Planning Your Fence Project
A fence serves multiple purposes: privacy, security, defining property boundaries, containing pets or children, and enhancing curb appeal. Proper planning ensures you buy the right materials in the right quantities.
Before you start:
- Check property lines: Verify exact boundaries to avoid disputes
- Call 811: Have utilities mark underground lines before digging
- Check local codes: Many areas have height restrictions and setback requirements
- Talk to neighbors: Courtesy and shared costs are possible
- Consider gates: Subtract gate widths from total fence length
Types of Fence Materials
🪵 Wood Fencing
Cost: $12-35/linear ft installed
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Cedar, redwood, pressure-treated pine. Classic look, requires staining/sealing every 2-3 years.
⬜ Vinyl/PVC Fencing
Cost: $20-40/linear ft installed
Lifespan: 25-30 years
Low maintenance, never needs painting. Won't rot, warp, or attract termites.
🔗 Chain Link Fencing
Cost: $10-20/linear ft installed
Lifespan: 20+ years
Most affordable option. Great for security and pet containment. Can add privacy slats.
🏛️ Aluminum/Metal Fencing
Cost: $25-55/linear ft installed
Lifespan: 30+ years
Elegant wrought-iron look. Rust-resistant, low maintenance, but no privacy.
Fence Post Spacing Guide
Post spacing depends on your fence type and local wind conditions. Here are standard recommendations:
| Fence Type | Spacing | Post Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Privacy (6 ft tall) | 6-8 feet | 24-30 inches |
| Picket Fence (3-4 ft tall) | 6-8 feet | 18-24 inches |
| Chain Link | 8-10 feet | 24-36 inches |
| Vinyl/PVC | 6-8 feet | 24-30 inches |
Rule of thumb: Post depth should be 1/3 of the above-ground height, with a minimum of 24 inches.
How to Calculate Fence Materials
Key Formulas:
Panels = Total Length ÷ Panel Width (round up)
Posts = Number of Panels + 1
Rails = Panels × Rails per Section (usually 2-3)
Don't forget:
- Corner posts count as shared between two runs
- Gate posts should be 4x4 minimum (6x6 for heavy gates)
- Add 10% extra materials for waste and errors
Example: 150 ft Privacy Fence
Scenario: You want to install a 150-foot wood privacy fence using 8-foot wide panels with 2 horizontal rails per section.
- Panels needed: 150 ÷ 8 = 18.75 → 19 panels (round up)
- Posts needed: 19 + 1 = 20 posts
- Rails needed: 19 × 2 = 38 rails
- Concrete per post: ~2 bags (50 lb) = 40 bags total
Estimated cost: 19 panels × $45 + 20 posts × $12 + 40 bags × $5 = $1,295 materials only