If you are planning a fence project without professional guidance, you will need to become the pro on your project. To help make your fence project a success, we created a detailed project guide that includes a yard calculator, required materials list and some general tips on the benefits of using individual components or pre-assembled fence panels.
Not sure whether to use pre-assembled fence panels or individual components? Check out Individual Components or Pre-assembled Panels? and find the best method for your fence preferences and budget.
Pre-assembled Panels
If you think pre-assembled fence panels are right for your project, you’ll need panels, posts, gates, and post caps. First, find the number of fence panels you need by taking the lineal feet and dividing it by the panel width (see Step 2 below). For fence posts, you’ll need one post per panel plus one at the end of the fence run and one for each gate. Typically, each fence project will have one or two gates and one post cap for each post. Use this calculator below for additional guidance with examples.
Pre-assembled Fence Panel Calculator
This calculator is designed to help determine what materials are needed for your fence project.
Note: The numbers used in each example are based on the graphic above.
1. Find the total number of lineal feet:
2. Calculate the number of fence panels needed: Lineal feet divided by the panel width (in feet)
3. Calculate the number of posts needed: one per panel + one to end a fence run + one per gate
Download out free pre-assembled fence calculator worksheet!
Individual Components
Similarly to pre-assembled fence panels, building your fence using individual components required posts, post caps, and an optional gate. However, pre-assembled panels come with pickets and backer rails pre-constructed, but with individual components, you will need pickets and backer rails to create your own fence panels.
First, find the number of pickets needed by dividing the length of the fence in inches by the actual picket width. For a 4-foot tall fence, you’ll need two backer rails and 6 ft. posts. For a 6-foot tall fence, you’ll need three backer rails and 8 ft. posts. Plan to have one post per fence section, plus one at the end of the fence run and one for each gate (typically, one fence project will have one or two gates and one post cap for each post). Use this calculator below for additional guidance with examples.
Pre-assembled Fence Panel Calculator
This calculator is designed to determine the materials needed for your fence project.
Note: The numbers used in each example are based on the graphic above.
1. Find the total number of lineal feet:
2. Calculate the number of fence panel sections: Lineal feet divided by a post spacing of 8 feet
3. Calculate the number of posts needed: one per panel + one to end a fence run + one per gate
4. Calculate the number of pickets needed: convert the fence length to inches and then divide it by the picket width
Download out free pre-assembled fence calculator worksheet!
Own your fence project whether you’re using pre-assembled fence panels or stick-building with individual components. While you’re shopping for fence components, check out our high-quality wood and vinyl products at www.outdooressentialproducts.com/products