Cost of Metal Fencing

Metal fencing is popular in the UK. That's because it is secure, hard-wearing, and low- maintenance. Not only that, but iron fencing is also a great choice when you want your garden to look attractive. The fencing designs are varied and can be as simple or ornate as you choose.

This article gives you the average cost for installing the three main types of metal fencing, other costs you might need to consider and how you can save money if you have DIY skills.

When the time comes for you to install metal garden fencing, we can connect you with local metal fencing installers so that you can compare quotes and get the best deal.

How Much Does Metal Fencing Cost?

The average height of a metal fence around a front garden is 3ft, but at the back, it could be 6ft. If you are fencing in the front of your house, for example, you might need around 30 feet of metal fencing. The chart below will give you the prices for 30 feet of fencing at 6 feet high.

Metal Fencing Prices

As you can see wrought iron is much more expensive than other metal fencing. This is because it is usually a bespoke option and is hand-made rather than produced in a factory.

Supply Costs

Fence Posts

When it’s time to buy your metal fencing you also have to include the costs of the posts and metal gates, if you intend to add one while having your fencing installed. Here are some additional costs involved with each type of metal.

Wrought Iron Fences

Wrought iron is malleable and strong which means it can be moulded into various designs and is built to last. The material is highly resistant to corrosion and rust and is an ideal solution for areas with varying weather conditions.

If it is maintained by regular coating and painting a wrought iron fence will last for decades. It appeals to homeowners throughout the UK because it also has great aesthetic appeal. You can purchase wrought iron fences that are designed with intricate detail giving your property kerb appeal.

Many wrought iron fences and gates are made to order and therefore it is difficult to give an average figure as no one size fits all. The price will depend on the size and the design. A complex design will cost more than something straightforward.

We, however, estimate that the cost of installing wrought iron fencing will be between £1170 and £9000. On top of these costs, you will also need to buy posts. For example, if you buy 6 panels for fencing you will need 7 posts. One at each end and one between each panel. Wrought iron fencing posts cost between £100 and £150.

Aluminium Fences

Aluminium is a lightweight but strong material. It requires little maintenance and will last for around 25 years. There is a choice of colours. You can also choose different designs from solid panels to timber-look slats.

We estimate that the average price for aluminium fencing is between £270 and £3000 depending on the size of the fencing. Fence posts in aluminium range between £95 and £125.

Steel Fences

Steel is a popular and cost-effective material that’s strong, resistant to rust and can be designed to look like wrought iron. Steel is also low maintenance and recyclable, so it’s an environmentally friendly option.

Steel fencing costs between £330 and £1125 to install. Posts for steel fencing are between £45 and £55.

Price per Fence Post

Additional Costs

Fence Paint

If you have purchased a new metal fence, then the likelihood is that it will come already coated or painted. But if you have bought second-hand fencing then it may need a freshen-up with a coat of paint.

First of all, you will need to scrape off any old paint and rust. After that sand down the fencing until you have a clean, smooth finish. The fence is then ready for a coat of oil-based primer. Apply this and wait for it to dry. Now the fencing is ready for you to paint.

Paint per panel is between £5 and £8 and labour will be between £125 and £175 a day depending on the complexity of the job and where you live. The work will take between half a day and 2 days.

Ground Preparation

Ground posts are usually set to a depth of 2 feet and then they are set with concrete. That means you’ll need to buy concrete. The amount you need will depend on the number of posts you are using. For example, If you have a 30 ft fence you will need 6 posts and 200kg of cement post mix which will cost around £48.00.

Gravel Boards

Gravel boards aren’t an essential item. But many people choose to have them installed because they slot underneath your panel fencing and protect it from the wet ground, insects, and debris. Metal gravel boards for a 30-foot fence, that’s five in total, will cost between £110 and £165.

Labour Costs and Timescales

Labour costs to install metal fencing will vary depending on the type of fencing you want, where you live and the complexity of the installation. But on average the costs for installing a fence are between £35 and £55 per hour.

A 60-foot fence for example will take a day to install with labour costs at between £280 and £440 whereas a 200-foot back garden fence will take between 2 and 3 days. The costs in the case would be between £560 and £880 if the job took 2 days. If the job took 3 days, then the cost would be between £840 and £1320.

Cost Factors for Metal Fencing

As you can see from the information and the charts, we’ve prepared the cost of metal fencing depending on a number of factors.

Labour, for example, will be more expensive in London and the South East where costs are higher. If you live in the Midlands and the North, then labour costs may be at the lower end of the scale.

The design, metal type and complexity of the type of fencing you want will also influence the cost.

The size also influences the cost. It will be cheaper to have a small fence installed in your front garden because there is less fencing used. A back garden fence is usually longer and higher so it will cost more.

Extras You Might Want to Add

You might also want other work completed at the same time as you have your metal fencing installed. For instance, you might decide to spruce up the garden and have security lights installed. Or you might decide to have a wall built with your metal fencing installed above it.

Here are some prices to help you with your budget:

Removal of Old Fencing

If you wish your old fencing to be removed because you are going to replace it, a fencing installer may offer this service. The average cost for fence removal is between £6.00 and £8.00 a panel. If you have 6 panels, then the cost for removal will be between £36.00 and £48.00.

