Fence Panel Repair and Replacement Cost in the UK
What it typically costs in the UK to repair or replace fence panels and posts, what pushes prices up and who is responsible for a boundary fence.
After a windy night, a blown-out fence panel is one of the most common reasons people call for a handyman. It is usually a simple job on paper, but posts, access and ownership complicate it. Here is what you can expect to pay and what to check before the work starts.
Typical prices
Prices vary with panel size, timber quality and location, but typical UK figures are around:
- Replace a standard 6ft panel (panel supplied by you): £40 to £90 labour
- Replace a panel including supply of a standard panel: £70 to £140
- Replace a concrete or timber post: £60 to £150 each
- Re-fix a loose panel or replace broken battens: £30 to £70
- Replace gravel boards: £25 to £60 each
These are guidelines, not quotes. London and the South East are often higher, and difficult access or heavy clay soil can add time. Many handymen apply a minimum charge for a single panel.
What affects the cost
- Post condition. A new panel on a rotten post will not last. If posts have snapped at ground level, they may need replacing, and that is often the biggest part of the cost.
- Fixing method. Concrete post slots with panels dropped in are easy to replace. Timber posts with nailed panels take longer.
- Access. Rear alleys, narrow side returns or no vehicle access make it harder to carry heavy panels.
- Waste removal. Old panels are bulky. Check whether disposal is included.
- Ground. Hard standing, tree roots or very wet ground slow digging.
- Panel type. Lap panels are cheaper than closeboard, hit-and-miss or decorative styles.
Who owns the fence?
Before you pay, check who is responsible. Responsibility for a boundary fence is not automatic by left or right side, as is sometimes said. Check the title deeds or conveyancing documents, which may show a T-mark on the boundary to indicate which side owns it. If no one knows, talk to your neighbour first. It is good manners and avoids disputes. A tenant should speak to their landlord, as the landlord may be responsible for boundary repairs. For more on this, see landlord repair responsibilities in the UK.
Repair or replace?
- Repair when only a batten, fixing or gravel board has failed, and the posts and panel are otherwise sound.
- Replace the panel when the timber has split, rotted or been damaged by the wind.
- Replace the post when it has rot at the base or is leaning and cannot be re-set.
- Replace the whole run when most posts are failing. A full replacement is often cheaper per metre than repeated patching.
Our guide on how to repair a fence panel covers what to check if you want to attempt it yourself.
Questions to ask before the work
- Is the quote for supply and fit, or fit only?
- Will old panels and posts be taken away?
- Are posts and concrete included?
- Will the panel be treated or stained, and who provides the preservative?
- What happens if the post turns out to be rotten?
Planning for height and rules
Boundary fences in front of a house or beside a highway can be subject to height limits without planning permission, commonly 1 metre next to a road and 2 metres elsewhere, but local rules and conservation areas can differ. If you are changing the height or style, check with your local council. Like-for-like repair is normally fine.
Getting offers
When you send a request through Compito, include a photo of the whole fence line, an estimate of the number of panels and posts affected, and any access issues. You can search your postcode, compare ID-verified local providers and message them about the offer before you accept and pay online. After completion, you can leave a review.
A worked example
A wind-blown panel in a rear garden: the owner supplies nothing and asks for a like-for-like 6ft lap panel to be fitted between two concrete posts. A typical outcome is £70 to £140 including the panel, with old timber taken away. If one of the posts has snapped at the base, add the post cost and the labour to dig it out, and the job could reach the upper end of a £150 to £300 range. Photos of the posts as well as the panel let a provider price this honestly rather than add a surprise later.
Temporary fixes
If you cannot get the work done immediately, a damaged panel can be propped or lashed to a stake to stop it blowing around and to keep pets or children in. This is a short-term measure only. Remove broken timber with care, wear gloves and keep nails and splinters away from paths.
Treatment and finish
Pressure-treated panels generally last longer than untreated ones, and a coat of a suitable preservative every year or two can extend life. Ask whether the price includes treatment, and avoid painting on damp timber. Keep soil and plants away from the base of the panel to reduce rot.
When to call something other than a handyman
A long run of failed fencing, a retaining wall holding back soil, or a fence on a steep slope may need a fencing contractor or builder. A handyman is ideal for single panels, gravel boards and simple post repairs; see handyman or tradesperson for how to decide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace a panel on my own?
In many cases yes, especially drop-in panels. Panels are bulky and heavier than they look, so having a second person helps.
How long does a new fence post last?
It depends on the material and ground. Concrete posts generally outlast timber ones. Treatment and keeping the base out of standing water extend the life of timber.
Do I need to tell my neighbour?
It is wise to, particularly if the fence is shared or access via their land is needed. It prevents friction and confirms who pays.