How to Plan your Materials list (for Fence Building and any other Construction Projects)

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By MrMaranatha
User-Submitted Article

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You want to build a fence (Or other Construction) but dont know where to start... start by printing out these instructions on "How to plan your Materials list" then do some math.
Its pretty strieght forward regardless whether its a fence or an awning... the basics are all the same.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Paper to draw on.
calculator
pencil with eraser
ruler

Step 1

Start by making a simple sketch/Diagram of what you are going to build.
Include the placement of features such as Gates, Corners, extra supports.
Include the distances... How long and how wide...
Step 2

Notice in the simple diagram that the corners, Ends and gate posts are marked with a large dot and the line posts with a small dot.
Gate posts, corners and ends are "Stress Points in a fence and as such should be beefed up. If you are doing another type of project identify your stress points or special needs on you diagram.
In the event that your fence crosses a creek and you need to use longer posts for example. You would mark this on your diagram and flag it with a notation.
Step 3

Take the linear footage of each line and see how many posts you would need. Mark the actual number of posts that you will need as dots in the diagram. (should be less than 8' between the Posts)
Step 4

Count your posts of each type and length and write it down.
Count the spaces in between the posts and write that down also.
How many rails will you be using? 6' fence = 3 rails.
If its 3 rails then multiply rails times spaces between posts. and write it down.
How many Gates? What type? Make a sketch of the Gate and in the same way figure out your lumber needs for the gates. Start with your frame measurements, and then the number of Hinges, Latches, or special hardware.
Now take the total lenght of the fence and if you are using 6" wide Dog ears... then figure 2 dog ears per foot.
Once you know how many dog ears (round up by 20-30% due to lumber culling) Now you can multiply by 6 nails per Dog ear and you will know how many boxes of nails to order.
Step 5

If you are building a covered porch...
It is the same only you will be counting the rafters, support posts, number of huricane ties and sheets of corrigated tin roof. With all of that in mind ask the man at the counter of your HIC how many pounds of rubber grommeted screws to buy...
Step 6

Dont Get discouraged by the task of figuring out the Material list and the costs...
it is well worth the time and effort to sit down and draw it out and do the math.
Once you have a good materials list to work from you can call some materials suppliers and Fax the list to them and ask for a "Check out"
Be patient and they will be happy to round up the prices for you.
Be sure to check the different grades of lumber that they quote you so you know what they are selling you.
You dont want to pay #1 Grade prices for Stud Grade 2x4's...
You should specify the Lumber Grade requested in the list you send them for the Check out. The Grade you want depends on the project you are building and can greatly effect the price of materials.
Consider your needs and talk to a lumber specialist in the HIC... they can show you the different Grades and help you to make a better decision.