Fence Quote Calculator

When to Use

• Reese asks to "quote a fence job" or "run a takeoff"
• Any mention of calculating fence materials, posts, pickets, concrete, or gates
• Pricing or estimating a fence project

Material Specifications

Post Types & Spacing

• Line posts, corner posts, end posts: 4x4 pressure treated
• Gate posts: 6x6 pressure treated (1 per single gate opening, 2 per double gate opening)
• Post spacing: 8 feet on center

Post Count Formula

1. Calculate total line sections: total_linear_feet / 8 (round up)
2. End posts = 2 per fence run (start and end of each continuous run)
3. Corner posts = 1 per corner
4. Line posts = total_sections - 1 - corner_posts (per run)
5. Gate posts: count based on gate config (see gates below)

Rails

• 3x 2x4x8 rails per 8-foot section
• 3x 2x4x8 per gate leaf (for gate framing)

Pickets (Wood Fence)

• Type: 1x6x6 dog ear pressure treated
• Coverage: 5.5 inches per picket (actual board width, no gap/waste factor)
• Per 8-foot section: 96 inches / 5.5 inches = 17.45 -> 18 pickets per section (round up)
• Total pickets: sections x 18

Concrete

• 4x4 posts: 60 lbs per post
• 6x6 posts: 80 lbs per post
• Aluminum posts: 60 lbs per post
• Vinyl posts: 80 lbs per post
• Bag size: 80 lb bags ONLY (Home Depot, 42 bags per pallet)
• Bags per 4x4: 60/80 = 0.75 -> round up to 1 bag per 4x4 post
• Bags per 6x6: 80/80 = 1 bag per 6x6 post

Gates

• Standard single gate: 5 feet wide opening (4 feet if specifically requested)
• Standard double gate: 10 feet wide opening (8 feet if specifically requested)
• Hardware per gate opening: 1 latch + 1 handle
• Hinges: 3 per gate leaf (single gate = 3 hinges, double gate = 6 hinges)
• Drop rod: 1 per double gate

Fence Types Supported

1. Wood (PT pine, dog ear pickets)
2. Tan Vinyl
3. White Vinyl
4. 5ft Aluminum
5. 4ft Aluminum

Output Format

When calculating a quote, present results as:

MATERIAL TAKEOFF - [Project Name/Address]
Fence Type: [type]
Total Linear Feet: [X]
Gate Config: [X single, X double]

POSTS
- 4x4 line/corner/end posts: [count]
- 6x6 gate posts: [count]

RAILS
- 2x4x8 (fence sections): [count]
- 2x4x8 (gate framing): [count]
- Total 2x4x8: [count]

PICKETS (wood only)
- 1x6x6 dog ear PT: [count]

CONCRETE
- 80lb bags: [count]
- Pallets (42/pallet): [count]

GATE HARDWARE
- Latches: [count]
- Handles: [count]
- Hinges: [count]
- Drop rods: [count]

Important Notes

• Always round up on pickets and posts. Short materials means a return trip.
• If Reese gives you a rough sketch or describes corners/gates, confirm the layout before running numbers.
• For vinyl and aluminum, post spacing and section widths may differ from wood. Ask Reese to confirm if specs differ from the 8' OC standard.
• Do NOT estimate labor costs in this skill. That's separate pricing.