Wood Fence Calculator
Calculate **wood fence** lumber quantities with actual vs. nominal board sizes. Comprehensive **wood fence calculator** for materials including posts, pickets, and rails with rot protection guidance.
Formula & Explanation
Wood fence calculations account for the difference between nominal (marketed) and actual (real) board sizes. Posts: count = ceil(fence_length ÷ spacing) + 1 Each post: board_feet = (nominal² × height × 12) ÷ 144 Pickets: count = ceil(fence_length_inches ÷ (actual_width + gap)) Picket board feet = (actual_width × 6 × 12 × count) ÷ 144 (assuming 6-foot pickets) Rails: linear_feet = fence_length × rails_per_section Rail board feet = (nominal_width × 2 × 12 × linear_feet) ÷ 144 All quantities include waste percentage (typically 10-15% for wood).
Assumptions
- •Nominal vs. actual: 1×4 nominal = 0.75×3.5 actual; 1×6 = 0.75×5.5; 1×8 = 0.75×7.25
- •Picket height is standard 6 feet (adjust if different)
- •Post height is standard 8 feet (4 ft above + 4 ft below ground combined)
- •Posts and rails are treated/pressure-treated (heartwood cedar or redwood recommended for rot resistance)
- •Waste percentage 10-15% for wood (accounts for cupping, warping, cutting waste)
- •Does not include fasteners, concrete, or paint/stain
- •Rot concerns: bury posts at least 2-3 feet; use treated wood below ground; allow drainage around posts
Example Calculation
A 100-foot wood fence with standard 4×4 posts, 1×6 pickets, and 2×6 rails needs 14 posts (327 BF), 193 pickets with waste (442 BF), and 200 linear feet of rail (300 BF). Total: approximately 1,069 board feet of lumber.
Inputs
Results
Wood Fence Specifications
| component | size | height | quantity | boardFeet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Posts | 4×4 | 8 ft | per 14 posts | 327 |
| Pickets | 1×6 | 6 ft | per 172 | 442 |
| Rails (top) | 2×6 | 100 ft | 200 lin ft | 200 |
| Rails (bottom) | 2×6 | 100 ft | 200 lin ft | 200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
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