Introduction
Wood fence questions cluster tightly: how many boards, how deep the posts, what it costs, whether you need a permit. This page answers the most-asked questions in one place, each with the short answer first and the reasoning after.
For the full estimating walkthrough behind these answers, see the Wood Fence Calculator and the complete guide. Short answers below; deep derivations in the linked guides.
Materials and Quantities
How many pickets do I need per foot of fence?
For 1×6 pickets (actual 5.5 in / 14 cm) on a tight privacy face: ~2.0 boards per foot geometrically, ~2.2 including 10% waste — about 7.2 boards per metre. A 150-ft (45.72 m) run needs 330 pickets. The derivation is in the formula guide.
How far apart should fence posts be?
Every 6–8 ft (1.83–2.44 m) on centre. Use 6 ft for 6-ft privacy fences where wind load is significant; 8 ft is fine for short or spaced-picket fences.
How many posts do I need for 150 feet of fence?
At 6-ft spacing: 150 ÷ 6 + 1 = 26 posts (the +1 closes the end of the run). At 8-ft spacing: 150 ÷ 8 + 1 = 19.75 → 20 posts, with the last section slightly short.
How many rails per fence section?
Two rails for fences up to 4 ft (1.22 m) tall; three for 5–6 ft (1.52–1.83 m) privacy fences. A 150-ft run at 6-ft spacing needs 78 rails (26 sections × 3).
How deep should fence posts be?
One-third of the total post in the ground, minimum — 3 ft (0.91 m) of burial for a 6-ft fence, so buy 9-ft (2.74 m) posts. In cold climates, the base must also sit below the local frost line.
How much concrete per fence post?
Roughly 2 bags per 4×4 post for a typical 10–12 in (25–30 cm) diameter, 3-ft-deep hole — about 52 bags for 26 posts. Larger holes or 6×6 posts need more; the formula guide shows the hole-volume math.
How much stain does a fence need?
Area = length × height × 2 sides, divided by coverage of 150–300 sq ft (14–28 m²) per gallon. A 150-ft × 6-ft fence is 1,800 sq ft (167 m²) both sides → ~8 gallons per coat at 250 sq ft/gal.
Cost
How much does a wood fence cost per foot?
Typical US planning ranges: $15–$45 per linear foot installed, or $8–$20 per foot for DIY materials, with 20–30% regional variation. A 150-ft cedar privacy fence runs roughly $2,700 DIY or $4,200–$6,000 installed. Full breakdowns in the cost guide.
Is it cheaper to build a fence yourself?
Yes — labour is roughly half the installed price, so DIY saves 40–50%. The tradeoff is 2–4 weekends of work, tool costs, and disposal. The DIY vs pro guide works the full comparison.
What wood is cheapest for a fence?
Pressure-treated pine — roughly 30% cheaper than cedar upfront. Cedar costs more but lasts 15–20 years with minimal maintenance; pine needs staining every 2–3 years. Species compared in the material guide.
Installation
Should fence posts be set in concrete or gravel?
Concrete for tall privacy fences, windy sites, and loose soil; compacted gravel where drainage or frost heave is the concern. Either way, crown the top to shed water and bury one-third of the post. See pro tips for the full comparison.
How long does a wood fence last?
Cedar: 15–20 years. Pressure-treated pine: 10–15 years with regular staining. Redwood: 20+ years in dry climates. Post bases fail first — post depth and drainage matter more than species for lifespan.
Should I stain a new fence right away?
Pre-stain before installation if possible (it coats edges you can’t reach later); otherwise stain within 4–6 weeks, before UV greys the surface. Then re-stain every 2–4 years depending on species and exposure.
Can I build a fence in winter?
Yes, with caveats: frozen ground makes digging miserable, concrete cures slowly below 40°F (4°C), and stain won’t adhere below ~50°F (10°C). Posts and framing can go up in winter; save staining for spring. Lumber prices also tend to dip in the off-season, so winter buying with spring staining can save money.
How do I estimate a fence with a gate?
Measure the full run, subtract the gate opening (typically 3–5 ft / 0.91–1.52 m) from the picket footage, then add the gate as its own line item: two 6×6 gate posts, hinges, latch, diagonal bracing, and gate boards — roughly $200–$500 in materials per gate.
Codes and Neighbours
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Often yes — many municipalities require permits for fences over a set height or near property lines and sidewalks. Requirements are local; the code compliance guide explains what to ask your building department.
How tall can my fence be?
Typical US limits: 6 ft (1.83 m) for back and side yards, 3–4 ft (0.91–1.22 m) for front yards — but these vary by jurisdiction and HOA. Always verify locally before buying lumber.
Can my neighbour stop me building a fence?
They can’t usually stop a code-compliant fence on your property, but shared-boundary fences often trigger cost-sharing customs or disputes. Talk first, build second — and get a survey if the line is uncertain.
Who pays for a fence between neighbours?
Varies by state and local custom — some jurisdictions presume shared cost for boundary fences, others don’t. Agree in writing before building; a handshake deal over a $4,000 fence is a dispute waiting to happen.
Related Guides
- Wood Fence Complete Guide — the flagship estimating overview.
- Wood Fence Cost Guide — per-foot pricing and worked budgets.
- Common Fence Estimating Mistakes — what goes wrong and how to prevent it.
- Wood Fence Material Guide — species, treatments, and fasteners.
- Pre-Install Fence Checklist — everything to verify before digging.
Get Your Number
Short answers get you oriented; the calculator gets you quantities. Plug your run length and style into the Wood Fence Calculator, then follow the linked guides for the decisions the numbers can’t make — species, permits, and whether you’re digging the holes yourself.
Disclaimer: Answers are general planning guidance for typical US residential fences; local codes, costs, and conditions vary. Calculator results are planning estimates. Verify quantities with your supplier and consult a licensed professional or your local building authority for structural or code-related decisions.
