One of the first questions I get asked when I turn up to quote in York is simple – “How much is this going to cost?” It might be a terrace in Holgate with a wobbly old panel fence, a new build in Clifton Moor needing something smarter than the original thin boundary panels, or a village property near Poppleton that has just lost half the fence in a storm.
The honest answer is that fencing prices in York vary quite a bit. Not because anyone is trying to be awkward, but because every garden and every boundary is slightly different. In this guide I will walk you through what really affects the cost of a new fence in York in 2026, the typical price ranges for popular fencing styles, and some straight talking tips for keeping your project within budget.
Why fencing prices vary so much in York
If you have ever tried to get a ballpark figure over the phone, you will know it is difficult to give a firm price without seeing the garden. That is because there are a lot of moving parts in even a simple fence job.
Two properties on the same street in Acomb might both need 10 metres of fencing, but one has level ground, easy access and no existing concrete to deal with, while the other has buried rubble, tree roots and a tight passageway that means every post and panel has to be hand carried through the house. On paper the length is the same. In reality, the labour hours are not.
On top of that, the material choices you make – closeboard, panels, composite, post type, gravel boards and gate options – all have a big impact on the total cost. So rather than chase a single magic number, it is better to understand the main cost drivers first.
The main factors that affect fence cost
Length and layout of your boundary
This is the obvious one. The longer the fence, the more posts, gravel boards, panels or boards, concrete and labour you will need. Straight runs are usually the most cost effective. As soon as you start adding in multiple corners, changes of direction, stepped sections or different heights along the same boundary, it takes more time and more materials to get it right.
Small back yards in places like Leeman Road or the Groves might only need a short stretch of fencing, but access can be awkward. Larger plots out towards Haxby, Huntington or the villages might need long runs, but with easier access and less disruption. Both of those will price differently, even if the materials are similar.
Ground conditions and access
York is no stranger to clay soil, hidden rubble and old concrete footings. Digging post holes in soft topsoil is one thing. Digging them through buried bricks, roots and heavy clay after years of waterlogging is quite another.
Ground that is very hard, full of roots or awkwardly sloped will always take longer to work with. Steep banks, raised beds and retaining walls all need extra planning and care. If everything has to go through the house because there is no side access, that adds more time on top. None of this is glamorous work, but it is what makes a fence solid and safe, so it has to be priced in properly.
Fence height and style
Taller fences need longer posts, more concrete and more material in general. A 1.2 metre picket fence across the front of a property in Fulford is not going to cost the same as a 2 metre high closeboard fence around the back garden, even if the length is identical.
Style matters as well. Plain, functional panel fencing is cheaper on materials than heavy duty closeboard, and both are cheaper than a full composite system. Decorative slatted panels, bespoke screens and integrated trellis sections all add to the material and labour cost because they take longer to install and often need more fixings and finishing work.
Posts, gravel boards and fixings
Posts and gravel boards are the backbone of your fence, and they play a big part in both price and lifespan. You can opt for timber posts and no gravel boards if you really want to keep costs down, but you will sacrifice strength and longevity.
Concrete posts and concrete gravel boards cost more upfront than basic timber, but they dramatically improve durability. Composite posts and gravel boards are another step up again for modern, low maintenance gardens. The fixings we use – nails, screws, brackets and post mix – also have an impact. Cheap fixings rust and fail. Good quality galvanised fixings cost more but pay off over time.
Typical price ranges for popular fencing types in York
Every project is different, but it helps to have a sense of where things sit. The ranges below are not quotes – just realistic ballpark bands based on recent work in and around York. Your own quote may sit above or below these depending on the factors we have just covered.
Closeboard fencing cost in York
Closeboard fencing is what I fit most often. It is strong, solid and looks good in both traditional and modern gardens. Built properly with good posts and gravel boards, it offers excellent value over its lifespan.
A typical closeboard job with concrete posts and concrete gravel boards will usually sit in the mid range of the price spectrum compared to other options. You are paying a bit more than basic panels because the structure is heavier and the build is more involved, but you are getting a fence that will stand up far better to York weather.
If you want to keep costs under control, you can sometimes mix and match – for example, closeboard along a more exposed back boundary where strength is vital, and simpler panels along a sheltered side that is barely seen. That is something we can run through during a site visit.
Panel fencing cost in York
Panel fencing is what a lot of new build estates are handed over with – thin lap panels on timber posts. They are cheap to buy and quick to install, which is why developers like them, but they do not always stand the test of time in a windy or damp garden.
When I price panel replacements, I usually steer people towards heavier duty panels on concrete posts and gravel boards, rather than the flimsy lap style. You still get the simplicity and speed of a panel system, but you remove a lot of the weaknesses that cause early failure.
Done properly, panel fencing can still be the most cost effective option for straightforward runs in less exposed gardens. It sits below closeboard on price in most cases, although the difference is not as big as some people expect once you introduce decent posts and gravel boards.
Composite fencing cost in York
A full composite fence is almost always going to be the premium option. The boards, posts and fixings are more expensive than timber, and the systems take a bit longer to assemble. On the flip side, you get a modern, low maintenance fence that should last decades with just the occasional wash down.
When I bring composite into the conversation, it is usually because the homeowner wants something very modern, very tidy and very low maintenance. New estates in places like Clifton Moor, Huntington and Haxby are prime candidates. You are investing more upfront than you would with timber, but you are spending far less on stains, repairs and replacements over the years.
Sometimes we use composite selectively rather than everywhere. For example, composite along a main patio area where looks and maintenance matter most, and closeboard or heavy duty panels around the less visible sides of the garden to balance the budget.
Driveway and garden gates
Gates are another piece of the puzzle. A small closeboard side gate into a back garden is very different to a pair of large driveway gates at the front of a property. The materials, posts, locks, hinges and labour required go up quickly as gate size and weight increase.