If you then want to dispose of the fencing, you may need to hire a skip. Skip hire costs on average range from £60 to £440 for a mini skip up to a skip that holds the equivalent of 120 bin bags.

The average size for garden material is a 4–5-yard skip which costs between £100 and £250.

Adding a Gate

Part of a fencing installation might also include the addition of a new gate. The cost of a metal gate will depend on the size, the design, and the material you use.

If you choose a 3ft metal gate you are looking at between £60 and £300. A 4ft gate will be between £100 and £800 and a large 6ft gate will cost between £110 and £1000.

Metal gates for a driveway including posts will cost between £300 and £400 and take between an hour and 3 hours to fit.

If the cost of the gate does not include fitting, then a handyperson should be able to fit the gate for you. An average metal gate will cost between £150 and £200 to hang. A metal gate for a driveway will be between £300 and £400.

If you decide to install electric gates, then the costs to buy will be between £900 and £5500 depending on the size of the gate.

Getting the Garden Done

The average cost of landscaping a garden is about £550 and the job will usually take between two and four days. For example, if you want to lay turf will cost between £30 and £85 for an area of around 20m². On top of that, you have the labour costs which will be between £13 to £20 per m².

That brings the total cost to a figure between £290 and £1730 depending on the price you pay for the turf and labour.

Installing Security Lights

Installing security lights will deter potential intruders, ensure you can see when you walk down your driveway and highlight garden features. Here’s a chart to show you the costs.

Building a Wall

Many front gardens have metal fencing placed on top of a wall. It looks attractive and it means you can spend less on fencing. The costs will depend on what size wall you build and the type of bricks you use.

For example, the cost to build a 16-foot wall that’s 4 ft in height is:

• Using Machine Made Bricks: £530 - £744
• With Hand Made Bricks: £656 - £1,176
• Using Reclaimed Bricks: £614 - £1,140

The labour costs for building a wall of this size will be between £440 and £600 and will take around 2 days to complete.

Can I Install Metal Fencing as a DIY Job?

Metal fencing can be heavy and if you are installing wrought iron, it is likely to you’ll need more than a couple of people. Because of this we recommended that you leave it to a professional installer.

If the fence needs painting after installation, this is something you could do yourself.

A painter will charge between £125 and £175 for a day’s work. The fencing can take between half a day and two days to paint depending on the size. That means you can probably save between £62.50 and £87.50 on half a day’s work and between £125 and £175 for a day’s work.

Types of Metal Fencing

When it comes to choosing your metal fencing there is a variety you can pick. These are:

Chain Link Fences

Chain link fences are made from coated steel wire that is galvanised or PVC. They usually come in a diamond design, and they are often used around parks or school grounds.

Chain link fencing is a low-cost option that’s lightweight and easy to install.

Ornamental Iron Fences

Ornamental iron can come from wrought iron or wrought-iron lookalikes made from steel. Wrought iron fencing is usually made by hand so bespoke designs are possible. If you choose a cheaper steel option, there are still plenty of designs to choose from. A search on Google images will show a wide range of styles for fencing and gates.

Steel Panel Fences

Most metal fencing panels are made with galvanised steel and finished off with a plastic coating. They come in a variety of colours, and they are a popular choice for people who want complete privacy. They are also strong, weather-resistant and rust-proof.

Barbed Wire Fences

Barbed wire is made from high-tensile galvanised steel and then coated with PVC. It’s usually sold in coils in green or silver.

You’ll often see barbed wire around farmer’s fields as It keeps livestock from escaping and deters intruders.

Other Types of Fencing

You might decide to install another type of fencing instead of metal. These are the fencing types you could look at as alternatives:

Timber Fencing

Timber fencing is popular because it comes in so many styles and designs. It’s also cheap to buy if you choose a standard, straightforward design. Wood normally requires staining, and you will have to carry out regular maintenance.

Composite Fencing

Composite fencing is a mix of wood fibres and plastic. It is made to look like wood. They are designed to look modern, and they are simple to install. They are a popular low-maintenance option, but they don’t have the appeal of wood.

Natural Fencing

Natural fencing is made from bamboo, reed, or wicker. They suit a home that wants a traditional look, but they are not as strong as other fence types. Whilst they are resistant to water, they don’t stand up too well to windy weather.

How do I Find a Contractor to Install my Metal Fencing?

We can help you to find a metal fence installer near you. Simply enter your postcode on the website and fill in the answers to the few questions we ask about the job. Three contractors should contact you to give you quotes. Three is a suitable number because it will enable you to compare each quote and choose the contractor that suits you best.

When you speak to the contractor don’t forget to ask him questions that will help you to decide whether or not they meet your requirements.

Ask if they have a website so you can have a browse. See if they have photographs of previous jobs they have done and feedback from satisfied customers.

Ask them how long they have been in the trade. This will tell you how much experience they have got. But don’t forget you can also give a new company a chance as long as the installer has some experience.

Finally, ask if they have professional insurance. If the work person has an accident whilst working in your home, you can claim on his or her insurance policy. Claiming on an insurance policy is safer than claiming from the work person themselves as they may not have the money to cover the costs you are claiming.

FAQs

Sources

https://www.metalgatesdirect.co.uk/product/abbey-wrought-iron-style-metal-garden-fence-panels
https://www.metalgatesdirect.co.uk/product/abbey-wrought-iron-style-metal-garden-fence-panels