How Much Does Fence Installation Cost In Surrey? A Straight-Talking Guide

Wondering what a new fence will really cost in Surrey? You are not alone. Prices vary a lot depending on materials, ground conditions and access. The good news is you can get close to a sensible budget with a few simple rules of thumb. This guide breaks down the real drivers of cost, gives per metre price ranges for popular options, shows what a typical 30 metre run might cost, and explains when DIY saves money and when it does not. You will also see how timelines influence labour so you know what to expect on the day.

What drives the cost of a new fence

Several factors shape your final quote. A quick site survey confirms these, but here is what matters most:

• Material type. Closeboard, lap panel, cedar, slatted, chain link and palisade all sit at different price points.

• Posts and fixings. Concrete posts with gravel boards cost more than timber posts, but often last longer. Heavier panels need beefier fixings.

• Labour and timeline. Straight, level runs in soft ground go faster. Most domestic jobs finish in 1 to 2 days. Extra days increase labour.

• Access. Tight side passages, limited parking, long carries and restricted waste access add time and effort.

• Ground conditions. Hard clay, roots, rubble and slopes require more digging and setting, which increases labour and concrete use.

• Removal and disposal. Taking down and disposing of old fencing, posts and concrete footings adds cost but saves you a skip and a weekend of heavy lifting.

• Extras. Gates, trellis toppers, staining or oiling, pet proofing and custom heights affect the total.

  
  

Typical price ranges in Surrey, by metre

Use these as guide ranges for supply and professional installation, including posts and concrete, but excluding VAT where applicable. Final figures depend on your site, height and specification.

• Lap panel fencing, 1.8 m high, timber posts: £65 to £90 per metre

• Lap panel fencing, concrete posts and gravel boards: £80 to £110 per metre

• Closeboard fencing, 1.8 m high, timber posts: £85 to £120 per metre

• Closeboard fencing, concrete posts and gravel boards: £100 to £140 per metre

• Horizontal slatted fencing, softwood, 1.8 m: £120 to £180 per metre

• Cedar batten fence, 1.8 m: £180 to £260 per metre

• Chain link fencing, 1.2 to 1.8 m, galvanised: £45 to £85 per metre

• Chain link fencing, coated, with strained line wires: £60 to £100 per metre

• Metal palisade security fencing, 1.8 to 2.4 m: £140 to £220 per metre

  
  

These ranges cover standard posts at 2.4 m centres, concrete footings, and tidy removal of spoil. Complex curves, retaining plinths, very tall runs, acoustic products or heavy bespoke details will sit above the ranges.

So, how much do fencers charge per metre?

For most Surrey homes, expect £65 to £140 per metre for common timber systems, rising to £180 to £260 for premium cedar and £140 to £220 for palisade security. Chain link is usually the most economical at £45 to £100 per metre. If you are comparing quotes, check what is included such as post type, gravel boards, concrete depth, removal of old fencing and waste disposal.

What about per post pricing?

Some firms price per post or per bay rather than per metre. A typical 1.8 m bay, including panel, two thirds bag of post mix, fixings and labour, often sits between £120 and £220 depending on the system and post type. For bespoke slatted or cedar bays, £220 to £350 per bay is common. Where posts require breaking out old concrete or drilling through roots, allow an additional £25 to £60 per post for the extra work.

How much would a 30 metre fence cost?

Here are realistic guide totals for a straight 30 m run at around 1.8 m high:

• Lap panel, timber posts: £2,000 to £2,700

• Lap panel, concrete posts and gravel boards: £2,400 to £3,300

• Closeboard, timber posts: £2,550 to £3,600

• Closeboard, concrete posts and gravel boards: £3,000 to £4,200

• Horizontal slatted softwood: £3,600 to £5,400

• Cedar batten privacy: £5,400 to £7,800

• Chain link, galvanised: £1,350 to £2,550

• Metal palisade security: £4,200 to £6,600

  
  

Add gates, awkward access, heavy groundworks or removal of a long run of old posts and concrete, and your total will move toward the top of the range.

How much should you budget for a new fence?

A practical first budget is to take the mid point of the relevant range, multiply by your length, then add 10 to 15 percent for contingencies and small extras. For example, a 20 m closeboard fence with concrete posts at £120 per metre mid point suggests £2,400. Add 10 percent and your working budget becomes about £2,640. A free site survey will refine that quickly.

How much should a fence panel cost?

Retail prices vary. Standard 1.8 m lap panels might be £30 to £50 each, closeboard panels £45 to £80, and quality pressure treated options a little more. For installed prices, you are paying for posts, concrete, fixings, disposal and skilled labour, which is why per panel installed costs are commonly £120 to £220 or more depending on specification.

Labour, timelines and why 1 to 2 days matters

Labour is a major part of your price. A two person crew can often remove an old fence and install 15 to 30 metres of standard fencing in 1 to 2 days, subject to access and ground. Finishing in two days instead of three can save several hundred pounds in labour. Clear access, a tidy site and parking nearby help keep the schedule tight.

Is it cheaper to install your own fence?

DIY can be cheaper if you already own the right tools, can transport materials, and have level ground with easy digging. You will save on labour, which can be 40 to 60 percent of the installed price for simple panel fencing. That said, professional installation usually costs less over the lifespan of the fence. Pros set posts deeper, use the right concrete mix, align runs accurately, and protect timber with gravel boards and correct fixings. This reduces failures after storms and helps your fence last years longer, which protects your budget and your time.

If you only need a couple of repairs or a replacement gate, a pro can also be cost effective because they bring the correct materials and finish the job quickly. If you are weighing DIY versus hire, consider your time, the weight of materials, waste disposal, tool hire and the risk of rework.

Add ons that change the price

• Gates. From £180 to £450 for standard softwood garden gates supplied and installed, more for bespoke or driveway gates.

• Trellis toppers. £25 to £60 per metre supplied and fitted, depending on design and height.

• Staining or oiling. £8 to £15 per metre for initial treatment, more for premium oils or multiple coats.

• Disposal. Removing old panels, posts and concrete is often £150 to £350 for a typical garden, included in many install quotes.

  
  

Do fencers charge differently across the UK?

Regional labour rates vary, and materials fluctuate with timber and steel markets. Surrey sits slightly above the UK average due to labour and logistics. The ranges in this guide reflect current Surrey market conditions rather than national lows.

Ready for a precise figure?

Every property is different. A free, no obligation site survey lets us confirm the most cost effective specification, timeline and final price. We install across Surrey, including Guildford, Woking, Farnham and Bracknell, and many projects complete within 1 to 2 days.

If you want a quick look at styles before we visit, explore closeboard fencing options or see the latest cedar batten fence ideas on our site. If you are in Guildford and comparing installers, you might find our page useful as a reference for a trusted guildford fencing company. In Woking, we can help you compare styles and costs with local examples of fencing woking.

Summary

• Expect £65 to £140 per metre for most timber fences in Surrey, £45 to £100 for chain link, £180 to £260 for cedar and £140 to £220 for palisade.

• A 30 metre run typically ranges from about £1,350 for basic chain link to £7,800 for premium cedar, with closeboard commonly £2,550 to £4,200 depending on posts and boards.

• Most installs take 1 to 2 days, and labour efficiency has a real impact on price.

• DIY can save on labour, but professional installation often extends lifespan and reduces future costs.

  
  

Get a free, no obligation site survey anywhere in Surrey, including Guildford, Woking, Farnham and nearby towns. We will assess your site, confirm the best specification and provide a clear written quote so you can plan with confidence.