Costs fence installation
Installing a fence costs on average between €80 and €225 per linear metre, depending on the material (wood, concrete or composite) and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. A fence is a boundary that provides privacy, marks your property and keeps children or pets safely inside the garden. In this price guide, you can read about what a fence costs and which factors determine the price.
Table of Contents
What does a fence cost?
Installing a fence costs on average between €80 and €225 per linear metre, including materials and labour. The cheapest option is ivy (€80 per metre), while hardwood is the most expensive choice (€225 per metre). Labour costs average between €45 and €60 per metre, regardless of the material.
Fence costs per type
Type of fence | Labour costs (€/m) | Material costs (€/m) | Total costs (€/m) |
|---|---|---|---|
Ivy | €50 | €30 | €80 |
Bamboo | €50 | €50 | €100 |
Willow hurdles | €50 | €60 | €110 |
Impregnated wood | €50 | €100 | €150 |
Sustainable natural material | €50 | €140 | €190 |
Plastic/composite | €50 | €175 | €225 |
Hardwood | €50 | €175 | €225 |
The table shows that labour costs remain fairly constant regardless of the material chosen. The difference in total price is mainly determined by material costs. Green solutions such as ivy and bamboo are the most economical, while high-quality materials such as hardwood and composite cost more.
All prices mentioned are indicative and include 21% VAT and labour. Exactly what a fence costs per metre also depends on the specific situation in your garden, such as the soil type and any obstacles.
Fence costs by metre range and type
The cost of installing a fence depends heavily on the length and type of material. The base price per metre decreases as the fence gets longer: for 3-6 metres you pay €50 per metre, for 25-98 metres only €35 per metre. Additionally, you pay surcharges for specific materials such as plastic, composite or concrete, and for extra work such as removing an old fence.
Labour costs per metre range
Metre range | Base price per m | + plastic/composite | + concrete fence | + wood with concrete posts | + removal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3-6 m | €50 | +€6 | +€12 | +€22 | +€30 |
7-12 m | €45 | +€6 | +€12 | +€22 | +€25 |
13-24 m | €40 | +€6 | +€12 | +€22 | +€25 |
25-98 m | €35 | +€6 | +€12 | +€22 | +€20 |
Costs of fence gates
Type of gate | Price indication |
|---|---|
Impregnated wood gate | €70 - €250 |
Hardwood gate | €200 - €250 |
XL impregnated wood gate | €350 - €400 |
XL hardwood gate | €800 - €1,000 |
Price-determining factors for a fence
Exactly what a fence costs depends on several factors that influence the total price. By understanding these factors, you can estimate where you can save and where additional costs come from.
Material choice
The chosen material determines most of the price. Ivy and bamboo are the most economical options with total costs of €80 to €100 per metre. Impregnated wood costs around €150 per metre and offers a good balance between price and quality. Hardwood and composite are the most expensive but last 25 years or longer, making the investment worthwhile over time.
Length of the fence
The longer the fence, the lower the price per metre. For a short fence of 3-6 metres, you pay a €50 per metre base price, while for a long fence of 25-98 metres you pay only €35 per metre. This is because the professional works more efficiently on longer projects and spends less time on setup and preparation.
Height and foundation
The standard height for fences is 1.8 metres. If you choose a higher fence of 2 metres or more, sturdier foundations with heavier posts are required. This increases both material and labour costs because installation takes more time and extra fasteners are needed.
Soil conditions
The state of the ground affects how much work is required. Soft or boggy ground requires deep posts and sometimes concrete foundations to keep the fence stable. With underground pipes and cables, the professional must work carefully, which takes extra time. Hard, stony ground makes drilling more difficult and slows down installation.
Removing old fence
If a fence is already in place, it must first be removed. This costs €20 to €30 extra per metre, depending on the total length. Removal includes loosening posts, removing panels and clearing away the old material.
Accessibility
Narrow paths or difficult access via the back means the professional has to carry materials further. This extends the labour duration because transport takes more time. With good accessibility and a clear passage, the professional can work more efficiently.
Urgency versus planned
Urgent jobs are more expensive than planned work. If you need someone quickly, the professional must adjust their schedule and possibly move other jobs. Planning the installation well in advance can help you save.
Weekend
Work at the weekend costs more than during the week. This is because weekend work falls outside regular working hours and the professional requires compensation for working on days off.
Region
Prices are often higher in large cities than in rural areas. This is related to higher general costs such as parking, travel time in the city and demand for professionals.
Ownership situation
Is the fence on the boundary between your garden and your neighbour's? Then you can share the costs. Check with the Land Registry beforehand to see exactly where the boundary lies to avoid later discussions.
