Calculator Use
The fence painting cost calculator is a professional-grade tool designed to help homeowners and contractors estimate the total investment required for refreshing a perimeter fence. By inputting basic dimensions and local cost factors, you can generate a comprehensive breakdown of material requirements and labor expenses in seconds.
Whether you are planning a DIY weekend project or hiring a professional crew, knowing your square footage and the "paint coverage" variable is essential for avoiding mid-project trips to the hardware store.
- Fence Length
- The total distance of the fence in linear feet. Measure the entire perimeter you intend to paint.
- Fence Height
- The vertical height of the fence panels (standard heights are typically 4, 6, or 8 feet).
- Number of Sides
- Choose '2' if you are painting both the interior (your yard) and the exterior (facing the street or neighbor).
- Paint Price
- The cost per gallon of your chosen paint or stain. High-quality exterior stains usually range from $35 to $65 per gallon.
How It Works
Calculating the cost to paint a fence involves three primary phases: determining the total surface area, calculating material volume, and estimating labor time. Our fence painting cost calculator uses the following industry-standard formulas:
Total Surface Area = (Length × Height) × Number of Sides
- Gallons Needed: This is the Area divided by the Coverage Rate (usually 200-300 sq ft per gallon). We always round up to the nearest whole gallon because you cannot buy partial cans at most retailers.
- Material Cost: The number of gallons multiplied by the price per gallon, plus a small buffer for supplies like brushes and rollers.
- Labor Cost: Professional painters usually charge by the linear foot ($5–$12) or by the hour. This calculator uses a linear foot rate for higher accuracy in residential bidding.
Calculation Example
Example: You have a 150-foot long privacy fence that is 6 feet tall. You want to paint both sides using a mid-range stain that costs $50 per gallon and covers 250 sq ft.
Step-by-step solution:
- Calculate Area: 150 ft × 6 ft × 2 sides = 1,800 sq ft.
- Calculate Gallons: 1,800 / 250 = 7.2 gallons. Round up to 8 gallons.
- Calculate Paint Cost: 8 gallons × $50 = $400.
- Calculate Labor (assuming $6/ft): 150 ft × $6 = $900.
- Total Estimated Cost: $400 + $900 = $1,300.
Common Questions
How much does it cost to paint a 100 ft fence?
On average, painting a 100 ft fence costs between $750 and $1,500 depending on the height and whether you are doing it yourself. Professional labor usually accounts for 60-70% of the total cost.
Is it cheaper to paint or stain a fence?
Staining is often slightly more expensive for the initial material purchase, but it is cheaper in the long run because stain does not peel or chip, requiring less intensive prep work (scraping and sanding) when it is time to reapply.
How many gallons of paint do I need for a 6ft privacy fence?
For every 100 linear feet of a 6ft tall fence (one side), you will have 600 square feet of surface area. At a standard coverage rate of 250 sq ft per gallon, you will need approximately 3 gallons of paint per side.