Board on Board Fence Calculator

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Board-on-Board Fence Material & Cost Calculator

Estimated Materials & Costs

function calculateFenceMaterials() { var fenceLength = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fenceLength').value); var fenceHeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fenceHeight').value); var boardWidth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('boardWidth').value); var overlapAmount = parseFloat(document.getElementById('overlapAmount').value); var postSpacing = parseFloat(document.getElementById('postSpacing').value); var railCount = parseFloat(document.getElementById('railCount').value); var postCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById('postCost').value); var boardCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById('boardCost').value); var railCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById('railCost').value); var fastenerCostPerBoard = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fastenerCostPerBoard').value); var wasteFactor = parseFloat(document.getElementById('wasteFactor').value) / 100; // Input validation if (isNaN(fenceLength) || fenceLength <= 0 || isNaN(fenceHeight) || fenceHeight <= 0 || isNaN(boardWidth) || boardWidth <= 0 || isNaN(overlapAmount) || overlapAmount < 0 || isNaN(postSpacing) || postSpacing <= 0 || isNaN(railCount) || railCount < 2 || isNaN(postCost) || postCost < 0 || isNaN(boardCost) || boardCost < 0 || isNaN(railCost) || railCost < 0 || isNaN(fastenerCostPerBoard) || fastenerCostPerBoard < 0 || isNaN(wasteFactor) || wasteFactor = boardWidth) { document.getElementById('fenceResults').innerHTML = 'Overlap amount cannot be greater than or equal to board width.'; return; } // 1. Calculate Number of Posts var numPosts = Math.ceil(fenceLength / postSpacing) + 1; // 2. Calculate Number of Rails var numRails = (numPosts – 1) * railCount; // 3. Calculate Number of Boards var effectiveBoardWidthInches = boardWidth – overlapAmount; var boardsPerLinearFoot = 12 / effectiveBoardWidthInches; var totalBoardsRaw = fenceLength * boardsPerLinearFoot; var totalBoards = Math.ceil(totalBoardsRaw * (1 + wasteFactor)); // Add waste factor // 4. Calculate Costs var totalPostCost = numPosts * postCost; var totalRailCost = numRails * railCost; var totalBoardCost = totalBoards * boardCost; var totalFastenerCost = totalBoards * fastenerCostPerBoard; // Assuming fasteners are per board var grandTotalCost = totalPostCost + totalRailCost + totalBoardCost + totalFastenerCost; // Display Results document.getElementById('resultPosts').innerHTML = 'Posts Needed: ' + numPosts + ' (including end posts)'; document.getElementById('resultRails').innerHTML = 'Rails Needed: ' + numRails; document.getElementById('resultBoards').innerHTML = 'Boards Needed: ' + totalBoards + ' (including ' + (wasteFactor * 100).toFixed(0) + '% waste)'; document.getElementById('resultTotalPostCost').innerHTML = 'Estimated Post Cost: $' + totalPostCost.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('resultTotalRailCost').innerHTML = 'Estimated Rail Cost: $' + totalRailCost.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('resultTotalBoardCost').innerHTML = 'Estimated Board Cost: $' + totalBoardCost.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('resultTotalFastenerCost').innerHTML = 'Estimated Fastener Cost: $' + totalFastenerCost.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('resultGrandTotalCost').innerHTML = 'Total Estimated Material Cost: $' + grandTotalCost.toFixed(2) + ''; } // Run calculation on page load with default values window.onload = calculateFenceMaterials;

Understanding the Board-on-Board Fence

A board-on-board fence, also known as a "shadow box" or "good neighbor" fence, is a popular choice for homeowners seeking both privacy and an attractive appearance from both sides. Unlike traditional privacy fences where boards are butted tightly together, a board-on-board design features alternating boards on either side of the fence rails, creating an overlapping pattern. This unique construction offers several advantages.

Benefits of Board-on-Board Fencing

  • Enhanced Privacy: The overlapping boards effectively block sightlines, providing superior privacy compared to standard picket fences. Even as wood shrinks over time, the overlap helps maintain privacy.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: With boards on both sides, the fence looks equally good from your yard and your neighbor's, making it a "good neighbor" fence. The shadow lines created by the overlap add depth and visual interest.
  • Durability and Airflow: The gaps between the primary boards allow for some airflow, which can reduce wind resistance and stress on the fence, potentially extending its lifespan. This also helps prevent moisture buildup.
  • Versatility: This style can be adapted to various heights and can be built with different types of wood, allowing for customization to match your home's aesthetic.

Key Components and How the Calculator Works

Building a board-on-board fence involves several key components, and our calculator helps you estimate the quantities and costs for each:

  • Fence Length & Height: These fundamental measurements determine the overall scale of your project.
  • Posts: Vertical supports typically set in concrete. The calculator estimates posts based on your total fence length and desired post spacing, adding one extra for the end.
  • Rails: Horizontal supports that connect the posts and to which the fence boards are attached. Most board-on-board fences use two or three rails per section (top, middle, bottom) for stability.
  • Boards (Pickets): The vertical planks that form the fence surface. For a board-on-board design, you specify the individual board width and the desired overlap. The calculator then determines how many boards are needed to cover the entire length, accounting for the effective width of each overlapping board.
  • Fasteners: Screws or nails used to attach boards to rails, and rails to posts. The calculator estimates fastener cost per board for simplicity.
  • Waste Factor: It's always wise to account for some material waste due to cuts, mistakes, or damaged pieces. A 10% waste factor is a common recommendation.

Tips for Building Your Board-on-Board Fence

  • Check Local Regulations: Before you start, verify local zoning laws and HOA rules regarding fence height, setbacks, and materials.
  • Mark Property Lines: Ensure you are building entirely on your property. Consider discussing the project with your neighbors.
  • Dig Post Holes Properly: Post holes should be deep enough (typically 1/3 of the post's length) and wide enough to provide a stable foundation with concrete.
  • Use Quality Materials: Investing in pressure-treated lumber or naturally rot-resistant wood like cedar will significantly extend the life of your fence.
  • Level and Plumb: Ensure your posts are perfectly plumb (vertical) and your rails are level for a professional-looking finish.
  • Stagger Boards: For the board-on-board effect, attach the first layer of boards to one side of the rails, leaving gaps. Then, attach the second layer of boards to the opposite side, centered over the gaps of the first layer to create the overlap.
  • Apply a Finish: A good stain or sealant will protect your fence from weather damage and enhance its appearance.

Our calculator provides a solid estimate for your board-on-board fence project. Remember that actual costs may vary based on local material prices, specific wood types, and labor if you hire a contractor.

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