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FAQ
Quick answer: This hub groups the most common fence questions: how much fence you need, how much it costs, how deep and far apart posts go, how much stain to buy, and which material to choose. Each answer is short and links to a full guide or calculator. All answers are planning information; confirm rules locally.
Guides
How much fence do I need?
Measure each straight run of your planned line and add them, then count corners, ends and gates. Guide: how to measure a fence line. Calculator: fence calculator.
How much fence for 1 acre? For 5 acres? For half an acre?
For a square: about 835 ft for 1 acre, 1,867 ft for 5 acres and 590 ft for half an acre. Rectangles need more. Use the acreage fence calculator and read the farm fence guide.
How much does a fence cost?
It depends on length, material, height, gates, labour and region. We don't print averages; enter your local prices in the fence cost calculator. Guides: fence cost per foot, wood fence cost, fence cost in Canada.
How much of a fence post should be in the ground?
A rule of thumb is one third to one half of above-ground height; frost and local rules may require more. Guide: how deep fence posts. Calculator: fence post calculator.
How far apart should fence posts be?
Wood privacy fences commonly use 6–8 ft on centre; chain-link line posts about 10 ft; farm fences vary. Guide: fence post spacing.
How many pickets do I need?
Length in inches ÷ (picket width + gap), or ÷ (width − overlap) for board-on-board. Calculator: fence picket calculator. Guide: board-on-board fence.
How many bags of concrete per post?
Hole volume minus post volume, divided by bag yield. For a 10 in hole 36 in deep with a 4x4 post, about 1.4 cu ft, roughly two to three 80 lb bags depending on yield. Calculator: fence concrete calculator.
How much fence stain do I need?
Length × height × sides × coats, divided by the coverage on the can, plus extra for rough wood. Calculator: fence stain calculator. Guide: fence stain guide.
How tall can my privacy fence be?
Set by your local bylaw and sometimes HOA. Many backyard limits are around 6 ft and front yards lower, but check. Guide: privacy fence height.
Do I need a permit?
Depends on your municipality. Also confirm property lines and request utility locates. Guide: permits and property lines.
Vinyl or wood? Chain link or wood?
See vinyl vs wood, chain link vs wood and the compare hub.
Should I build it myself?
See DIY vs hire and fence tools.
How do I fix a leaning post?
See fence post repair.
How many chain-link rolls?
Length ÷ roll length. Calculator: chain link fence calculator.
Worked example
Figures below are illustrative examples (2026-10-29), not quotes or guarantees.
Assumptions: a homeowner with a 0.5 acre square lot wants to fence the whole perimeter in 4 ft chain link with 50 ft rolls, one gate and four corners. Perimeter about 590 ft; 12 rolls; about 58 line posts and 6 terminal posts including two gate posts. Then 6 ft privacy along one 148 ft side would be a separate wood run: 19 sections, 20 posts, 326 pickets with 10% waste. These are geometry results with invented choices.
How our calculators work
They use simple geometry and arithmetic with values you enter. They are not engineering tools, and they do not know local codes, soil or frost. Results are planning estimates.
Still have a question?
Email hello@charlandandco.com. We can't give site-specific legal, survey or engineering advice.
More questions people ask
How long does a fence installation take?
A typical backyard wood fence takes a professional crew a few days, sometimes longer if concrete needs to cure before panels go on. DIY often takes one to two weekends. Weather, soil and permits can extend timelines.
Do I need my neighbour's permission?
If the fence is entirely on your property, permission is often not legally required, though local rules vary and courtesy matters. If the fence is on the shared line or you want to share costs, talk first and put agreements in writing. See fence permits and property lines.
Can I install a fence in winter?
In some areas, yes, but frozen ground makes digging hard and concrete needs protection from freezing while curing. Many installers in cold regions work into the shoulder seasons. Ask them about cold-weather practices.
What is the best fence for dogs?
It depends on the dog. Jumpers need height; diggers need a barrier at the bottom; chewers need metal. Chain link and solid wood are both common. Make sure gates latch securely and that gaps at the bottom are small.
Which side of the fence faces out?
Many bylaws or customs suggest the finished side faces the neighbour or the street, though this varies. Check local rules and talk with neighbours. A board-on-board or shadowbox design looks finished on both sides.
How do I estimate a fence on a slope?
Measure along the ground, decide between stepped or racked panels, and add extra material for stepped bottoms. Our how to measure a fence line guide shows the method.
Can I use these calculators for a commercial project?
They are designed for residential estimates. Commercial and industrial fences have different specifications; consult a professional.
Do the calculators save my data?
No. They run in your browser and nothing you type is sent to us.