Fence Calculator - Panels, Posts & Costs
Calculate exactly how many fence panels, posts, gravel boards, and bags of concrete you need for your UK garden fencing project. Get accurate material lists and cost estimates with UK Building Regulations guidance.
How to Use the Fence Calculator
Follow these steps to calculate your fencing requirements accurately:
- Choose your fence type - Select from lap panels, closeboard, featherboard, or decorative options
- Select fence height - Remember 2m is the maximum without planning permission in most cases
- Measure your boundary - Enter the total length in metres (check property deeds for accuracy)
- Choose post type - Wooden is standard; concrete lasts longer in wet conditions
- Add gravel boards - Highly recommended to extend panel life
- Get your materials list - Complete breakdown with cost estimates
UK Fence Panel Types Explained
Understanding the different fence types available will help you choose the right option for your property and budget.
Lap Panels (Overlap)
- Most popular UK fence type
- Horizontal overlapping boards
- Quick and easy to install
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Standard size: 1.83m × 0.9m-1.8m
- Price: £25-55 per panel
Closeboard Panels
- Vertical feather-edge boards
- Pre-made panel version
- Stronger than lap panels
- Lifespan: 15-20 years
- More wind resistant
- Price: £60-100 per panel
Featherboard (On-Site)
- Built on-site, board by board
- Follows uneven ground perfectly
- Individual boards replaceable
- Lifespan: 20-25+ years
- Premium appearance
- Price: £40-60 per metre run
Trellis Panels
- Diamond or square lattice pattern
- Ideal for climbing plants
- Adds height to existing fence
- Light and decorative
- Often used above solid panels
- Price: £15-35 per panel
Picket Fence
- Traditional cottage style
- Pointed or rounded top boards
- Low height (typically 0.9-1.2m)
- Decorative front garden use
- Available in white/painted
- Price: £30-50 per panel
↔ Hit & Miss Panels
- Boards on alternate sides
- Allows airflow through fence
- Looks same from both sides
- Good for windy areas
- Modern appearance
- Price: £50-80 per panel
UK Building Regulations for Fences
Before installing a fence, familiarise yourself with UK regulations to avoid disputes and enforcement action.
Height Limits Summary
| Location | Maximum Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rear garden boundaries | 2.0m (6ft 6in) | Standard permitted development |
| Side boundaries (rear of house) | 2.0m (6ft 6in) | Behind the building line |
| Front garden | 1.0m (3ft 3in) | If adjacent to highway |
| Corner plots | 1.0m (3ft 3in) | If affecting visibility splays |
| Conservation areas | Varies | Check local restrictions |
Boundary Ownership
Determining who owns a boundary fence:
- Check title deeds - Look for 'T' marks indicating ownership
- Land Registry - Download official plans for £3
- Original developer plans - May show intended boundaries
- Tradition - Posts facing your property often indicates ownership (not legally binding)
- Written agreement - Best practice is to agree in writing with neighbours
Fence Posts & Foundations
Proper post installation is critical for a long-lasting fence. Here's what you need to know:
Post Types Comparison
| Post Type | Size | Lifespan | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timber 75×75mm | 1.8m-2.7m | 10-15 years | Standard lap panels | £8-15 |
| Timber 100×100mm | 1.8m-3.0m | 12-18 years | Heavy panels, gates | £15-25 |
| Concrete slotted | 1.5m-2.7m | 25+ years | Wet areas, concrete panels | £18-30 |
| Concrete intermediate | 1.5m-2.7m | 25+ years | Mid-run posts | £15-25 |
| Metal (galvanised) | 1.8m-2.4m | 30+ years | Modern fencing, security | £25-45 |
Post Depth Rule
Post depth = 1/3 of total post length (minimum)
For a 1.8m (6ft) fence, use 2.4m (8ft) posts with 600mm (2ft) buried.
Concrete Requirements
Options for setting fence posts:
| Method | Per Post | Set Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postcrete (fast-setting) | 1 × 20kg bag | 5-10 minutes | Add water, no mixing needed |
| Ready-mix concrete | 2 × 25kg bags | 24-48 hours | Just add water, mix |
| Site-mixed concrete | 0.03m³ (1:4 ratio) | 24-48 hours | 1 cement : 4 ballast |
| Post spikes | 1 spike | Immediate | No digging, drive in |
Gravel Boards Explained
Gravel boards are a worthwhile investment that significantly extends fence panel life.
Timber Gravel Boards
- Size: 150mm × 22mm × 1.83m
- Pressure-treated softwood
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
- Easy to replace when rotted
- Fix with galvanised nails
- Price: £6-10 each
Concrete Gravel Boards
- Size: 150mm × 50mm × 1.83m
- Slot into concrete posts
- Lifespan: 25+ years
- Completely rot-proof
- Heavier to handle
- Price: £10-15 each
Gravel boards create a gap between the fence panel and ground, protecting the main panel from moisture, rot, and soil contact. They're particularly important on sloping ground where panels would otherwise touch the soil.
