A small wood fence is a useful project once the property line, underground services, and local requirements are clear. Measure the actual run, decide post and gate locations, then build a shopping list. Post size, spacing, hole dimensions, and concrete needs depend on the selected design and conditions.
IS THIS A GOOD FIT FOR YOU?
Some Experience
1Easy DIY
2Some Experience — this project
3Advanced DIY
4Hire a Pro
Why this rating: Straight layout and repeated post measurements are learnable, but digging and gates add work.
Applies to: A small conventional fence on a verified line.
Get help when: Stop for utility conflicts, retaining loads, pool barriers, complex slopes, or uncertain property boundaries.
A planning guide, not a safety certification. Conditions at your home can change the difficulty. Ratings are independent of contractor relationships.
TimeA weekend or two
Cost$$ (varies by length & material)
PermitsOften required
Permits & safety: Confirm boundaries, setbacks, height limits, permits, and any HOA rules. Contact 811 and follow your state’s waiting and response requirements before digging; private lines may need a separate locate.
Plan the whole project as you go. Add each calculator result to a named project, then edit quantities and supplier prices, check off purchases and stages, and export CSV, print/PDF, or JSON.
1Confirm the line and gate locations
Verify the boundary rather than relying on the old fence. Select a fence design suitable for wind, slope, and gate loads; confirm any required permit or approval.
2Locate utilities and plan post holes
Contact 811, wait for all required responses, and follow state digging rules. Check private lines separately. Specify hole depth and width from the accepted design and local soil/frost requirements; do not guess from fence height alone.
Concrete bags
21 bags
Posts
1010" holes, 24" deep
Concrete per hole
0.92 cu fthole minus the post
60-lb bags
21 bagsor 16 × 80-lb bags
Cost (est.)
$116~$5.50/60-lb bag
Planning estimate. Adjust allowances and sample prices for your supplier; tax, delivery, and labor are not included.
3Set and align posts
Use the selected post-setting system and concrete instructions, check plumb and alignment, brace securely, and allow curing before loading posts. Hole dimensions determine concrete volume; a fixed number of bags per post is not reliable.
4Install rails, pickets, and gates
Follow the selected design and fastener requirements. Measure repeated spacing and ground clearance consistently. Use hardware and bracing sized for the gate; recheck operation before finishing.
Fence posts
14 posts
Fence sections
138' between posts
Posts
144×4×8 pressure-treated
Rails
393 per section
Pickets
2195.5"-wide boards
Post-hole concrete
28 bags~2 × 60-lb bags per post
Material cost (est.)
$1,174lumber + concrete, excl. gates & hardware
Planning estimate. Adjust allowances and sample prices for your supplier; tax, delivery, and labor are not included.
5Prepare and finish
Follow the wood and coating instructions for surface preparation, dryness, and weather. Account for both faces if coating them and check product coverage.
Stain to buy
2 gal
Deck area
192 sq ft
Stain (2 coats)
1.5 gallonsbuy 2 gal
Coverage
250 sq ft / gallonper coat on bare decking
Stain cost (est.)
$70~$35/gal
Planning estimate. Adjust allowances and sample prices for your supplier; tax, delivery, and labor are not included.
