Fencing & Decking
posts · rails · boardsFence Posts & Rails
Estimate posts, rails, and concrete footing bags for a fence run, based on total length and post spacing.
Deck Boards
Estimate deck boards needed for a given deck area, board width, and gap spacing, with a waste factor for cuts.
Planning a Fencing or Decking Project
Fences and decks share a common building block — evenly spaced structural members (posts or joists) supporting a surface layer (rails or deck boards) — which is why they're grouped together here even though they're different projects. Both calculators use spacing-based math to convert a total run length into a material count.
How These Calculators Work Together
The Fence Post & Rail calculator estimates posts, horizontal rails, and the concrete needed for post footings, all from your total fence length and post spacing. The Deck Board calculator uses a similar spacing approach but works across the deck's width, converting board width and gap spacing into a board count.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a typical post spacing for a fence?
8 feet on-center is a common standard for wood fence panels, though pre-made panel systems often come in fixed widths that determine spacing for you. Confirm against your specific fencing material before finalizing your post layout.
Do these calculators account for stairs or railings?
No — the Deck Board calculator estimates decking surface material only. Stairs, railings, and structural framing (joists, beams, footings) beneath the deck surface need to be planned and estimated separately.