Fencing your property is one way to secure it while enhancing your privacy as a homeowner. However, the installation of a fence is a crucial step toward enjoying these two major benefits. If you are planning to put up a fence on your property, one crucial step is figuring out how many panels you need.
The right number of panels can save you time and money, which also prevents the frustrations that come with getting expensive surplus panels and mid-project materials. The question that many people ask us at DFW Fence Contractor is how to calculate fence panels.
This blog explores all you need to know about fencing needs, how to measure your property, and how to calculate the number of required panels.
Step 1: Measure Your Property
Before you can settle on the right number of fence panels for your fencing project, you should accurately measure your property. The precise dimensions of the fencing area are the surest way to know the number of fence panels needed to complete your fencing project.
Here are a few tips to consider when taking the correct measurement of your property before you can calculate the number of panels needed for fencing.
- Confirm Your Property Lines: Often, property lines are a major source of conflicts among neighbors. Before you start fencing, be sure to get the correct boundary for your property. Find a map of the property, or contact the local county building department for guidance.
- Obtain Permits and Look Up Your Local Codes: While at the building department, you should also discuss the permits and code requirements you should adhere to before you can put up a fence.
- Locate and Mark Underground Utilities: Mark underground utilities, like water lines, electrical wires, and gas lines, in advance before you start erecting a fence around your property. These locations will show you where you can safely dig the holes for the fence posts.
- Measure the Property Perimeter: Use a measuring tape or a measuring wheel to measure the perimeter of your property.
- Take Note of Slopes and Uneven Terrain: If there are any bumps or uneven terrain on your property, you should make plans to level these areas before you start your fencing project.
Step 2: Calculate the Number of Fence Panels You Require
Given that this is the most critical step in the fencing project, there are several aspects that you need to adhere to beforehand:
Be Sure of the Panel Sizes
Luckily, fence panels have standardized sizes, and they are typically 6 to 8 feet wide. You can then decide on the width of your chosen panels, which is important in helping you make accurate calculations.
Use a Fence Calculator Formula
The fence calculator formula takes the total linear feet divided by the width of the fence panel to get the total number of panels for a given property (Total Number of Panels = Total Linear Feet ÷ Panel Width).
Make Extra Considerations for Corners and Gates
The fence calculator formula is a good start to getting the current number of fence panels for your property. However, you will need to consider the gates and corners. Gates interrupt the lining of each panel, and you must deduct the width of the gate from the total linear footage and see if you need additional panels or even specialized panels. Make adjustments accordingly to ensure that the space occupied by the gate is catered for in the calculation.
Corners will also require extra fence posts or even brackets. However, corners are not like gates, and they do not affect the calculation of linear footage. You need to consider corners so that you can plan for a suitable design and know how to use corner connectors.
Why You Should Work With a Professional
Many of the tips provided here seemingly suggest that a fencing project is a completely DIY project, but you can get better results when you hire a professional. Many homeowners have admitted that fence installation is a complex construction project and improperly installed fences are an eyesore. They cause headaches down the road when issues like rotting fence posts on incorrect post spacing manifest as sagging and warping fences.
Contact the professionals at DFW Fence Contractor and enjoy expert guidance, fast installation, and a high-quality fence that stays for a lifetime.
