Installing A Fence? Don't Start Until You Know Exactly How Many Pickets You Need
Installing a new fence can be an exciting yet challenging project, especially when it comes to figuring out how many pickets you need. Ordering too many can get expensive, but not having enough means another inconvenient trip to the hardware store.
To avoid headaches and wasted time and money, use our comprehensive guide to precisely calculate the ideal number of fence pickets for your project.
Determine Your Precise Fence Perimeter Length
The first step is mapping out your fence layout and measuring the perimeter. This distance around the edges of your space determines overall coverage area.
Use a measuring wheel or tape and carefully follow along where you plan to install the fence. Account for any slopes or uneven terrain that may lengthen the fence line. Convert final perimeter dimensions to feet to simplify material calculations.
Tools You'll Need
- Measuring tape or wheel
- Stakes and string to map layout
- Landscape design drawings (optional)
Choose Your Ideal Fence Design and Picket Characteristics
Fence types and picket characteristics significantly influence total pickets required.
Compare Fence Types
- Privacy fences feature tightly spaced pickets preventing visibility.
- Decorative fences have wider picket gaps for partial visibility.
Picket Design Factors
| Height | Impacts overall coverage area |
| Width | Wider pickets require fewer total pickets |
| Material | Heavier materials like wood require sturdier fence posts |
| Decorative vs Functional | Prioritize aesthetics or privacy needs |
Additionally, determine optimal spacing and whether you want pickets overlapped or side-by-side.
Use a Picket Multiplier Formula For Easy Calculations
Manually measuring and accounting for material waste is complicated. Instead, utilize convenient picket multipliers.
What Are Picket Multipliers?
These preset factors quickly calculate total pickets needed based on your fence dimensions and chosen spacing/overlap.
Check published fence planning guides to find recommended multipliers for your exact picket design.
Finding Your Dimension Multiplier
Select the right multiplier for your planned picket size and installation method. Adjust up for privacy fences or down for more decorative open styles.
Plug Into the Calculation Formula
Use dimensions and multipliers in this formula:
- [Fence Perimeter Length x Multiplier] + Gate Pickets = Total Pickets
Don't Forget Gates and Other Openings!
Remember to add materials for fence gates or other access points cutting into sections.
Measuring Gate Openings
Account for the height and width of all gates. Allow space for hinges and latches.
Follow gate hardware guidance for correctly covering openings. Consider decorative tops or visual continuity with fence.
You can finally order materials with confidence with accurate field measurements, intentional fence design and convenient picket multipliers. Feel free to reference our step-by-step guidance anytime pre-project planning gets tricky!