Best Circular Saw for Fencing: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Timber Specialist
Fencing in the UK is demanding work. You are often at the bottom of a garden, wrestling with heavy, wet, pressure-treated timber that loves to bind up blades. A standard DIY saw often struggles with the moisture content and thickness of proper fence posts.
In my time working on properties around York, I've seen plenty of rot caused by poor cuts. Whether you are replacing a few feather edge boards or building a solid close-board fence from scratch, the quality of your cut determines how well the timber sheds water. A ragged cut absorbs moisture; a clean cut can be properly treated and sealed.
For this review, I've selected three saws suited to different fencing tasks. Fencing requires portability and torque, so I've looked at a budget trimmer for repairs, a cordless option for freedom, and a reliable mains-powered workhorse for the heavy lifting.
Live in York?
Need a sturdy fence that withstands the Yorkshire weather?
Get a free quote from our local team.
Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Cutting Depth Claims"
"A 55mm cut depth is sufficient for all general timber work."
Standard fence posts are often 75mm (3 inch) or 100mm (4 inch). A 55mm saw will require you to cut, flip the post, and cut again. Accuracy is vital here to ensure the cuts meet perfectly.
The Spec: "Multi-Material Blades"
"Blades that cut wood and metal are perfect for everything."
Whilst useful if you hit an old nail in a repair job, multi-material blades have a wider kerf (cut width) and remove more material. For fine joinery, they are rough, but for fencing, they are a lifesaver.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
HYCHIKA 85mm Mini Circular Saw, 500W High-Power
HYCHIKA
This is a compact 'mini' saw, not a full-sized construction saw. It's categorised here as the budget option, but it has specific limitations. It is excellent for trimming thin slats, cutting trellis, or repairs where a large saw is unwieldy, but do not buy this for cutting 4x4 posts.
The Good
- Very lightweight and easy to handle with one hand
- Ideal for cutting thin feather edge boards or lattice
- Comes with three blades included
The Bad
- 25mm depth is too shallow for fence rails (38mm) or posts (75mm+)
- Not suitable for structural fencing work
Installer Tip:
Use this strictly for the 'cladding' phase of fencing—cutting the thin feather edge boards to length. For the structural frame (rails and posts), you will need a handsaw or a larger circular saw.
Priced at £49.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonEvolution Power Tools R165CCS-Li Circular Saw Cordless 18v
Evolution Power Tools
When you are 30 metres down a garden installing a boundary fence, trailing extension leads is a nuisance and a trip hazard. This cordless Evolution saw solves that problem perfectly. The multi-material blade is particularly forgiving if you are cutting recycled timber that might hide the odd staple.
The Good
- Cordless freedom is essential for large garden projects
- Multi-material blade handles embedded nails (common in repairs)
- Adjustable bevel for cutting weathering angles on post tops
The Bad
- Cutting wet pressure-treated timber drains batteries faster than dry wood
- Slightly heavier than some wired counterparts due to the battery
Installer Tip:
When cutting the tops of fence posts to a 'weather' (angle), set the bevel to 15-20 degrees. This ensures rainwater runs off the end grain, significantly extending the life of your posts in the damp York climate.
Priced at £144.00 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonMakita HS6601/2 240V 165mm Circular Saw
Makita
Makita is a staple in any joiner's van for a reason. This saw solves the problem of 'battery anxiety' during big jobs. It is a robust, no-nonsense 240V saw that will cut wet pressure-treated timber all day without complaining. If you have power available, this is the most reliable choice.
The Good
- Continuous power - never stops for charging
- Lightweight but extremely durable construction
- Rear angular guide allows for smooth bevel adjustments
The Bad
- Requires an extension lead, which can be awkward in large gardens
- No brake (blade spins for a moment after trigger release)
Installer Tip:
Use a square to check the blade is perfectly 90 degrees to the base plate before you start. Even a trusted brand like Makita can be knocked out of alignment in the van, and square cuts are essential for fence rails to fit tightly against posts.
Priced at £72.95 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Can I cut 4x4 fence posts with a circular saw?
Is a cordless saw powerful enough for wet treated timber?
Why is my saw blade burning the wood?
Do I need a special blade for fencing?
Need Professional Timber Decking & Fencing?
Our team at DR Joinery specialises in Timber Decking & Fencing across York.
Get a free quote for professional installation.
View Our Timber Decking & Fencing Service