How to Figure Fence Posts for Fence Length
Not only do fences add privacy and security to a yard, they add a decorative look to the area as well. You can install the "pickets" or vertical boards close together, alternate the placement on the rail or use a staggered pattern. Regardless of how you plan to install the pickets on your fence, you'll need to position the fence posts in the correct spots to support the "rails" or horizontal boards to ensure the fence doesn't sag. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Measure the perimeter of the area where you want to install the fence. Take measurements for each side, or "line," of the fence.
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Plan to position a post about every 8 feet. Since most lumber comes in either 8- or 16-foot lengths, using 8- foot lengths reduces waste. Further, any spaces longer than 8 feet risk sagging. For example, for a fence length of 48 feet, you'll need five line posts and two end posts.
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Account for quality end posts, where two sides of the fence meet, and for gates in the fence, which require an end post on either side. End posts are slightly thicker than the posts used in middle portions of the fence.
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Choose posts long enough to sit about a third of the way into the ground when installed. Fence posts don't normally reach the top line of the fence.
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Tips & Warnings
It's fine to space the posts closer together. For example, if your side works better with a 6-foot spacing, consider using 12-foot rails instead. For example, you likely won't position each post at exactly 8 feet; you may need to adjust the calculations to every 7.75 feet apart. Try to position any shorter sections of the fence railings in the farthest corner of the yard, where it won't be as noticeable.
Consider using a lumber calculator for your fence needs. Plug in the length of the fences, your desired post placement and the number and width of desired gates. The program will calculate how much of each fence product you'll need for each line of fence and give you a total for easier ordering.
References
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