Fencing / Gates in Colchester, Essex (8)

The average cost to install a gate will depend on whether you’re replacing an existing gate or installing a new gate into a fence that doesn’t currently have a gate opening. Obviously the work to install a new gate will cost more than simply replacing a gate like-for-like.

Garden gate installation prices

When it comes to garden gate installation costs, if you’re looking to fit a wooden garden gate with two concreted timber posts the cost will be around £400. To install a metal garden gate hung on existing brickwork the price should be somewhere in the region of £175.

Garden gate installation is often a job for an experienced handyman, who will usually charge you a day rate of around £150 per day.

Driveway gate installation cost

If you’re looking to install a gate for your driveway, the costs tend to be higher due to the size of a typical driveway gate. The average driveway gate installation cost ranges from £700 to £2,000, depending on the size of the gate, the materials and the opening mechanism.

Additional features will add to the cost, such as adding automation – which will set you back around £750. Or intercom gate controls, which usually costs around £300 – depending on the make and model.

The gate installation price for fitting a pair of wooden driveway gates with two concreted hardwood posts is about £750. To fit metal driveway gates and posts in an existing gap will cost around £350.

Quotes for gate installation in Colchester

As with all home improvement projects, we always recommend obtaining at least three quotes from different tradespeople in your area. By shopping around you can make sure you're paying a fair and competitive price for the work for your gate installation

Thankfully, we've got a tool that makes finding multiple quotes super easy. Our request a quote feature is perfect for getting quotes: you post details about the work you need doing and we’ll send it out to local gate specialists in your area. Try it out – it's quick and easy!

Installing a gate into an existing fence can give you very useful access to spaces on either side of the fence. Whether it’s to accommodate a new path to or from your garden, or you and your neighbours want to share access, here’s our guide to installing a gate…

1. Decide where the gate should be

Sounds obvious, but first you need to know exactly where you want the gate to be located in the fence. Make sure you take into account what’s on both sides of the fence so that you pick the most appropriate spot where you’ll want to walk through.

2. Pick your gate size

You want to ensure that your gate is big enough for its intended use, and make sure you add a little extra room just in case.

3. Cut out the hole

Once you know where the gate is going and how big it will be you can mark out the section of the fence to be removed and then cut it out. Ideally you should use the fence’s natural features to choose the exact section to cut out.

Top tip: If you have panelled fencing, you could save money by using the section you cut out to create your gate. You might also want to read our guide on how to make a garden gate.

4. Lay out your gate and posts

To make sure you fix the gate and posts in the right place, lay them down flat on the ground first and mark the spots for the posts. You want to use two gate posts for any gate so that you avoid any sagging, which happens when a gate is hung from a single post.

Top tip: Before installing the gate posts, make a slanted cut on the top so that any rain will run off easily.

5. Add the gate fittings

Screw on the hinges and latch, making sure that you leave a 5mm gap so that you allow for the wood to expand and contract with the changing temperatures throughout the year.

6. Dig the holes

You’re ready to get digging and make holes for the gate posts. If you’re installing a large gate you’ll want to create enough depth for suitable foundations. You want the posts to fit as tightly as possible into the ground, then and some ready-mixed concrete to secure them in place.

7. Line up your gate

While the concrete is setting you’ll still be able to move the posts so it’s the perfect time to make sure that your gate is properly aligned and then prop it in place. Once the concrete is dry (usually about 48 hours later) your job’s done.

Find a gate installer in Colchester

Use our quick and easy search to find good local gate installers, or request a quote and we’ll reach out to them for you.

If you’re planning to build a fence, whether you’re doing it yourself or plan to find a gate installer locally, here are some tips for your project.

1. Planning pays off

As with all home improvement projects, good preparation helps everything go as smoothly as possible. In the case of building a fence, here’s some advice for planning:

• Plan how high and how long your fence needs to be to avoid unnecessary wastage and keep material costs down

• Check the area you’re planning to install the fence with a detector to make sure you’re not going to be digging up cables or pipes

• If you’re unsure of planning restrictions in your area, contact your local planning office for advice

• Speak to your neighbours before installing a fence to check they’re happy with your plans and don’t mind if the fence installers work on both sides of the fence

2. Do things properly

If you’re going to the effort of building a fence, you want to make sure the finished result is sturdy, weatherproof and looks good.

• If you’re using wood, soak the fence posts in wood preservative before they’re installed – even if they’ve already been treated

• Always use treated wood and exterior grade screws so that your fence stands the test of time without rotting and rusting prematurely

• Use the best quality materials you can afford to build your fence to get the best results

3. Prioritise your safety

When building a fence, it’s important that you carry out the work safely and avoid any health and safety risks.

• Always wear protective gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask – especially when dealing with concrete and handling wood

• When building a fence it’s always better to work in a pair so that you can work safely and efficiently

• Dispose of your waste wood carefully to avoid splintering, ideally take it to your local recycling centre

4. Give your fence regular TLC

To get the most out of your fence and keep it in good condition, make sure you look after it and regularly carry out maintenance work.

• Regularly clean your fence to avoid a build-up of dirt, moss or algae

• Apply a fresh coat of wood preservative to your fence once a year

• If you notice any damage to your fence, fix it as soon as possible to avoid it leading to further damage

Hire professional fence contractors

Building a fence is a physical job that not everyone wants or can do, which is why hiring local fence contractors is often the best option. Use our quick and easy search to find the best local fence installers in Colchester to build and install your fence for you.

When planning a fence for your property, it’s important to understand how high it’s going to be and whether you’re going to need planning permission. In the UK, the maximum height of a fence in a back garden is 2 metres. For the front garden, your fence should be no more than 1 metre high.

That’s not to say you can’t build a higher fence than that, but you will need to apply for planning permission before you install the fence. It’s also worth noting that different local councils have different restrictions when it comes to fence height. And if you live in a restricted area, such as a Conservation Area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you may have further restrictions to adhere to.

UK fence regulations

Here are some of the regulations that are useful to know for planning your new fence:

• If the fence is located in front of a road, footpath or public highway it should be no more than 1 metre high – otherwise planning permission will be needed

• If the fence isn’t located in front of a road, the maximum height without planning permission is 2 metres – including any trellis topper

• If you live in a restricted area, such as a Conservation Area, or your property is a Listed Building then you’ll need to apply for planning permission for most fence projects

If you’re hiring a fence installer to do the work, they should be fully aware of all restrictions, regulations and planning permission.

When don’t you need planning permission for a fence?

For most domestic fences, it’s likely you’ll be installing a fence that won’t need planning permission. As long as you comply with the regulations above, you should be fine to install your new fence.

Also, if you’re planning to replace an existing fence for a similar new fence then it’s unlikely you’ll need planning permission – unless you live in a restricted area or Listed Building.

If in doubt, we always recommend speaking to your local planning office to discuss the details of your planned fence project to make sure what you’re doing is within the local guidelines.

Fence ownership

The topic of fence ownership is one that regularly comes up when replacing or installing a new fence, as the fence will often sit on the boundary line. To find out more, check out our guide to fence ownership and responsibilities.