Fence Estimate Calculator

From Plan to Project: Creating a Detailed Fence Estimate

Creating a detailed fence estimate is the first step toward a successful fencing project. Unlike a simple cost calculator, a fence estimate calculator helps you determine the specific quantity of materials you'll need. This includes posts, rails, pickets, and even concrete for setting the posts. Our Fence Estimate Calculator is designed to provide you with a comprehensive materials list based on your fence design.

Core Components for a Fence Estimate

• Posts: The backbone of your fence. The number needed depends on the total length and your chosen spacing.
• Rails: The horizontal supports that run between posts. The number depends on the fence height and style (typically 2 or 3).
• Pickets (or Infill): The vertical boards or panels that make up the body of the fence. The quantity is determined by the picket width and the spacing between them.
• Concrete: Used to secure the posts in the ground, ensuring a stable and long-lasting fence.

How to Use the Fence Estimate Calculator

To get an accurate material list, you'll need a few key measurements from your project plan.

1. Fence Length: Enter the total linear distance your fence will cover.
2. Post Spacing: Define the distance between the center of one post and the center of the next. 8 feet is a common standard.
3. Picket Width: Measure the width of a single picket you plan to use.
4. Picket Gap: Enter the desired space between each picket. For a privacy fence, this value would be 0.

Based on these inputs, the calculator will generate a list of the required number of posts, rails (assuming 3 per section), and pickets.

Practical Example

Imagine you're building a 120-foot fence with posts spaced 8 feet apart. You're using 5.5-inch wide pickets with a 0.5-inch gap between them.

• Fence Length: 120 feet
• Post Spacing: 8 feet
• Picket Width: 5.5 inches
• Picket Gap: 0.5 inches

Material Estimate:

1. Sections & Posts:

120 ft / 8 ft/section = 15 sections

15 sections + 1 = 16 posts

2. Rails:

15 sections * 3 rails/section = 45 rails

3. Pickets:

Each picket plus its gap covers 5.5 in + 0.5 in = 6 inches.

You need 12 inches / 6 inches = 2 pickets per foot of fence.

120 ft * 2 pickets/ft = 240 pickets

The calculator provides this list, which you can then take to the hardware store for pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)