How much does a new fence cost in Cambridge?

A new timber close-board fence in Cambridge typically costs between £120 and £250 per metre supply and fitted, depending on height, ground conditions and the timber grade used. Concrete posts and gravel boards push the price toward the higher end, but they significantly extend the life of the run. Decorative or composite panels, hardwood close-board and bespoke gates add further cost. The best way to get an accurate figure is to have someone walk the boundary with you - we offer a free site measure and quote across Cambridge and the surrounding villages.

What drives the price of a new fence up or down?

The main cost factors are panel or board style, post material (timber versus concrete), fence height, the number of gates, and how difficult the ground is to work in. Rocky or heavily rooted ground in areas like Cherry Hinton or Trumpington can add time and therefore cost. Removing an old fence also adds to the price, as does disposing of treated timber, which cannot go to a standard skip. Telling a contractor all of this upfront means you get a quote that reflects the actual job, not an estimate that grows on the day.

How long do different types of fence last?

Pressure-treated softwood close-board panels typically last 15-25 years when fitted with concrete posts and gravel boards and kept treated. Untreated or poorly treated timber close to the ground can start to rot within 5-8 years in the damp Cambridgeshire climate. Concrete panel fences can last 40 years or more; composite panels are generally rated by manufacturers at 25 years or longer without painting or staining. Metal railings and galvanised steel fences, if the coating is maintained, can outlast all of them.

Should I choose timber or concrete fence posts?

Concrete posts are the better long-term choice for most domestic fences because they do not rot at ground level, which is the most common reason a timber run fails prematurely. Timber posts treated with a UC4-rated preservative (suitable for ground contact) will last considerably longer than untreated or UC3 timber, but they will still eventually decay in the wet, clay-heavy soils found across much of South Cambridgeshire. For a boundary that needs to last 20 years or more with minimal intervention, concrete posts paired with a gravel board are the standard recommendation. Timber posts suit applications where a more natural look is a priority and the owner is prepared to monitor and re-treat them.

What is the difference between timber, metal and composite fence panels?

Timber panels are the most affordable upfront, offer a natural look and are easy to cut to size, but they need regular treatment and will eventually rot if neglected. Metal fences - wrought iron, galvanised steel or powder-coated aluminium - suit period Cambridge properties and front boundaries where security and appearance matter; they cost more but need less maintenance once the coating is intact. Composite panels are made from a mix of recycled wood fibre and plastic; they will not rot, do not need painting, and have improved significantly in appearance over the past decade. The right choice depends on your budget, the setting, and how much upkeep you are willing to do.

How tall can my fence be without planning permission?

In England, you can erect a fence up to 2 metres tall without planning permission, provided it is not next to a highway or public footpath. If your boundary adjoins a road, pavement or public right of way, the permitted development limit drops to 1 metre. Conservation areas - and Cambridge has several, including large parts of the city centre and many village settings - may impose additional restrictions, and your title deeds or lease may contain covenants that limit height or materials further. If you are unsure, check with South Cambridgeshire District Council or Cambridge City Council before starting work, as enforcement action can require you to remove a fence at your own expense.

Which side of the fence is mine and how do I find out?

There is no universal rule in England that dictates which boundary belongs to which neighbour - it depends entirely on the title deeds for your property. The Land Registry title plan sometimes shows a 'T' mark on the boundary line; the 'T' points toward the owner responsible for that boundary. If your deeds are unclear, the next step is to look at the conveyancing documents from when you bought the house, or commission a boundary report. Assuming your neighbour owns a fence just because it faces a particular way is one of the most common causes of boundary disputes, so it is worth checking rather than guessing.

Should I repair individual panels or replace the whole run?

If fewer than a third of the panels or posts in a run are damaged and the rest of the fence is structurally sound, targeted repairs are usually better value. However, if the posts are beginning to rot at ground level, replacing panels while leaving the posts in place is a short-term fix - the whole run will need to come down within a few years anyway. A fence that is more than 15-20 years old and showing widespread deterioration is almost always cheaper to replace in full than to repair piecemeal over time. We can assess a run honestly and tell you which approach makes financial sense for your specific situation.

My fence was blown down in a storm - what should I do, and does insurance cover it?

Photograph the damage before touching anything, then check whether the downed fence is on your boundary or your neighbour's, because that determines who is responsible for the repair cost. Most standard UK home insurance buildings policies cover storm damage to fences, but many set a low sub-limit (often £500-£1,000) and some exclude fences entirely, so check your policy schedule before assuming you are covered. Temporary measures - securing a loose panel with a batten, or removing a section that is a hazard - are sensible, but do not undertake full repairs until you have spoken to your insurer, as they may want to send an assessor. Cambridge experiences significant storm events in autumn and early spring, and we can usually prioritise emergency call-outs for security or safety-critical damage.

What are gravel boards, why do I need them, and how far apart should fence posts be?

