Fencing Calculator — Panels & Cost

Fence panels in the UK are a standard 1.83 m (6 ft) wide. The number of panels is calculated by dividing the total run length by 1.83 m. You need one more post than the number of panels (posts go at each end and between every panel). Standard fence post height is the panel height plus 600 mm for the buried portion (or 450 mm if using post supports).

This calculator estimates panels, posts, post-fix concrete (1–2 bags per post), gravel boards (optional, placed at ground level to protect panels from damp) and post caps. For closeboard fencing (individual boards on rails), it calculates featherboard quantity, arris rails and clips instead.

Enter the total fence run length, panel height (typically 0.9 m, 1.2 m, 1.5 m or 1.8 m) and fence type. The calculator shows materials and estimated cost. Planning permission is not normally needed for fences up to 2 m high (1 m if adjacent to a highway). Check boundary responsibility on your title plan before replacing fencing.

How many fence panels do you need? Length of fence ÷ panel width = number of panels. UK standard panels: 1.83m (6ft) wide × various heights. Sample 12m fence ÷ 1.83m = 6.6 → 7 panels (round up). Posts: one per panel join + one at each end. 7 panels need 8 posts. Heights — most common UK domestic: 1.83m (6ft) — maximum without planning permission for rear/side gardens; 1m (3ft 3in) for front gardens adjacent to highway. Add 600mm to post height for in-ground depth.

Fence panel types and UK prices 2026. Lap panel (waney edge, overlap): £25-£50 each — budget choice, 7-10 year life. Featheredge/closeboard (vertical boards): £50-£100 — sturdier, 10-15 years. Hit-and-miss (alternating sides): £55-£90 — wind-permeable, ideal for exposed sites. Tongue and groove: £70-£130 — high-end residential. Concrete panels (gravel boards): £30-£60 each (rot-proof bottom row). Trellis topper (extra 300mm): £15-£40/panel. Concrete posts £20-£35 each, timber posts (pressure-treated 4x4 100×100mm): £15-£25.

Posts and concrete — fixing for the long term. Post depth: minimum 600mm in ground for 1.8m fences; 750mm in exposed/windy locations. Postcrete: 1-2 bags per post (£5-£8/bag, 20kg, sets in 5-10 min). Total cost per post hole: £10-£15 in concrete. Use concrete spurs at base for timber posts to extend life by 5-10 years (prevent ground contact rot). Postcrete vs traditional concrete: rapid-set postcrete fine for fencing; standard concrete cheaper but takes 24 hours to set.

UK fence ownership and the law. Boundary fences: ownership shown on Title Deed (Land Registry £3 to download). Common conventions: 'T' marks on the deed plan show fence ownership. Many UK properties have shared boundaries — neither neighbour solely owns. You can paint/repair YOUR side without permission. You CANNOT paint, attach to, or alter the neighbour's side. Maximum height 2m without planning permission (1m next to highway). Trees and hedges over 2m can be subject to High Hedges Act if blocking light.

Installation labour and DIY cost. DIY 12m fence (7 panels, 8 posts): panels £300, posts £200, postcrete £40, gravel boards £100 = £640 materials. Tools (post-hole digger, spirit level, string line): £40-£100. Time: 2 days for two people. Professional fence installer: £20-£40/m fitted depending on complexity = £240-£480 labour for 12m. Total professional: £900-£1,400. Add gates: £150-£400 each, fitting £80-£150. Annual maintenance: stain/treatment £20-£40 in product, 4 hours work — extends panel life 50-100%.