Post, Rail & Picket Fence Estimator
Calculate 4×4 wood posts, fast-setting concrete bags per hole, 2×4 horizontal backer rails, dog-ear pickets, and exterior fasteners.
Post, Rail & Picket Fence Estimator
Universal calculator for 4×4 posts, concrete bags, 2×4 rails, and individual pickets.
8ft or 10ft long (bury 3ft) • 1 gate post
Or 30 bags of 80 lb standard mix
3 rails per section (8ft lumber)
+ 10 lbs screws (1,416 fasteners)
Disclaimer: Calculations provided are estimates for preliminary material planning only. Actual yields vary based on subgrade compaction, site grading, waste, and local trade practices. QuickRenoTools assumes no liability for material shortages, structural failures, code non-compliance, vehicle overloads, or jobsite injuries. Verify all structural spans, retaining wall heights, and concrete mix designs with a licensed engineer, certified contractor, or local building authority prior to purchase and construction. Legal Disclaimer→
Privacy Fence Materials Cheat Sheet (6-Foot Tall, 8ft Spacing)
Quick reference table showing 4x4 posts, fast-setting concrete bags, 3 horizontal 2×4 rails, and 5.5" (140mm) dog-ear pickets with 10% waste.
| Fence Run | Posts (8ft / 2.4m Spacing) | Concrete Bags (3/post) | Horizontal Rails (3 Rails) | 5.5" Pickets (140mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ft (15m) Run | 8 posts (4×4 / 90×90) | 24 bags (50lb / 20kg) | 21 rails (3 rails/bay) | 118 pickets (116 palings) |
| 100 ft (30m) Run | 14 posts (4×4 / 90×90) | 42 bags (50lb / 20kg) | 39 rails (3 rails/bay) | 235 pickets (231 palings) |
| 150 ft (45m) Run | 20 posts (4×4 / 90×90) | 60 bags (50lb / 20kg) | 57 rails (3 rails/bay) | 352 pickets (347 palings) |
| 200 ft (60m) Run | 26 posts (4×4 / 90×90) | 78 bags (50lb / 20kg) | 75 rails (3 rails/bay) | 470 pickets (462 palings) |
| 300 ft (90m) Run | 39 posts (4×4 / 90×90) | 117 bags (50lb / 20kg) | 114 rails (3 rails/bay) | 704 pickets (693 palings) |
Disclaimer: Calculations provided are estimates for preliminary material planning only. Actual yields vary based on subgrade compaction, site grading, waste, and local trade practices. QuickRenoTools assumes no liability for material shortages, structural failures, code non-compliance, vehicle overloads, or jobsite injuries. Verify all structural spans, retaining wall heights, and concrete mix designs with a licensed engineer, certified contractor, or local building authority prior to purchase and construction.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Post, Rail & Picket Fence Estimator
Common questions about bag calculations, ordering bulk vs bags, and trade standards.
How far apart should wooden fence posts be spaced?
Standard residential fence posts are spaced 8 feet on-center (or 2.4 meters). In high-wind hurricane or gale regions, space posts 6 feet on-center to reduce wind sail loading on the rails.
How many bags of concrete do I need per fence post hole?
For a standard 6-foot privacy fence with a 10-inch diameter hole dug 36 inches deep, plan on 2.5 to 3 bags of 80 lb concrete (or 3 to 4 bags of 50 lb Fast-Setting concrete) per post hole.
How deep should fence posts be buried in the ground?
The general rule of thumb is to bury 1/3 to 1/2 of the total above-ground post height. For a 6-foot fence, dig holes at least 30 to 36 inches deep. In freezing climates, dig 6 inches below your local winter frost line.
How many horizontal 2x4 backer rails are needed per fence section?
A 4-foot tall fence requires 2 horizontal 2×4 rails (top and bottom). A 6-foot or 8-foot privacy fence requires 3 horizontal rails (top, middle, and bottom) to prevent thin vertical pickets from warping and bowing in the sun.
How many pickets do I need per linear foot of fence?
Standard 5.5-inch dog-ear pickets (with a 1/8" gap for wood expansion) require 2.1 to 2.2 pickets per linear foot. A 100-foot fence requires ~220 pickets (order 235 to 240 for 10% waste).
Should fence pickets touch the ground or lawn?
No. Leave a 2-inch gap between the bottom of the pickets and the ground (or install a sacrificial pressure-treated rot board). Direct ground contact causes pickets to wick ground moisture, leading to premature rot and weed trimmer damage.
Should I use nails or screws to attach fence pickets?
Use 1-5/8" or 2" hot-dipped galvanized or ceramic-coated exterior screws. Screws have significantly higher withdrawal strength and prevent pickets from popping loose when the lumber swells and contracts.
How long does a pressure-treated wooden privacy fence last?
A properly installed pressure-treated pine fence lasts 15 to 20 years. Cedar fences last 20 to 25 years. Applying an oil-based penetrating UV-sealer every 2 to 3 years doubles picket lifespan.
Do I need my neighbor’s permission or a survey before building a fence?
You do not need neighbor permission if building entirely within your property boundary line (commonly set back 2 to 6 inches inside the line). However, getting a certified boundary survey is strongly advised to prevent boundary disputes.
Should fence post holes have gravel at the bottom?
Yes. Always pour 4 to 6 inches of coarse crushed stone (#57 gravel) into the bottom of the hole before dropping in the post. This allows water entering the wood post end-grain to drain into the subsoil, preventing bottom rot.