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.

Which Type of Fence Is Best for a Family Garden?

What Makes a Good Family Garden Fence?

A family garden fence needs to do several things at once: keep children and pets safely inside, give you privacy from neighbours, and survive the knocks that come with an active outdoor space. In Cambridge and the surrounding villages, gardens vary enormously, from compact terraced plots in the city to longer, more open gardens in places like Great Shelford or Histon, so there is no single right answer. The best fence is the one that fits your garden's layout, your household's needs and your budget.

Cambridge sits on relatively flat, open ground and can be exposed to strong easterly winds, particularly in winter and spring. Whatever material you choose, the fence needs to be properly set and braced, because a panel that shifts after the first January gale is not a sound investment.

Timber Fencing - the Most Popular Choice for Family Gardens

Timber remains the most widely used fencing material in UK residential gardens, and for good reason. It is versatile, relatively straightforward to repair, and suits most garden styles. For families, the most practical timber options are close-board fencing and featherboard panels.

Close-board fencing is built on site, with overlapping vertical boards nailed to horizontal arris rails. Because it is constructed piece by piece rather than as a panel, it handles ground that is not perfectly level, which matters in many Cambridge gardens where the ground slopes or has tree roots near the boundary. Because each board is fixed individually, a damaged section can usually be repaired board by board rather than replacing a whole panel.

Lap panel fencing is cheaper to install and widely available, but the panels catch the wind more readily and the thin timber can deteriorate faster. If budget is tight, lap panels are usable, but expect to replace boards or even whole panels within a few years if the garden is exposed.

Whichever timber style you choose, pressure-treated timber will last significantly longer than untreated softwood. A post driven into Cambridge's clay-heavy soil in a poorly drained spot will rot at the base far faster than one that has been properly treated and set correctly.

Metal Fencing for Security Without Losing Light

If your priority is security rather than pure privacy, metal fencing is worth considering. Vertical bar steel or aluminium railings are difficult to climb, do not rot, and need very little maintenance beyond an occasional clean. They suit front gardens particularly well, where a solid timber fence can feel oppressive and may not be appropriate in a streetscape.

For a fully enclosed back garden with young children, however, metal railings alone leave gaps that a small child can squeeze through or get stuck in. In that case, metal fencing is better used in combination with a solid boundary at the rear, or chosen with close enough bar spacing to be safe.

Planning Permission - What You Need to Know

In England, you do not need planning permission for a fence as long as it is no more than 2 metres high. If the fence is next to a highway used by vehicles, or the footpath of such a highway, the limit drops to 1 metre. If your property is a listed building or sits within a conservation area, different rules apply and you should check before you start work. Cambridge has several conservation areas, so this is not a minor consideration for some homeowners. Full details are available on the Planning Portal.

Boundary ownership is a separate matter from planning permission. If you are unsure which fence is yours to replace or alter, check your property deeds before commissioning any work.

Gates, Trellis and Finishing the Garden Off Properly

A fence is only as secure as its gate. For families with young children, a side gate that a child cannot open from the inside is essential. We can combine a new fence with a gate installation to make sure the whole boundary works together, rather than fitting a new fence and leaving an old, ill-fitting gate that undermines everything.

Many homeowners also add a garden trellis to the top of a fence to gain a little extra height for climbing plants, or to soften a solid fence line. This can be a practical way to add privacy without needing a taller fence that might require planning permission.

Typical UK costs for timber close-board fencing run from around £80 to £150 per metre installed, depending on height, timber quality and ground conditions. Metal railings vary more widely. These are broad UK ranges and the actual cost for your garden will depend on your specific site.

Get a Free Quote for Your Cambridge Garden

Every garden is different, and the right fence for a family with a Golden Retriever and two young children is not the same as the right fence for a quiet retirement garden. If you would like straightforward advice and a clear, written quote with no obligation, contact Cambridge Fencers for a free local quote and we will arrange a visit to your property to assess the site properly.

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More advice

Which Type of Fence Is Best for a Family Garden?

What Makes a Good Family Garden Fence?

Timber Fencing - the Most Popular Choice for Family Gardens

Metal Fencing for Security Without Losing Light

Planning Permission - What You Need to Know

Gates, Trellis and Finishing the Garden Off Properly

Get a Free Quote for Your Cambridge Garden

Need a price in Cambridge?

Services in this article

New Fence Installation

Fence Repairs

Gate Installation

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