What's The Number Of Fence Pickets I Need?

Installing a new fence around your backyard or property line comes with a critical question: how many fence pickets will you need? Determining the required number of pickets is an essential planning step before starting any fencing project.

Getting an accurate fence picket count allows you to purchase the right amount of materials and prevents wasteful overbuying or mid-project shortages. By following a few simple measuring, planning, and calculating steps, you can figure out the precise quantity of pickets your unique fence dimensions need.

Calculate The Total Linear Footage Of Fencing

The first step in determining picket amounts is calculating your total fence line length. Measure the perimeter along where you want the fence installed using a measuring wheel or tape measure. Account for any gates, corners, or decorative fence sections in your measurements.

Be sure to measure both the horizontal footing length and the planned height of the fence. Having both dimensions (in feet) allows you to determine the total linear footage of fencing required.

Measuring Fence Lines and Layout

Use spray paint or stakes to mark corners and gate locations when laying out fence lines. Carefully measure side fence lengths from corner to corner. For rear or curved fences, take measurements every 6-10 feet. Record all measurements.

Remember to measure both sides of any fence dividing two yards. Also account for extra height above the fence line if you plan to install decorative post caps.

Factoring Gates, Corners and Ornamental Sections

When calculating linear feet, add in extra length for any gates needing framed openings. The vertical posts flanking gates will require additional pickets to span the gate's width.

For 90-degree corners, allow several feet of extra pickets to stagger pieces visually. Decorative arched sections, lattice toppers or accent fence patterns will also increase your overall picket requirements.

Determine Fence Picket Size, Style and Spacing

Fence pickets come in different height and width dimensions depending on material. Common wooden picket sizes are:

• 1x3 inches
• 1x4 inches
• 1x5 inches
• 1x6 inches

Vinyl and PVC pickets range from around 3-6 inches wide. Cedar pickets tend to be slightly thinner than pressure-treated pine. Popular picket styles include dog-eared, pointed Gothic arch, and simple rectangular boards.

Choose Picket Height and Privacy Level

Typical picket lengths are 4ft, 5ft and 6ft. Taller pickets provide more privacy. Consider your planned fence height and how much visibility or seclusion you desire when selecting a height. Remember, pickets only account for the vertical span--you'll need posts, rails and framing lumber too.

Factor In Spacing Between Pickets

Standard spacing between fence picket boards ranges from 1/2 inch to 6 inches. Wider gaps allow more visibility. Narrower spacing provides more privacy and better wind blocking. Spacing also affects budget--leaving bigger gaps means buying fewer pickets.

Calculate Total Picket Quantity Needed

Once you know the linear footage of your planned fence and the size/spacing of pickets, some simple math yields the estimated total quantity. Here is the standard fence picket formula:

For example, if you measured 180 linear feet for a 5ft (60 inch) high privacy fence using 1x6 cedar pickets with 1 inch spacing, the math would be:

180 x 60 / 6 + 1 = 900 pickets

Adjusting Formula for Wider Pickets and Spacing

Wider pickets and spacing gaps greater than 1 inch increases the denominator and yields lower picket totals. For a 6ft high vinyl fence with 143 linear feet and 4 inch wide pickets spaced 2 inches apart, the formula adjusts to:

143 x 72 / 4 + 2 = 749 pickets

Adding Extra for Wastage and Gates

It's smart to add 5-10% onto your total picket estimate to allow for cutting errors and damage. And if building gates, calculate the gate height x width / picket width to get the extra pieces needed just for the gates.

Select Complementary Fencing Materials

In addition to pickets, complete fence projects require posts, rails, concrete, screws and other hardware. Determine what materials best match your selected picket style and height. Pressure-treated pine posts offer economical support. Or opt for long lasting steel posts encased in concrete footing tubes.

Match Rails and Posts to Picket Heights

Rails are horizontal fence beams securing pickets between posts. Match rail and post sizes to harmonize with your picket choice aesthetically and structurally. Factor quantities for rails and posts into your budget--they're priced per linear foot.

Choose Coordinating Hardware Pieces

Galvanized screws, nails and post caps are fence parts easy to overlook. Budgeting for these small but necessary hardware pieces ensures you don't absorb unexpected mid-project costs. Check local codes regarding restrictions on certain fence fastener types.

Plan Your DIY Fence Installation Project

All necessary planning and measuring culminates in executing fence construction. Break down key steps before building to make the installation process smooth. Be sure to call 811 for underground utility marking so you can safely dig post holes.

Gather Proper Tools and Equipment

Having the right tools for each job saves time and frustration. Essentials for DIY wood fence projects include: post hole digger, shovel, level, nail gun or hammer, circular saw, concrete mixer, wheelbarrow, and clamps. Consider renting a power auger for digging holes if installing many fence posts.

Understand Installation Steps and Techniques

Well-constructed fences require proper techniques. Study online tutorials or consult how-to fence books. Key steps are securing corner and gate posts first, properly spacing and sinking intermediate posts, attaching rails evenly, and aligning pickets.

Leave expected height for buried post depths, align posts vertically, and allow concrete footing holes to cure before attaching fence components.

Crunch the numbers--your calculated picket count plus all additional materials--to estimate total fencing expenses. Understanding potential costs helps guide material decisions and provides project cost transparency.

Also allow adequate timeline padding, as amateur installations often take longer. Factor in potential weather or hidden complexity delays with first-time fence building.

Now that you know the essential steps for determining fence picket quantities, you can confidently plan and execute DIY fencing projects. Carefully measuring your perimeter, planning layout, calculating materials, and understanding installation best practices takes the guesswork and some surprises out of building backyard fences.

You can buy what you need with clear numerical fence requirements. And understanding expected costs, labor, and time investments makes the fence planning and building journey less daunting for weekend warriors. Use the guidance above to determine what quantity of pickets--plus all supporting fence parts--allows you to create the backyard oasis you desire.