The short answer
A 50ft (15m) garden typically needs around 36m of fencing for both sides and the back, costing roughly £3,200–£5,500 for standard 1.8m panels. A 100ft (30m) garden needs about 66m, costing around £5,900–£10,000. Closeboard and composite cost more; sharing side fences with neighbours can halve your share.
Most UK back gardens are long and narrow. A typical semi might have a garden 6m wide and anything from 10m to 40m long. To estimate fencing, add the two sides and the back boundary.
Working out how much fence you need
Measure each boundary in metres. For a 50ft (15m) garden that's 6m wide, you'd need two sides of 15m plus a back of 6m – 36m in total. For a 100ft (30m) garden of the same width, it's 66m. Our guide to measuring for a fence explains how to count panels and posts.
Total costs by fence type
These figures assume standard 1.8m fences on level ground with reasonable access. Removing an old fence, slopes, and difficult access will add to the total.
- Lap panels at £90–£150/m: 36m = £3,200–£5,400; 66m = £5,900–£9,900
- Closeboard at £110–£180/m: 36m = £4,000–£6,500; 66m = £7,300–£11,900
- Composite at £180–£300/m: 36m = £6,500–£10,800; 66m = £11,900–£19,800
- Post and rail at £25–£45/m: 36m = £900–£1,600; 66m = £1,650–£3,000
Do you need to fence every boundary?
Often not. Side fences may belong to your neighbours, or be shared. If a neighbour's fence is in good condition, you don't need to replace it. Check your title deeds – see which side of the fence is mine. If a fence is shared, splitting the cost can make a big difference on a long garden.
Ways to save on long gardens
See the cheapest way to fence a large garden for more ideas.
- Use solid fencing near the house and cheaper fencing further down
- Split costs with neighbours on shared boundaries
- Book in autumn or winter when fencers are less busy
- Keep existing sound posts where possible
Getting quotes
For a large job, get at least three quotes and make sure each one specifies post type, panel type, gravel boards, removal of the old fence and waste disposal. Compare quotes for fence panels or closeboard fencing from local installers.