What height should my fence be ?

When erecting a new fence or replacing an old one, you should consider how high your fence should be. In this blog we explore various factors, which could determine what height you may keep your fencing such as privacy, location, legal matters and local rules and regulations.

Are there any legal rules and regulations I need to consider?

In the UK, the norm is that fencing in your back garden should be a maximum height of 2 metres (about 6.5 feet) and the front garden of your property should be 1 metre (3.2 feet).

If you wish to erect a fence that is higher than 2 metres or a fence will be higher than 1 metre and next to a highway then you will need to apply for planning permission from your local council.  

Moreover, it’s important to remember that different local councils will have different restrictions regarding fencing and properties, so it is best practice to always check with your local authority for rules and regulations on the matter.

For more information please visit your local council website.    

Don’t forget your neighbours…

When erecting a new fence and choosing the height of your fence, it’s always best to consider your neighbours and the impact this height will have on their garden.   

Factors such as how high or low your land sits in comparison to your neighbours will have an impact, and because height is calculated from your ground level, this is something you will need to take into account.

Before erecting a new fence or making drastic height changes, it would be wise to have a chat with your neighbour and inform them about your plans. This way you can settle and agree on a height which both you and your neighbours are comfortable with.

Fence Height - General Guidelines

Now you understand some of the legalities towards fence heights, below you can find some general guidelines, which might influence the fence height you have.

Privacy 

If your ultimate goal for installing a wooden fence is privacy, then for sufficient security and privacy, we recommend opting for a 6 foot fence panel. This will keep your property secure and keep intruders out.

Fence posts size

The higher your fence is, the more prone it is to be affected by bad winds, so to secure your fence panels and when erecting a new fence, remember the 2 foot rule for fence posts. We recommend you should dig a hole which has a depth of 2 foot (24 inches / 600mm) to ensure you have a stable timber or concrete fence post. This will also secure your overall fence.

Not sure about what fence post to purchase for your chosen fence panel? View our fence post guide below:

Style of fence

Where privacy isn’t a concern, and you don’t want a 6 foot fence panel, then you can choose different styles of fencing, depending on the role you want your fence to play in your garden.

• Softer boundary can be achieved by opting for a lower 4 foot or 5 foot fence panel – you can add a trellis topper for aesthetics

• Give your front garden a more welcoming feel by choosing a 3 foot panel
• Decorative panels come in various heights, but when you’re not concerned about security, then these panels will beautify your garden

We hope this article has been helpful to understanding key factors which influence the size of fence you will erect in your garden. For more information, get in touch with our expert team who are happy to help.

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