UK Fencing Costs 2024-2025
Typical prices for fencing materials and installation in the UK:
Material Costs (Supply Only)
| Item | Budget | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lap Panel (6ft × 6ft) | £22-28 | £30-45 | £50-70 |
| Closeboard Panel | £55-70 | £75-95 | £100-130 |
| Timber Post (2.4m) | £8-12 | £12-18 | £20-30 |
| Concrete Post (2.4m) | £18-22 | £22-28 | £28-35 |
| Gravel Board (timber) | £6-8 | £8-10 | £10-14 |
| Gravel Board (concrete) | £10-12 | £12-15 | £15-20 |
| Postcrete (20kg bag) | £5-8 per bag | ||
Installation Costs (Labour)
| Service | Per Panel | Per Metre | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remove old fence | £10-20 | £5-10 | Plus skip hire if needed |
| Install lap panels | £20-35 | £40-70 | Supply and fit |
| Install closeboard | £35-50 | £70-100 | Supply and fit |
| Featherboard (on-site) | N/A | £80-120 | Built board by board |
| Gate installation | £80-200 per gate (plus gate cost) | ||
Total Project Cost Examples
10-metre fence with standard lap panels (DIY):
- 6 lap panels @ £38 = £228
- 7 timber posts @ £15 = £105
- 6 gravel boards @ £8 = £48
- 7 bags postcrete @ £6 = £42
- Total: £423 (materials only)
Same fence professionally installed:
- Materials: £423
- Installation (6 panels @ £30): £180
- Total: £603 (supply and fit)
Where to Buy Fencing in the UK
UK sources for quality fencing materials:
Fencing Specialists
- Earnshaws Fencing Centres
- AVS Fencing Supplies
- Jacksons Fencing
- Expert advice available
- Made-to-measure options
Builders Merchants
- Jewson, Travis Perkins
- Buildbase, Selco
- Trade accounts available
- Bulk buy discounts
- Delivery service
DIY Stores
- B&Q, Wickes, Homebase
- Convenient locations
- Ready-to-collect stock
- Often on offer
- Installation services
Online Retailers
- Fencestore.co.uk
- Buy Fencing Direct
- Amazon (small items)
- Compare prices easily
- Nationwide delivery
Fence Installation Tips
Before You Start
- Notify neighbours - Courtesy notice about planned work
- Check utilities - Call before you dig (dial 811 or use online services)
- Mark the boundary - Use string line between pegs
- Check weather - Avoid setting posts in rain or frost
- Have all materials ready - Nothing worse than running out mid-project
Installation Best Practices
- Set corner posts first - Use string line to align intermediate posts
- Check levels frequently - Spirit level on two adjacent sides of each post
- Dig holes correctly - 300mm diameter, depth = 1/3 post length
- Compact base - Add 50mm hardcore before concrete
- Slope concrete away - Prevents water pooling at post base
- Wait before adding panels - Let concrete cure 24-48 hours
- Leave expansion gap - 10mm between panel and post
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Posts too shallow - Will lean or blow over in wind
- No gravel boards - Panels rot from bottom within 3-5 years
- Wrong post spacing - Measure panel width carefully
- Ignoring slope - Step panels on hills, don't rack them
- Cheap fixings - Use galvanised or stainless steel only
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fence panels do I need?
Divide your total fence length by the panel width. Standard UK fence panels are 1.83m (6ft) wide. For a 10-metre fence, you need: 10 ÷ 1.83 = 5.46, rounded up to 6 panels. You always need one more post than the number of panels, so 6 panels require 7 posts.
What is the maximum fence height without planning permission in the UK?
Under UK permitted development rights, you can erect a fence up to 2 metres (6ft 6in) high without planning permission in most cases. However, if the fence is adjacent to a highway used by vehicles, the maximum is 1 metre (3ft 3in). Always check with your local planning authority, as conservation areas and listed buildings may have additional restrictions.
How deep should fence posts be buried in the UK?
As a general rule, bury fence posts to one-third of their total length. For a 1.8m (6ft) fence using 2.4m (8ft) posts, bury 600mm (2ft) deep. For a 1.2m (4ft) fence using 1.8m (6ft) posts, bury 450mm (18in). Use postcrete or concrete with a 1:4 cement to ballast ratio for secure fixing.
How much does a fence cost per metre in the UK?
UK fencing costs per metre (2024-2025) for supply and installation: Budget lap panels £40-60/m, standard lap panels £60-90/m, premium closeboard £100-150/m, featherboard £90-130/m, and metal fencing £150-250/m. DIY supply-only costs are roughly 40-50% of these prices. Prices vary by region and installer.
What are gravel boards and do I need them?
Gravel boards are horizontal boards fitted at the bottom of fence panels, between the posts at ground level. They protect the main fence panels from ground moisture and rot, extending panel life by 5-10 years. Available in timber (150mm × 22mm) or concrete (150mm × 50mm). Concrete gravel boards are more durable but heavier. Highly recommended for all fence installations.
What is the difference between lap panels and closeboard fencing?
Lap panels are pre-made panels with horizontal overlapping boards, quick to install but less durable (10-15 year lifespan). Closeboard (featherboard) fencing uses vertical boards nailed to horizontal arris rails, is built on-site, stronger, more durable (20-25+ years), and can follow uneven ground. Closeboard costs 40-60% more but lasts longer and is easier to repair.
How much concrete do I need per fence post?
For standard 75mm × 75mm or 100mm × 100mm fence posts, use one 20kg bag of postcrete (fast-setting) or two 25kg bags of ballast mixed with cement (1:4 ratio) per post. For large gate posts or exposed locations, increase to 1.5-2 bags of postcrete. A 10-metre fence with 7 posts typically needs 7 bags of postcrete or 14 bags of ready-mix concrete.
Who owns the fence between two properties?
Check your property deeds for 'T' marks - the fence belongs to whoever's side has the T mark. If no marks exist, there's no automatic rule. Common practice is that fence posts face the owner's property (smooth side faces neighbours), but this isn't legal. For clarity, check Land Registry documents or agree boundaries with neighbours in writing.
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