Broken fences can be very annoying – they lower your garden’s security, look unsightly, and can be expensive to fix. This guide has been put together to help you tackle a damaged fence without breaking the bank. 

• How Much will It Cost to Repair My Fence? 
• What is Your fence Made From? 
• What Part of Your Fence is Broken? 
• What Tools And Materials Do I Need? 
• Will I Need To Hire A Professional? 

This is the big question everyone wants to know, but the unfortunate answer is that there isn’t really a clear answer. There are plenty of variables that will determine just how much it will set you back to fix your fence, and you could be looking at prices as low as £40 for a post or two to £3,000 for an entire fence replacement it’s all down to the damage you’re dealing with. 

It’s not just the extent of the damage that influences the overall cost – the type of fence you own may be more or less expensive than average. If you’re looking to fix a simple wooden garden fence, you’re in luck; they’re among the easiest and cheapest to mend. Metal chain link and wrought iron fences are considerably more expensive to mend, while PVC fences are somewhere in between in terms of cost. 

Whether or not you require expert assistance will also affect the price. In most cases, your fence will be replaceable without the need for a professional, especially if it’s a wooden fence. However, the more severe the damage, and the larger the damaged area is, the more likely it is that you’ll find yourself in need of a tradesman to assist in removing, fixing, and replacing damage fence sections. 

As previously stated, the cost of your fence is directly related to the material from which it is made. The two most common fence materials are wood and metal – your garden will likely sport the former to some degree and may also feature the latter in areas such as the front garden/driveway, or as a perimeter fence if you live on a larger plot of land. 

Metal fences are known for their durability when it comes to impacts, but when they do start to erode, it tends to be more obvious than with wood. Overall, metal fences last longer than wooden ones, but the paint/finish will begin to wear long before the metal itself does, potentially leading to your fence looking rather unsightly. 

This is the most important question, and at first, the answer may not be obvious. If you have a wooden fence, you're most likely going to have problems with the post, the panelling or both. This is fairly easy to spot. Panels will be cracked or splintered, you may be able to spot holes or gaps between each wooden slat.  

Regarding the posts, your fence is most likely to start eroding at the bottom, where the post has been driven into the ground. This is because the natural sediments and microorganisms are highly likely to speed up the erosion process.   

Has your fence recently been hit by a heavy impact, and you’re not sure if it has been damaged? Be sure to inspect it thoroughly, as an unsteady or damaged fence is highly likely to cause problems in the long run. Not only this, but it may also be unsafe, with sharp edges, splinters, and unsteady panels that may fall over suddenly. 

Regardless of the damage to your fence, you are going to need a selection of tools and other products to not only repair your fence but ensure it is better protected against damage in the future. Below is a list of suggested products, though what you need will likely vary case by case. 

Replacement fence posts (£15 - £40) 

• The most important products you need to fix your fence, especially if the damage means your current fence posts are no longer useable. 
• Prices vary depending on size, brand, and certain features such as finishes and accessories. 
• The vast majority of fence posts are easy to install with the correct equipment. 

Replacement fence panels (£30 - £250 per panel) 

• Arguably as important as fence posts, again depending on how badly damaged your current panels are. 
• Can come in wood, metal, or PVC. 
  Installation can vary depending on the brand and pattern of fence. Check specific manufacturer instructions for more specific details. 

Concrete mix (20kg bags £6 - £20) 

• Will usually be required to secure your fence posts. 
• Prices vary due to bag sizes and features such as faster settings and increased durability, among others. 
• Screws and fixings (varies on brand, size, and quantity) 

Spade (£20 - £50) & Hammer (£10 - £30) 

• Primarily for helping to drive your fixings into the wood of the fence posts and panels. 
• Various models available, with some more expensive models more specialised and durable than others. 

Fence paint (5 litres at £16 - £45) 

• A great way to make your wooden or metal fence posts more appealing and to help them suit the aesthetics of your garden more effectively. 
• Check compatibility with your fencing. Most paints are designed for either metal or wood. 
• Cost varies between shades, volumes of pots, and features such as waterproof capabilities and lifespan. 

Waterproofing paint (5 litres at £20 - £45) 

• Similar to fencing paint but can be purchased without a particular shade or finish. 
• Price will vary between makes, amounts, and other features such as lifespan. 
• Application instructions will vary – be sure to check product packaging or manufacturer description for more detailed information. 

Professionals can make any job considerably more expensive, but sometimes they’re needed – however, are they needed to fix your fence? 

If you own a wooden fence, you’re only going to need professional assistance under unusual circumstances. For example, if your fence is bespoke or features an exclusive design/pattern, you may require an expert to replicate or restore it. If large sections of your fence require replacing, then this may call for professional assistance as well. 

Meanwhile, metal fence owners may find themselves requiring assistance for smaller tasks – metal fences tend to be heavier and more difficult to install, especially with just one pair of hands on the scene. Joining them together – depending on the fence model – can also prove a challenge. 

The best approach is to analyse the situation yourself – do you believe you can fix the fence with the means available to you? If so, give it a go, but the moment you find the situation difficult – or more importantly unsafe – you will need to call in an expert to help you finish the project off.