Fence Material Calculator
Get an accurate material list for a wood privacy fence by entering total fence length, height, post spacing, board width, and number of gates. The calculator outputs: 4×4 pressure-treated post count with required total post length (above-grade height plus burial depth), 2×4 rail count and linear footage, picket or board count with a 1/4" gap between boards, 60lb concrete bags (2 per post, standard for firm soil), and complete material cost. For a 6-foot fence, use 8-foot posts buried 2 feet deep. Three rails are recommended for 6-foot and taller fences — a third rail prevents the boards from bowing outward over time. Gate posts need to be one size larger than field posts (4×6 instead of 4×4) and set in more concrete to handle the dynamic load of the gate swinging.
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Top Pick4×4×8 Pressure Treated Post — Home Depot~$18.98/post* Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
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How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter your measurements in the fields above. Use the units shown next to each field (ft, in, etc.).
- 2Click Calculate to get your material estimate instantly.
- 3Review the highlighted result — it shows the key quantity you need to order.
- 4Use Copy Results to save your estimate, or bookmark the URL — your inputs are encoded in the link.
Pro tip: Always add 10% to your material order to account for waste, cuts, and defects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fence boards do I need for 100 feet of fence?
For a 6-ft privacy fence using standard 1×6 (5.5" actual) boards with 1/4" gaps, you need approximately 215 boards for 100 linear feet of fence.
How deep should fence posts be set?
Fence posts should be buried at least 1/3 of the total post length, with a minimum of 2 feet. For a 6-ft fence, use 4×4×8 posts set 2 feet deep. For 8-ft fences, use 10-ft posts set 2-3 feet deep.
How long does a pressure-treated wood fence last?
Ground-contact pressure-treated 4×4 posts rated UC4B typically last 20–40 years in the ground. Above-grade fence boards last 15–20 years with proper maintenance (cleaning and staining every 2–3 years). Cedar and redwood naturally resist rot and last 15–30 years without treatment.
How much does it cost to build a 6-foot privacy fence?
Material cost for a pressure-treated wood privacy fence runs $15–$25 per linear foot. A 100-foot fence in materials costs $1,500–$2,500. Professional installation adds $10–$20 per linear foot in labor, bringing total installed cost to $2,500–$4,500 for 100 linear feet. Cedar or composite fencing costs 30–50% more in materials.