Temporary fencing hire usually means Heras fencing: steel mesh panels that stand in heavy feet and clip together, so a site can be fenced off in hours and taken down just as fast. Site hoarding is a solid barrier, usually timber or a panel system, used where you need more security, privacy or somewhere to put your branding.
Does a building site have to be fenced?
Regulation 18 of the CDM Regulations 2015 says that, where it's necessary for health and safety and in line with the level of risk, a construction site must have its boundary clearly marked with suitable signs, be fenced off, or both. In practice, most sites near homes, schools or public footpaths are fenced.
The HSE's guide to protecting the public (HSG151) sets out what a good perimeter looks like:
- 2 m high is an effective barrier for most sites. City centres and places where children have tried to get in may need more.
- Hard to climb: close mesh that children can't get hands and feet into.
- Small gaps underneath: level uneven ground so nobody can crawl under.
- Securable gates of the same height, forming part of the fence.
- Someone responsible for checking and maintaining the perimeter.
Heras fencing or hoarding?
Heras mesh fencing
Quick to put up, move and extend. You can see through it, which helps with supervision, and it's hired by the panel.
Best for housing plots, groundworks, events and short jobs.
Timber hoarding
A solid wall of boards on a timber frame. Harder to climb and see through, and can be painted or signed.
Priced per job after a site survey.
Panel hoarding systems
Reusable steel or plastic panels, often with printed graphics.
Printed panels typically about £65–£130 each.
Heras panel sizes
Each panel stands in a block foot and is joined to the next with a coupler (clamp). To work out how many panels you need, divide the length of fence by 3.5 and round up:
| Fence length | Panels needed | Weekly hire at £2.75–£5.50 a panel |
|---|---|---|
| 20 m | 6 | about £17–£33 |
| 50 m | 15 | about £41–£83 |
| 100 m | 29 | about £80–£160 |
Add a gate panel for each access point, and stabilisers for exposed runs.
What fencing hire costs
From UK fencing hire firms' published price lists. Prices exclude VAT.
- PanelsAbout £2.75–£5.50 a panel a week, usually with feet and clamps included. Bigger orders get lower rates.
- Delivery and collectionFrom about £15 to £75, depending on distance. Some suppliers deliver free on longer hires.
- StabilisersExtra bracing for windy or exposed sites, charged per panel.
- Minimum order and depositSmall jobs often have a minimum charge, and some suppliers take a refundable deposit per panel.
Stopping fencing blowing over
Adding a cover, banner or privacy screen exposes more of the panel to the wind, so covered fencing may need extra stabilisation. Solid hoarding catches even more wind.
Stabilisers
Angled braces that prop the fence. Pinned into compacted ground, or held by a ballast block on hard standing.
Ballast
Extra weight at the base of the fence on exposed runs.
Couplers Check daily
Missing clamps let panels separate and fall.
After storms
Walk the whole run again before assuming it's still secure.
Fencing or hoarding on the pavement or road
A hoarding or Heras fence on the public highway needs a licence from the council under section 172 of the Highways Act 1980. Councils set their own fees and conditions. For example:
| Council | Fee | Other conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiff | £150 up to 12 m², more for larger areas | Lit from half an hour before sunset to half an hour after sunrise. £100 fixed penalty for no licence. |
| West Berkshire | £120, plus £68 a week | Apply at least 7 working days ahead, with £10 million public liability insurance. |
Scaffolding on the highway needs a separate licence. See our scaffolding guide.
Questions to ask a fencing hire company
- What's the price per panel per week, and does it include feet, clamps and VAT?
- What are the delivery, collection and minimum hire charges?
- Do you take a deposit, and what counts as damage?
- Do you supply gates, stabilisers and anti-climb panels?
- Will you install it, or just deliver?
- Can you arrange the council licence if the fence goes on the pavement?
Prices in this guide are typical ranges from suppliers' published price lists and cost guides. They change and vary by area, so always confirm the price with the supplier before you book. Rules, fees and tax rates are checked against official sources.