Fencing Quotes in Ireland
Compare up to 4 local fencing professionals. Free, no obligation quotes.
Fencing defines your property boundary, provides privacy, keeps children and pets safe, and sets the visual tone for your garden. In Ireland, the most common residential fencing types are timber panel fencing, post-and-rail fencing, close-board (featherboard) fencing, concrete post-and-panel fencing, and decorative metal railings.
The right fence depends on your purpose. Privacy fencing needs to be at least 1.8 metres high and solid (close-board or concrete panel). Security fencing needs strength and possibly anti-climb features. Decorative front garden fencing or railings should complement your house style while maintaining a boundary. Agricultural-style post-and-rail suits rural properties and large gardens.
Timber is the most popular and affordable fencing material in Ireland, but Irish weather is hard on wood. Standard dip-treated timber panels last 8 to 12 years. Pressure-treated timber lasts 15 to 20 years. Concrete posts and gravel boards at the base prevent the most common timber fence failure: rot at ground level where the post sits in damp soil.
Fencing is typically priced per linear metre, including posts, panels, and fitting. Comparing quotes from at least three contractors ensures fair pricing and helps you understand the material and treatment options available for your budget.
How Much Does Fencing Cost in Ireland?
Typical pricing for fencing services in Ireland (2026):
| Service | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Panel fencing (per metre) | €40 | €70 | Height, material, ground conditions |
| Post and rail (per metre) | €25 | €45 | Material, height |
| Garden gate | €200 | €600 | Style, material, hardware |
Fencing costs per linear metre include posts, panels or boards, and installation. Timber panel fencing is the most affordable. Concrete post-and-panel systems cost more upfront but last significantly longer. Ground conditions matter: rocky ground requires specialist post installation, and sloping sites need stepped panels (more cutting and fitting). Removal of old fencing and vegetation adds to the cost. Dublin rates are 15-20% above the national average.
What to Expect: The Fencing Process
- Site assessment. The contractor measures the boundary, checks ground conditions, identifies any obstacles (tree roots, services, slopes), and discusses material and height preferences.
- Quote. A written quote specifies the fence type, material, height, total length in linear metres, post type, and whether old fencing removal is included.
- Preparation. Old fencing is removed if needed. The fence line is cleared of vegetation and obstacles.
- Post installation. Posts are set in concrete at regular intervals (typically 1.8 to 2.4 metres apart). Posts must be plumb and at the correct height.
- Panel or board fitting. Panels are fixed between posts, or boards are nailed to rails for close-board fencing. Gravel boards are fitted at the base to keep timber off the ground.
- Finishing. Gates are hung, caps are fitted to posts, and the site is cleaned up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using untreated or dip-treated timber in an exposed, damp location. Pressure-treated timber costs marginally more but lasts nearly twice as long in Ireland's wet climate.
- Setting posts in soil without concrete. Posts rammed into soil will lean and rot within a few years. Concrete around the base is essential for stability and longevity.
- Not fitting gravel boards. The bottom of the fence is where rot starts because it sits closest to damp ground. Gravel boards (ideally concrete) lift the panels off the ground and are cheap to replace when they eventually wear.
- Not discussing the boundary with your neighbour before installing. Fence disputes between neighbours are common and unpleasant. Agree the boundary line and share of cost (if any) before work starts.
- Choosing the cheapest lightweight panels for an exposed garden. Thin larch-lap panels blow out in the first strong wind. For exposed sites, close-board or concrete panel is the minimum standard.
What to Look for When Hiring a Fencing Professional
Always check that your chosen professional is properly insured and has relevant experience for your specific job.
Questions to Ask Your Fencing Professional
- What timber treatment do you use? Dip-treated timber lasts 8-12 years. Pressure-treated lasts 15-20 years. The price difference is modest but the lifespan difference is significant.
- Concrete or timber posts? Concrete posts never rot and last 30+ years. Timber posts, even pressure-treated, will eventually rot at ground level. Concrete posts with timber panels is the best value combination.
- Are gravel boards included? Gravel boards (timber or concrete) sit at the base of the fence, keeping the panels off the ground and away from damp. Without them, the bottom of the panels rots first.
- Is old fence removal included? Removing and disposing of old fencing is labour-intensive. If not included in the quote, you need to arrange it separately.
- Who owns the boundary? Fence ownership and boundary responsibilities vary between properties. Your contractor should check before installing, and you should agree with your neighbour beforehand.
- Can you handle slopes? Sloping boundaries need either stepped panels or raking (angled) panels. Stepping is more common and easier. Discuss the approach on sloping ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard timber panel fencing costs €40 to €65 per linear metre installed. Close-board (featherboard) fencing costs €55 to €85/m. Concrete post-and-panel costs €50 to €80/m. Decorative metal railings cost €80 to €150/m. A typical back garden (30 to 40 linear metres) costs €1,200 to €3,000. Prices include posts, panels, concrete, and fitting but may exclude old fence removal.
Fences up to 2 metres high to the rear and side of a property are generally exempt from planning permission. Front garden fences are limited to 1.2 metres. Fences in conservation areas or on protected structures may have additional restrictions. If your fence is on a corner site or near a road junction, sight-line requirements may limit height.
Dip-treated timber panels last 8 to 12 years. Pressure-treated panels last 15 to 20 years. Concrete posts last 30+ years. The weakest point is always where timber meets damp ground. Concrete gravel boards at the base and concrete posts eliminate the two most common rot points, significantly extending the fence's life.
An experienced two-person team typically installs 10 to 15 linear metres of panel fencing per day. A standard back garden (30 to 40 metres) takes 2 to 3 days. More complex jobs (close-board, slopes, concrete panels) take longer. Allow time for concrete to set around posts (24-48 hours) before heavy wind loading.
In Ireland, there is no automatic legal obligation to fence your boundary. Responsibility depends on the title deeds of each property, which may specify who maintains which boundary. In practice, it is common to share the cost with your neighbour by agreement, but this is not legally required. Check your title deeds and discuss with your neighbour before replacing a shared fence.
Concrete post-and-panel is the most weather-resistant option for Irish conditions. For timber, pressure-treated close-board fencing on concrete posts with concrete gravel boards is the best combination: the concrete components never rot, and the pressure-treated timber resists the damp for 15 to 20 years. Avoid lightweight larch-lap panels in exposed locations, as they are easily damaged by wind.
Fencing Quotes by County
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