How much does fencing cost in Cambridge?
Fencing costs in Cambridge start from £100 per panel for labour at ELawnCare, with materials quoted separately at cost. A standard 6-foot by 6-foot fence panel costs £25 to £60 for the panel itself, depending on quality and style. Concrete posts run £12 to £20 each and gravel boards £6 to £12 each. For a typical 10-panel rear garden fence, the total installed cost ranges from £1,300 to £2,200 including all materials and labour. The national average for fence installation sits at £80 to £120 per panel for labour alone, according to Checkatrade 2025 data. Cambridge falls within that range, though prices vary depending on access, ground conditions, and whether old fencing needs removing first. ELawnCare provides a free site visit and written quote before any work begins, so the price is confirmed before the job starts.
What factors affect fencing prices?
Several factors determine the final cost of a fencing job. The length of the run is the primary driver, as each panel requires a post and fixings. Ground conditions matter significantly: soft soil is straightforward, but rocky ground, tree roots, or concrete bases from previous fencing add time and cost. Fence height affects both material cost and labour, with 6-foot panels being the most common for rear garden boundaries. Removing old fencing and disposing of waste adds £10 to £20 per panel depending on the condition of the existing fence. Sloping ground requires stepped panels or raked panels cut to follow the gradient, which increases the labour time. Access is another consideration: if materials cannot be brought directly to the fence line and must be carried through the house, the job takes longer and the price reflects that.
What types of garden fencing are available?
The most popular fencing type in Cambridge is the closeboard (featherboard) fence, which uses overlapping vertical boards fixed to horizontal rails. It is strong, durable, and lasts 15 to 20 years with treatment. Lap panel fencing is the most affordable option, using pre-made panels slotted between concrete or timber posts. Panels typically last 8 to 12 years. Hit-and-miss fencing allows airflow while maintaining privacy and works well in exposed locations. Trellis fencing adds height to an existing wall or fence for climbing plants without the solid look of full panels. Picket fencing suits front gardens where a boundary marker is needed without full privacy. For each type, treated softwood is the standard material. Hardwood costs roughly double but lasts significantly longer. ELawnCare installs all common fence types and can advise on the best option for your garden.
How does Cambridge fencing cost compare to the UK average?
Cambridge fencing costs sit broadly in line with the UK average, unlike lawn mowing and other garden services where the city runs 10% to 15% above national rates. The national average for supplying and fitting a standard 6-foot closeboard fence is £130 to £180 per metre run, according to the Federation of Master Builders. In Cambridge, the same work costs £120 to £190 per metre run depending on the installer and materials chosen. London prices are notably higher at £160 to £250 per metre. The reason Cambridge fencing costs stay closer to the national average is that fencing is a materials-heavy job, and timber prices are set nationally. Labour accounts for a smaller proportion of the total cost compared to maintenance services like mowing, where labour is almost the entire bill.