Fence Estimator
Professional-grade fence calculator with visual plotter. Estimate materials, concrete, and costs for Wood, Vinyl, Chain Link, and Metal fencing. Includes slope and paint calculations.
| Item | Qty | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draw a perimeter to generate estimate | |||
| Estimated Project Total | $0.00 | ||
Draw perimeter to see concrete & waste analysis.
About
Installing a fence is one of the most significant property investments a homeowner can make, impacting security, privacy, and curb appeal. However, accurate estimation is notoriously difficult due to variable post spacing, gate hardware requirements, and the "last section" problem - where the final span of a fence line does not match standard rail lengths. Professional contractors rely on precise material takeoffs to avoid costly mid-project lumber runs or excessive waste.
This tool serves as a comprehensive project planner. Unlike basic linear-foot calculators, it accounts for structural nuances: corner posts require different bracing than line posts; clay soil requires different concrete footing volumes than sandy soil; and sloped terrain increases material usage. By visualizing the perimeter and utilizing a database of over 50 material configurations, this estimator provides a granular Bill of Materials (BOM) ensuring you buy exactly what you need.
Formulas
The estimator utilizes distinct algorithms for structural components versus surface coverage. The post count is not simply perimeter divided by spacing; it is a summation of posts required for each independent segment.
1. Post Logic per Segment:
Nposts = ∑i=1 {
2. Concrete Volume (Cylindrical):
Vconcrete = π × (Dhole242) × Hdepth × Nposts
Where Dhole is diameter in inches (converted to feet by /24 radius).
3. Paint/Stain Surface Area:
Asurface = (P × H × 2) × Cfactor
The Cfactor accounts for the corrugated surface area of pickets (typically 1.2 for standard dog-ear, 1.5 for shadowbox).
Reference Data
| Material Class | Sub-Type | Avg. Lifespan | Maintenance | Privacy Level | Avg. Cost / Ln. Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood (Soft) | Pressure Treated Pine | 15-20 yrs | High (Seal every 2 yrs) | High (Solid) | $15 - 25 |
| Wood (Premium) | Western Red Cedar | 20-30 yrs | Medium (Oil optional) | High (Solid) | $30 - 55 |
| Wood (Exotic) | Ipe / Brazilian Walnut | 50+ yrs | Low (Oiling maintains color) | High (Solid) | $85 - 120 |
| Vinyl (PVC) | White Privacy | 30+ yrs | Very Low (Wash only) | High (Solid) | $35 - 60 |
| Metal | Chain Link (Galvanized) | 20-25 yrs | Low (Rust checks) | Low (Transparent) | $12 - 22 |
| Metal | Aluminum (Ornamental) | 50+ yrs | None (Powder coated) | Medium (Pickets) | $45 - 80 |
| Composite | Trex / Fiberon | 25+ yrs | None | High (Solid) | $55 - 90 |
| Agricultural | Woven Wire / Horse Fence | 30 yrs | Low | Low (Open) | $5 - 10 |