Feather Edge Fencing Calculator
Estimate the exact number of boards, posts, arris rails, and gravel boards you need — plus a full cost breakdown with labour — instantly, by fence length and height.
Calculate your feather edge fencing
Enter your fence length, select a height and timber grade, tick any extras, and get an instant materials list with a full cost estimate — based on current UK 2024/25 prices.
Your fence details
Fill in all fields for an instant cost & materials estimate
Measure the total length of fence you need. Our calculator adds 10% for waste and board overlap.
1.8m (6ft) is the most common height for garden boundary fencing.
All feather edge boards are typically 100mm or 125mm wide, 22mm thick, 1.2m–1.8m long.
Your Cost & Materials Estimate
Based on 2024/25 UK timber & labour rates
Enter your fence length, select a height and timber grade, then click Calculate to get a full materials list and cost breakdown.
What goes into a feather edge fence?
A properly built feather edge fence uses six key components. Here’s what each one does and what it typically costs.
Feather Edge Boards
The main cladding — tapered boards that overlap each other by 25mm. Typically 100mm wide, 22mm thick (at thick edge), pressure treated for outdoor use.
£1.00 – £3.50 per boardFence Posts
75mm × 75mm or 100mm × 100mm posts set at 2.4–3m centres. Posts should be 600mm longer than the fence height to allow for ground burial. Pressure treated essential.
£8 – £25 per postArris Rails
Triangular (arris) rails that run horizontally between posts — feather boards nail to these. Typically 3 rails for a 1.8m fence, 2 for a 1.2m fence. Standard length: 3m.
£6 – £14 per railGravel Boards
150mm boards fitted at the base between posts to keep the fence off the ground. Prevents rot. Available in timber or concrete — concrete lasts longer but costs more.
£5 – £12 per boardPost Concrete / Spurs
Each post needs approximately 20kg of post mix concrete or a concrete spur for extra stability. Essential in soft or clay ground to prevent posts leaning over time.
£3 – £6 per postFixings & Hardware
Galvanised ring-shank nails (65–75mm) or screws, arris rail brackets, post caps, and capping strip. Galvanised or stainless fixings are essential — standard nails rust and stain.
£0.50 – £1.50 per metreFeather edge fencing costs per metre (2024/25)
Typical installed cost ranges by fence height and timber grade. London and South East England add approximately 25–35%.
| Height | Supply only (per m) | Installed (per m) | Boards per metre | Rails per panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.9m (3ft) | £20–£35 | £50–£70 | ~9 boards | 2 arris rails |
| 1.2m (4ft) | £28–£45 | £60–£85 | ~12 boards | 2 arris rails |
| 1.5m (5ft) | £38–£58 | £75–£100 | ~15 boards | 3 arris rails |
| 1.8m (6ft) | £45–£70 | £85–£120 | ~18 boards | 3 arris rails |
Prices include posts, arris rails, gravel boards, fixings, and post concrete. Labour at £35–£55 per metre. Add 15% for London and South East.
What affects feather edge fencing costs?
Fencing prices vary significantly. Here are the key factors that determine your final quote.
Fence length & run
Longer fence runs reduce the cost per metre as labour and materials become more efficient. Very short runs (under 5m) often attract a minimum call-out charge from installers.
Timber grade & treatment
The quality and treatment level of feather edge boards is the biggest material cost variable. Premium select-grade boards cost 2–3× more than budget sawn timber but last significantly longer.
Ground conditions
Rocky ground, tree roots, or sloping land all add to post-setting time and cost. Concrete posts or metal spurs are needed on sloped or soft ground, adding £10–£20 per post.
Location
London and South East England typically cost 25–35% more than the national average for both materials delivery and labour rates. Northern regions and Wales offer the best value.
Access & disposal
Difficult garden access (narrow side gates, steps, or no vehicle access) adds time and cost. Removing old fence panels adds £5–£10/m plus potential skip hire costs.
Post type & setting
Concrete slotted posts cost more than timber but last longer. Metal spike posts are cheapest but not suitable for all ground types. Post setting method significantly affects labour time.
Estimates built on real UK rates
Our feather edge fencing calculator uses 2024/25 pricing from UK timber merchants, fencing contractors, and builders merchant price lists — not outdated or inflated figures.
Board counts, arris rail quantities, post spacings, and concrete volumes are all calculated using standard UK fencing installation practices.
- ✓Board count calculated with 25mm overlap standard
- ✓Posts at 2.4m centres — industry standard spacing
- ✓10% waste allowance automatically included
- ✓Regional location uplifts applied (London +30%)
- ✓Labour, gravel boards, concrete all itemised
- ✓No data stored — runs entirely in your browser
Feather edge fencing FAQs
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