Fence Calculator
Calculate the exact materials needed for your fencing project including panels, posts, concrete, and costs. Simply enter your measurements below and select your preferred options.
Your Fencing Requirements
How to Use This Calculator
- Measure Your Fence Line: Use a tape measure to determine the total length where you’ll install the fence. For corners or multiple sides, add all lengths together.
- Select Panel Width: Standard UK fence panels are 1.83m (6ft) wide. Choose the size that matches your preferred panels.
- Choose Height: Select the fence height you need. Remember that gravel boards will add 150mm if included.
- Pick Your Style: Different panel types suit different purposes. Closeboard offers maximum privacy, whilst picket and palisade allow visibility.
- Account for Gates: Enter the number of gates needed. Each gate replaces one panel section.
- Review Results: The calculator provides exact quantities with a 5-10% wastage allowance already included.
Calculation Methodology
This calculator uses standard UK fencing practices to determine material requirements:
Panel Calculations
Results are rounded up to avoid shortages. Fractional panels require either cutting standard panels or adjusting the fence line.
Post Requirements
Each fence section requires posts at both ends. For a continuous run, adjacent panels share posts, hence the formula adds one extra post.
Post Length Calculation
Posts should be buried to one-third of their total length for stability. For a 1.8m high fence, use 2.4m posts.
Concrete Requirements
Each post typically requires one 20kg bag of Postcrete or equivalent. For standard 100x100mm posts, dig holes approximately 300mm diameter and 600mm deep.
Gravel Boards
Gravel boards protect fence panels from ground moisture and soil contact. You’ll need one gravel board per panel section, typically 150mm high and matching the panel width.
UK Fence Panel Types Compared
| Panel Type | Privacy Level | Durability | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closeboard/Featheredge | Maximum | Excellent | £45-70/panel | Full privacy, security, property boundaries |
| Overlap | High | Good | £25-45/panel | Budget-friendly privacy, garden dividers |
| Palisade | Medium | Very Good | £35-55/panel | Front gardens, semi-open boundaries |
| Picket | Low | Good | £30-50/panel | Decorative borders, traditional appearance |
| Trellis | Low | Moderate | £20-40/panel | Plant support, decorative screening |
Installation Considerations
Ground Conditions
Soil type significantly affects installation difficulty. Clay soil provides excellent post stability but makes digging challenging. Sandy soil drains well but may require deeper post holes or concrete collars for stability. Rocky ground may necessitate hiring specialist equipment.
Planning Permission Requirements
Boundary Considerations
Before installing fencing on a boundary, verify ownership through your property deeds. By convention, fence posts typically face inward to your property, with the “good side” facing outward. Discuss plans with neighbours to avoid disputes, especially regarding shared boundaries.
Drainage and Water Management
Leave a small gap (10-20mm) between gravel boards and ground level to allow water drainage and air circulation. This prevents timber rot and extends fence life. In areas prone to flooding or standing water, consider concrete posts and gravel boards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Material costs range from £15-40 per metre for budget overlap panels to £50-90 per metre for premium closeboard fencing. Installation labour adds approximately £30-50 per metre. Total project costs typically range from £50-150 per metre installed.
UK fence panels typically come in 1.83m (6ft) widths, which determines post spacing. Posts are positioned at each panel join, creating consistent 1.83m intervals along the fence line.
Gravel boards are highly recommended as they prevent fence panels from touching soil, which causes rot and reduces lifespan. They also add structural support and make future panel replacement easier without disturbing posts.
The rule of thumb is one-third of the total post length should be below ground. For a 1.8m high fence, use 2.4m posts with 0.6m buried. In exposed or windy locations, increase depth to 0.75m for added stability.
Pressure-treated timber with tanalised protection offers 15-25 years lifespan. This is superior to dip-treated timber which lasts 5-10 years. For maximum longevity, choose timber certified to UC4 (ground contact) standards.
Yes, using either stepped or raked installation methods. Stepped fencing creates level sections like stairs, whilst raked fencing follows the slope angle. Stepped installation is more common and simpler, though it may leave gaps underneath panels.
One 20kg bag of Postcrete typically secures one post in a standard 300mm diameter, 600mm deep hole. For larger 125x125mm posts or deeper holes, use two bags per post. In loose or sandy soil, increase to 1.5-2 bags per post.
Concrete posts last 30-40 years and never rot, making them ideal for permanent installations. However, they’re heavier, more expensive, and harder to work with. Timber posts cost less, are easier to install, but require replacement every 15-25 years depending on treatment quality.
Panel fencing uses pre-made panels fixed between posts, offering quick installation and lower costs. Close board (or feather edge) fencing involves fixing individual vertical boards directly to horizontal rails, creating a stronger, more durable fence that better handles ground movement.
Apply wood preservative or stain every 2-3 years to maintain protection. Inspect annually for loose boards, damaged posts, or rot. Clear vegetation away from fence base to improve air circulation. Replace damaged components promptly to prevent further deterioration.
Common Measurement Mistakes
Forgetting to Account for Corners
Each corner requires an additional post beyond the standard calculation. For an L-shaped fence, add one corner post. For a fully enclosed rectangular area, add four corner posts to your total.
Ignoring Existing Structures
Measure around obstacles like trees, outbuildings, or existing walls carefully. You may need shorter panel sections or additional posts to accommodate these features. Always measure the actual path the fence will follow, not just straight-line distances.
Incorrect Panel Width Selection
Verify your chosen panels’ actual width before purchasing posts. Whilst 1.83m is standard, some manufacturers produce 1.80m or 2.0m panels. Using the wrong measurement leads to gaps or overlaps that weaken the fence structure.
Underestimating Material Wastage
Always purchase 5-10% extra materials to account for cutting errors, damaged components, or future repairs. This is especially important for stain or preservative – buy at least one extra litre to maintain consistent colour for touch-ups.
Not Checking Ground Level Variations
Sloping ground requires additional considerations. Measure at multiple points along the fence line to identify slopes. Significant level changes may require stepped panels, which affects both panel and post calculations.
Professional Installation vs DIY
DIY Installation
Installing your own fence can save £30-50 per metre in labour costs. Required skills include accurate measuring, post-hole digging, and working with spirit levels. Typical installation time is 1-2 hours per panel section for experienced DIYers, or 2-3 hours for beginners.
Required Equipment: Post hole digger or auger, spirit level, string line, tape measure, saw, hammer or nail gun, spanner set, wheelbarrow, mixing bucket (for concrete), and appropriate safety equipment including gloves and safety glasses.
Professional Installation
Professional installers complete projects faster and guarantee structural integrity. They handle complications like rocky ground, underground utilities, or complex boundary issues. Most offer warranties covering workmanship for 12 months, with panel guarantees extending 5-15 years depending on materials.
When to Hire Professionals
Consider professional installation for fences exceeding 2 metres height, installations on steep slopes, projects requiring extensive groundwork, situations involving shared boundaries with difficult neighbours, or when working near utilities. Professionals carry liability insurance protecting against property damage or injuries.
Seasonal Considerations
Best Time for Fence Installation
Late spring through early autumn offers optimal conditions. Ground is workable but not waterlogged, and concrete cures properly in moderate temperatures. Wood treatment products also apply best in dry, mild conditions above 5°C.
Winter Installation Challenges
Frozen or waterlogged ground complicates post installation. Concrete sets more slowly in cold temperatures, potentially compromising strength. However, winter often brings lower contractor prices and greater availability due to reduced demand.
Summer Benefits
Dry ground facilitates easier digging and faster concrete curing. Extended daylight allows longer working hours. However, newly treated timber may warp slightly in intense heat, so allow panels to acclimatise before installation.