Supply Only or Supply and Fit? Buying Fence Panels and Gates

When you need a new fence, there are two ways to buy it. You can have the panels, posts and boards delivered and fit them yourself, or have a fencing company supply and fit the whole job. Both make sense in the right situation, and many fencing companies offer either, so it helps to know which suits your garden, your skills and your budget before you ask for a quote.

When supply only makes sense

Buying supply only is usually the cheapest route, and it works well when:

• you are replacing a few panels between existing posts that are still sound
• you are confident setting posts level and in line, or have help
• the ground is clear and the fence line is straightforward
• you are happy to dispose of the old panels yourself

Many suppliers will deliver wooden fence panels supplied or fitted, along with concrete posts, gravel boards and trellis. Check how the panels have been treated before ordering. Pressure-treated timber lasts far longer than dip-treated, which needs re-treating every year.

When supply and fit is worth paying for

A fitted fence costs more, but you are paying for the parts that are hardest to get right. Posts need to be set at the right depth in concrete, at the right spacing and perfectly upright, or the panels will not sit properly. Slopes, old concrete footings and tree roots all slow a DIY job down. A professional fitter will also measure up, remove the old fence and take the waste away.

Composite fencing: either route works

Composite fencing is made from a mix of wood fibre and recycled plastic. It does not rot, splinter or need painting, and manufacturer warranties of 20 years or more are common, though it costs more than timber at the outset. Most systems use individual boards that slot into posts and stack to the height you need, which makes them more manageable for a confident DIYer than they first appear.

Some composite boards can even slot into existing concrete posts, so you may not need to replace the whole fence line. Specialists in composite fencing in Nottingham offer both supply only and full installation, so you can choose based on the size of the job.

Gates are a different matter

Gates are less forgiving than fence panels. A gate has to hang level, clear the ground, swing freely and lock securely, and its posts and hinges must carry its weight for years without dropping. Composite gates are heavier than timber ones and are usually built on a metal frame and hung on steel posts.

That is why most people have gates made to the exact width and height of the opening and fitted by the maker. Companies producing made-to-measure composite gates will normally survey the opening first, checking the posts and ground levels before quoting.

Questions to ask before you order

1. What exactly is included? Panels, posts, gravel boards, caps and fixings.
2. How are timber panels treated? Pressure-treated or dip-treated.
3. Is delivery included? And is there a minimum order?
4. Who removes the old fence? And is the waste carrier licensed?
5. What guarantee applies? To the materials and, if fitted, to the workmanship.

Whichever route you choose, a clear quote that lists every item is the best way to compare suppliers. For more on fencing contractors, gates and railings, see our fencing services category.