modbender Fence Quote Calculator
When to Use
- Reese asks to "quote a fence job" or "run a takeoff"
- Any mention of calculating fence materials, posts, pickets, concrete, or gates
- Pricing or estimating a fence project
Material Specifications
Post Types & Spacing
- Line posts, corner posts, end posts: 4x4 pressure treated
- Gate posts: 6x6 pressure treated (1 per single gate opening, 2 per double gate opening)
- Post spacing: 8 feet on center
Post Count Formula
- Calculate total line sections:
total_linear_feet / 8(round up) - End posts = 2 per fence run (start and end of each continuous run)
- Corner posts = 1 per corner
- Line posts = total_sections - 1 - corner_posts (per run)
- Gate posts: count based on gate config (see gates below)
Rails
- 3x 2x4x8 rails per 8-foot section
- 3x 2x4x8 per gate leaf (for gate framing)
Pickets (Wood Fence)
- Type: 1x6x6 dog ear pressure treated
- Coverage: 5.5 inches per picket (actual board width, no gap/waste factor)
- Per 8-foot section:
96 inches / 5.5 inches = 17.45-> 18 pickets per section (round up) - Total pickets: sections x 18
Concrete
- 4x4 posts: 60 lbs per post
- 6x6 posts: 80 lbs per post
- Aluminum posts: 60 lbs per post
- Vinyl posts: 80 lbs per post
- Bag size: 80 lb bags ONLY (Home Depot, 42 bags per pallet)
- Bags per 4x4:
60/80 = 0.75-> round up to 1 bag per 4x4 post - Bags per 6x6:
80/80= 1 bag per 6x6 post
Gates
- Standard single gate: 5 feet wide opening (4 feet if specifically requested)
- Standard double gate: 10 feet wide opening (8 feet if specifically requested)
- Hardware per gate opening: 1 latch + 1 handle
- Hinges: 3 per gate leaf (single gate = 3 hinges, double gate = 6 hinges)
- Drop rod: 1 per double gate
Fence Types Supported
- Wood (PT pine, dog ear pickets)
- Tan Vinyl
- White Vinyl
- 5ft Aluminum
- 4ft Aluminum
Output Format
When calculating a quote, present results as:
MATERIAL TAKEOFF - [Project Name/Address]
Fence Type: [type]
Total Linear Feet: [X]
Gate Config: [X single, X double]
POSTS
- 4x4 line/corner/end posts: [count]
- 6x6 gate posts: [count]
RAILS
- 2x4x8 (fence sections): [count]
- 2x4x8 (gate framing): [count]
- Total 2x4x8: [count]
PICKETS (wood only)
- 1x6x6 dog ear PT: [count]
CONCRETE
- 80lb bags: [count]
- Pallets (42/pallet): [count]
GATE HARDWARE
- Latches: [count]
- Handles: [count]
- Hinges: [count]
- Drop rods: [count]
Important Notes
- Always round up on pickets and posts. Short materials means a return trip.
- If Reese gives you a rough sketch or describes corners/gates, confirm the layout before running numbers.
- For vinyl and aluminum, post spacing and section widths may differ from wood. Ask Reese to confirm if specs differ from the 8' OC standard.
- Do NOT estimate labor costs in this skill. That's separate pricing.