Wooden Fence Post Spacing

Custom built fences, also known as stick built fences,how did we determine 7.7'? It's really quit simply. We
are the common trend in the Raleigh NC area. Thisknow the run of fencing is 100'/ We start by dividing
means the fence posts are set, the runners, or 2x4's100 by 7.5.The answer is 13.33, or 13 and 1/3 section.
that the pickets are attached too, are constructed,This would be a noticeable difference, so it wont
the pickets are put up individually, and the top is cutwork. Next we tried 7.6. The answer is 13.15. This
to the style desired. Setting posts for custom builtcould work, but if working with 8' 2x4's for the
fences differs from setting posts in panel fencing. Inrunners, the last section may exceed 8'. Next we
panel fencing, the panels are pre-made, and the poststried 7.7. The answer is 12.98. That's pretty close to
must be set to the length of the panel. In customa full number and will work great.
building, the post spacing is determined by the lengthWhen figuring equal fence posts spacing, there are a
of the run of fencing.few things to remember. Try to find a number
Custom fence building uses a technique known asbetween 7 and 8 that will go into the length of the
equal post spacing. In simple terms, this means thefence run equally without going over a whole number.
posts will be the same distance apart on any given12.87 is better than 13.20.Its OK for different fence
fence line. This is even more important if the fenceruns to have different spacing. If the side line has 7.7'
you are building has an arched or scalloped top. Thespacing and the back line has 7.4' spacing, it is OK.
last thing you would want is to have eight foot longYou will not see the difference once the fence is
arches on a fence run with a two foot long arch atcompleted. Try not to go over 7.8' spacing. Its easy
one end. With equal spacing, all the fence postto be off by an inch and go over eight feet. If you
spacing will be the same. The secret to equal spacingplan on using 2x4 lumber for your rails, and end up
is to find a number between seven and eight that willspacing posts over 8', it will result in a trip to the
divide into the length of the fence run equally. For anlumber store for 10' long 2x4's!
example, a 100' fence run would have post spacingTake your time and draw your project on paper.
of 7.7 feet. 100' divided by 7.7' = 12.98. That means aFigure out the equal post spacing before you start
100' run of fencing will have 12.98 sections at 7.7'digging. Planning before building will save you time and
post spacing. Its not exact, but once the fence ismoney.
finished, you will never notice the .02 ' difference. So