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 to Find a Reliable Fencing Contractor in Cambridge

Why choosing the right fencing contractor matters

A fence is not a small purchase. Even a modest garden boundary in timber can run to several hundred pounds once materials and labour are included, and a poorly fitted fence can fail within a few years. Getting the contractor selection right from the start saves you money, frustration and the inconvenience of having the work redone.

Cambridge has a wide mix of housing, from Victorian terraces near the city centre to newer detached homes in surrounding villages such as Great Shelford, Histon and Sawston. Garden sizes, soil conditions and boundary layouts all vary, so you want a contractor who understands the local context rather than a one-size-fits-all operator.

What to look for before you book anyone

Start by checking whether the contractor specialises in fencing. A general builder who fits the odd fence panel on the side is very different from a company that does fencing day in, day out. Specialists know how different timbers behave, which post depths suit Cambridge's clay-heavy soils, and how to deal with awkward gradients or tight access.

Ask for examples of recent work in similar settings - a terraced garden boundary is a different job from an open-plan front garden or a commercial perimeter. If the contractor cannot point to relevant experience, that is worth noting.

Written quote: Always ask for an itemised quote in writing, not just a ballpark figure over the phone.
Materials specified: A good quote names the timber grade, panel type, post size and fixing method. Vague descriptions like "standard panels" leave too much room for cheaper substitutions.
Timeline: Check when the contractor can start and how long the job is expected to take, so you can plan accordingly.
Boundary clarity: A professional contractor will ask to see your title deeds or land registry plan if there is any doubt about which side of the boundary is yours. This prevents disputes later.

Planning permission - what the rules actually say

Most residential fencing in England does not need planning permission. Under current rules, you can erect a fence, wall or gate without permission if it is no more than 2 metres high. The limit drops to 1 metre where the boundary is next to a highway used by vehicles, including its footpath. Full details are published on the Planning Portal.

Those limits can change if your property is a listed building, sits within a conservation area, or is subject to an Article 4 direction. Cambridge has a number of conservation areas, so it is worth checking with the local planning authority before work begins if you are unsure. A reputable contractor will flag this possibility rather than press ahead regardless.

Questions to ask about materials and workmanship

Timber is still the most popular fencing material in residential Cambridge gardens, and for good reason - it is versatile, relatively affordable and looks at home against brick and traditional planting. Pressure-treated timber resists rot far better than untreated wood; posts set directly into the ground especially benefit from a high-level preservative treatment. Typical treated timber fence panels and posts, professionally installed, cost broadly in the range of £80 to £200 per metre run in the UK, though that varies considerably with style, height and ground conditions.

If you are after something longer-lasting or lower-maintenance, metal fencing is worth discussing. Steel and aluminium options carry a powder-coated finish that holds up well against the wind and rain that Cambridge properties see through autumn and winter.

Ask any contractor how posts will be fixed. Concreting posts in gives a more permanent result than bolt-down spurs on many soil types, though the right approach depends on your specific ground conditions. A contractor who gives the same answer for every job without surveying the ground first is cutting corners.

Repairs versus full replacement - getting an honest assessment

Not every fence problem calls for a full replacement. A single broken rail or a leaning post can often be fixed at a fraction of the cost of new panels. Common problems include post rot at ground level (where moisture sits against untreated timber), panel damage from wind in exposed spots, and gate posts that have shifted causing alignment issues. Good fence repairs address the root cause, not just the visible symptom - a new rail fitted to a rotten post will fail again quickly.

On the other hand, a fence that is more than fifteen to twenty years old with widespread post rot is often not worth patching. An honest contractor will tell you which situation you are in and give you costs for both options where there is a genuine choice. If a contractor recommends full replacement for a fence that is clearly salvageable, get a second opinion.

Whether you need a full new fence installation or targeted repairs, Cambridge Fencers is happy to take a look and give you straightforward advice. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation local quote and we will talk through the options that suit your property and budget.

Need a price in Cambridge?

We come out, measure up and put the number in writing.

Get a quote

More advice

How to Find a Reliable Fencing Contractor in Cambridge

Why choosing the right fencing contractor matters

What to look for before you book anyone

Planning permission - what the rules actually say

Questions to ask about materials and workmanship

Repairs versus full replacement - getting an honest assessment

Need a price in Cambridge?

Services in this article

New Fence Installation

Fence Repairs

Gate Installation

Other articles

When a Leaning Fence Becomes a Safety Risk

Why Checking a Fencing Company's Reviews Really Matters

How Many Years Should a Garden Fence Actually Last?