After 19 years installing and repairing fences across Surrey – from garden borders in Guildford to security fencing in Woking – I’ve noticed homeowners often struggle to find transparent information about fencing costs.
This comprehensive guide breaks down what Surrey residents can expect to pay for fence installation and repairs in 2025, based on our extensive experience throughout the county.
Fence Installation Costs in Surrey
The average cost of installing a new fence in Surrey ranges from £1,500 for standard 4ft panels to £2,000 for 6ft privacy panels, including materials and labour. However, several factors can influence this price significantly.
Surrey Fence Installation Cost Breakdown
| Type of Fencing | Material Cost Per Panel/Section | Average Installation Cost (36ft run) |
|---|---|---|
| Lap Panel (6ft high) | £40 – £60 | £1,800 – £2,200 |
| Featherboard/Close Board | £50 – £75 | £1,900 – £2,400 |
| Hit and Miss Panels | £60 – £90 | £2,000 – £2,600 |
| Post and Rail | £6 – £15 per foot | £800 – £1,200 |
| Chainlink | £9 – £13 per foot | £900 – £1,300 |
| Slatted Panels | £75 – £120 | £2,200 – £2,800 |
| Trellis Panels | £25 – £40 | £1,400 – £1,800 |
Last week, we completed a project in Dorking where the homeowner initially thought all fence panels were priced similarly. After discussing the options, they chose hit and miss panels for the side facing their neighbour (allowing light and air flow) while selecting solid featherboard panels for the boundary facing the road (providing privacy and noise reduction).
Materials Cost Breakdown
When budgeting for your Surrey fencing project, here’s what you can expect to pay for individual components:
- Fence panels: £30 – £120 each (depending on style and quality)
- Timber fence posts: £15 – £36 each
- Concrete fence posts: £20 – £40 each
- Gravel boards (timber): £30 – £50 each
- Gravel boards (concrete): £50 – £70 each
- Postcrete: £7 – £10 per bag
- Garden gate (6ft): £200 – £300 each
- Garden gate (4ft): £150 – £220 each
Fence Repair Costs in Surrey
Fence repairs in Surrey typically cost between £90 and £220 per panel, depending on the fence type and extent of damage. The most common repairs we perform involve replacing broken panels, fixing loose posts, and repairing storm damage.
Common Fence Repair Costs in Surrey
| Type of Repair | Average Cost in Surrey |
|---|---|
| Traditional lap/waney edge panel repair (6ft x 6ft) | £100 – £150 |
| Hit and miss panel repair (6ft x 6ft) | £150 – £220 |
| Close boarded/featheredge repair (6ft high) | £110 – £150 |
| Replace timber fence post | £50 – £70 |
| Replace concrete fence post | £50 – £80 |
| Stabilize wobbly fence post | £40 – £60 |
| Storm damage assessment and repair | £80 – £200 |
| Gate repair/realignment | £50 – £100 |
A client in Reigate recently called us after discovering woodworm in several fence panels. Rather than replacing the entire fence, we were able to replace just the affected panels and treat the surrounding timber, saving them over £800 compared to a complete fence replacement.
Factors That Influence Fencing Prices in Surrey
Fence Style and Panel Type
The style of fencing you choose has the biggest impact on your overall cost:
- Lap Panel/Overlap Fencing: The most economical option, providing basic privacy at £40-£60 per panel. Popular in family homes across Redhill and Epsom.
- Featherboard/Close Board: More durable than lap panels with a cleaner finish, costing £50-£75 per panel. Particularly popular in upmarket areas like Weybridge and Esher.
- Hit and Miss Panels: These attractive panels offer privacy while allowing some air flow, priced at £60-£90 per panel. We’ve installed many of these in exposed Surrey locations like Box Hill where wind resistance is important.
- Slatted/Venetian Panels: Contemporary horizontal slats provide a modern aesthetic, costing £75-£120 per panel. These are increasingly requested in newer developments around Camberley and Farnham.
- Security Fencing: Options range from chainlink (£9-£13 per foot) to metal palisade systems (£25-£40 per foot). Commercial properties in Woking and Guildford industrial estates typically require these.
- Decorative Options: Trellis toppers, curved tops, and decorative post caps all add to the final cost but enhance aesthetic appeal. Popular in Surrey’s conservation areas like Shere and Abinger Hammer.
Garden Specifics
Surrey’s varied topography significantly impacts fencing costs:
- Sloped Gardens: Installing fencing on slopes (common in areas like the North Downs) can increase labour costs by 15-30% due to the extra complexity.
- Access Issues: Properties with restricted access (like many older homes in Farnham or Godalming) may incur additional charges for material transport.
- Ground Conditions: Clay-heavy soil (common in parts of Leatherhead) requires deeper post holes and more concrete compared to sandy soils found in areas like Frensham.
