How Much Does a New Fence Cost in Exeter and South Devon?

A new fence is one of those jobs most homeowners only think about when the old one has blown down or started to lean. Then the first question is always the same: how much is this going to cost? The honest answer is that it depends on the type of fence, the length of the run, your ground and what needs taking out first. This guide breaks down typical 2026 prices for homes in Exeter and South Devon, so you know what to expect before you ask for a quote.

Typical fence prices per metre in 2026

Most UK homeowners pay somewhere between £60 and £150 per metre for a new garden fence, fully installed. Where you land in that range depends mainly on the style you choose:

• Lap or overlap panel fencing: usually the cheapest option, from around £60 to £100 per metre fitted. It looks fine and goes up quickly, but standard panels are the most likely to blow out in strong winds.
• Featheredge (closeboard) fencing: typically £80 to £150 per metre with concrete posts and gravel boards. Because it's built board by board on site, featheredge fencing is stronger, more private and easier to repair than panels.
• Composite fencing: roughly £70 to £160 per metre installed. It costs more up front but never needs staining.
• Metal fencing and railings: from about £120 to £250 per metre fitted, and more for bespoke or decorative designs.

These are guide prices from national 2026 cost surveys. Local prices vary with the job, and South West rates are well below London and the South East.

What pushes the price up (or down)

The headline price per metre only tells part of the story. These are the things that make the biggest difference to your final quote:

Posts. Concrete posts cost a few pounds more each than timber, but they can last 25 years or more, compared with around 10 to 15 years for timber posts. Rotten posts are the most common reason UK fences fail, so this is rarely the place to save money.

Gravel boards. A gravel board along the bottom keeps the timber off the soil, which stops the panels or boards rotting from the base. It's a small extra cost that adds years to a fence's life.

Removing the old fence. Taking down and disposing of an old fence typically adds £10 to £30 per metre. It costs more if old posts are set in concrete and have to be dug out.

Height and length. Going from 1.8m to 2m adds material and needs stronger posts. Longer runs are usually cheaper per metre, because set-up and travel costs are spread across more fencing.

Ground and access. Sloping gardens, rocky ground and tight access all take longer. This is common in hillside towns like Teignmouth and Brixham, where fences often have to be stepped down the slope.

Gates. Gates are always priced separately, and a bespoke timber or metal gate can be a significant part of the total.

Example: a typical back garden fence

Say you have a 15-metre back fence in Exeter that needs replacing with a 1.8m featheredge fence on concrete posts with gravel boards. At typical 2026 rates, including removal of the old fence, you'd usually be looking at somewhere in the region of £1,400 to £2,700. A basic panel fence on timber posts would come in lower, while a metal or bespoke slatted design would cost more.

Is it worth paying more for a better fence?

In South Devon, usually yes. Our weather is wet, mild and, along the coast, windy. A cheap panel fence on timber posts might save a few hundred pounds today, but it's far more likely to rot at ground level or lift out in a storm within a few years. If you live somewhere exposed, our guide to the best fence for windy, coastal gardens explains which designs stand up best.

A well-built fence with concrete posts and pressure-treated timber can last 20 years or more. Over that time, it often works out cheaper than replacing a budget fence twice.

How to get an accurate fence quote

To get a reliable price, ask for a site visit rather than a figure over the phone. A good fencing contractor should measure the run, check the ground and access, and talk you through post and board options before giving a written quote. Make sure the quote states:

• the fence type and height
• the post type (timber or concrete)
• whether gravel boards are included
• whether removal and disposal of the old fence is included
• any gates, and how they'll be hung
• the guarantee on the work

Before work starts, it's also worth checking two things. First, confirm who owns the boundary. Our guide on which side of the fence is yours explains how to check. Second, if you're planning anything over 2 metres, or over 1 metre next to a road, you'll usually need planning permission.

Get a free fencing quote

At J&J Contractors, we install featheredge, custom, metal and security fencing for homes across Exeter, Exmouth, Newton Abbot and the rest of South Devon. Every quote is free and written. We always explain exactly what's included, and every fence we build is backed by our 10-year written guarantee. Call 07476 554105 to book your free site visit.