How do I know whether to repair or replace my boiler?

If your boiler is over 10-12 years old and the repair costs more than a third of a new boiler (£2,000-£3,500), replacement is usually the better option. Newer boilers are also significantly more energy efficient, saving £200-£400 per year on gas bills.

Is it worth repairing a washing machine?

Generally yes, if the washing machine is under 6 years old and the repair costs less than 50% of a new one. Common repairs like replacing a door seal (£65-£120) or pump (£80-£150) are usually worth doing. Beyond 8 years, replacement often makes more sense.

How does the Mend or End calculator work?

You answer 5-7 quick questions about your broken item — its age, the fault, previous repairs, warranty status, and urgency. Our algorithm weighs these factors against real UK repair and replacement costs to give you a personalised REPAIR, REPLACE, or BORDERLINE verdict with a confidence score.

Where do the repair and replacement costs come from?

Our costs are researched from trusted UK sources including Checkatrade, Which?, MyBuilder, Energy Saving Trust, and manufacturer pricing. All prices are UK averages for 2025/2026 and include typical labour costs.

Is the tool free to use?

Yes, Mend or End is completely free to use with no sign-up required. Your answers are processed entirely in your browser — we don't store any personal data.

Should I Repair or Replace My Fence? Free UK Calculator

Should I Repair or Replace My Fencing?

Fence damage is extremely common — storms, rot, impact damage, and general weathering all take their toll. The good news is that you rarely need to replace an entire fence run. Individual panel, post, and gravel board replacements are cheap, and a well-maintained fence can last decades. Full replacement only makes sense when the majority is damaged or the posts themselves are failing.

Typical UK Fencing Repair Costs

Average UK labour and parts costs — always get multiple quotes from local engineers.

Fault / Repair	Typical UK Cost
Single fence panel replacement (supply + fit)	£80 – £200
Fence post replacement	£80 – £150
Gravel board replacement	£30 – £70
Fence panel repair (fix, not replace)	£30 – £80
Full fence run (new, per metre)	£80 – £150
Fence painting / treatment	£10 – £25 per metre DIY

How Long Should a Fencing Last?

Softwood timber fencing lasts 10–15 years without treatment, 15–25 years with regular application of preservative. Hardwood lasts 25–35 years. Composite fencing lasts 25–30+ years. The fence posts are the critical component — once they rot at ground level, the panels become unstable.

When Is It Worth Repairing?

Individual panel and post replacements are almost always the right call for isolated damage — replacing just what's broken is far cheaper than a full new fence. Annual treatment with wood preservative dramatically extends the life of softwood fencing. Only replace the full run when the majority of posts have rotted or panels are universally damaged.

Not sure what to do? Use the free calculator above — answer a few quick questions about your fencing and get a personalised repair vs replace verdict in under a minute.

Lap Panel, Closeboard, and Composite: Fence Types Compared

The most common fence type in UK gardens is the lap panel — affordable (£20–£40 per panel) and quick to install, but relatively fragile in strong winds and prone to rot without regular treatment. Closeboard (featherboard) fencing is sturdier, with individual vertical boards nailed to horizontal rails. It's more wind-resistant, easier to repair (just replace individual boards), and lasts longer — but costs roughly 50% more. Composite fencing has grown in popularity and offers a virtually maintenance-free option that won't rot, warp, or need painting. It typically costs £80–£120 per metre fitted and lasts 25–30+ years. When deciding whether to repair or replace, your fence type matters — lap panels are often cheaper to replace entirely, while closeboard and composite are more economical to repair section by section.

Signs Your Fence Needs Replacing

Multiple posts rotting at ground level — if more than a third of the posts are soft or crumbling at the base, replacing the entire fence run is usually more cost-effective than individual post repairs.
Panels repeatedly blowing out — if the same panels keep failing in storms despite being replaced, the posts or fixings may be too weak to support them properly.
Significant leaning or instability — a fence that leans noticeably or wobbles when touched usually has failed posts or an inadequate foundation.
Widespread rot or fungal growth — dark, soft, spongy wood across multiple panels indicates the timber has not been treated and is past the point of saving.
Boundary dispute or change of height needed — if you're increasing fence height or clarifying a boundary line, a full replacement is usually the cleanest solution.

Maintenance Costs and Long-Term Value

Regular maintenance dramatically extends fence life and saves money long-term. Applying a quality timber preservative or fence paint costs around £10–£25 per metre when done yourself and should be done every 2–3 years for softwood panels. Checking and tightening post fixings annually after winter storms takes minutes but prevents expensive failures. For new installations, using concrete or metal posts instead of timber can effectively double the overall lifespan of your fence, as it's almost always the posts that fail first. In England and Wales, boundary fences don't generally require planning permission if they're under 2 metres high (or 1 metre if adjacent to a highway), but it's always worth checking with your local council before making changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth repairing a fence?

Yes, for individual panel and post damage — replacing only what's broken costs a fraction of a full fence replacement. A single panel runs £80–£200 fitted vs £80–£150 per metre for a full new fence. Regular wood treatment prevents most early failures.

How much does fence repair cost in the UK?

Single fence panel repairs cost £80–£200 fitted. Post replacements run £80–£150. A full fence replacement costs £80–£150 per metre fitted. DIY treatment with timber preservative costs £10–£25 per metre and significantly extends lifespan.

How long should a fence last?

Treated softwood fencing lasts 15–25 years. Untreated softwood may only last 10 years. Hardwood and composite fencing lasts 25–35+ years. Post longevity is the key factor — concrete or metal post spurs can save wooden posts that are rotting at ground level.

Can a rotten fence post be repaired?

If the post has rotted at or just below ground level (the most common failure point), you can use a metal post repair spike to attach a new post stub — avoiding the need to dig out the old concrete footings. This costs £15–£25 in parts and saves significant labour.

Repair cost estimates are UK averages sourced from Checkatrade, Which?, and MyBuilder. Prices include labour and VAT. Always get at least two quotes from qualified tradespeople before proceeding with any repair.

Should I Repair or Replace My Fence? Free UK Calculator?