R

How much does fencing cost in Nottingham? (2026)

4 min read

Fencing prices in Nottingham vary more than most people expect — the same job can attract quotes anywhere from £150 to over £1,500 depending on materials, access, and the tradesperson you pick. This guide gives you honest 2026 price ranges based on typical East Midlands rates, which tend to run slightly below the national average. Use it to sense-check quotes before you commit.

Typical fencing costs in Nottingham

For a standard timber close-board or lap panel fence, expect to pay roughly £100–£180 per metre installed, including posts, gravel boards, and labour. A typical rear garden of 15–20 metres therefore comes in at £1,500–£3,600. These are mid-range figures; cheap softwood panels at the lower end and pressure-treated hardwood or feather-edge board at the top.

Post-and-rail or picket fencing is generally cheaper to install — around £60–£110 per metre — because it uses less material, though it offers little privacy. Decorative metal or aluminium railings sit higher, typically £150–£300 per metre installed, and rarely need replacing within 20 years.

If you only need like-for-like panel replacements after storm damage, a fencing contractor will often charge £40–£80 per panel for supply and fit, plus a call-out fee of £50–£80. Always get the price confirmed before work starts — verbal estimates have a habit of growing once someone is on site.

What affects the price

Ground conditions make a significant difference. Rocky or clay-heavy soil (common in parts of Nottingham) slows post-setting and can push labour costs up by 20–30%. Sloping gardens add further time because each panel or section has to be stepped or raked to follow the gradient.

Access is another factor that rarely gets discussed upfront. If the contractor cannot get a van close to the boundary — tight side passages, parked cars, terraced back entries — they will need to carry materials further and may charge accordingly. Ask about this before accepting a quote.

Removing and disposing of old fencing is usually charged separately at £3–£8 per metre, or a flat skip hire cost passed on to you. Do not assume it is included unless it is written down. Likewise, check whether the quoted price covers concrete post installation or assumes existing posts are reusable — reusing old posts that are not straight or rot-free is a false economy.

How to get an accurate quote and avoid overpaying

Always get at least three written quotes covering the same specification: fence type, height, number of posts, gravel boards, and what happens to the old fence. Comparing like-for-like is the only way to judge whether a price is fair. Be wary of any contractor who will only quote verbally or wants a large cash deposit before starting — both are warning signs.

Check whether the contractor carries public liability insurance and ask if they guarantee their work. A reputable fencing contractor will not hesitate to confirm these in writing. If a quote is significantly cheaper than the others, ask specifically what has been left out — it is usually the concrete, the gravel boards, or the post depth, all of which affect how long the fence lasts.

Posting your job on Rank My Builder puts it in front of verified local fencing contractors in Nottingham with reviews you can read before anyone visits. Quotes are capped at five, so you get a manageable shortlist rather than a flood of unsolicited calls — which makes comparing properly a lot easier.

FAQs

Do I need planning permission to put up a fence in Nottingham?

Generally no, provided the fence is no higher than two metres at the rear and one metre at the front (where it faces a road). There are exceptions: listed buildings, conservation areas, and some new-build estates with restrictive covenants can all require consent. If you are unsure, contact Nottingham City Council's planning department before work begins — it costs nothing to ask and avoids the hassle of being told to take it down afterwards.

Who is responsible for a boundary fence — me or my neighbour?

Responsibility depends on your title deeds, not on which side the posts face (that is a common myth). Check your deeds or Land Registry title plan, which should show a 'T' mark on the boundary you own. If the deeds are unclear, it is worth having a brief conversation with your neighbour before instructing anyone — disputes about boundary fences are one of the more common causes of neighbour fallouts, and agreeing in advance saves a lot of grief.

Get free quotes for your job

Post once and up to 5 verified Nottingham tradespeople quote you.

More guides