Fence Replacement Cost UK: Complete 2026 Pricing Guide
How much does fence replacement cost in the UK? This comprehensive guide covers all material options—from budget lap panels to premium featheredge fencing—with average UK prices, cost factors, and money-saving tips.
Quick Answer: UK Fence Replacement Cost
Fence replacement in the UK costs £40-£150 per metre in 2026, depending on material and height.
- Budget (Lap): £40-£80/m
- Mid-range (Featheredge): £80-£150/m
- Premium (Metal/Composite): £90-£200/m
Average 12-metre garden fence: £500-£1,800 installed
Fence Replacement Cost by Material
Compare UK fence materials and costs for your replacement project.
| Material | Cost/Metre | 12m Garden | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lap Panels | £40-£80 | £480-£960 | 8-12 years | Budget privacy, traditional gardens |
| Featheredge (Closeboard) | £80-£150 | £960-£1,800 | 15-20 years | Durability, premium appearance |
| Picket Fencing | £60-£100 | £720-£1,200 | 10-15 years | Cottage gardens, decorative |
| Metal / Aluminium | £100-£200 | £1,200-£2,400 | 25-30 years | Modern gardens, low maintenance |
| Composite | £90-£160 | £1,080-£1,920 | 20-25 years | Premium, eco-friendly |
| Concrete Fencing | £80-£130 | £960-£1,560 | 25+ years | Wind exposure, long-term investment |
Factors Affecting UK Fence Costs
Several factors can increase or decrease your fence replacement cost in the UK.
Fence Height
1.8m (6ft) costs 50% more than 1.2m (4ft) due to materials and wind load
Ground Conditions
Rocky or clay soil requires more digging time, adding £10-£20/m
Access
Tight access requires hand-dug posts, adding 20-30% to labour costs
Old Fence Removal
Removing old fence adds £15-£30 per metre
Number of Corners
Each corner requires an extra post and labour, £15-£30 per corner
Gates
Basic garden gate adds £150-£300, drive-through gates £400-£800
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DIY vs Professional Fence Installation UK
DIY Installation
Cost: £300-£800 (materials only for 12m)
Time: 2-4 weekends
Tools Needed:
- • Post hole borer or spade
- • Spirit level (4ft)
- • String line
- • Hammer, saw, drill
- • Bagged postcrete (6-8 bags)
Professional Installation
Cost: £800-£2,000 (labour included)
Time: 1-3 days
What's Included:
- • Old fence removal
- • Proper post setting (600mm+ deep)
- • All materials and labour
- • Waste disposal
- • Guarantee on workmanship
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about fence replacement costs in the UK.
How much does fence replacement cost in the UK?
Fence replacement in the UK costs £40-£150 per metre in 2026, depending on material and height. Featheredge (closeboard) fencing costs £80-£150/m,lap panels cost £40-£80/m, and decorative metal fencing runs £100-£200/m. A typical back garden fence (12 metres) costs £500-£1,800 including installation.
What is the cheapest type of fence to replace?
Overlap (lap panel) fencing is the cheapest at £40-£80 per metre installed. It's the most common garden fencing in the UK and provides good privacy at an affordable price. Concrete posts and gravel boards add £15-£25 per metre but significantly extend fence lifespan.
How much does it cost to replace fence panels?
Replacing fence panels costs £40-£120 per panel depending on size and material. Standard 6x6ft lap panels cost £40-£60 each, featheredge panels run £60-£90, and premium hardwood panels cost £80-£120. Add £20-£40 per panel for professional installation if hiring a tradesperson.
Do I need planning permission to replace my fence?
In most cases, you don't need planning permission to replace an existing fence at the same height. However, if your fence is over 2 metres high, or over 1 metre if next to a public road or footpath, you may need planning permission. Always check with your local council.
How long do UK fences typically last?
Wooden fence lifespan in the UK averages 10-15 years with proper treatment. Pressure-treated timber can last 15-20 years. Concrete fences last 25+ years but have higher upfront costs. The UK's wet climate accelerates wood rot, so proper installation and annual maintenance are essential.
What's the best time of year to replace a fence?
Spring and early summer (March-June) are ideal for fence replacement in the UK. The weather is milder, and your new fence has time to settle before autumn rains. Avoid winter installation when ground is frozen or waterlogged, which makes post-hole digging difficult.
Can I replace my fence myself to save money?
DIY fence replacement can save 50-70% on labour costs. A typical DIY fence installation costs £300-£800 for materials for a 12-metre fence. However, proper post-setting requires experience—posts must be set at least 600mm deep in concrete for stability. Badly installed fences lean and need expensive repairs within a few years.
How much does a fence post replacement cost UK?
Replacing a single fence post costs £20-£60 for DIY (post, concrete, and tools). Professional fence post replacement runs £40-£100 per post including labour. Concrete posts cost more initially (£15-£25 each) but last longer than timber in the UK's wet climate.
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Photos by Los Muertos Crew, Thirdman, and Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels