Before reading on: what do you need to know?
If a good fence installation company is building your fence...
They will send someone out to measure it for you and give you a quote.
You won't need to measure anything yourself.
If you are purchasing material to build it yourself...
You probably don't need perfect measurements unless your material can only be purchased in bulk or shipped (instead of picked up locally)
If you are purchasing a common fence style, you can stop by a fence material store near you later on if you are a few posts or rails short.
If you are getting fence shipped to you or if there is a minimum order requirement, you will want to double check your measurements and err on the side of caution.
Some fence companies may be willing help you figure out how many of each part you need if you can just figure out the linear feet of fence needed first. This can save you some hassle.
Before you start....
Tools you’ll need: measuring tape or measuring wheel.
Tools that may be nice: stakes or spray paint, notepad and pen/pencil.
1) Determine the fence line.
Determine the exact boundaries of your property and mark them.
Ensure you’re not encroaching on your neighbor’s property.
Check local regulations to verify any local building codes or homeowners association rules regarding fence placement, style, and height.
Your neighborhood may have rules on which fence materials or colors are acceptable.
If you live on a street corner, you may have to have a shorter fence on certain parts of the property so that cars have good visibility in the intersection.
Some cities require a building permit for certain types of fences.
2) Plan the fence layout.
Choose the area where you want the fence. Sketching it out may help you visualize.
Include gates and corners in your sketch.
Mark the locations of all corner posts on the ground using stakes.
3) Measure the perimeter
Use a measuring tape or a measuring wheel to measure the total length of the fence line.
A measuring wheel will be easier, but a measuring tape can work.
Start from where one corner of the fence line and work your way around the perimeter.
Write down the measurements for each side of the fence.
4) Determine post spacing
Choose post spacing; standard spacing for fence posts is 6 to 8 feet.
Post spacing varies based on durability of materials, how much wind your fence style will catch, and how windy your area is.
Calculate the number of sections by dividing the total length of the fence by the spacing interval. Then add one, because you'll need a post on the very end of the fence in addition to at the beginning of each section.
For example, if one line of your fence is 100 feet long and you’re spacing posts 8 feet apart, you’ll need approximately 14 posts (100/8 + 1 = 13.5. Round up).
Note that each section may not be the same length. You may have to vary section lengths to avoid underground concrete/rock/pipes/etc.
5) Mark post locations
Starting from one corner, mark the location of each post along the fence line using stakes, spray paint, or whatever you'd like.
This will make it so you don't have to measure again and again when installing posts.
This is also a good time to double check how many posts you need by counting the marked spots.
6) Plan for gates
If your fence includes gates, measure the width of each gate opening and adjust the post spacing accordingly.
If someone is building the gate for you, remember that the width of the gate opening and the width of the gate itself are not the same.
Ensure there’s enough space for gate hardware and clearance.
7) Count sections if needed
In addition to posts, your supplier may ask how many rails or slats or pickets you need.
Rails and slats/pickets are what make up a section.
A section is the space between two fence posts.
Rails are the horizontal pieces that run perpendicular to the posts.
Between the rails, the slats or pickets will sit.
Some fence types even have one completed piece that makes up a section, instead of individual rails and slats/pickets/sheets.
For most fence types, you will need two rails per section (a top and a bottom rail).
For most fence types, the amount of slats you need is either determined by linear feet of fence needed or by the amount of sections you have.
If you have both of those numbers, your supplier can probably help you figure it out.
8) Verify and adjust
It may save you some headache to re-measure all sides and verify the post positions and gate openings before proceeding with installation.
If any measurements are off, adjust the post counts and positions of the stakes accordingly.
Buying the correct amount of material the first time will save you some hassle, but don't stress too much. If you aren't sure how much information you need, reach out to your local fence supplier.
If you are interested in installing a fire retardant fence or a metal privacy fence, you've come to the right place. Reach out here.
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