Privacy Fence Calculator

A privacy fence uses boards with no gap (or a very small gap of 0.25 inches or less) to block sightlines completely. A picket fence has wider gaps (1–3 inches) and is primarily decorative. Privacy fences are typically 6–8 ft tall; picket fences are 3–4 ft tall.

Using standard 1×6 boards (actual width 5.5 inches) with a 0.25-inch gap, the module is 5.75 inches. That gives approximately 2.09 boards per linear foot, or 25 boards per 12 linear feet. The calculator will compute the exact count for your fence length.

Yes — 1×6 boards (5.5 in actual width) are common for privacy fences and cover more area per board, reducing the count. 1×4 boards give a tighter look with more boards. Select the board width in the calculator to get the correct count for either size.

A 6-ft privacy fence should use 3 horizontal rails per section (top, middle, and bottom) to prevent boards from warping or bowing. A 4-ft fence can get by with 2 rails. An 8-ft privacy fence should use 4 rails.

Pressure-treated pine is the most economical and rot-resistant option for posts and rails that contact or are near soil. Cedar is naturally rot-resistant and a popular choice for boards/pickets without the chemical treatment. Redwood is premium but expensive. All ground-contact posts should be rated UC4B or higher for ground contact.