Fence Material Calculator
Calculate fence materials needed including posts, rails, pickets, and concrete volume
Calculate Fence Materials
Fence Dimensions
Typically 6-8 ft (2-3 m)
Rails Configuration
Typically 2-3 rails per section
Picket Configuration
Common: 3.5", 5.5" (9, 14 cm)
Typically 2.5" (6.4 cm)
Post Footing (Concrete Calculation)
Common post sizes: 4x4" (10x10 cm), 6x6" (15x15 cm)
Fence Material Requirements
Calculation Formulas:
- • Posts = (Fence Length ÷ Post Spacing) + 1
- • Post Length = Fence Height × 1.5 (1/3 buried underground)
- • Rails = Rails per Section × Number of Sections
- • Pickets = Fence Length ÷ (Picket Width + Picket Spacing)
- • Concrete hole = 3× post dimension, depth = ½ fence height
- • Recommended: Buy 10% extra materials for waste and adjustments
Material Analysis
Example Calculation
100 ft Privacy Fence Example
Fence Length: 100 feet
Post Spacing: 8 feet
Fence Height: 6 feet
Picket Width: 5.5 inches
Picket Spacing: 2.5 inches
Rails per Section: 2
Material Requirements
Posts needed: (100 ÷ 8) + 1 = 13.5 → 14 posts
Post length: 6 × 1.5 = 9 feet each
Sections: 14 - 1 = 13 sections
Rails: 13 × 2 = 26 rails
Pickets: 100 ÷ (5.5" + 2.5") = 100 ÷ 8" = 150 pickets
This matches the competitor's FAQ example!
Fence Material Types
Wood Fencing
Cedar, pine, redwood
Natural look, requires maintenance
Vinyl Fencing
PVC material
Low maintenance, weather resistant
Metal Fencing
Aluminum, steel, iron
Durable, security-focused
Composite
Wood-plastic blend
Low maintenance, eco-friendly
Planning Tips
Buy 10% extra materials for waste and future repairs
Check local building codes for height restrictions
Mark utility lines before digging post holes
Consider gate placement in your calculations
Account for ground slope and grade changes
Understanding Fence Material Calculations
Essential Components
Fence construction requires careful calculation of all materials to ensure structural integrity and proper coverage. Each component serves a specific purpose in the fence system.
Material Requirements
- •Posts: Provide vertical structure and stability
- •Rails: Horizontal framework connecting posts
- •Pickets: Vertical boards providing privacy/decoration
- •Concrete: Secures posts in ground
Calculation Formulas
Posts: ⌈(Fence Length ÷ Post Spacing) + 1⌉
Sections: Number of Posts - 1
Post Length: Fence Height × 1.5
Rails: Sections × Rails per Section
Pickets: ⌈Fence Length ÷ (Picket Width + Spacing)⌉
Note: ⌈⌉ indicates rounding up to the nearest integer, as you cannot buy partial posts or pickets.
Professional Recommendations
- • Standard post spacing: 6-8 feet (2-3 meters) for most residential fences
- • Post burial depth: Minimum 1/3 of total post length underground
- • Material waste factor: Order 10-15% extra materials for cuts and adjustments
- • Concrete curing: Allow 24-48 hours before attaching rails and pickets
- • Building codes: Check local regulations for height limits and setback requirements