A standard side gate to match a new fence is usually a modest add on. Bespoke driveway gates, especially if you are thinking about future automation, will sit at the higher end of the price range because we have to beef up posts, hardware and sometimes add extra structural steel inside the gate leaves.
If you are planning new gates as part of your project, it is worth mentioning that upfront so we can price everything together and make sure the design is consistent. Our garden gate and side gate options are designed to tie neatly into whichever fencing style you choose.
Example fencing pricing scenarios in York
To make all of this a bit more real, here are some typical scenarios I come across, and how the costs tend to behave in each one. These are not quotes, just illustrations of how the same length of fence can end up at very different price points.
Small terrace garden in central York
Imagine a small back yard in Holgate or the Groves. You might have 8 to 10 metres of boundary on each side. Access is probably through the house, the garden is flat and there may be old low walls or concrete at the base of the current fence.
Here, the cost is driven more by access and removal than by sheer length. We have to protect floors, carry everything through the house, and deal with any existing walls or footings carefully. On the plus side, the total material volume is modest, so you can often afford to choose a higher quality specification without the job running away cost wise.
Semi detached in Acomb or Heworth
Now picture a semi detached house with a decent sized back garden, maybe 12 to 18 metres on one side and similar at the back. There is likely to be side access, lawn, some planting and maybe a shed in the corner.
This is where closeboard fencing on concrete posts and gravel boards really comes into its own. You get strong, tidy boundaries that will cope with York weather over many years. The job is big enough that material choices make a visible difference to the price, but not so big that you need to compromise on quality.
If you are watching pennies, we can sometimes specify closeboard where it matters most – for example, along the most exposed side and back – and use good quality panels on a more sheltered side to trim the overall cost.
Large corner plot in a village or on an estate edge
Corner plots around Rawcliffe, Strensall, Copmanthorpe or the ring road often have long runs facing open land. These can be challenging because they are exposed to strong winds and need more posts and concrete to stay solid.
On these jobs, the boundary length is the main driver of cost, with exposure and wind load running a close second. You are buying a lot of materials and you want them to last. In many cases, the most cost effective long term choice is heavy duty closeboard with concrete posts and gravel boards. Composite is still possible, but the material volume means the budget has to be realistic.
Hidden costs to watch out for
When you compare quotes for a new fence in York, it is important to check what is and is not included. A cheaper quote up front can easily turn into a more expensive job if key items have been left out and added back later.
Common things to double check include:
- Removal and disposal of your old fence and concrete footings
- Concrete posts and gravel boards rather than untreated timber
- Depth of post holes and type of concrete used
- Finishing details like caps, trellis and matching gates
- Repairs to disturbed areas, such as making good around patios or paths
If you are not sure what your quote includes, ask. A clear, written breakdown is always a good sign that somebody knows exactly what they plan to do.
Ways to keep your fencing project within budget
Not everyone has an unlimited fencing budget, and I am always happy to help people find ways to get the best result they can with the money they have. Some simple strategies include:
- Prioritise the worst or most exposed boundaries first and tackle the rest later.
- Mix specifications – for example, closeboard at the back and stronger panels at the sides.
- Keep the design simple – fewer unnecessary corners, changes of height and decorative extras.
- Avoid false economies such as untreated posts or no gravel boards, which cost you down the line.
It is usually better to do one boundary properly than three boundaries to a poor standard. A solid, well built fence will last and feel good to live with, which is ultimately what matters.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a fence in York?
Sometimes you do not need a full new fence. If one or two posts have failed but the panels are sound, fitting concrete repair spurs can be a very cost effective way to stabilise things. If a single panel has blown out in an otherwise solid run, we can often replace that panel only.
Where repair becomes false economy is when the underlying structure has reached the end of its life. Rotten posts, crumbling gravel boards, warped rails and panels that have seen better days are all signs that money spent patching will not go far.
When I come out to look, I will always tell you honestly if repair is sensible, or if you would be better off investing in a new fence. In many older gardens across York, replacing a tired fence with something more robust works out cheaper over just a few winters than chasing small fixes every year.
Why a written quote matters
A proper written quote protects both you and your installer. It should make clear:
- Exactly what is being supplied – post type, gravel boards, fencing style and height
- How much old fencing will be removed and disposed of
- Any known ground issues that might affect the job
- The total price including labour, materials and waste removal
If something is not clear, it is always better to ask before work starts. A bit of clarity up front is far better than confusion halfway through a job.
How York Fencing approaches pricing
When you ask York Fencing for a quote, you are not just getting a number scribbled on the back of an envelope. I will visit your property, look properly at the boundaries, check access and ground conditions, and talk to you about what you want the fence to do for your garden.
From there, I will usually price a couple of options – for example, closeboard and composite, or different post and gravel board combinations – so you can see how each choice affects the overall cost. Everything is set out clearly so you can make a decision you feel comfortable with.
The aim is simple – no surprises, no hidden extras, just a straight, honest price for a fence that is built properly and suited to York weather and soil.
Ready to find out what a new fence would cost for your garden?
If you are in York or the surrounding villages and you would like a clear, sensible price for a new fence, the next step is easy. Let us know roughly how long the boundary is, what style you are thinking about, and whether you want to look at timber, composite or a mix of the two.
I will come out, measure up, check the ground and access properly, and then give you a written quote that explains exactly what you are getting for your money.
You can find out more about our fencing services on the garden fencing page, or if you are ready to talk numbers, simply head over to the contact page and send us a message with your postcode and a brief description of what you need.
A good fence is not just a cost – it is an investment in privacy, security and the way your garden feels every day. Done right, it will pay you back for years.