Fencing contractors across the UK
We have local fencing guides for 110 towns and cities, each covering the typical homes, gardens, weather and rules in that area. Can't see your town? You can still request quotes – contractors cover the villages and towns in between.
London
London clay underlies much of the capital. It swells when wet and shrinks in dry summers, which can loosen shallow fence posts over time, so contractors here tend to dig deeper footings. Gardens are generally sheltered by surrounding buildings, but narrow side access to terraced houses means materials often have to be carried through by hand.
South East England
The South East is one of the drier parts of the UK, but coastal towns along the Channel take the brunt of south-westerly gales. Soils vary from heavy clay in the Weald to chalk on the Downs, where post holes can be hard work to dig. Fence posts on chalk and flint usually need a breaker or auger rather than a spade.
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East of England
East Anglia and the Home Counties to the north of London are relatively dry, but flat, open land means fences on the edge of towns can be very exposed to wind. Clay soils are common in Essex, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, while the Fens have soft, peaty ground where posts need a solid concrete base.
South West England
The South West is mild but wet, with Atlantic weather hitting Devon and Cornwall first. Timber has to cope with long periods of damp, so good drainage around post bases and regular treatment make a noticeable difference. Coastal and hillside gardens need wind-tolerant designs, and stony ground on Dartmoor's edges and in the Cotswolds can slow installation.
West Midlands
The West Midlands conurbation is largely sheltered, with moderate rainfall and heavy clay or marl soils in many suburbs. Clay holds water around timber posts, which is why so many older fences here fail at ground level. Further west, in Shropshire and Worcestershire, rural boundaries and larger plots are more common.
East Midlands
The East Midlands is relatively dry, with mixed soils ranging from Mercia mudstone and clay to sandier ground in Nottinghamshire. Winds across open farmland can be strong on the edges of towns, and Lincolnshire's flat landscape leaves boundary fences exposed.
North West England
The North West is one of England's wettest regions, and the Irish Sea coast is exposed to strong westerly winds. Timber that stays damp for long periods rots faster, so concrete posts and gravel boards are especially popular here. Many terraced streets have narrow back alleys or ginnels, which affects access for materials.
Yorkshire and the Humber
Yorkshire's weather varies from the wetter Pennine towns in the west to the drier, windier Humber estuary in the east. Stone is common in the west – both as building material and in the ground – and hillside gardens often need stepped or raked fencing to follow the slope.
North East England
The North East is cooler and often windy, particularly along the coast where North Sea gales and salt air are hard on timber and metal alike. Well-set concrete posts and regular treatment help fences last, and galvanised fixings are a good idea near the sea.
Scotland
Scottish weather is tough on fencing: higher rainfall in the west, cold winters and frequent strong winds, especially on the coast and in the Highlands. Frost can lift poorly set posts, so contractors typically set them deeper. Stone walls and dykes are common boundaries and are often combined with timber fencing.
Wales
Wales has high rainfall, particularly in the valleys and uplands, and exposed coastal towns. Many homes sit on steep slopes, so fences often need to step down the hillside and gravel boards may be exposed to run-off. Stony ground can make post holes slow to dig.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is mild but damp, with frequent rain and strong winds off the Atlantic and Irish Sea. Timber benefits from regular treatment, and heavy-duty posts are worth the extra cost in exposed spots.
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