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Fence Calculators | Free Construction Calculators

Calculate fence posts, boards, concrete, and costs

Fence Posts Calculator

Calculate posts needed for your fence

Fence Boards Calculator

Calculate fence boards or pickets needed

Fence Cost Calculator

Estimate total fence project costs

Fence Concrete Calculator

Calculate concrete for fence post holes

About Fence Construction

A well-built fence provides privacy, security, and property definition while adding curb appeal to your home. Whether you're building a privacy fence, picket fence, or decorative boundary, proper planning and material calculations ensure a professional result.

Fence Planning Steps

  • Property Lines: Verify exact boundaries before building
  • Local Codes: Check height restrictions and setback requirements
  • Permits: Obtain necessary building permits
  • Utilities: Call 811 to mark underground lines
  • Neighbor Relations: Discuss plans with adjacent property owners
  • Design: Choose style, height, and materials

Popular Fence Types

  • Privacy Fence: Solid panels, 6-8 feet tall, blocks view completely
  • Picket Fence: Traditional style, 3-4 feet, decorative with spacing
  • Split Rail: Rustic style, defines boundaries without blocking views
  • Board-on-Board: Overlapping boards, partial privacy
  • Chain Link: Economical, secure, low maintenance
  • Vinyl: Low maintenance, long-lasting, various styles

Fence Materials

  • Wood: Classic, versatile, requires maintenance
  • Vinyl/PVC: No maintenance, won't rot or fade
  • Metal: Durable, security-focused, various styles
  • Composite: Wood alternative, low maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard fence post spacing?

The most common fence post spacing ranges from 6 to 8 feet apart. Standard residential fences typically use 8-foot spacing, while 6-foot spacing is recommended for heavier fences, taller designs, or areas with high wind exposure. Some light fences in protected areas may extend to 10 feet, but this is not recommended for most applications. The rule of thumb is that posts should be no more than 8 feet apart for structural integrity and aesthetics.

How many fence boards or pickets do I need?

The number of boards or pickets depends on your fence height, board width, and spacing preference. For a standard privacy fence with 5.5-inch boards and minimal gaps, you need approximately 11-12 boards per linear foot. Picket fences typically require 5-7 pickets per linear foot depending on picket width (3-4 inches typical). Our fence boards calculator automatically accounts for board width, spacing, and wastage to give you accurate material estimates for your project.

How much concrete do I need per fence post hole?

A standard fence post hole for a 4x4 post typically requires 0.5 to 0.75 cubic yards (14-20 cubic feet) of concrete. The amount depends on several factors: post size (4x4 requires less than 6x6), hole depth (typically one-third of post length), hole diameter (usually 10-12 inches), and soil conditions. For most residential fences, plan for approximately one 80-pound bag of concrete mix per post hole, or about 0.6 cubic yards total. Our concrete calculator helps determine exact quantities based on your specific post dimensions.

What are the typical fence height restrictions?

Fence height restrictions vary significantly by location and are set by local zoning codes and HOA rules. Most residential areas allow 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in backyards, though some jurisdictions permit up to 8 feet. Always check with your local building department and neighborhood regulations before construction. Many areas also have setback requirements, meaning fences must be set back a certain distance from property lines. It's essential to verify these regulations before purchasing materials and starting your project.

What does a fence installation typically cost?

Fence installation costs vary widely based on material type and labor. Wood privacy fences typically cost $15-30 per linear foot installed, while vinyl fences range from $25-40 per linear foot. Chain link is most economical at $8-20 per linear foot. DIY material costs are typically 40-50% less but require significant labor investment. Your total cost depends on fence length, height, material quality, site conditions, and local labor rates. Use our fence cost calculator with your specific measurements and material choices to get accurate estimates for your project.

Should I choose wood, vinyl, or chain link fence?

Each material has distinct advantages. Wood fences offer classic aesthetics and versatility but require regular maintenance (staining, sealing every 2-3 years). Vinyl provides excellent durability, low maintenance, and clean appearance but costs significantly more upfront and offers less design flexibility. Chain link is the most economical option, ideal for security and pet enclosures, but offers no privacy. Consider your budget, maintenance willingness, desired aesthetics, and local climate when choosing. For privacy, wood or vinyl are best. For security and affordability, choose chain link. For low maintenance, vinyl is the superior choice despite higher initial costs.

Pro Tips for Fence Success

  • Always call 811 before digging to mark underground utilities
  • Purchase 10-15% extra materials to account for waste and damage
  • Set corner and end posts first to establish alignment
  • Use a string line to keep posts perfectly aligned
  • Allow concrete at least 24-48 hours to cure before adding rails and boards
  • Check local codes for height restrictions and setback requirements
  • Consider future maintenance when choosing materials