How much does it cost to have a fence installed?
The average cost of installing a fence is €2,850, with prices typically ranging from €1,650 to €4,100 depending on the material type, total length, and installation complexity. Installing a fence is a popular task for creating privacy, improving security, or decoratively partitioning your garden. In this price guide, you can read exactly what influences the costs of fence installation and what to consider when choosing the right fence for your situation.
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How much does it cost to install a fence?
The average cost for a complete fence installation project is €2,850. You pay between €50 and €200 per linear metre including professional installation, depending on the material type and the complexity of the job.
Fence cost overview
Cost type | Price |
|---|---|
Average project | €2,850 |
Per linear metre | €50 - €200 |
Labour costs per hour | €50 - €55 |
Material costs project | €750 - €6,000 |
Fence installation costs consist of two main components: materials and labour, which each account for roughly half of your total budget. For an average project of 50 metres of fencing, you pay €2,750, with labour costs ranging between €750 and €2,250. A professional needs an average of 20 to 35 hours to complete the work, depending on the fence type and the local situation.
Material choice significantly impacts the price per metre. Material costs can range from €750 for simple fencing to €6,000 for high-end versions. Labour costs remain relatively stable at €50 to €55 per hour. All prices mentioned for fence installation include 21% VAT and labour.
Fence costs per material type
The cost of installing a fence is largely determined by your choice of material. Wood is the most affordable option, while aluminium and metal carry the highest price. Below you can see the costs for different material types per linear metre.
Material | Price per linear metre |
|---|---|
Wood | €40 - €200 |
Vinyl | €80 - €150 |
Aluminium/metal | €100 - €150 |
For a project of 50 linear metres of wooden fencing, you pay between €450 and €1,950 in material costs. Vinyl fencing costs €1,300 to €3,900 for the same length. For aluminium fencing, expect €100 to €150 per linear metre for materials, plus €15 to €45 per metre for labour.
Price-determining factors for fence installation
The costs for fence installation vary based on several factors. Some aspects can be influenced beforehand, while others depend on your specific situation.
Length of the fence
The more metres of fencing you install, the higher your total investment. For a 50-metre project, you pay more than for 20 metres simply due to the required material and labour. For larger projects, the price per metre often decreases as the professional can work more efficiently.
Material type
Your material choice directly affects the costs. Wooden fencing is the most affordable with prices starting from €40 per metre, vinyl is in the mid-range around €80 to €150 per metre, and aluminium or metal is the most expensive at €100 to €150 per metre.
Terrain conditions
A flat, accessible plot is ideal. Slopes make installation more complex because the professional must work in a stepped manner or adapt the fence to the incline. Hard soil like clay or rocky ground requires more time and heavier tools to install posts. Soft or unstable soil may require extra foundations to prevent sinking.
Complexity of the job
Straight sections are installed faster than routes with many corners, gates, or level differences. Difficult-to-reach areas where the professional has trouble accessing with materials and tools will cost more time.
Underground utilities
When digging post holes, you may encounter cables or pipes. Checking utility maps beforehand provides clarity. Without this information, you risk damage, leading to additional work and costs.
Removal of old fencing
If an old boundary exists, it must be removed first. Dismantling and disposal costs an extra €10 to €15 per metre. Old posts must be removed, material disposed of, and sometimes old posts are set in concrete, requiring extra effort.
Urgency and planning
Scheduled work is more economical than emergency jobs. Labour during weekends costs more due to higher rates outside regular working hours.
Regional differences
In urban areas, fence installation costs are often higher than in the countryside due to higher labour costs, expensive parking, and longer travel times.
Permits and regulations
In the Netherlands, maximum height rules apply: often 2 metres at the rear of your plot and 1 metre at the front. For deviant heights, a permit may be required.
Workspace preparation
A clear, accessible workspace saves time. If the professional must first remove obstacles, labour time increases. By clearing the boundary line yourself, you lower the costs.
Boundaries and neighbour consultation
Uncertainty about exact boundaries can lead to delays. Discuss the fence placement with neighbours beforehand and make written agreements to avoid disputes.
