How Many Screws or Nails Do I Need for a Fence?
Plan on 2 fasteners per picket at every rail. On a 6-foot privacy fence with 3 rails, that is 6 screws per picket. With about 320 pickets per 100 feet (1×4 boards), you need roughly 1,920 screws for the pickets alone, plus a few more for attaching rails to posts.
Quick Calculator
Posts
16
Concrete
32
Pickets
320
Rails
39
Est. Cost
$1,500–$2,500
Detailed Answer
Pickets: 2 fasteners per rail × rails per section. - 2-rail fence: 4 per picket - 3-rail fence: 6 per picket
Per 100 ft of 6 ft privacy fence (1×4 pickets): about 320 pickets × 6 = 1,920 screws. With 1×6 pickets: about 209 pickets × 6 = about 1,250 screws.
Rails to posts: 2–3 screws per rail end, or one galvanized bracket with its screws. 39 rails × 2 ends × 3 screws ≈ 234 screws per 100 ft.
Use exterior-rated screws (coated or stainless) about 1-5/8 to 2 inches long for pickets and 3 inches for rails. Buy by count rather than by pound. Screw counts per pound vary a lot by size and brand, so check the box.
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