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. To cover 12 linear feet exactly, ceil(144 ÷ 5.75) = 26 boards (the last slot needs a full board to complete the run). 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, per AWPA Use Category guidelines.