Once you have decided to install a private fence on your property, you need to think about the style that best suits your specific needs. A six-foot-tall picket fence is the standard in many neighborhoods, and a common option recommended by homeowners associations. While calculating the amount of lumber you will need to build your fence, you also need to calculate the spacing between the fence boards.
Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1:
First off, you need to measure the distance between neighboring fence boards. Assuming that posts are spaced accurately and consistently, you can use the same dimensions for each section of your fence.
Step 2:
Add the width of the picket to the desired spacing dimension to figure out the unit width. For example, if your pickets are three and a half inches wide, and you want them spaced about two inches apart, the total width of the unit is five and a half inches.
Step 3:
Determine the number of pickets for each section. To do it, divide the post spacing by the unit width, then round up or down as desired to the nearest whole number.
Step 4:
Multiply the number of pickets by the picket width to measure the total area occupied by pickets. Then, to determine the total area remaining for spaces, subtract the picket area from the post spacing.
Step 5:
Divide the total area of spaces by the number of pickets plus one. The answer is the exact width of each space between fence boards. Finally, convert the decimal number of the answer to the nearest 16th dimension on your tape measure.
Gresham Roofing and Construction specializes in high-quality construction services in the Portland metro area. From fence installations to roof replacements, our skilled team has you covered. Call (503) 205-9477 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment or request a quote.
