How to Plan a Wood Fence: Posts, Pickets & Concrete
A wood fence is a straightforward build once you break it into posts, rails, and pickets. This guide covers layout, spacing, and the concrete you need to set every post.
Ready to run the numbers? Use our Fence Calculator or the Fence Post Calculator to get an instant material estimate.
1. Lay out the line and check rules
String a line between the end points and mark post locations with stakes. Confirm property lines, setback rules, and any HOA or permit requirements before you dig. Call 811 to mark underground utilities — it is free and required in most areas.
2. Count posts and set spacing
Standard post spacing is 8 ft center-to-center; drop to 6 ft in high-wind areas or for 8 ft tall fences. Posts equal the number of sections plus one, plus an extra post at each corner, end, and gate.
Source: Sections = length ÷ spacing; posts = sections + 1. Add posts for corners, ends, and gates.
A 100 ft fence at 8 ft spacing: 100 ÷ 8 = 12.5 → 13 sections → 14 posts for a straight run. Add 2 posts for a gate and 1 for each corner.
3. Figure rails and pickets
Rails run horizontally between posts: two rails for fences up to 5 ft, three rails for 6 ft and taller. Picket count depends on picket width plus the gap between pickets.
Source: Total length in inches ÷ (picket width + gap). Use 0 gap for butted privacy, 0.5 in for spaced pickets.
A 50 ft fence with 5.5 in pickets and 0.5 in gaps: (50 × 12) ÷ 6 = 100 pickets. Three rails × 7 sections = 21 rails.
4. Concrete for setting posts
Dig each hole about 3× the post width and 1/3 the post height deep, plus 6 in of gravel for drainage. A 4×4 post in an 8 in × 24 in hole needs about two 80-lb bags of fast-setting concrete. Use the Post Hole Concrete Calculator to total bags for the whole fence line.
- 8 in hole for a 4×4 post; 12 in for a 6×6 gate post.
- About two 80-lb bags of concrete per standard post.
- Slope the concrete away from the post so water runs off.
- Let concrete cure 24–48 hours before attaching rails.
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should fence posts be?
8 ft center-to-center is standard for most wood fences. Use 6 ft spacing in high-wind areas or for 8 ft tall fences so the rails stay stiff.
How deep should a fence post hole be?
About 1/3 the post height plus 6 in of gravel. A 6 ft fence post typically needs a 24 in deep hole. Make the hole 3× the post width — 8 in for a 4×4.
How much concrete do I need per fence post?
A 4×4 post in an 8 in × 24 in hole needs about 0.7 ft³, or two 80-lb bags of concrete. Use three bags for 6 ft fences or loose, sandy soil.
Calculators for this guide
Put these numbers to work with the free calculators referenced above.