Privacy Fence Calculator
A privacy fence runs pickets nearly edge-to-edge for full visual screening. This calculator uses tight ¼ in shadow-gap spacing — about 2 pickets per linear foot with 5.5 in boards.
Estimate
| Materials | Quantity |
|---|---|
Terminal posts (end/corner/transition)Why this quantity?2 node slots across 1 run(s) | 2 |
Line postsWhy this quantity?Σ spans (25) + 1 per run − 0 shared − 2 terminal | 24 |
Gate posts (hinge + latch)Why this quantity?1 gate(s) × 2 posts | 2 |
Panels / sectionsWhy this quantity?Σ ceil(effective run length ÷ post spacing) | 25 |
RailsWhy this quantity?Σ spans × rails-per-section × (1 + waste), rounded up | 83 |
PicketsWhy this quantity?Σ effective length × 12 ÷ (picket width + gap) × (1 + waste) | 450 |
Concrete bags (50 lb)Why this quantity?ceil(hole volume − post displacement) ÷ yield × 28 posts (hole Ø10 in × 28 in deep) | 84 |
Hardware kits / fastenersWhy this quantity?Sections + terminal/line post fittings + gate hardware | 26 |
| Gates | 1 |
| Cost item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Terminal posts (end/corner/transition) | $44 |
| Line posts | $528 |
| Gate posts (hinge + latch) | $44 |
| Panels / sections | $1,450 |
| Rails | $1,245 |
| Pickets | $1,890 |
| Concrete bags (50 lb) | $546 |
| Hardware kits / fasteners | $390 |
| Gates (leaves) | $190 |
| Material cost | $6,327 |
| Labor (installed) | $2,864 |
Estimated total: $9,191 (materials + labor)
Estimates only — not a quote. Actual price depends on gates, corners, terrain, local labor rates and current material prices in your area. Default prices are public-market averages; switch on “My Pricing” to use your own numbers. Concrete and post-depth figures are planning estimates only — verify local code, frost depth, soil conditions and manufacturer requirements before you dig.
Privacy fence basics
- Most privacy fences are 6 ft tall; check local rules — some areas cap height at 6 ft in front yards.
- Available in wood (cheapest) and vinyl (lowest maintenance).
- Use a 10% waste factor — privacy builds waste more boards on cuts and bad boards.