Costs & pricing
Metal and Security Fencing: What It Costs and Why
Metal fencing costs more up front than timber, but on a 25 year view it's frequently the cheaper option once repainting and replacement are factored in.
Metal fencing gets ruled out early by homeowners comparing a first quote against timber, without weighing what happens to both fences a decade later. This guide sets metal styles side by side and explains the maths that makes steel the better long-term choice on some boundaries despite the higher day-one price.
Figures below are indicative guide ranges based on the kind of work we quote across London and Hertfordshire — they are not a quotation. Every job is priced after a free site visit, and the written price we give is the price you pay.
Railings, bow top and vertical bar
Traditional vertical bar railings and bow top railings are priced by the metre and by finish, with galvanised and powder-coated steel sitting at the affordable end and estate-style or ornamental railings costing considerably more. These styles suit front boundaries, driveway edges and school or commercial perimeters where visibility through the fence matters as much as the barrier itself.
Palisade and weld mesh
Palisade fencing, built from pointed steel pales bolted to horizontal rails, is a step up again in both cost and security level, and it's the style most often specified where deterring intruders matters more than appearance. Weld mesh panel systems sit between palisade and simple railings on price and are common where a clean, low-maintenance security line is needed without the industrial look of palisade.
- Galvanised and powder-coated finishes both resist corrosion; powder coating adds colour options and cost
- Palisade height and pale spacing are usually specified to a security standard rather than a garden aesthetic
- Weld mesh panels bolt to steel posts and are quick to install once posts are set and cured
Steel gates to match
A steel gate hung within a metal fence line typically costs more than a timber equivalent of the same width because of the steel section, welding and the heavier hinge and lock hardware needed to carry it, but it also resists warping and sagging in a way timber gates eventually don't. We match gate finish to the fencing either side so the whole boundary reads as one job rather than two.
Why metal costs more per metre than timber
Steel section, galvanising or powder coating, and the welding labour involved all add cost that a timber panel simply doesn't carry, which is why metal fencing rarely competes with timber on a straight per-metre price. The trade-off is that a well-finished steel fence doesn't rot, doesn't need re-staining, and shrugs off wind load that would flex or fail a timber panel of the same height.
Where metal is cheaper over 25 years
Run the numbers over a 25 year ownership period and the comparison changes: a timber fence in that time will likely need at least one full replacement and several rounds of treatment or re-staining, while a galvanised or powder-coated steel fence needs occasional cleaning and, at most, a repaint. On boundaries with heavy footfall, high wind exposure, or a security requirement, the higher first cost of metal is frequently recovered well before the 25 year mark.
Frequently asked
Why is metal fencing more expensive than timber per metre?
The steel section, corrosion-resistant finish and welding labour all add cost that timber panels don't carry, so metal rarely matches timber on a straight per-metre figure.
Is palisade fencing more expensive than standard railings?
Generally yes, since palisade is specified to a higher security standard with closer pale spacing and heavier fixings.
Does powder-coated steel cost more than galvanised?
Yes, powder coating adds a colour finish and a small premium over plain galvanising, though both resist corrosion well.
How long does a steel fence last compared with timber?
A well-finished steel fence can outlast several timber replacement cycles, often running well past 25 years with only occasional maintenance.
Are steel gates worth the extra cost over timber?
Often, yes, on wider or heavier openings, since steel resists the warping and sagging that eventually affects timber gates of the same width.
Is metal fencing available with a written guarantee?
Yes, our metal and security fencing is covered by the same written guarantee and £5m public liability insurance as our timber work.
Can metal and timber fencing be combined on one boundary?
Yes, it's common to run railings along a front boundary and timber closeboard along the rear; we quote each section separately so you can see the split.
Want this priced properly for your garden?
Free site visit across London and Hertfordshire, a written specification, and a fixed price. No obligation.