Alright, so you’re staring at your garden thinking, “Right, time for a fence.” Maybe the old one’s flopped over, or maybe you’re just done waving at your neighbour in your pyjamas every morning. Either way, here comes the classic showdown: wood or metal?
They both have their die-hard fans. Wood’s got that timeless, homely charm. Metal is slick, tough, and honestly, kind of futuristic if you squint. But picking the right one isn’t as simple as scrolling through Pinterest pics. It’s all about what your wallet can handle, how much effort you’re willing to put in to keep it looking sharp, and whether you want your place to scream “cosy cottage” or “modern fortress.”
Let’s cut through the nonsense and see which one’s actually worth your cash.
- The Look: Cosy vs Cool
Wood Fencing: Old-School Vibes
Look, wood is everywhere for a reason. It just fits, you know? Whether you’re into that country garden look or want something a bit more contemporary, wood’s got you covered. Vertical boards, horizontal slats, you name it. Plus, you can slap on whatever paint or stain you like. Want your fence to match your garden gnome collection? Go for it.
Perfect if you’re into that “lived-in” look that makes your garden feel like an actual retreat and not just another patch of grass.
Metal Fencing: Sharp and Shiny
Metal’s the go-to if you want something that says “don’t mess with me.” Aluminium, steel, wrought iron, take your pick. And with all the new powder-coated finishes, you’re not stuck with just boring silver. These things barely need any babying and look fresh for years.
Great for folks living near busy roads, modern homes, or anyone who’d rather binge a box set than repaint a fence every summer.
- The Money: What’s This Actually Going to Cost Me?
Wood Fence Labour Cost
It depends on how fancy you get and whether your garden is an obstacle course. Here’s the ballpark:
- Standard wood panels: £70 – £120 per metre
- Feather-edge or close-board: £90 – £150 per metre (more solid, a bit pricier)
- Decorative or slatted: £120 – £200 per metre (now you’re getting fancy)
And don’t forget, you’re not just paying for planks nailed together. You want posts that don’t wobble, straight lines, and someone to haul away the mess. Go cheap on labour and you’ll be that person chasing fence panels down the street after the first big storm.
Metal Fencing Contractors Prices
Yes, metal costs more at the start, but it’s built to outlive your next three cars.
- Galvanised steel or iron: £120 – £250 per metre
- Aluminium: £150 – £300 per metre
- Wrought iron with a bit of flair: £250 – £500+ per metre (wallet, meet pain)
Price goes up if you want fancy scrolls or a colour that isn’t “default grey.” But honestly, metal’s a one-and-done thing. Buy it, install it, stop thinking about it.
- Maintenance: How Much Elbow Grease Are You Up For?
Wood
Here’s the deal. Wood needs attention. Every two or three years, you’ll be out there with a brush, slapping on stain or treatment. Ignore it and you’ll be staring at warped, rotten panels by next Christmas.
On the plus side, fixing a busted board is cheap and easy. Just swap out the bad bit. Oh, and pro tip: go for pressure-treated timber. It costs a little more, but it’ll survive soggy winters and hungry bugs far better.
Metal
Metal fences are basically the set-it-and-forget-it option. Hose them down occasionally, check for scratches, maybe touch up a bit of paint if you’re feeling fancy. Most are galvanised or powder-coated now, so rust isn’t the nightmare it used to be. If you live near the sea, go for aluminium or coated steel or you’ll be crying rusty tears.
- Security and Strength
If you actually care about keeping things (or people) out, metal wins hands down. Steel and iron fences are like the bouncers of the fencing world. Good luck to anyone trying to break through.
Wood’s more about privacy and keeping pets or kids in than stopping a determined intruder. But stick up a tall, close-board fence and you’ll get a nice private patch, plus it’ll handle the odd football or wayward dog.
Mix It Up
Fun fact: loads of people go hybrid these days, with wood panels for privacy and metal posts or rails for strength. It’s the best of both worlds and looks great too.
- Style and Personality
Wood has character. It weathers, it ages, and it feels warm. You can paint it, stain it, or leave it natural for that rustic charm. It changes with your garden.
Metal is bold. It’s about clean lines, strength, and order. It’ll hold its colour and shape for decades, no matter what the weather throws at it.
If you’ve got a smaller garden, slim vertical wood slats or open metal designs can make it feel more spacious and airy. Most wood fencing contractors and metal fencing contractors can suggest clever designs that suit your space and your budget.
- The Verdict
So, which one wins? Depends what you want from your fence.
- Pick wood if you want warmth, flexibility, and a traditional look that’s easy to refresh.
- Pick metal if you want durability, strength, and a design that’ll outlast just about everything else.
When comparing wood fencing contractor’s prices and metal fencing contractor’s prices, don’t just look at the initial quote. Think about how long it’ll last and how much upkeep you’re willing to do. A cheaper fence that needs replacing in five years isn’t really saving you money.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your fence sets the tone for your whole garden. Whether you go for wood’s charm or metal’s muscle, invest in a proper installation from experienced wood or metal fencing contractors.
A good fence isn’t just about marking boundaries. It’s about privacy, security, and that bit of pride you feel every time you look out the window.