East of England regional pricing

How Much Does a Fence Builder Cost in Dacorum?

Updated prices for . Dacorum prices are typically 22% above the national average.

12 services priced
East of England region
Updated

Price summary

Dacorum Price Summary

Service Low Average High
Panel Fence Installation (Per Panel) £120 £185 £270
Close Board Fence Installation £110 £160 £220
Picket Fence Installation £75 £110 £160

Prices include labour and materials. VAT may apply. Based on East of England regional pricing.

Full pricing

All Fence Builder Prices in Dacorum

Dacorum is in East of England and fence builder costs here are 22% above the national average. Prices are based on real regional wage data from the Office for National Statistics.

All prices include materials and labour unless stated otherwise. Prices verified 2026

Panel Fence Installation (Per Panel)

Low

£120

Average

£185

High

£270

30-60 minutes per panel

More details

Supplying and installing a standard 6ft x 6ft lap or overlap fence panel with a concrete or wooden post and gravel board. Price per panel.

~60% labour, ~40% materials

What affects the price

  • Panel type (lap, overlap, featherboard)
  • Post type (concrete vs timber)
  • Whether gravel boards are included
  • Ground conditions and access

Close Board Fence Installation

Low

£110

Average

£160

High

£220

1-2 hours per metre

More details

Installing heavy-duty fencing built on site from individual overlapping boards nailed to horizontal rails. Stronger and longer-lasting than standard pre-made panels. Price per metre.

~42% labour, ~58% materials

What affects the price

  • Fence height (5ft, 6ft or taller)
  • Timber grade and treatment
  • Whether capping rail is included
  • Ground slope requiring stepped or raked panels

Picket Fence Installation

Low

£75

Average

£110

High

£160

1-1.5 hours per metre

More details

Supplying and installing a traditional picket fence per metre run. Includes posts, rails and picket pales. Popular for front gardens.

~44% labour, ~56% materials

What affects the price

  • Picket style (pointed, rounded, flat top)
  • Height (typically 3ft or 4ft)
  • Timber or composite material
  • Whether painting or staining is included

Chain Link Fence Installation

Low

£30

Average

£55

High

£85

20-40 minutes per metre

More details

Installing chain link wire fencing per metre. Includes metal or plastic-coated mesh, posts, and tensioning wire to keep it taut. A budget-friendly option for covering large boundaries.

~53% labour, ~47% materials

What affects the price

  • Mesh gauge and coating (galvanised vs PVC)
  • Fence height (1m to 2m+)
  • Length of run (longer runs are cheaper per metre)
  • Concrete or driven posts

Fence Post Replacement

Low

£75

Average

£110

High

£170

45-90 minutes per post

More details

Removing a broken or rotten fence post and replacing it with a new concrete or timber post. Includes re-fixing panels to the new post.

~72% labour, ~28% materials

What affects the price

  • Post type (concrete vs timber)
  • Whether a concrete repair spur can be used instead
  • Depth of existing foundations
  • Number of posts being replaced

Garden Gate Installation

Low

£245

Average

£485

High

£855

2-4 hours

More details

Supplying and hanging a new single garden gate with posts, hinges and latch. Includes setting posts in concrete.

~46% labour, ~54% materials

What affects the price

  • Gate material (timber, metal, composite)
  • Gate size (standard side gate vs wide driveway gate)
  • Whether new posts need installing
  • Style and quality of hardware (hinges, latch, bolt)

Fence Repair (Per Panel)

Low

£60

Average

£95

High

£160

30-60 minutes per panel

More details

Repairing a damaged fence panel. May involve patching broken boards, replacing the horizontal rails behind the panel, re-fixing loose panels, or swapping out a single panel entirely.

~59% labour, ~41% materials

What affects the price

  • Extent of damage
  • Whether a full panel replacement is needed
  • Matching existing fence style
  • Access to the damaged section

Trellis Installation

Low

£50

Average

£85

High

£135

30-45 minutes per panel

More details

Fitting trellis panels on top of existing fencing or walls per panel. Includes trellis panel, fixings and any post extensions needed.

~53% labour, ~47% materials

What affects the price

  • Trellis height (1ft, 2ft or taller)
  • Whether mounted on fence or wall
  • Material (softwood, hardwood, composite)
  • Whether post extensions are required

Acoustic Noise Barrier Fence

Low

£145

Average

£215

High

£305

1.5-2.5 hours per metre

More details

Supplying and installing specialist noise-reducing fencing per metre. These are thick, heavy panels specifically designed to block out traffic or neighbourhood noise. Noticeably reduces sound levels compared to a standard fence.

