who want a consistent, low-maintenance boundary over many years often find the extra cost offsets future repair bills.
Chain-link
Chain-link fencing costs less than most alternatives because the material itself is inexpensive and installation is comparatively quick. It suits boundaries where privacy is not the main concern, such as separating a garden from open land or securing a side access route. Galvanised or coated versions cost slightly more but resist rust for longer in damp conditions.
Aluminium and metal
Aluminium sits at the higher end of the price range, reflecting the strength and finish quality of the material. Powder-coated panels resist corrosion well and rarely need repainting, which suits boundaries near coastal or high-rainfall areas. The higher cost per metre often pays off over a longer ownership period, since aluminium fencing typically lasts several decades with minimal upkeep.
Labour Costs for Fence Installation
Labour usually makes up a significant share of the total cost to install a fence, and rates depend on the size of the installation team as much as the length of the boundary. The table below sets out typical day rates by crew size, based on general market figures for standard domestic fencing.
| Crew size | Typical day rate | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Solo tradesperson | £150–£250 | Small gardens, straightforward access, simple repairs |
| Two-person team | £250–£400 | Standard residential boundaries, the most common setup |
| Larger crew (3+) | £400–£600+ | Long boundaries, tight timescales, larger properties |
What affects the day rate
Several factors influence the day rate a fencing contractor quotes. The length and height of the boundary changes how many posts need concreting in, and sloped, rocky or waterlogged ground slows the work down. Distance from where materials can be delivered on site also matters, and labour rates in and around London typically sit above the national average.
For projects involving multiple elements — fencing alongside paving, turfing or drainage — labour overlaps with wider hard landscaping services, which can influence overall pricing.
What is not usually included in the quote
Standard quotes often exclude the removal and disposal of an existing fence, which can add several hundred pounds to the final bill. Ground obstacles such as tree roots, old concrete footings or drainage pipes may also incur extra charges once work begins. It is worth asking directly whether a quote covers planning permission requirements for a fence, since boundary height and location both affect whether permission is needed.
Saving Tips and Tricks: How to Lower Your Fence Installation Price
A few practical adjustments can lower the overall cost of a new fence without cutting corners on quality. Small changes to timing, sizing and preparation often make the biggest difference to the final invoice.
Time your installation for the off-season
Booking installation during autumn or winter, when demand for outdoor work drops, often secures a lower day rate than booking during peak spring and summer months. Winter work is common for experienced London landscaping contractors, particularly where groundwork is straightforward.
Choose standard panel sizes and lengths
Standard panel sizes avoid the cutting, waste and extra labour that custom lengths require, which keeps both material and installation costs down.
Handle site prep and old-fence removal yourself
Clearing the boundary line and removing an old fence before the contractor arrives cuts labour hours and often reduces the overall quote.
Not Sure What Your Fence Will Cost? Get a Free Quote
Getting an accurate figure for a fence installation prices project starts with a site visit, since ground conditions and material choice both affect the final price. Request a free, no-obligation quote today and get a clear breakdown before work begins.
You can also browse our recent fencing and landscaping portfolio projects to see examples of completed work across London boroughs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does fence installation cost?
A new fence typically costs between £45 and £200 per linear metre, depending on the material and labour involved. Timber and chain-link sit at the lower end of that range, while uPVC and aluminium cost more but generally need less maintenance over time. Ground conditions, fence height and site access also affect the final price, so a site visit gives the most accurate figure for any garden.
What is the cheapest type of fencing material?
Chain-link fencing is generally the cheapest option, with typical installed costs from around £45 per metre. Timber panels sit close behind in price, particularly softwood options, though they need more frequent treatment to prevent rot and may cost more over the lifetime of the fence. Choosing standard panel sizes, avoiding custom heights and keeping the design simple all help keep the overall cost down regardless of the material chosen.
How can I save money on fence installation?
Booking work outside the busy spring and summer months often secures a lower day rate from local installers. Choosing standard panel sizes avoids the extra cutting and waste that custom lengths involve, which keeps material costs down. Clearing the site and removing an old fence before the contractor arrives also cuts labour hours from the final quote.
Do I need planning permission to install a fence?
Most garden fences do not need planning permission, provided the height stays within permitted development limits. Boundaries facing a highway are generally capped at one metre, while fences elsewhere on the property can usually reach two metres without formal approval. Conservation areas, listed buildings and some new-build estates carry additional restrictions, so it is worth checking local rules before work begins.
How long does fence installation take?
A standard residential fence usually takes one to two days to install, depending on the length of the boundary and ground conditions. Longer boundaries, sloped sites or ground that needs extensive digging can extend this to three or four days. Concrete used to set posts also needs time to cure before the fence takes any real weight.
What is included in a standard fence installation quote?
A standard quote usually covers materials, labour, post installation and basic groundwork for a straightforward site. It does not typically include removal of an existing fence, disposal of waste, or work needed to deal with tree roots, old footings or drainage issues found on site. Asking for an itemised breakdown before work starts helps avoid unexpected costs later.
Is it cheaper to install a fence myself or hire a professional?
DIY installation can lower material costs but takes considerably longer and carries a higher risk of mistakes with post depth, spacing or alignment. A professional installer works faster and typically offers a workmanship guarantee, which protects against costly repairs if the fence fails early. For straightforward boundaries with easy access, DIY can offer reasonable savings, though the gap narrows for longer or more complex projects.
Can I get a fence installed in winter?
Fence installation can go ahead in winter, though wet or frozen ground can slow post digging and concrete curing times. Frost and heavy rain sometimes push a project back by a few days, so scheduling flexibility helps. Winter bookings often come with lower demand and shorter waiting times compared with the busier spring and summer months.
A clear, itemised quote remains the best way to understand the true cost of a fence, since it accounts for the specific material, boundary length and site conditions involved. Get in touch to arrange a visit from experienced fence installers in [suburb] and receive a free breakdown of your fence installation prices before committing to the work.