Fence Calculator — Materials & Cost Estimator

How to Estimate Fence Materials

Building a fence requires precise material estimates. Short a few pickets and you're making an extra trip to the lumber yard. Too many extras and you've got wasted lumber. Here's how to get it right every time.

Fence Cost Comparison (2026, installed)

Fence Type	Materials/ft	Installed/ft	150 ft Total
6 ft Wood Privacy (PT pine)	$8–$15	$18–$35	$2,700–$5,250
6 ft Wood Privacy (cedar)	$12–$22	$25–$45	$3,750–$6,750
4 ft Wood Picket	$5–$10	$12–$25	$1,800–$3,750
6 ft Vinyl Privacy	$15–$30	$25–$50	$3,750–$7,500
4 ft Chain Link	$5–$12	$10–$25	$1,500–$3,750
4 ft Aluminum	$15–$30	$25–$55	$3,750–$8,250

Post Depth by Fence Height

Fence Height	Post Length	Hole Depth	Hole Diameter
3 ft	5 ft	18–24 in	8 in
4 ft	6 ft	24 in	8–10 in
6 ft	8 ft	24–30 in	10–12 in
8 ft	10–12 ft	30–36 in	12 in

Cold climates: Posts must be set below the frost line (36–48 inches in northern states) to prevent heaving.

Wood Fence Construction Tips

1. Set corner and end posts first. Run a string line between them to align intermediate posts perfectly.
2. Use pressure-treated 4×4 posts (or 6×6 for gates and corners). Set in concrete — not gravel — for maximum stability.
3. Two bags of concrete per post (80-lb bags) for standard 6-ft fences. Three bags per post for 8-ft privacy fences or gate posts.
4. Use 2×4 rails (top, middle, bottom for 6-ft fences). Pre-cut 8-ft rails work perfectly with 8-ft post spacing.
5. Pickets should sit 2 inches above ground to prevent rot and allow drainage.
6. Use ring-shank or spiral nails — smooth nails will back out within 2 years. Screws are even better.

Money-Saving Tips

• DIY labor saves 40–60%. A 150-ft fence that costs $4,500 installed can be built for $1,800–$2,200 in materials.
• Pressure-treated pine is half the cost of cedar and lasts nearly as long when stained. Cedar looks better but costs 30–50% more.
• Buy lumber in bulk. Many yards offer 10–15% discounts on orders over $500.
• Rent a post hole digger ($50–$80/day) instead of buying or digging by hand. It'll save hours.
• Check property surveys. Building on your neighbor's property means tearing it down. Know your lot lines before you dig.