Fence Material Calculator

Fence Material Calculator Guide

Planning a fence requires accurate material calculations for posts, pickets, rails, and hardware. This calculator helps estimate materials for wood privacy fences, picket fences, and horizontal board fences.

Post Spacing Guidelines

• 6 feet: Heavy gates, weak soil, high winds
• 8 feet: Standard spacing for most fences
• 10 feet: Light-duty picket fences only

Always use closer spacing for gate posts and corners for added strength.

Post Depth and Size

Depth Rule: Bury posts 1/3 of total height. For a 6-ft fence, use 9-ft posts with 3 feet underground.

Post Sizes:

• 4×4 posts: Fences up to 6 feet tall
• 6×6 posts: Fences 6-8 feet or heavy gates
• 6×6 corner posts: All corners for stability

Picket Calculation

Pickets per section = (Section length × 12) ÷ (Picket width + Gap)

Example: 8-ft section with 5.5\" pickets and no gaps:

(96 inches ÷ 5.5) = 17.5, round to 18 pickets

Rail Requirements

Most fences need 2-3 horizontal rails:

• 4-ft fence: 2 rails (top and bottom)
• 6-ft fence: 3 rails (top, middle, bottom)
• 8-ft fence: 3-4 rails

Use 2×4 lumber for rails. Calculate: (Total length ÷ 8 ft) × Number of rails

Concrete for Posts

Use one 80 lb bag of concrete per post for 4×4 posts. Use two bags for 6×6 posts or gate posts. Dig holes 3× post width (12\" diameter for 4×4 posts).

Fence Material Types

Pressure-Treated Wood

Most economical. Costs $15-30 per linear foot installed. Requires staining/sealing every 2-3 years. Lifespan 15-20 years.

Cedar Fence

Natural rot resistance, beautiful appearance. Costs $20-35 per linear foot. Ages to silver-gray or can be stained. Lifespan 20-25 years.

Vinyl Fence

Low maintenance, never needs painting. Costs $20-40 per linear foot. Limited color options. Lifespan 20-30 years.

Chain Link

Most affordable option. Costs $8-15 per linear foot. Durable but offers no privacy. Lifespan 15-20 years.

Additional Materials Needed

• Fence brackets or joist hangers
• Galvanized screws or nails (3\" and 2.5\")
• Post caps to prevent water damage
• Gate hardware (hinges, latches)
• Gravel for drainage (optional but recommended)

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should fence posts be?

Standard spacing is 8 feet on center for most residential fences. Use 6-foot spacing for heavy gates, weak soil, or high-wind areas. Privacy fences can use 8-10 foot spacing with proper bracing. Corner posts and gate posts should have reinforced footings.

How deep should fence posts be buried?

Bury posts 1/3 of their total height—for a 6-foot fence, use 9-foot posts with 3 feet underground. In Canada, posts must extend below the frost line (typically 4 feet deep) to prevent heaving in winter. Use concrete for all posts in cold climates.

How much does fence installation cost?

Wood fence installation costs $15-$30 per linear foot including labor and materials. Vinyl fencing costs $20-$40/ft installed. Chain link costs $8-$15/ft. Material-only costs are roughly $8-$15/ft for wood, $10-$25/ft for vinyl. DIY saves 40-60% on labor.

What size fence posts do I need?

Use 4×4 posts for fences up to 6 feet tall. Use 6×6 posts for fences 6-8 feet tall, gate posts, or corner posts. Increase post size by one dimension for heavy gates or high-wind areas. Gate posts should always be 6×6 or larger.

How many pickets do I need per section?

For tight privacy with 5.5\" pickets in an 8-ft section: 18 boards. With 1/2\" gaps: 12-13 pickets. Calculate: (section length in inches) ÷ (picket width + gap width). Example: 96\" ÷ (5.5 + 0.5) = 16 pickets. Always round up and order 10% extra.