How High Should My Fence be?

When you're installing or replacing a fence in the garden, you need to work out the best height before you start

Are there any rules and regulations?
These vary depending on your local authority but generally, walls and fences in back garden should be a maximum height of two metres (just over six and a half feet) and half this height of one metre (or 3.2 feet) in front gardens.

You will need to apply to your local council for planning permission if your fence is more than one metre high and next to a highway used by vehicles or a footpath aswell as for any fences or walls over two metres high elsewhere. This does not, however, affect replacing like for like.

Most fences in the UK are no higher than two metres so this height should work well (and look good) in most gardens. If noise is a factor, you can consider noise absorbing fences, ask in-branch for details on our acoustic fencing options.

There are other restrictions, such as if the boundary in the garden happens to adjoin the land of a listed building but check your local council website to ensure you're not contravening any regulations.

Further restrictions can apply depending on your local authority and conservation zones. Further information can be found on the planning portal website.

What else should I consider when planning to install a fence?
Although they can't prevent you installing a fence, out of common courtesy it’s always a good idea to discuss with your neighbour any plans as it could affect them and the plants in their garden.

Which size of posts should I use?
You need to remember that the taller the fence, the more likely it is to be affected by high winds and bad weather. For this reason, standard 6ft fencing are designed to be constructed with 8ft fence posts (whether these are wooden or concrete posts) as at least two feet of the post will be in the ground to ensure it's secure. 

Which style of fence should I choose?
• If you want real security and privacy in your garden, a 6 foot fence will deliver both and look good in any garden, whether it's closeboard or lap fence panels.
• When privacy isn't as important and you want to let light through, chat to your neighbours or enjoy the view beyond your garden opt for a trellis or a fence panel with a trellis top such Omega Lattice Fence Panel.
• For a traditional look in the front garden when you don't need privacy, picket fencing adds a traditional look and finish to your garden.

Help & advice
If you need more information about fencing and landscaping, please get in touch with your local branch. Our specialists will be happy to offer help and advice and can provide you with a free quote for supply of all relevant materials