Permits
A fence next to and behind the house may be a maximum of 2 metres high without a permit. For the front of the house, a limit of 1 metre applies. If you want to go higher, you need a planning permit, which involves extra time and costs.
Additional costs and surcharges
Additional costs depend on your situation. At Zoofy, you do not pay call-out charges.
Plastic or composite fence: €6 per metre extra
Concrete fence: €12 per metre extra
Wooden fence with concrete posts: €22 per metre extra
Removing old fence: €20 to €30 per metre, depending on the total length
Urgent jobs: surcharge because the professional must adjust their planning
Weekend work: more expensive than during the week
Gates: from €70 for a simple gate to €1,000 for an XL hardwood gate
How does the professional work when installing a fence?
Installing a fence follows a fixed sequence of steps.
The professional measures the exact length and marks the corners and the position of any gates. When replacing, the old fence is first removed and the ground is levelled.
The professional drills holes for the posts and sets them with concrete mortar for a solid foundation. In soft soil, deeper posts are used to guarantee stability.
Using a spirit level and string line, the professional checks that everything is straight. The fence sections are hung approximately 8 centimetres above the ground to prevent moisture absorption and rot.
Post caps are fitted for a neat finish. On uneven terrain, the professional adjusts the fence sections so everything is level.
After installation, everything is cleared away so you can immediately enjoy your new fence. A standard fence is often installed within one working day.
How can you save on installing a fence?
There are several ways to save on the costs for a fence.
Choose the right material: Bamboo and ivy are the cheapest options for a green boundary. An impregnated wooden fence offers a good balance between price and quality with a lifespan of approximately 15 years.
Choose longer trajectories: For fences of 25 metres or more, the price per metre drops from €50 to €35, because the professional works more efficiently on longer projects.
Prepare the workspace: Clear away clutter, ensure good access via the back and level the ground if possible. This saves the professional time and reduces labour costs.
Plan during the week: Avoid weekend and urgent bookings to prevent surcharges. Planned work is always more economical.
Discuss cost sharing with neighbours: If the fence is on the property boundary, costs can often be shared.
Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, without call-out charges and without surprises. You only pay after completion of the job.
Find the best professional for your fence
A fence that is level and firmly anchored prevents wind damage and ensures a neat boundary.
Craftsmanship counts: A professional ensures your fence is straight and advises on material choice based on soil conditions, privacy and budget.
No call-out charges: You never pay extra for the professional's arrival, only for the work itself.
Fixed price in advance: You know exactly what the costs for installing a fence are, without surprises afterwards.
Quick booking: Directly choose a moment and arrange a reliable, vetted professional via Zoofy.
Payment via QR code after completion: You only pay when the job is completely finished and you are satisfied.
Frequently asked questions about fence installation
What does a fence cost per metre?
Total costs vary from €80 per metre for ivy to €225 per metre for hardwood, including labour and material costs. Impregnated wood costs around €150 per metre.
What does a 10-metre fence cost?
For a length of 10 metres, you pay a €45 per metre base price for labour, plus material costs. For impregnated wood, this comes to approximately €1,500 total.
What does it cost to have 7 metres of fence installed?
For 7 metres of fence, you pay a €45 per metre base price, so €300 for labour. With materials for impregnated wood, you reach approximately €1,050 total.
Do I need a permit for a fence?
A fence next to and behind the house may be a maximum of 2 metres high without a permit. For the front, a limit of 1 metre applies. Check with your local council for specific rules.
How long does it take to install a fence?
A standard fence is often installed within one working day, depending on the length and complexity.
Does my neighbour have to contribute to the fence?
If the fence is exactly on the boundary, it is shared property and costs can be split. Check the Land Registry or title deeds beforehand.
Which fence material lasts the longest?
Hardwood such as bankirai lasts 25 years or longer. Impregnated wood lasts an average of 15 years. Composite is also very durable.
Why are fence sections hung above the ground?
Fence sections are hung approximately 8 centimetres above the ground to prevent moisture absorption and rot, significantly extending the lifespan.
Can I have a fence installed as a tenant?
As a tenant, you must first ask your landlord for permission before having a fence installed or replaced.
What are the benefits of concrete posts with a wooden fence?
Concrete posts are rot-resistant, require no maintenance and provide a solid foundation while the wooden panels maintain a natural look.
Book a professional for your fence
Ready to have a fence installed? At Zoofy, you can book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see exactly what it costs beforehand, and Zoofy connects you with a reliable, vetted professional. You only pay when the work is done.