Privacy Fence Calculator: Boards, Posts & Cost
A privacy fence is usually 6 feet tall with no gaps between boards, built from wood or vinyl. Six feet is tall enough to block the view for most adults and is the most common back-yard height limit in residential zoning.
Quick Calculator
Posts
22
Concrete
44
Pickets
480
Rails
57
Est. Cost
$2,250–$3,750
Standard vs board-on-board
A standard privacy fence butts boards side by side, leaving small gaps as the wood shrinks. Board-on-board overlaps boards on alternating sides, so you need about 40–50% more pickets but get no see-through gaps.
Wood vs vinyl
Wood costs about $15–$25 per foot in materials and needs stain every few years. Vinyl costs about $20–$35 per foot, never needs paint, and usually lasts longer.
Plan for wind
Solid fences act like a sail. Set posts 30 or more inches deep in concrete and use 6×6 posts at gates and ends.
Example: 150 Feet of Wood Privacy
A typical privacy fence of 150 feet using wood privacy fencing needs about 22 posts (including one gate) and 44 bags of concrete, with materials around $2,250–$3,750. Change the length and type in the calculator above to match your project.
Materials List – 150 ft of Wood Privacy
| Material | Qty | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fence Posts (4×4×8 ft) | 22 | $330 |
| Concrete Mix (60 lb bags) | 44 | $264 |
| Rails (2×4×8 ft) | 57 | $399 |
| Pickets | 480 | $1,920 |
| Total Estimated Materials | $2,250 – $3,750 |
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