Fence Material Calculator
Fence Calculator
Steve is going to tackle a fence project in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. But he needs to a calculator to tell him how much material he'll need. Here's what he has to say:
"Do you know a website or program I can use that will tell me how much material is needed to build a fence?
I have never done this before and would like to try and build a fence 30'w X 40'd X 5'h.
Thank You."
Well Steve, I can see why the task might seem impossible, but there's an old saying:
Elephants are best eaten one bite at a time.
Here's what's cool about most fences. They're built in sections that are identical to the one next to it.
This means you just have to calculate the amount of material in one section and then multiply the components in each section by the total number of sections and SHAZAM you've got your full material list.
The only mistake you can make is thinking that each section of fence requires two posts. Only the beginning and end sections require two. Every other section borrows a post from the section next to it.
Here's an example:
The first section may have:
- 2 posts
- 3 horizontal rails
- 15 pickets
If you have a fence that has 20 sections, you'll need:
- 22 posts
- 60 horizontal rails
- 300 pickets
The best way to calculate what you need is to go look at the fence you're going to copy. Just go to a person's house, or a location where a section of this fence is on display. Take photos of the fence on both sides to help you remember how it's constructed.
Make a list there of the components and how many there are of each thing including:
- posts
- horizontal rails
- vertical pickets
Then I'd make a simple plan view drawing as if you're in a plane looking down at your lot. Use 1/4-inch graph paper and make it to scale.
This helps you confirm the correct number of posts.
Believe me, you can do this. It's not hard.
Good job Tim, you were close.
I was with you right up to the material list for the 20 sections. Since each section has only 1 post(the previous section has the second post) you need the same number of posts as sections and one to start or end depending on your point of view.
Now if you put a gate in that will complicate the problem just a little. Is the gate going in the center of a section (2 posts required) or near the end of a section(one post required). So w/o a gate you need 21 posts(unless you want a spare to replace a twisted pretzel post) not 22.
No criticism intended just a little good natured ribbing. I agree with your interpretations probably 98% of the time. Keep up the good work.
The most daunting task in a project like this is setting the posts. Get that right and the fence is a breeze. If you are going to set the posts in cement and there are many opinions on this, then you might save your back and your time by having a post installer set those for you.
I believe Brampton is a lot of clay so digging can be an effort. Then you have to carry and mix the cement and accurately position the posts while keeping them in line and perfectly vertical.
If the cost isn't over the top, have someone install the posts.They've got the fancy equipment and the know how to do it right. But be sure to check references it's hard to straighten a crooked post.