Wood Fence Calculator

Your details

Total perimeter length of fence to install.
ft
Height of the fence above ground. Posts are set 1/3 deeper underground.
ft
Distance between post centers. 8 ft (2.4 m) is standard for privacy fences.
ft
Horizontal 2x4 supports between posts. Tall fences (over 6 ft) use 3 rails.
Privacy fences have zero gap. Shadowbox alternates pickets for 50% coverage. Picket style uses standard 3.5 in gaps.
Face width of each picket or board. A standard 1x6 is 5.5 in actual face width; a 1x4 is 3.5 in.
in
Wood type affects material cost estimates. Pressure-treated is cheapest; redwood is premium. All are rot-resistant.
Each gate opening subtracts one section of pickets from the count. Gate hardware cost is added separately.
gates
Extra material to buy to account for cuts, defects, and errors. 10% is the industry standard.
Estimated total material cost
$1,657

Approximate cost of all lumber, concrete, and hardware at average US retail prices.

Posts needed14posts
Rails needed26rails
Pickets / boards needed238pickets
Concrete bags (60 lb)28bags
Screws / nails952screws
Post length8
Lumber cost$1,389
Concrete cost$210
Hardware cost$58
Posts14
Rail boards26
Pickets238
Concrete bags28

Total estimated material cost: $1657.

  • Your 100 ft fence needs 14 posts and 238 pickets using pressure-treated pine.
  • Cost works out to about $17 per linear foot in materials only.
  • Labor typically adds $15-30 per linear foot if you hire a contractor.
  • Set posts at least 1/3 of their total length underground, or 2 ft minimum, for frost stability.

Next stepBudget a full weekend for a project this size, or two weekends if this is your first fence.

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