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Privacy Fence Calculator Guide
A privacy fence uses solid boards with no gaps, so it needs far more lumber than a picket fence of the same length. This privacy fence calculator counts boards, posts, and rails for solid, board-on-board, and shadowbox styles.
Boards = fence length in inches ÷ effective coverage per board. Coverage is the board width minus any overlap — so overlap styles need more boards for the same fence.
How Many Boards for a Privacy Fence?
A 100-foot solid fence with 5.5-inch boards needs about 219 boards. Switch to board-on-board with a 1-inch overlap and coverage drops to 4.5 inches per board, pushing the count to about 267 — roughly 22% more lumber.
Why Overlap Matters
Wood shrinks as it dries. A fence built with boards butted tight will develop visible gaps within a season or two, which defeats the purpose of a privacy fence. Board-on-board overlaps each board over its neighbour so gaps never open up. Shadowbox alternates boards on both sides of the rails, giving privacy from straight on while letting wind pass through — a good choice in exposed, windy yards.
Height and Posts
Six feet is the standard privacy height and what most codes allow without a permit. Taller fences catch more wind, so they need posts set deeper and rails at three per section minimum. Always check your local height limit before building — many areas cap fences at 6 feet in back yards and 4 feet in front.
These are estimates for planning and budgeting. Always confirm quantities against your actual site measurements and check local building codes and permit requirements before you buy or build.
Related: Wood Fence Calculator, Vinyl Fence Calculator, and Fence Post Depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many boards do I need for a privacy fence?
Divide the fence length in inches by each board's effective coverage. A 100-foot solid fence with 5.5-inch boards needs about 219 boards.
What is board-on-board fencing?
It overlaps each board slightly over its neighbour so no gaps appear as the wood dries and shrinks, at the cost of roughly 20% more lumber.
How tall should a privacy fence be?
Six feet is the standard and what most local codes allow without a permit; always check your local height limit before building.
What is a shadowbox fence?
It alternates boards on opposite sides of the rails, giving privacy from straight on while letting wind pass through, which suits exposed yards.
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