Extra costs and surcharges for fence installation
Costs may increase due to additional activities or surcharges. At Zoofy, you do not pay call-out charges.
Labour during weekends is more expensive than during the week
Removing an old boundary costs €10 to €15 extra per linear metre
Gates cost €150 to €250 extra per unit
Concrete for post bases costs €0.20 to €1.00 per kilo
Levelling uneven terrain can cost extra labour hours
Additional posts for long sections or windy locations increase the price per metre
How the professional works when installing a fence
Installing a fence follows a fixed sequence of steps.
Site preparation and measurement: The professional inspects the terrain, measures the exact length, and checks for underground cables.
Setting the line: Using a string or laser, the professional marks the post positions to ensure a straight line.
Digging post holes: Holes are dug to the correct depth based on fence height and soil type.
Placing and aligning posts: Posts are placed and aligned with a spirit level for a vertical result.
Fixing with concrete: Posts are secured with concrete mix. Curing time is usually 24 to 48 hours.
Attaching rails and panels: Top and bottom rails are mounted, followed by the fence panels or boards. Gates are installed with hinges and locks.
Finishing: Wooden fences can be treated with stain or varnish for long-term protection. The average turnaround time is 20 to 35 hours.
How can you save on fence installation?
Replace in time: Do not wait until the fence completely collapses. Small repairs are cheaper than a complete replacement.
Clear the workspace: Remove obstacles and old garden waste before the professional arrives. This saves labour hours.
Plan outside the weekend: Avoid booking on weekends to skip surcharges. The low season in autumn or early spring can be more affordable.
Choose simple designs: Straight lines are cheaper than corners and curves. Standard panels are more economical than custom work.
Share the costs: Consult with your neighbours about sharing the costs for a boundary fence.
Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate upfront, without call-out charges, and you only pay after completion.
Common problems with fences
Sinking due to insufficient foundaton
Posts can lean when the foundation is too shallow or the soil shows erosion. This affects the stability and leads to greater damage if not corrected.
Wood rot due to moisture
Untreated wood rots primarily at the bottom where it contacts the ground. This affects the strength and can lead to broken boards.
Warping due to weather conditions
Boards can deform due to changing humidity and sunlight, especially with untreated wood, affecting the appearance and fit.
Corrosion on metal parts
Metal parts without a proper coating can rust, weakening the construction and shortening the lifespan of the fence.
Find the best professional for fence installation
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Fixed price in advance: You know the costs before the professional starts.
Quick booking without quote hassle: Schedule a moment directly without waiting for quotes.
Payment via QR code after completion: You only pay when the job is finished and you are satisfied.
Reliable, verified professionals: All affiliated professionals are screened for craftsmanship and reliability.
Frequently asked questions about fence installation
What does it cost to have a fence installed?
The average cost is €2,850 for a complete project. You pay between €50 and €200 per linear metre including material and professional installation.
What does 100 metres of fencing cost?
For 100 metres, you pay between €5,100 and €19,500, depending on the material. Labour costs remain around €50 to €55 per hour.
How much does chain-link fencing cost per metre?
The costs for chain-link fencing including installation vary between €40 and €80 per linear metre.
How long does it take to install a fence?
An average project takes 20 to 35 hours. For 50 metres, it usually takes 3 to 5 working days.
Do I need a permit for a fence?
For standard heights up to 2 metres at the rear and 1 metre at the front, you usually do not need a permit. Always check local regulations.
Do I need permission from my neighbours?
For a fence on the boundary, consultation is wise. Make written agreements to avoid disputes.
Which material lasts the longest?
Aluminium lasts 30+ years, vinyl 20 to 30 years, and treated wood 15 to 20 years with regular maintenance.
Book a professional for fence installation
Ready to have a fence installed? At Zoofy, you can directly book a professional without quotes and call-out charges. You will see exactly what it costs beforehand, and Zoofy connects you with a reliable, verified professional. You only pay once the work is done.