Streamline Your Fencing Project with Our Calculator

The Maris House and Garden Fence Calculator is a detailed and user-friendly tool designed to provide precise estimates for all the materials you need for your fencing project. Whether you are installing a simple garden fence or a complex boundary fence, this calculator simplifies material estimation by considering various fence styles and component options.

Stop guessing at quantities! Input your fence dimensions and select your preferred materials, and our calculator will meticulously determine the quantities of fence boards, pickets, panels, posts, rails, gravel boards, and even the amount of postcrete required. Plan your fence project with confidence and accuracy using the Maris House and Garden Fence Calculator.

Your Guide to Using the Fence Material Calculator

Let's walk through how to use this calculator to figure out exactly what you need for your new fence! We'll go from top to bottom, just like you'll use the calculator.

Step 1: Choose Your Measurement System

• What to do: Decide if you're working in meters or feet. Most likely, you'll be using meters as the calculator is set up for metric measurements.

• Why it matters: This is the foundation! Make sure you're consistent with your measurements throughout the process. If you measure your garden in feet, convert it to meters for the calculator to work correctly.

Step 2: Pick Your Fence Style

• What to do: Select the type of fence you want from the "Fence type" dropdown menu. You'll see options like:

  • Closeboard: These fences are solid and offer good privacy.

  • Picket: These are classic, decorative fences with gaps between the boards.

  • Panel: These fences use pre-made panels for quick installation.

• Why it matters: The fence style determines the main materials you'll need (boards, pickets, or panels) and affects how other materials are calculated.

Step 3: Enter Your Fence Size

• What to do: Tell the calculator how big your fence will be:

  • Fence Length: Enter the total length of your fence line. Measure the distance where your fence will go and type that number into the "Fence length" box.

  • Fence Height: Enter how tall you want your fence to be in the "Fence height" box.

• Why it matters: These dimensions are the basis for all the calculations. Accurate measurements here are key to getting a correct material list.

Step 4: Material Types - Boards, Posts & Rails

• What to do: Choose the type of materials for the main parts of your fence.

  • Board Type: Select the type of boards you want to use for Closeboard fences.

  • Picket Type: If you chose Picket fence in Step 2, this will automatically switch to "Picket Type" so you can choose your pickets.

  • Panel Type: If you chose Panel fence in Step 2, this will automatically switch to "Panel Type" so you can select your fence panels.

  • Post Type: Choose the type of posts you prefer (e.g., timber, concrete).

  • Rail Type: Select the type of rails you'll use to support your fence boards or panels (usually timber).

• Important Note: Don't worry if you see "Board Type," "Picket Type," or "Panel Type" change depending on your fence style choice in Step 2! The calculator is just showing you the right options for your fence.

Step 5: Do You Need These Extras? - Gravel Boards, Gates, Postcrete

• What to do: Think about these optional but often essential items:

  • Gravel Boards: Tick the box if you want gravel boards at the bottom of your fence. These help protect the fence from ground moisture and rot.

  • Gates: Tick if you need a gate in your fence. You'll likely need to specify the number and size of gates separately later when ordering materials. This calculator will mainly account for the gate post in the material calculation if selected.

  • Postcrete: Tick if you'll be using Postcrete (ready-mix concrete) to set your fence posts. This is highly recommended for stability!

• Why it matters: These extras add to the longevity and functionality of your fence. Think about your garden and if you'll benefit from them.

Step 6: Confirm and Customize Material Measurements

• What to do: This section lets you fine-tune some important details that affect material quantities.

  • Post Spacing: You'll see a "Post Spacing" value, often set to a default like 1800mm. For most fences, this default spacing is fine.

    • Panel Fences: If you chose "Panel" fencing, the post spacing will likely automatically adjust to match the width of your chosen fence panels. This is important for panel fences to fit correctly between posts!

  • Number of Rails per Height: Decide how many horizontal rails you want to use for each section of fence height. The calculator needs this to work out how many rails you'll need in total. For taller fences, you might want more rails for extra support.

  • Postcrete per Post: Enter how many bags of Postcrete you'll use per fence post. Usually, one bag per post is sufficient, but for larger posts or unstable ground, you might use more.

• Why it matters: This step allows you to adjust for specific needs. The default values are a good starting point, but you can customize them if you have different requirements.

Step 7: See Your Results!

• What to do: Look at the "Results" section! The calculator will now show you a list of all the materials you'll likely need for your fence project, based on all the choices you made in the previous steps.

• Understanding the Results: The calculator uses logic to estimate quantities. For example:

  • It divides your total "Fence Length" by the "Post Spacing" to estimate the number of posts.

  • It calculates the number of boards or panels needed to fill the "Fence Length" at your chosen "Fence Height" and style.

  • It multiplies the number of posts by the "Postcrete per Post" to estimate Postcrete bags.

• Tip: Play around with the live calculator and change your inputs to see how the "Results" change. This is the best way to understand how it works!

Important Note: This calculator gives you an estimate. Always double-check your measurements, consider waste, and consult with a fencing expert or supplier to confirm your material list before making any purchases, especially for larger projects.

Important Notes:

• Detailed Estimate: This calculator provides a detailed estimate based on the comprehensive inputs you provide. However, it is still an estimate.

• Account for Waste: It is advisable to slightly increase your material orders (by 5-10%) to accommodate cuts, waste, and on-site adjustments during fence installation.

• Verify Local Codes: Always consult local building regulations and guidelines before starting your fence project to ensure your plans comply with all requirements.

• Seek Professional Advice: For complex projects or if you need specific guidance, consider consulting with a fencing professional for tailored advice and material confirmation.