Whether you're adding a bit more privacy to your garden or looking to create an attractive, decorative border, fencing is a practical and popular solution. But when it comes to working out how many fence panels you need, it can be a bit more challenging than you first thought. To make it easy for you, we've put together this step by step guide on how to calculate the number of fence panels you'll need for your project.

Step 1: Measure The Perimeter Of The Area

The first step in determining how many fence panels you'll need is to measure the total perimeter of the area you want to enclose. Use a measuring tape to get accurate measurements of each side of the area you plan to fence off. Note the measurements down in metres to help with the calculations we'll be doing later on.

Step 2: Choose The Panel Width

Fence panels typically come in a range of standard widths, such as 1.83m (6ft) or 2.44m (8ft). Decide on which size is best suited for your project, as this will affect the number of panels you'll need. Keep in mind, the shorter the width of the panels, the more panels you'll need to cover the same distance.

Step 3: Calculate The Number Of Panels

To calculate the number of panels you'll need, simply divide the total perimeter of your area by the width of the panels you've chosen. For example, if you have a 30-metre perimeter, and you've selected 1.83m wide panels:

 30 ÷ 1.83 = 16.39

You'd need approximately 16.39 panels. However, since fence panels cannot be divided, always round up to the nearest whole number – in this case, 17 panels.

Step 4: Consider Additional Materials

While calculating the number of fence panels, don't forget to factor in the additional materials you'll need to successfully complete the project. These may include:

  • Fence posts: You'll need one more post than the number of panels required. So, in our example above, you'd need 18 fence posts.
  • Post fixings: To secure your fence posts, you may need post fixings, such as concrete, post anchors or spikes.
  • Gravel boards: These are protective boards installed between the fence panels and the ground. They prevent moisture from seeping into the wood and prolong the life of your panels.

Step 5: Keep A Little Extra

It's always a good idea to have one or two extra panels on hand in case of any unforeseen circumstances during the installation process. Extra panels are also useful to have in the future, in case any panels suffer damage and need replacing.

And there you have it – a straightforward guide on how to easily work out how many fence panels you'll need for your next project. At East Coast Fencing, we stock a range of high-quality wooden fence panels in various sizes to suit your needs. Although we don't offer installation services, we're more than happy to provide advice and answer any questions you may have about your fencing project.