How Much Does Garden Fencing Cost Per Metre?

If you're planning to install new garden fencing this spring, understanding the costs involved is crucial for budgeting your project. Garden fencing prices can vary significantly depending on materials, height, and installation complexity.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down exactly what you can expect to pay for fencing services in South London and Surrey in 2026. Whether you're replacing old panels in Croydon or installing a completely new boundary in Bromley, you'll find realistic prices based on current market rates.

Garden Fencing Cost Summary Table

Here's a quick overview of what you can expect to pay for different fencing types in the South London and Surrey area. These prices include materials, labour, and basic installation.

April 2026 is an ideal time for fencing projects. The ground is workable after winter, and you'll have your new fence established before summer garden parties begin.

What Affects the Cost of Garden Fencing?

Several factors influence the final price of your fencing project. Understanding these helps you plan more accurately and avoid unexpected costs.

Fence Height and Length

The most obvious factor is the size of your project. Standard fence heights are 1.2m, 1.5m, 1.8m, and 2.0m, with 1.8m being the most popular for boundary fencing.

Taller fences require more materials, stronger posts, and additional labour time. A 2.0m fence typically costs 15-20% more than a 1.8m fence of the same style.

Material Choice

Your material selection dramatically affects both upfront costs and long-term value. Budget lap panels might save money initially but often need replacing within 8-10 years. Quality closeboard or composite fencing costs more upfront but can last 20-25 years with proper maintenance.

We're seeing increasing demand for composite fencing in areas like Dulwich and Purley, where homeowners want low-maintenance options despite the higher initial investment.

Site Access and Terrain

Difficult access significantly increases costs. If materials need to be carried through the house or narrow side passages, this adds labour time and complexity.

Sloped gardens also cost more to fence. Creating a stepped effect or raking the fence to follow the slope requires additional cutting, measuring, and custom work.

Ground Preparation and Existing Fence Removal

If you have existing fencing, removal and disposal adds to your costs. Expect to pay £15-£25 per metre for removal of old fencing, plus skip hire costs.

Hard or rocky ground (common in parts of Croydon and Beckenham) can slow installation and may require mechanical post hole diggers, adding £150-£300 to the project.

Concrete Posts vs Wooden Posts

Concrete posts cost more initially (£25-£35 each vs £12-£18 for timber) but last significantly longer. In our experience working across South London, concrete posts make sense for permanent boundaries, while timber posts work well for decorative garden dividers.

Most homeowners in Surrey opt for concrete posts for main boundaries, extending fence lifespan by 5-10 years.

Detailed Cost Breakdown (2026 London/Surrey Prices)

Let's break down exactly where your money goes on a typical fencing project. These figures reflect current market rates for quality materials and experienced installation.

Materials Costs

• Fence panels (6ft x 6ft lap panels): £35-£55 each
• Closeboard timber per metre: £45-£65
• Fence posts (timber): £12-£18 each
• Fence posts (concrete): £25-£35 each
• Postcrete (per bag): £8-£10
• Gravel boards: £12-£18 each
• Post caps: £3-£6 each
• Fixings and hardware: £30-£50 per project
• Wood treatment/stain: £45-£75 (20m fence)

Labour Costs

Professional fencing installation typically costs £200-£300 per day per person in South London and Surrey. A standard 20-metre fence usually requires two installers working for 2-3 days.

Total labour for a typical project: £800-£1,800 depending on complexity.

Additional Costs

• Skip hire (for old fence removal): £180-£280
• Concrete for posts: £120-£200 (20m fence)
• Gates (standard pedestrian): £180-£350 installed
• Difficult access surcharge: £200-£400
• Sloped ground adjustment: £150-£350

We always recommend investing in proper concrete footings, especially for exposed locations. The additional £100-£150 cost prevents fence panels blowing down in winter storms — something we see too often with budget installations.

Comparing Fencing Materials: Value and Longevity

Choosing the right material means balancing upfront costs with long-term performance. Here's what each option offers.

In our work across areas like Streatham and Mitcham, we find that closeboard fencing offers the best balance of cost, privacy, and longevity for most homeowners. It's worth the extra investment over basic panels.

