Devon weather isn't kind to fences. Winter storms blow panels down, posts rot in the damp soil, and gravel boards give up after a few years. Here's what repairs actually cost.
Quick Price Guide
| Repair | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Single panel replacement | £60-£100 |
| Post repair (spur method) | £80-£120 |
| Post replacement (concrete) | £100-£150 |
| Gravel board replacement | £25-£45 per board |
| Tighten/reset loose panels | £30-£60 |
| Treat whole fence (paint/stain) | £5-£10 per metre |
Exeter area prices, includes labour and materials, 2025
Panel Replacement
The most common repair - one or more panels blown down or rotten.
What Affects the Price
Panel type:
- Overlap (cheapest): £20-£30 per panel
- Featherboard: £25-£35 per panel
- Close board: £35-£50 per panel
- Decorative: £40-£60+ per panel
Height:
- 4ft panels: Cheaper and easier
- 5ft: Standard
- 6ft: More expensive, more wind resistance needed
Access:
- Easy access: Standard price
- Through house: May add £20-£30
- Difficult terrain: More time = more cost
What's Included
A panel replacement should include:
- Removing old panel
- Supplying new panel (matching if possible)
- Fitting securely
- Disposal of old panel
Post Repairs
Posts fail more often than panels - they're in the ground, rotting from the bottom.
Option 1: Concrete Spur Repair
A metal or concrete spur bolts to the good part of the post, with the spur going into the ground.
Best when: Post is rotten at ground level but good above
Cost: £80-£120 per post
Pros: Much faster than replacing whole post Cons: Slightly less strong than new post
Option 2: Full Post Replacement
Dig out old post, set new post in concrete.
Best when: Post is badly damaged or very rotten
Cost: £100-£150 per post
Includes:
- Digging out old post (concrete may need breaking)
- New post
- Postcrete or concrete
- Labour for setting
Notes: Posts need time to set before panels are attached. May be a two-visit job.
When Posts Fail
Signs of trouble:
- Fence leaning
- Post wobbles when pushed
- Visible rot at ground level
- Concrete cracked around base
Gravel Boards
The horizontal board at the bottom that keeps panels off the damp ground. Takes the hit so panels don't.
Replacement cost: £25-£45 per board (including fitting)
When to replace:
- Board is rotten
- Gaps between board and panel (letting water up)
- When doing panel replacements anyway
Worth knowing: Concrete gravel boards last much longer than timber but cost more initially.
Storm Damage Repairs
After Devon storms, the phone rings non-stop. Here's what to expect.
Insurance Considerations
Check your home insurance for storm damage. Many policies cover fencing, but:
- May have excess (£50-£250 typical)
- May need photos of damage
- Some require specific contractors
- Often easier to pay for small repairs yourself
Priority Repairs
After a storm, secure:
- Anything causing danger (loose panels in wind)
- Anything affecting security
- Cosmetic damage can wait
Multiple Panel Damage
Economies of scale: Replacing 3+ panels at once is relatively cheaper per panel because:
- One trip, one setup
- Bulk panel buying
- More efficient work pattern
DIY vs Hiring
DIY-Friendly
- Treating fence with preservative
- Replacing a single panel (if posts are sound)
- Fitting new gravel boards
Hire Help For
- Post replacement (digging, concrete work, heavy posts)
- Multiple panels (efficiency)
- Tall fencing (6ft panels are unwieldy)
- Storm damage (often involves posts)
DIY Cost Comparison
Materials for one panel repair:
- Panel: £25
- Screws/fixings: £5
- Preservative: £10 (if treating)
- Total: ~£40
But factor in:
- Your time
- Tools (if you don't have them)
- Disposal of old panel
- Risk of bodging it
Getting the Price Down
Tips:
- Buy panels yourself from trade suppliers (cheaper than retail)
- Have multiple repairs done at once
- Standard panels are cheaper than matching unusual styles
- Concrete gravel boards = fewer future repairs
What I Charge
Typical Hembury Contracting fence repairs:
Single panel replacement: £70-£90 (panel + labour)
Post repair (spur): £90-£110
Multiple panels: Better value per panel
I try to match existing panels when possible, but sometimes similar is the best option if your style is discontinued.
When to Repair vs Replace
Repair makes sense when:
- Damage is localized (1-3 panels, 1-2 posts)
- Rest of fence is sound
- Fence is relatively young
Replace makes sense when:
- Multiple posts failing
- More than half panels damaged
- Fence is 15+ years old
- You want to upgrade style anyway
Approximate new fence cost: £80-£150 per metre (supply and fit), depending on style.
Need fence repairs? I fix fences across Exeter - from storm damage to general wear. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.