Fence Repair Cost UK: Panels, Posts and Full Runs
Typical UK prices for fence panel replacement, post repair and new fencing, what raises the cost, and who is responsible for a boundary fence.
After a storm, a leaning or blown-down fence is one of the most common garden repair jobs. The cost depends on whether you need a panel, a post or the whole run replaced, and on a handful of practical factors that are worth understanding before you get quotes.
Typical prices
Prices vary by region, material and height. Typical UK ranges include:
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Replace a single fence panel | around £60 to £150 |
| Replace a fence post (timber or concrete) | around £60 to £150 each |
| New close-board or lap panel fencing, per metre | around £60 to £140 |
| Full run of fencing (about 10m) | around £600 to £1,400 |
| Removal of old fencing, per panel | around £10 to £30 |
Higher quality timber, taller fences, gravel boards and gates add to the total. London and the South East are often at the upper end.
What changes the price
Materials
Treated softwood panels are the usual choice. Hardwood, composite and metal options cost more but may last longer with less upkeep. Concrete posts and gravel boards resist rot at ground level and are worth considering for longevity.
Ground conditions
Digging out concrete foundations, rock, roots or old post bases takes time. Posts set in clay may need more concrete.
Access
If materials have to be carried through the house, or the fence sits on a slope, the labour goes up. Sloping gardens need stepped panels or racked fencing.
Removal and disposal
Old panels and posts have to go somewhere; check whether disposal is included in the quote.
Repair or replace?
A single failed panel can often be replaced without touching the rest. If more than a couple of posts are rotten at the base, it is usually more economical and more robust to replace the run. A good installer will check the posts first: tap them, check the base for softness, and look at the fixings.
Typical signs you need more than a patch:
- Several posts rocking in the ground.
- Rot at the base of multiple panels.
- Gaps opening between panels as the posts lean.
- Previous temporary repairs failing.
Who owns the fence?
The legal ownership of boundary fences is not always clear. Title deeds or the property's registers sometimes show who is responsible, with T-marks on plans indicating the side. It is not always determinative, and many boundaries have no clear record. Before replacing a shared fence, speak to your neighbour. Replacing a fence at your own cost and agreeing a height in advance avoids disputes. Check height limits too: generally two metres at the back and one metre next to a highway for fences without planning permission, but local rules vary.
Getting good quotes
- Measure each run and count gates and corners.
- Photograph the existing fence, bases and the route for materials.
- State the height and style you want, and whether the colour or treatment is included.
- Ask for the post type, spacing and depth to be specified.
- Ask what happens if you uncover rotten or hidden obstructions.
Storm repairs
After storms there is a rush on fencing contractors and materials. If your fence is blown down, secure panels so they do not injure anyone, take photographs, and consider temporary measures while you plan the permanent fix. If something is a safety risk, deal with that first.
Finding a fencing contractor
Search by postcode on Compito, compare ID-verified local providers, and send a request with measurements and photos. Offers arrive for you to accept and pay online, and you can message the provider to confirm materials and timings. See how it works. For general upkeep, see how much a gardener costs.
Worked example: storm damage on a 12m run
After a stormy night, two panels in a 12m run have blown out and one post has snapped at ground level. A fencing contractor quotes to replace the two panels and the one post, and notes that the next post is rocking. A sensible approach would be to replace both posts, fit new panels and add a gravel board to protect the base. Depending on region and materials, a job like this could plausibly fall in the range of about £300 to £700 including disposal. If neighbours' panels are also tired, it may make sense to replace the full run while the contractor is there.
Repair versus replace
| Condition | Usual answer |
|---|---|
| One panel damaged, posts sound | Replace the panel |
| One post rotten, others fine | Replace the post and refit panels |
| Several posts loose or rotten | Replace the run |
| Fence over ten years old and weathered | Replacement is often better value |
| Boundary with unclear ownership | Talk to the neighbour first |
Questions to ask a fencer
- What are the posts made of, and how deep will they go?
- Will you use gravel boards?
- How will you finish the top and any capping?
- Who removes and disposes of the old fence?
- What will you do if you find buried obstructions?
- How long will it take, and do you need access through the house?
Special cases
- Rented homes. Fences are normally the landlord's responsibility unless damage was caused by the tenant. Report it in writing.
- Sloping gardens. Stepped panels cost more than racked ones, and the look differs.
- Shared fences. Agree height and style with the neighbour in writing before work starts.
- Windy sites. Consider more concrete in posts or semi-open panels to reduce wind load.
Making repairs last
Keep soil and debris away from panel bases, treat timber every couple of years in dry weather and fix leaning posts early, as they put extra strain on the rest of the fence.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a timber fence last?
A well-installed treated softwood fence typically lasts around 10 to 15 years, depending on exposure and maintenance. Concrete posts and gravel boards often extend the life.
Do I need planning permission for a new fence?
Often not, provided it stays under the height limits, but there are exceptions such as listed buildings and some estates. Check with your local council if you are unsure.
Can I paint or treat my fence myself?
Yes, and doing so every couple of years extends its life. Use a product suited to outdoor timber and apply it in dry weather.