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Garden Fence Calculator — Materials, Posts & Cost

Plan your garden fence with exact material counts and costs

Total Linear Feet

100

Posts

19

Panels/Rolls

13

Est. Cost

$1,530

Total Fence Line

100

linear feet

Posts

19

Rails

26

Estimated Material Cost$1,530

Wood Picket at $15/ft

Materials List

Fence Posts19 posts
Rails (2 per section)26 rails
Panels13
Gate Hardware Sets1

Cost Breakdown

Fence Materials$1,455
Gate Hardware$75

Wood Picket Details

Lifespan15–20 years
MaintenanceStain every 2–3 years
Cost Per Foot$15

Deer Protection

Deer can jump 8 ft. For deer-proof fencing, build at least 8 ft tall or use a double-fence system with 4–5 ft spacing.

Example Calculations

130×20 ft Garden with Wood Picket Fence

Inputs

Perimeter ModeRectangular
Length30 ft
Width20 ft
Fence TypeWood Picket
Height4 ft
Gates1 gate, 3 ft wide

Result

Total Fence Line100 linear ft
Posts19
Rails36
Panels13
Material Cost$1,530

Perimeter = 2(30+20) = 100 ft. Fence run = 100 - 3 (gate) = 97 ft. Posts = ceil(97/8) + 4 corners + 2 gate = 19. Rails = 18 × 2 = 36. Panels = ceil(97/8) = 13. Cost = 97 × $15 + $75 gate = $1,530.

220×20 ft Garden with Chicken Wire

Inputs

Perimeter ModeRectangular
Length20 ft
Width20 ft
Fence TypeChicken Wire
Height4 ft
Gates1 gate, 3 ft wide

Result

Total Fence Line80 linear ft
Posts16
Rails30
Wire Rolls2
Material Cost$306

Perimeter = 2(20+20) = 80 ft. Fence run = 80 - 3 = 77 ft. Posts = ceil(77/8) + 4 + 2 = 16. Rails = 15 × 2 = 30. Rolls = ceil(77/50) = 2. Cost = 77 × $3 + $75 = $306.

350×30 ft Garden with Vinyl Fence

Inputs

Perimeter ModeRectangular
Length50 ft
Width30 ft
Fence TypeVinyl
Height6 ft
Gates2 gates, 3 ft wide

Result

Total Fence Line160 linear ft
Posts27
Rails78
Panels20
Material Cost$3,538

Perimeter = 2(50+30) = 160 ft. Fence run = 160 - 6 = 154 ft. Posts = ceil(154/8) + 4 + 4 = 27. Rails = 26 × 3 = 78. Panels = ceil(154/8) = 20. Cost = 154 × $22 + $150 = $3,538.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How many fence posts do I need for my garden?

Fence posts are typically spaced every 8 feet, plus corner and gate posts. For a 30×20 ft rectangular garden (100 linear ft perimeter), you need about 17 posts: 13 line posts, 4 corner posts. Add 2 posts per gate opening.

  • 100 linear ft perimeter: ~13 line posts + 4 corners = 17 total posts
  • Post spacing: 8 ft is standard for wood; 10 ft for wire/mesh fencing
  • Corner posts must be larger (4×4 vs 4×4) and set deeper for stability
  • Gate posts need extra reinforcement — use 6×6 posts for wide gates
  • Always buy 1–2 extra posts for breakage during installation
Garden SizePerimeterPosts (8 ft spacing)Approx. Cost
10×10 ft40 ft9 posts$135–$600
20×20 ft80 ft14 posts$240–$1,200
30×20 ft100 ft17 posts$300–$1,500
50×30 ft160 ft24 posts$480–$2,400
Q

What type of garden fence is best for keeping deer out?

Deer can jump up to 8 feet, so a deer-proof fence must be at least 8 ft tall. Wire mesh or polypropylene deer netting at 8 ft height is the most cost-effective option at $3–8 per linear foot. A double-fence system with 4–5 ft spacing also works with shorter fences.

  • Single fence: must be at least 8 ft tall for deer exclusion
  • Double fence: two 4–5 ft fences spaced 4–5 ft apart confuse deer depth perception
  • Wire mesh at 8 ft: $3–8/ft installed — most affordable deer fence option
  • Electric fence: $2–5/ft but requires maintenance and power source
  • Solid wood fences work but cost 3–4× more than wire mesh at 8 ft height
Q

How deep should fence posts be set?

Fence posts should be buried 1/3 of their total length. For a 4 ft fence using 6 ft posts, set them 2 ft deep. For a 6 ft fence using 9 ft posts, set them 3 ft deep. Always set below the frost line in cold climates and use concrete for stability.

  • Rule of thumb: bury 1/3 of total post length underground
  • 4 ft fence: 6 ft posts, 2 ft in ground (minimum 24" depth)
  • 6 ft fence: 9 ft posts, 3 ft in ground (minimum 36" depth)
  • Use quick-set concrete: 1–2 bags per post depending on hole size
  • In frost-prone areas, dig below the frost line (24–48" in northern US)
Q

Which fence material lasts longest for a garden?

Vinyl fencing lasts 25–30 years with virtually no maintenance, making it the longest-lasting option. Cedar wood lasts 15–20 years with regular staining. Chain link and welded wire last 20–25 years. Chicken wire is the shortest at 5–10 years.

  • Vinyl: 25–30 years, no painting/staining, highest upfront cost ($22/ft)
  • Cedar picket: 15–20 years with staining every 2–3 years ($15/ft)
  • Welded wire mesh: 20–25 years, galvanized coating resists rust ($8/ft)
  • Split rail: 20–25 years, rustic appearance, stain every 3–5 years ($12/ft)
  • Chicken wire: 5–10 years, cheapest option ($3/ft) but rusts quickly
MaterialLifespanCost/ftMaintenance
Vinyl25–30 yrs$22Annual hose-down
Wood Picket15–20 yrs$15Stain every 2–3 yrs
Wire Mesh20–25 yrs$8Check for rust
Chicken Wire5–10 yrs$3Replace when rusted

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Last Updated: Mar 11, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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