Board on Board Fence Calculator
Calculate materials for board on board privacy fence projects with picket overlap planning
Calculate Board on Board Fence Materials
Fence Dimensions
Total length of the fence run
Height of the fence above ground
Distance between fence posts (typically 6-8 feet)
Picket Specifications
Width of each fence picket
Overlap between adjacent pickets
Rails Configuration
Number of horizontal rails per fence section (typically 2-3)
Board on Board Fence Results
Formula: Pickets = (Fence Length - Picket Width) ÷ (Picket Width - Overlap) + 1
Calculation: (0.0" - 0.0") ÷ (0.0" - 0.0") + 1 = 0
Coverage: 0.0% overlap coverage for privacy
Example Calculation
8-Foot Section Example
Section length: 8 feet (96 inches)
Picket width: 5.5 inches
Picket overlap: 1.5 inches
Effective width: 5.5" - 1.5" = 4.0"
Calculation
Pickets = (96" - 5.5") ÷ (5.5" - 1.5") + 1
Pickets = 90.5" ÷ 4.0" + 1
Pickets = 22.6 + 1 = 23.6
Result: 24 pickets per 8-foot section
Common Picket Sizes
3.5" Wide
0.8" overlap
Standard 1×4 lumber
5.5" Wide
1.3" overlap
Standard 1×6 lumber
7.25" Wide
1.7" overlap
Standard 1×8 lumber
Overlap Guidelines
Why overlap? Wood shrinks as it dries, creating gaps. Overlapping pickets ensures privacy is maintained even after shrinkage.
Installation Tips
Set posts 6-8 feet apart for structural integrity
Bury posts 1/3 of their total length
Use pressure-treated lumber for longevity
Pre-drill holes to prevent wood splitting
Allow for wood movement with proper spacing
Understanding Board on Board Fence Construction
What is Board on Board?
Board on board fencing is a privacy fence style where vertical pickets overlap each other, creating a solid barrier without gaps. This design compensates for wood shrinkage and provides complete privacy while maintaining an attractive appearance.
Key Benefits
- •Total Privacy: No gaps between pickets
- •Shrinkage Compensation: Overlap prevents future gaps
- •Wind Resistance: Solid construction withstands weather
- •Attractive Design: Clean, professional appearance
Calculation Formula
Pickets = (Fence Length - Picket Width) ÷ (Picket Width - Overlap) + 1
Overlap Recommendations
- 3.5" pickets: 0.8" overlap minimum
- 5.5" pickets: 1.3" overlap recommended
- 7.25" pickets: 1.7" overlap optimal
- Rule of thumb: 24% of picket width
Pro Tip: Always round up picket counts to ensure adequate coverage
Privacy Applications
Ideal for backyard privacy, property boundaries, and areas requiring complete visual barriers with professional appearance.
Material Efficiency
Overlap design uses more material than traditional fencing but provides superior privacy and longevity.
Maintenance Benefits
Overlapping design prevents gaps from forming as wood ages, reducing maintenance and preserving privacy.