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.

Is Composite Fencing Worth the Extra Cost for Homeowners?

What Is Composite Fencing and Why Does It Cost More?

Composite fencing is made from a blend of wood fibres and recycled plastic, pressed and shaped to look like timber boarding. Because the manufacturing process is more involved than cutting and treating softwood, the material cost is noticeably higher than a standard close-board or feather-edge fence.

As a broad UK guide, composite fencing panels typically cost two to three times more per metre than pressure-treated softwood panels of a similar height. When you factor in posts, fixings and fitting, a typical garden fence in composite could run to anywhere from £150 to £300 per metre installed, depending on the style and height chosen. Prices vary and you should always get a specific quote for your property.

How Does Cambridge's Climate Affect the Choice?

Cambridge sits in one of the driest parts of the UK, but that does not mean fencing has an easy life here. Easterly winds across the fens can be punishing, and the wide temperature swings between summer and winter put timber under real stress, causing it to expand, contract and eventually crack or warp.

Softwood fencing typically needs treating or painting every two to three years to stay in good condition in these conditions. Composite fencing does not absorb moisture in the same way, so it resists the warping and rotting that often shortens the life of untreated timber panels in Cambridge gardens. Many composite products carry a manufacturer's colour-fade warranty of fifteen to twenty-five years, though you should always check the specific product documentation before buying.

Gardens on newer developments around Cambridge, and in villages such as Great Shelford and Histon, tend to be open and well-exposed. If your plot faces the prevailing wind with little natural shelter, a material that holds its shape and colour without annual maintenance starts to look more attractive.

What Are the Real Advantages for Homeowners?

Low maintenance: Composite fencing does not need annual staining, painting or preservative treatment. An occasional wash with soapy water is generally all it needs.
Longevity: Quality composite products are designed to outlast standard softwood fencing by a significant margin when properly installed.
Consistent appearance: Composite does not grey, split or take on a patchy look over time the way untreated timber can.
Eco credentials: Many boards use recycled plastic content, which appeals to homeowners who want to reduce waste.
Colour choice: Composite comes in a range of finishes from natural wood tones to contemporary greys and blacks, which suits modern Cambridge new-builds and older red-brick properties alike.

The main disadvantage is the higher upfront cost. If budget is tight, a well-installed pressure-treated close-board fence from a new fence installation service will still give you a solid, attractive boundary for many years provided it is maintained properly.

Planning Permission - What You Need to Know

Before you decide on any fence, check whether you need planning permission. In England, a fence needs no planning permission if it is no more than 2 metres high. If any part of the fence adjoins a highway used by vehicles, or a footpath associated with such a highway, the maximum permitted height drops to 1 metre. Conservation areas, listed buildings and Article 4 directions can change these rules, so always check with your local authority if you are unsure. The Planning Portal has clear, up-to-date guidance on this.

Cambridge has a number of conservation areas where stricter rules apply. If your property is affected, it is worth confirming the position before ordering materials.

Is the Extra Cost Worth It?

The honest answer depends on your priorities. If you want a boundary that needs very little attention for many years and you are happy to pay more upfront, composite fencing is a sound investment. If you are comfortable with occasional maintenance and want to keep initial costs down, good-quality pressure-treated timber remains a practical choice.

One way to think about it: the difference in upfront cost between composite and timber may be partially offset over time by savings on preservative treatments, staining products and fence repairs caused by rot or storm damage. Calculate how long you plan to stay in the property and how much time you want to spend maintaining the garden boundary.

If you are also considering a matching gate, we offer gate installation to complement any fencing project, including composite styles.

Get a Free Quote from Cambridge Fencers

If you are weighing up composite against timber and want honest, straightforward advice for your specific garden and budget, we are happy to help. Contact Cambridge Fencers for a free local quote and we will talk through the options that suit your property and your plans.

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More advice

Is Composite Fencing Worth the Extra Cost for Homeowners?

What Is Composite Fencing and Why Does It Cost More?

How Does Cambridge's Climate Affect the Choice?

What Are the Real Advantages for Homeowners?

Planning Permission - What You Need to Know

Is the Extra Cost Worth It?

Get a Free Quote from Cambridge Fencers

Need a price in Cambridge?

Services in this article

New Fence Installation

Fence Repairs

Gate Installation

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