How to Save Money on Garden Fencing

Want to reduce costs without compromising quality? Here are proven strategies from our years installing fences across South London and Surrey.

Time Your Project Well

Spring and autumn often see better availability and potentially more competitive pricing than peak summer months. Booking in April or early May gives you flexibility with scheduling.

Choose Materials Wisely

Don't automatically go for the cheapest panels. Mid-range closeboard fencing costs 30% more than budget lap panels but lasts nearly twice as long — better value over time.

Consider mixing materials: use premium closeboard for highly visible boundaries and standard panels for areas hidden by planting.

Do Some Prep Work Yourself

If you're physically able, removing the old fence yourself saves £300-£500 on most projects. You'll still need to arrange skip hire (£180-£280), but the labour savings are significant.

Clearing vegetation and ensuring good access also helps installers work efficiently, potentially reducing labour time by half a day.

Extend Your Run

Fencing costs per metre decrease with longer runs. Installing 30 metres costs roughly 15-20% less per metre than installing just 10 metres, as setup and mobilisation costs spread further.

Consider Alternatives for Low-Priority Areas

For areas needing less privacy — perhaps bordering a friendly neighbour's garden — picket fencing or hit-and-miss styles cost less while still defining boundaries. Save closeboard for street-facing or high-privacy areas.

Getting an Accurate Quote for Your Fencing Project

Every garden is different, so accurate quotes require an on-site assessment. Here's what professional fencing contractors like Fine Landscaping evaluate during a site visit.

What We Assess

During a free site survey, we measure the exact run, note level changes, check access routes, and assess ground conditions. We'll also discuss your preferences for materials, height, and finish.

For properties in areas like Sydenham or Penge with varying terrain, this site visit is essential for accurate pricing. Photos and measurements over the phone simply can't capture important details.

What to Ask During a Quote

• Are materials included in the quoted price?
• Does the price include removal of existing fencing?
• What quality grade of timber will be used?
• Are concrete posts included or extra?
• How long is the quote valid for?
• What warranty or guarantee is provided?
• When could work start?

Reputable companies provide detailed written quotes breaking down materials, labour, and any additional costs. Be wary of vague verbal estimates.

Planning Permission and Party Wall Considerations

Most garden fencing under 2 metres doesn't require planning permission in South London and Surrey, though Conservation Areas have additional restrictions. Areas of Crystal Palace and parts of Dulwich have special planning requirements.

For boundary fences, you're legally required to notify adjoining property owners. While not always legally necessary, discussing plans with neighbours prevents disputes and may even lead to cost-sharing arrangements.

Why Spring 2026 Is Perfect for Fencing

April and May offer ideal conditions for fencing installation. The ground has thawed from winter but hasn't become summer-hard, making post installation easier.

Installing now means your fence is established before summer weather and garden use peaks. Plants and climbers have the full growing season to soften new fencing, creating a mature look by late summer.

We're currently scheduling projects across Norbury, Thornton Heath, and surrounding areas. Spring availability is good, but summer slots fill quickly once school holidays approach.

We've been installing fences across South London for over 15 years, and we consistently recommend spring installation. The weather is predictable, the ground cooperates, and you get maximum enjoyment from your improved garden through summer and autumn.

What Makes Quality Fencing Installation

Price matters, but quality installation matters more. Here's what separates professional work from substandard installations that fail within a few years.

Proper Post Foundations

Posts should be set at least 60cm deep (75cm for exposed sites) in concrete. Budget installers sometimes use less depth or skip concrete entirely — these fences rarely last five years.

We use postcrete or ballast-cement mix for every post, even on shorter decorative fencing. It's the foundation everything depends on.

Quality Fixings and Hardware

Stainless steel or galvanised fixings prevent rust staining and panel failure. Cheap fixings rust within 2-3 years, causing panels to sag or detach.

Gravel boards at ground level protect panel bottoms from soil contact and moisture, extending fence life by 5+ years. They're essential, not optional.

Proper Treatment and Finishing

Quality fencing should be treated with preservative before installation. We offer additional staining or painting to match your garden scheme — popular in smarter areas like Purley and Beckenham where garden aesthetics matter.

Treatment might add £150-£250 to your project but extends timber life significantly and keeps fencing looking good for years.