- Boundary Complexities: Irregular boundaries or those with existing structures require custom panel sizing, increasing material and labour costs.
Material Quality
We offer different quality grades to suit various budgets:
- Standard: Treated softwood with a 5-7 year lifespan
- Premium: Pressure-treated timber with a 10-15 year lifespan
- Luxury: Hardwoods or composite materials with 20+ year lifespans
During a recent project in Virginia Water, we installed premium pressure-treated panels that cost 40% more than standard panels but offer twice the lifespan – a worthwhile investment for the client’s executive home.
Fence Height
Height significantly impacts both material and labour costs:
- 4ft fencing: Approximately £1,500 for a 36ft run
- 6ft fencing: Approximately £1,900 for a 36ft run
Many Surrey homeowners in areas like Thames Ditton and Walton-on-Thames opt for 6ft panels for privacy from neighbours, while those with countryside views in areas like Headley often choose lower fencing to maintain their views.
Additional Features
Common additions that affect final pricing include:
- Gates: Adding a matching gate costs £150-£300 depending on size and style
- Concrete Gravel Boards: Protect timber from ground contact, adding £50-£70 per section
- Post Caps: Decorative caps range from £5-£20 per post
- Trellis Toppers: Add height and decoration for £20-£35 per panel
Old Fence Removal
Removing existing fencing typically adds £20-£30 per panel to your project cost. For Surrey properties with extensive old fencing, waste disposal can be a significant expense.
Surrey-Specific Considerations
Local Weather Conditions
Surrey’s weather patterns influence fencing choices:
- Exposed Areas: Properties in elevated areas like Leith Hill or Box Hill benefit from hit and miss panels that allow wind to pass through
- Low-Lying Areas: Homes near the River Wey or Mole benefit from concrete posts and gravel boards to prevent water damage
Conservation and Planning Restrictions
Many Surrey areas have specific restrictions:
- Conservation Areas: Villages like Shere, Abinger Hammer, and parts of Godalming restrict fence heights and styles
- Listed Properties: May require specific traditional fencing methods that cost more to install
Comparing Professional Installation vs DIY in Surrey
While DIY fence installation might seem cost-effective, consider these Surrey-specific factors:
Professional Installation Advantages
- Local Knowledge: Understanding Surrey’s varied soil conditions (from clay to sandy loam)
- Equipment Access: Proper post hole diggers and concrete mixers
- Waste Removal: Proper disposal of old fencing (particularly important in Surrey where fly-tipping fines are substantial)
- Guarantee: We offer a 5-year guarantee on all our installations
DIY Challenges in Surrey
- Uneven Terrain: Many Surrey gardens have significant slopes
- Boundary Disputes: Common in older Surrey properties with unclear boundaries
- Heavy Clay Soil: Makes post hole digging extremely difficult in many parts of the county
Maintaining Your Fence to Avoid Costly Repairs
Regular maintenance can extend your fence’s life significantly:
- Annual Treatment: Apply wood preservative every 1-2 years (especially important in damp areas like Holmwood and Abinger)
- Quick Repairs: Address small issues before they become major problems
- Post Checks: Regularly check posts for wobbling, especially after strong winds
- Clear Vegetation: Keep climbing plants under control to prevent fence strain
FAQs About Surrey Fencing Costs
How much does fencing cost per metre in Surrey?
Fencing in Surrey typically costs £50-£120 per metre depending on the style, height, and materials chosen. Premium options like Western Red Cedar can cost up to £150 per metre.
How long will my new fence last in Surrey’s climate?
With proper maintenance, standard treated softwood fencing should last 7-10 years in Surrey’s climate. Premium pressure-treated timber can last 15-20 years, while concrete posts can last 25+ years.
Do I need planning permission for fencing in Surrey?
Generally, fences under 2 metres (6.5ft) in height don’t require planning permission unless they’re fronting a highway or in a conservation area. However, Surrey’s numerous conservation areas and listed buildings may have additional restrictions.
How much should I budget for fence repairs after storm damage?
After recent Surrey storms, we’ve found repair costs typically range from £80-£300 depending on damage extent. Having a contingency fund for fence repairs is advisable for Surrey homeowners, especially in exposed locations.
Can you match my existing fence panels for a partial replacement?
Yes, we can usually source matching panels for partial replacements. For older fences with discontinued styles, we can often custom-build panels to match your existing aesthetic.
Understanding fence installation and repair costs helps you budget appropriately for your Surrey property.
Whether you’re planning a new garden boundary in Guildford or repairing storm damage in Farnham, this guide provides the essential information you need.
For a personalised quote for your Surrey fencing project, contact our team today for a no-obligation site visit and detailed estimate.