A gravel board is a horizontal board or concrete slab fitted at the base of the fence, between the posts, to sit on or just above the ground - it takes the brunt of soil moisture and grass contact, protecting the more expensive panels above it. Without a gravel board, the bottom of a timber panel sits directly on damp soil and will typically begin to rot within a few years, particularly in the heavier soils of the Cambridge area. Standard fence post spacing in the UK is 1.83 metres (6 feet) centre to centre, matching the width of a standard fence panel. Posts decay fastest at the point where they enter the ground, because that zone cycles between wet and dry; concrete posts or a concrete spur repair system eliminate this problem entirely.

How Long Does It Take to Install a Garden Fence?

The Honest Answer: It Depends on the Job

Most homeowners asking this question want a straight number. The honest answer is that a simple panel fence along one side of a garden can be finished in a single day, while a larger or more complex job might take two to four days. The variables that matter most are the total run of fencing, the type of fence chosen, ground conditions and whether any old fence needs removing first.

Cambridge gardens vary enormously. A compact terraced plot in one of the city's Victorian streets needs far less time than a detached property with a long rear boundary and a side return. Knowing what affects the timeline helps you plan realistically.

What Affects Installation Time the Most

Length and Layout of the Boundary

The single biggest factor is simply how many metres of fence are going in. As a rough guide, an experienced installer can set posts and hang panels for around 10 to 15 metres of standard panel fencing per day on straightforward ground. Corners, changes in level and awkward access all slow the pace down.

Type of Fencing

Overlap panel fencing goes up quickly because the panels are pre-made. Closeboard fencing, where featheredge boards are fixed individually to arris rails, takes longer because every board is fitted by hand. Metal fencing such as wrought iron or powder-coated steel typically takes longer to install than timber, partly because posts need to be set more precisely and concrete curing time is a factor.

Post Setting and Ground Conditions

Fence posts in Cambridge's clay-heavy soil often need to be set in concrete, which must cure before the fence panels or boards can be loaded against them. A wet or recently disturbed ground can extend this further. Some installers use post supports driven into the ground, which removes the curing wait, though this method suits lighter fences on stable ground rather than exposed or heavy structures.

Removing the Old Fence First

If there is an existing fence to take out, budget at least a few hours for a standard residential run. Concrete-set posts from an older fence can add a full half-day when the ground is reluctant to release them. This is worth factoring in when you are getting quotes rather than finding out on the day.

A Rough Timeline for Common Fence Jobs

Up to 15 metres, panel fence, clear site: 1 day
15 to 30 metres, panel or closeboard, minor clearance: 1 to 2 days
30 to 50 metres, closeboard or featheredge: 2 to 3 days
Large boundaries with gates, uneven ground or concrete post removal: 3 to 4 days or more

These are realistic working estimates, not guarantees. If a gate installation is included, allow extra time for setting gate posts correctly and hanging and adjusting the gate itself.

Cambridge Conditions Worth Knowing About

The Cambridgeshire Fens and the flat land around the city are notably exposed to the wind. This matters for fencing because a full-panel fence in an open or elevated position acts like a sail and puts serious strain on posts. In these situations, installers often recommend a more open-style fence or trellis topper rather than solid panels right to the top. Custom garden trellis fitted above a solid base is a practical solution that reduces wind loading while keeping privacy.

Frost in late winter can also affect scheduling. Freshly concreted posts should not be set during a hard frost, as this can compromise the concrete mix. A reputable installer will flag this rather than press on.

Do You Need Planning Permission?

In most cases, no. In England, a fence does not need planning permission if it is no more than 2 metres high, or no more than 1 metre high where it sits next to a highway used by vehicles (including the footpath in front of your property). Listed buildings, conservation areas and Article 4 directions can change these rules, so if your property falls into any of those categories it is worth checking with your local council or visiting the Planning Portal guidance on fences, gates and garden walls before work begins.

If you are not sure whether your property is in a conservation area, Cambridge City Council's online map is a quick way to check before committing to a fence height.

Thinking About a New Fence Installation?

Getting the timeline right starts with a proper site assessment. The length, ground type, fence style and any access issues all need to be looked at before a realistic programme can be put together. We cover Cambridge and the surrounding villages including Great Shelford, Histon and Sawston.

Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote and we will come out to measure up and give you a clear picture of how long your job will take and what it will involve.

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More advice

How Long Does It Take to Install a Garden Fence?

The Honest Answer: It Depends on the Job

What Affects Installation Time the Most

Length and Layout of the Boundary

Type of Fencing

Post Setting and Ground Conditions

Removing the Old Fence First

A Rough Timeline for Common Fence Jobs

Cambridge Conditions Worth Knowing About

Do You Need Planning Permission?

Thinking About a New Fence Installation?

Need a price in Cambridge?

Services in this article

New Fence Installation

Fence Repairs

Gate Installation

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