Fence Guides

Short, practical answers to the questions every fence builder asks — each guide shows the exact formula we use, a worked example, and links straight into the calculator that does the math for you.

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How Many Fence Posts Do I Need?

The post-count formula: spans, terminal posts and gate posts, with a worked example.

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How Far Apart Should Fence Posts Be?

Spacing rules by material and height — and why spacing drives everything else.

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How Many Fence Panels Do I Need?

Divide by panel width, round up, subtract gate openings. Worked example included.

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How Many Pickets Do I Need?

Pickets per foot from board width + gap, plus the waste factor most people forget.

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How to Measure for a Fence

Measure runs, not just length: corners, gates and how to turn measurements into materials.

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How Much Does a Fence Cost?

DIY vs installed cost per material, what drives the price, and how to estimate yours.

Every guide follows the same promise

No fluff: a one-line answer up top, the exact formula our calculators use, a worked example with real numbers, and the assumptions and limitations spelled out. When a guide doesn't cover your exact situation, the linked calculator handles the general case — including multiple runs, corners and gate locations.

Building a fence? Get our free Fence Planning Checklist — materials worksheet, permit pointers and a budget planner.