Fencing Calculator

Fence Material & Cost Estimator

Material Breakdown

Total Posts: 0

Total Rails: 0

Total Pickets: 0

Total Sections: 0

Estimated Material Cost: $0.00

function calculateFence() { var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fenceLength').value); var spacing = parseFloat(document.getElementById('postSpacing').value); var pWidth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('picketWidth').value); var pGap = parseFloat(document.getElementById('picketGap').value); var railsPerSec = parseFloat(document.getElementById('railsPerSection').value); var unitCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById('costPerFoot').value); if (isNaN(length) || length <= 0 || isNaN(spacing) || spacing <= 0) { alert("Please enter valid positive numbers for length and spacing."); return; } // Calculations var numSections = Math.ceil(length / spacing); var numPosts = numSections + 1; var numRails = numSections * railsPerSec; // Convert length to inches for picket calculation var totalInches = length * 12; var picketUnit = pWidth + pGap; var numPickets = Math.ceil(totalInches / picketUnit); var totalCost = length * unitCost; // Display Results document.getElementById('resPosts').innerText = numPosts; document.getElementById('resRails').innerText = numRails; document.getElementById('resPickets').innerText = numPickets; document.getElementById('resSections').innerText = numSections; document.getElementById('resCost').innerText = totalCost.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}); document.getElementById('fenceResults').style.display = 'block'; }

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How to Use the Fencing Calculator

Planning a new fence project involves more than just picking out a style. You need to accurately estimate the quantity of raw materials required to ensure you don't overspend or run out of supplies mid-project. This calculator helps you determine the number of posts, rails, and pickets needed based on your specific perimeter measurements.

Key Fencing Terms Explained

• Fence Length: The total linear footage of the area you intend to enclose. It is best to measure this twice using a long tape measure or a measuring wheel.
• Post Spacing: The distance between the vertical posts. Standard spacing is usually 6 or 8 feet. Closer spacing provides more strength, which is vital in high-wind areas.
• Pickets: The vertical boards that create the "face" of the fence. Their width typically ranges from 3.5 to 5.5 inches.
• Rails: The horizontal boards that connect the posts and provide a surface to nail the pickets to. Most 6-foot fences require 3 rails (top, middle, bottom) for stability.

Calculation Example

Imagine you are building a wooden privacy fence that is 150 feet long.

1. Posts: If you space your posts 8 feet apart, you divide 150 by 8 (18.75). Round up to 19 sections, which requires 20 posts (sections + 1).
2. Rails: If you use 3 horizontal rails per section, 19 sections x 3 rails = 57 rails.
3. Pickets: For 5.5-inch pickets with no gap (150 feet = 1800 inches), you divide 1800 by 5.5. You will need approximately 328 pickets.

Pro Tips for Fence Planning

Before purchasing materials, always check your local building codes and HOA regulations regarding fence height and style. Additionally, remember to call your local utility company to mark underground lines before you start digging post holes. It is standard practice to buy 5-10% extra material to account for waste, warped boards, or mistakes during cutting.