🌲 Wood Fence Calculator
Calculate wood fence materials and costs
Common: 5.5" (1×6)
Gap between boards
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Fence Dimensions
Input fence length and height in feet. These define the overall fence size for material calculations.
Select Fence Type and Wood Type
Choose fence type (picket, privacy, solid, board-on-board, lattice, open) and wood type (pine, cedar, redwood, oak, pressure-treated). Different types have different material requirements and costs.
Enter Board Specifications
If using boards, input board width and spacing in inches. Common board widths: 5.5" (1×6), 7.25" (1×8). Spacing is gap between boards (privacy fences have minimal spacing).
Calculate and Review
Click "Calculate Wood Fence" to see number of boards, posts, rails, concrete, gates, and cost estimates. Use this for material planning and cost estimation.
Formula
Coverage per Board = (Board Width + Spacing) / 12 (feet)
Boards Per Foot = 1 / Coverage per Board
Number of Boards = ⌈Fence Length × Boards Per Foot⌉
Board Linear Feet = Number of Boards × Fence Height
Example 1: 100 ft picket fence, 4 ft height, 3.5" boards, 1.5" spacing
Step 1: Coverage = (3.5 + 1.5) / 12 = 0.417 ft per board
Step 2: Boards Per Foot = 1 / 0.417 = 2.4 boards per foot
Step 3: Number of Boards = ⌈100 × 2.4⌉ = 240 boards
Step 4: Board Linear Feet = 240 × 4 = 960 linear feet
Example 2: 100 ft privacy fence, 6 ft height, 5.5" boards, 0.5" spacing
Step 1: Coverage = (5.5 + 0.5) / 12 = 0.5 ft per board
Step 2: Boards Per Foot = 1 / 0.5 = 2 boards per foot
Step 3: Number of Boards = ⌈100 × 2⌉ = 200 boards
Step 4: Board Linear Feet = 200 × 6 = 1,200 linear feet
About Wood Fence Calculator
The Wood Fence Calculator is an essential tool for homeowners, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts who need to calculate wood fence materials and costs for wood fence construction. This calculator implements geometric formulas to determine number of boards, posts, rails, concrete, gates, and cost estimates for various wood fence types.
When to Use This Calculator
- Wood Fence Planning: Calculate materials needed for wood fence construction
- Material Estimation: Determine number of boards, posts, and rails needed
- Cost Estimation: Estimate material costs for different wood types
- Project Planning: Plan materials for wood fence projects
- Educational Use: Learn and understand wood fence calculations
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Multiple Fence Types: Supports picket, privacy, solid, board-on-board, and more
- ✅ Multiple Wood Types: Supports pine, cedar, redwood, oak, pressure-treated
- ✅ Complete Materials: Shows boards, posts, rails, concrete, and gates
- ✅ Cost Estimates: Provides approximate cost estimates for different wood types
- ✅ Time Savings: Instant calculations eliminate manual math
Understanding Wood Fences
Basic Principle: Wood fence material quantities depend on fence type, length, height, board width, spacing, and post spacing. Coverage per board = (Board Width + Spacing) / 12. Boards per foot = 1 / Coverage per board. Number of boards = ⌈Fence Length × Boards Per Foot⌉. Board-on-board fences require boards on both sides (double the quantity).
Fence Types: Different fence types have different material requirements: Picket fences have visible gaps (1-2 inches spacing), Privacy fences have minimal or no spacing, Solid fences have no gaps, Board-on-board fences have boards on both sides with gaps, Lattice fences use lattice panels, Open fences use rails primarily.
Wood Types: Different wood types have different costs and durability: Pine = $0.50/ft (economical), Cedar = $0.75/ft (durable, weather-resistant), Redwood = $1.00/ft (premium, weather-resistant), Oak = $1.25/ft (hardwood, durable), Pressure-treated = $0.60/ft (treated for durability). Choose based on budget, durability, and appearance.
Tips for Best Results
- Accurate Dimensions: Measure fence length and height accurately
- Correct Board Width: Use actual board width (not nominal) for accurate calculations
- Consider Wood Type: Choose appropriate wood type for budget and durability
- Add Safety Margin: Add 5-10% extra for waste and cutting
- Verify Local Prices: Check local material prices for accurate cost estimates
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate boards for a wood fence?
Coverage per Board = (Board Width + Spacing) / 12 (feet). Boards Per Foot = 1 / Coverage per Board. Number of Boards = ⌈Fence Length × Boards Per Foot⌉. For example, 100 ft fence, 5.5" boards, 0.5" spacing: Coverage = (5.5 + 0.5) / 12 = 0.5 ft, Boards Per Foot = 2, Number of Boards = ⌈100 × 2⌉ = 200 boards. The calculator does this automatically.
What is the difference between picket and privacy fence?
Picket fences have visible gaps between pickets (1-2 inches spacing) for classic appearance. Privacy fences have closely spaced or overlapping boards with minimal or no spacing for maximum privacy. Picket fences use narrower pickets (1×4, 3.5" wide), while privacy fences use wider boards (1×6 or 1×8, 5.5" or 7.25" wide) with minimal spacing.
What wood type should I use for a fence?
Wood type depends on budget and durability: Pine = economical, Pressure-treated = good durability for value, Cedar = durable and weather-resistant, Redwood = premium and weather-resistant, Oak = hardwood and durable. Pine and pressure-treated are most economical. Cedar and redwood offer better weather resistance. Oak is most durable but most expensive. Choose based on budget, climate, and desired appearance.
How many posts do I need for a wood fence?
Number of Posts = ⌈Fence Length / Post Spacing⌉ + 1. For example, 100 ft fence, 8 ft post spacing: Posts = ⌈100 / 8⌉ + 1 = 13 + 1 = 14 posts. The +1 accounts for the end post. Typical post spacing: 6-8 feet. Closer spacing requires more posts but provides better stability. The calculator does this automatically.
Do I need to add extra materials for waste?
Yes, add 5-10% extra materials for waste, cutting, and variations. For example, if calculator shows 200 boards, order 210-220 boards. This accounts for damaged boards, cutting waste, and measurement errors. Always round up to nearest full quantity when ordering. More waste is needed for complex cuts and patterns.