~31% labour, ~69% materials

What affects the price

  • Acoustic rating required (absorption vs reflection)
  • Fence height (typically 2m minimum)
  • Panel type (timber composite, mineral fibre core)
  • Length of boundary to be treated

Concrete Post and Gravel Board Fence

Low

£145

Average

£215

High

£290

1-1.5 hours per panel

More details

Installing a fence with concrete posts and concrete bottom boards, with timber panels slotted between them. The concrete parts do not rot, so this type of fence lasts much longer than all-timber fencing. Price per panel section.

~55% labour, ~45% materials

What affects the price

  • Panel type slotted into the posts
  • Fence height
  • Ground conditions for post foundations
  • Number of corner and end posts required

Fence Removal

Low

£35

Average

£60

High

£95

15-30 minutes per panel

More details

Taking down and disposing of old fencing per panel. Includes removal of panels, posts and concrete footings where accessible. Disposal costs included.

What affects the price

  • Whether concrete posts need digging out
  • Access for waste removal
  • Total length of fencing to remove
  • Skip or van disposal method

Ranch / Post and Rail Fence

Low

£35

Average

£60

High

£95

20-40 minutes per metre

More details

Installing post and rail (ranch-style) fencing per metre run. Two or three horizontal rails fixed to round or square posts. Common for rural boundaries and paddocks.

~52% labour, ~48% materials

What affects the price

  • Number of rails (2 or 3)
  • Post spacing (1.8m or 3m centres)
  • Timber treatment level
  • Total length of run

Step by step

What's Involved in Hiring a Fencing

Getting a new fence installed involves checking boundary responsibilities, choosing the right type of fencing, and having a professional installer supply and fit it.

1

Check your boundaries and responsibilities

Before ordering any fencing, check your title deeds for boundary ownership (look for the T-mark). Speak to your neighbours about the planned fence, especially if it is on or near the boundary. If you live in a conservation area or have a listed property, check with your local planning authority.

2

Choose your fence type

The most popular options are lap or overlap panels (cheapest), close-board fencing (strongest and longest-lasting), and picket fencing (for front gardens). Consider concrete posts and gravel boards for maximum durability. Your fence builder can advise on the best option for your garden and budget.

3

Get quotes and arrange a site visit

Invite 2-3 fence builders to visit your property and measure up. A site visit lets them check ground conditions, slopes, access for materials and any obstacles like tree roots. The quote should itemise panels, posts, gravel boards, gates and removal of old fencing.

4

Remove the old fence

If there is an existing fence, the builder removes it before starting. This includes taking out old panels, posts and concrete footings. Some builders include removal in their quote; others charge it separately. Old fence materials are usually taken away and disposed of.

5

Install posts, gravel boards and panels

Posts are set in concrete at regular intervals (typically 1.8m apart) and left to set. Gravel boards are fitted along the bottom to keep the panels off the ground and prevent rot. Panels are then slotted or fixed into place. The whole process takes 1-3 days for a typical garden.

6

Fit gates and finishing touches

If you need a garden gate, this is hung on new or existing posts with heavy-duty hinges and a latch. The builder checks everything is level, secure and properly aligned. Treat or stain the fence within the first few months to protect the timber and extend its lifespan.

Regional comparison

How Dacorum Compares

Average cost of panel fence installation (per panel) across regions.

Dacorum
+22% £185
National Average
baseline £150
London
+24% £185

Local insights

What Affects Fence Builder Costs in Dacorum?

The East of England has a broad housing mix, from Victorian and Edwardian terraces in older market towns to post-war new towns like Stevenage and Harlow, and sprawling modern estates across Essex and Suffolk. Dacorum has a range of property types and ages that can affect the scope and cost of work. The flat terrain and fenland conditions in parts of Norfolk and Cambridgeshire can bring specific challenges such as high water tables and subsidence risk that affect fence builder work. With a population of null, Dacorum is a area where fence builder costs are one of the more expensive areas — close board fence installation here averages around £160.

The East of England sits slightly above the national average for trade costs in commuter areas closer to London, and closer to average further out. Labour rates in Dacorum are around 22% above the UK average. In Dacorum, local demand for fence builder services varies depending on the mix of residential and commercial properties in the area. With fewer tradespeople based locally, you may find slightly less choice, and it is worth booking ahead for larger jobs. Proximity to London means some tradespeople also serve the capital, which can affect local availability at busy times.

