The schematic below shows one section of your fence with every dimension a builder needs — post spacing, height, framing and the exact cut list. Change the style, height or spacing above and it updates.
A horizontal fence runs the fence boards sideways across a 2×4 frame. Each section is built between two 6×6 posts set eight feet apart. You build a simple frame in every bay — a 2×4 top rail, a 2×4 bottom rail, and one vertical 2×4 support down the middle cut to the fence height minus three inches (the thickness of the top and bottom rails) — then screw the horizontal boards across it. That middle support is what stops long horizontal boards from bowing, cupping or sagging over the years. Horizontal board fences give a clean, modern, wider look and have become one of the most popular styles for backyard privacy fences and modern cedar fences.
A vertical fence is the classic build: the boards stand up and down, nailed to horizontal 2×4 rails that run between the posts. Posts are set eight feet apart, rails go top and bottom (and usually one or two in the middle), and the pickets are nailed on. It is the fastest privacy fence to build and the most common style on residential lots. Whichever way the boards run, the fence calculator above works out the exact posts, rails, boards, screws, nails and concrete you need — free.
Most wood fences use eight-foot post spacing, because framing lumber and fence boards come in eight-foot lengths. Closer spacing makes a stiffer fence; wider spacing needs longer rails. Set the spacing above and the material list and this diagram update to match.
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