Garden Fence Calculator: Keep Rabbits & Critters Out
The right garden fence depends on what you are keeping out. Rabbits need a low fence with small mesh buried at the base. Groundhogs need a taller fence with a floppy top. Deer need 7 to 8 feet. Pick the pest first, then the materials.
Quick Calculator
Posts
13
Concrete
26
Pickets
160
Rails
20
Est. Cost
$800–$1,440
Rabbit-proofing
Use 1-inch chicken wire or 1/2-inch hardware cloth at least 24 inches tall, with the bottom 6 inches bent outward and buried. You can attach it to the inside of a decorative picket or split rail fence so the garden still looks finished.
Raised-bed gardens
For a set of raised beds, measure around the whole bed area plus a 3-foot walkway, not each bed. A 20×30 ft garden needs 100 feet of fence and one 3- to 4-foot gate wide enough for a wheelbarrow.
Keep it simple
A garden fence does not need concrete footings for every post. In firm soil, tamped gravel or driven metal stakes for short mesh fences can save money. Use concrete at corners and gate posts, where the load is highest.
Example: 80 Feet of Picket
A typical garden fence of 80 feet using picket fencing needs about 13 posts (including one gate) and 26 bags of concrete, with materials around $800–$1,440. Change the length and type in the calculator above to match your project.
Materials List – 80 ft of Picket
| Material | Qty | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fence Posts (4×4×5.5 ft) | 13 | $195 |
| Concrete Mix (60 lb bags) | 26 | $156 |
| Rails (2×4×8 ft) | 20 | $140 |
| Pickets | 160 | $640 |
| Total Estimated Materials | $800 – $1,440 |
Other Fence Projects
Recommended Materials
Pressure-Treated Fence Post 4×4×8
Ground-contact rated, ideal for all fence types.
$12 – $18
Cedar Dog-Ear Picket 1×6×6
Naturally rot-resistant, smooth on one side.
$3 – $6
Quikrete 60 lb Fast-Setting Concrete
Sets in 20-40 minutes. No mixing required.
$5 – $7
Post Hole Digger – Fiberglass Handle
Heavy-duty clamshell digger for clean holes.
$35 – $55
Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Bracket
Galvanized L-bracket for rail-to-post connections.
$4 – $8
Decorative Post Cap 4×4
Copper-top cap, fits standard 4×4 posts.
$5 – $12