What you pay for fence builder work in Dacorum depends on the property type, job complexity and materials chosen. Post-war housing in new town developments often has straightforward layouts that keep costs down, while older properties in market towns across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire may need more preparation. A typical panel fence installation (per panel) in Dacorum costs around £185, while garden gate installation ranges from £245 to £855. As a area that is one of the more expensive areas, Dacorum sits in a reasonable range for fence builder work. Material and product choices also make a significant difference to the total.

When getting quotes in Dacorum, aim for at least three from different qualified professionals. Ask each one to visit and assess the work rather than quoting over the phone. A good fence builder will check the existing conditions, consider any ground or damp issues common in the region, and provide a detailed cost breakdown. With fewer tradespeople based locally, you may find slightly less choice, and it is worth booking ahead for larger jobs. Be wary of quotes that seem significantly cheaper — they may be cutting corners on materials or quality. Always check qualifications, insurance and recent reviews before hiring.

Depending on the work involved, you may also need landscaping (£610–£1,460), tree surgery (£185–£670), or paving & driveways (£4,265–£10,355) in Dacorum.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about fence builder costs in Dacorum.

Who is responsible for a boundary fence?
There is no legal obligation to maintain a boundary fence in England and Wales unless your property deeds say otherwise. Check your title deeds for a T mark — the side the T is on indicates responsibility. If there is no marking, it is usually a shared responsibility, though in practice the person who wants the fence often pays.
Do I need planning permission to put up a fence?
You do not need planning permission for fences up to 2 metres high (or 1 metre if adjacent to a highway). If your property is listed or in a conservation area, you may need permission regardless of height. Always check with your local planning authority before installing a new fence.
What type of fence lasts the longest?
Concrete posts with gravel boards and quality timber panels are the most durable combination, typically lasting 15-20 years. Close-board fencing built on-site is stronger and longer-lasting than pre-made panels. Pressure-treated softwood lasts 10-15 years, while untreated timber may only last 5-7 years.
When is the best time to install a fence?
Spring and early autumn are the best times — the ground is workable but not waterlogged. Winter installations are possible but frozen or saturated ground makes the work harder and may increase costs. Avoid installing new fence panels in very high winds as they act like sails until properly secured.
How long does a new fence take to install?
A typical rear garden fence (5-8 panels) takes 1-2 days to install, including removing the old fence. Larger runs, difficult access or sloping ground can extend this to 2-3 days. Close-board fencing built on-site takes longer than pre-made panels because each board is fixed individually.
Should I use concrete or wooden fence posts?
Concrete posts are more expensive upfront but last much longer — typically 25 years or more. Wooden posts are cheaper but can rot at ground level after 10-15 years, even with pressure treatment. Using concrete posts with timber panels gives the best balance of durability and appearance.
Can my neighbour attach things to my fence?
If you own the fence, your neighbour should not attach anything to it without your permission — including hanging baskets, trellis or climbing plants. Doing so could damage the fence and you would be within your rights to ask them to remove it. Always communicate with neighbours about boundary matters to avoid disputes.
What is a gravel board and do I need one?
A gravel board is a narrow board (usually 6 inches high) that sits between the ground and the bottom of the fence panel. It keeps the panel away from damp soil, preventing rot and extending the life of the fence. Concrete gravel boards are best as they never rot. They cost around £5-£10 each and are well worth including.
How do I maintain my fence to make it last?
Apply a wood preservative or fence stain every 1-2 years to protect against moisture, UV damage and fungal decay. Check for loose panels and broken posts after storms. Keep soil and vegetation away from the base of the panels. Fix small problems early — a single broken post left unfixed can bring down a whole run of panels in the next storm.
How much does a fence builder cost in Dacorum in 2026?
Panel Fence Installation (Per Panel) in Dacorum typically costs between £120 and £270, with the average being around £185. Prices vary depending on the scope of work, materials used, and the specific requirements of your property.
Are fence builder prices cheaper in Dacorum than London?
Dacorum prices are 22% above the national average, though still comparable to London for panel fence installation (per panel).
How do I find a good fence builder in Dacorum?
Get at least three quotes from different tradespeople, check recent reviews, and ask whether the quote includes VAT and everything you need. A detailed written quote that breaks down all costs is a good sign. Always check qualifications, insurance and recent reviews before hiring.
What affects fence builder prices in Dacorum?
The main factors are the scope and complexity of what you need, the options and products chosen, and local market rates. Dacorum rates are 22% above the national average. Getting multiple quotes is the best way to ensure a fair price.
Do fence builder prices include materials in Dacorum?
The prices shown on this page include all typical costs. However, when getting real quotes, always confirm what is and isn't included. Some tradespeople break out costs separately, while others give an all-in price. Ask for a detailed breakdown before agreeing to any work.