Wood Fence Calculator
Instantly estimate posts, rails, pickets, and concrete for a wood picket fence. Includes material cost range.
Wood Picket Fence Calculator
Wood Picket Fence Material Breakdown
A standard wood picket fence consists of four main components:
- 4×4 posts — Set in concrete, spaced 8 feet apart. Buy posts 2 feet longer than your fence height (a 4-ft fence needs 6-ft posts — 2 ft buried).
- 2×4 rails — 2 rails per bay for 3–4 ft fences, 3 rails for 5–6 ft fences. Standard length: 8 ft.
- 1×4 pickets — Dog-ear style (pointed top) is most common. Actual width is 3.5 inches; with 0.25-inch gap = 3.75 inches per picket.
- 80 lb concrete bags — 2 bags per post for a standard 8-inch diameter, 2-foot deep hole.
Wood Picket Fence Picket Count Table
Based on standard 3.5-inch pickets with 1/4-inch gaps (3.75 inches per picket):
| Fence Length | Pickets (no waste) | Pickets (+10% waste) |
|---|---|---|
| 50 ft | 160 | 176 |
| 75 ft | 240 | 264 |
| 100 ft | 320 | 352 |
| 150 ft | 480 | 528 |
| 200 ft | 640 | 704 |
| 300 ft | 960 | 1,056 |
Material Cost Per Item — Wood Picket Fence
Use these prices to build your own shopping list at a local lumber yard or home improvement store. Prices are US national averages as of 2026.
| Item | Size | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4×4 post | 8 ft | $10–$18 | Pressure-treated pine; use for 6-ft fence |
| 2×4 rail | 8 ft | $5–$9 | Pressure-treated; 2 per bay for 4-ft fence, 3 for 6-ft |
| 1×4 picket (dog-ear) | 4 ft | $2–$4 | Pine; 3.5-inch actual width |
| 1×4 picket (dog-ear) | 6 ft | $3–$6 | Pine; most common for 6-ft fences |
| Concrete (80 lb bag) | — | $7–$10 | Quikrete fast-setting; 2 bags per post |
| Post cap (flat) | 4×4 | $1–$3 | Protects post top from water damage |
| Deck screws (lb) | 2.5 inch | $8–$12/lb | ~1 lb per 20 linear feet of fence |
Wood Types for Picket Fences
| Wood Type | Cost/picket | Lifespan | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine | $2–$4 | 15–20 yrs | Cheapest, rot-resistant | Greenish tint, chemical treatment |
| Cedar | $4–$8 | 20–30 yrs | Naturally rot-resistant, beautiful | Higher cost |
| Redwood | $6–$12 | 25–35 yrs | Most beautiful, very durable | Expensive, limited availability |
| Spruce / Fir | $1.50–$3 | 8–12 yrs | Cheapest upfront | Not rot-resistant, needs paint |
Standard Picket Fence Heights and Uses
| Height | Best Uses |
|---|---|
| 3 ft | Decorative garden borders, low property division |
| 4 ft | Most common height — front yards, small dog containment |
| 5 ft | Moderate privacy, medium dog containment |
| 6 ft | Maximum picket height — privacy, large dog containment |
How to Paint or Stain a Wood Picket Fence
Keeping your wood fence painted or stained is the single most important maintenance task. See our wood fence staining cost guide — staining costs $1.50–$3/ft DIY.
- Paint vs. stain: Paint lasts 5–7 years; stain lasts 2–4 years but is easier to apply and touch up.
- Prime first: Use an oil-based primer for best adhesion, especially on new pressure-treated wood.
- Use a sprayer: A paint sprayer covers a picket fence 3–4× faster than a brush. Mask nearby plants.
- Recoat schedule: Every 2–3 years minimum. Check annually for peeling or gray wood.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pickets do I need for a 100-foot wood fence?
A 100-foot wood picket fence using standard 3.5-inch pickets with 1/4-inch gaps needs 320 pickets before waste. With a 10% waste allowance, order 352 pickets.
How many 2×4 rails do I need for a picket fence?
A 4-foot wood picket fence uses 2 rails per bay (top and bottom). For a 100-foot fence with 8-foot post spacing, you have 12 bays, so you need 24 rails each 8 feet long.
What size posts for a wood picket fence?
Standard wood picket fences use 4×4 posts. Buy posts that are 2 feet longer than the fence height — for a 4-foot fence, use 6-foot posts (2 feet buried). Set them in 80 lb bags of concrete.
How long does a wood picket fence last?
Pressure-treated pine picket fences last 15–20 years with regular maintenance. Cedar lasts 20–30 years. The key is painting or staining every 2–3 years and keeping the base clear of soil contact.
How far apart should pickets be spaced?
Standard gap between pickets is 1/4 inch (0.25 inches). This allows for wood expansion in humid weather. Some styles use wider gaps of 1–2 inches for a more open look. Our calculator uses the standard 1/4-inch gap.
What is the cheapest wood for a picket fence?
Pressure-treated spruce or pine is the cheapest option at $1.50–$4 per picket. Cedar costs more ($4–$8) but resists rot naturally. For most homeowners, pressure-treated pine offers the best value.