To determine what materials you will need, first draw a fence layout (top view). Write down the outside measurement (OM) of each fence “run” from outer post to outer post. Make note of the ground condition, attachment points like concrete slabs, footing and walls wherever the posts will be mounted.
From our catalog, choose the fence panel style you wish to order. Find the section length on center (OC). Then determine the number of sections you will need by dividing the outside measurements (OM) of each run, minus one post width, by the section length OC. Repeat this for all runs. For example, let’s say the OM of a fence run is 70 feet, or 840 inches. If you choose a privacy style fence that is 95 inches OC, then your calculation is: 840″ (OM) – 5″ post size = 835″ total run on center 835″ / 95″ (section length OC) = 8.78 which rounds up to 9 sections
Once you’ve determined the number of fence sections, draw an “X” where each line post will go on each fence run. For end, corner and three-way posts, draw an “O” and make a list of these posts that you may need. Each corner takes a “corner post”, each end takes an “end post” and for applications where fencing comes in three sides of a post, you will need a “three-way post”.
For gates against houses, you may need a blank post. To attach a fence to a wall, where you do not want to or cannot attach the post to the ground (i.e. house footing is in the way), use an end post and anchor it to the wall using the route holes for access. Use large plates or washers around any anchors or bolts for weight distribution. If this is a post for a gate, you can use caps to close the route holes.
Count the number of gate openings needed. You can order pre-assembled gates or a gate kit. All gates can be customized on the job site. Caution: footings, large rocks, utility lines and soil conditions may affect the placement of the posts and change the size of the gate opening. It is safest to set posts first and customize gates on-site using a precise opening size.
