A useful fencing order starts with a sketch of the finished fence. Record each separate run, changes in direction, gates and any posts you plan to reuse. Then build your shopping list around the design.
Measure before choosing materials
Write down the length of each run and its finished height. Measure gate openings separately. Agree post spacing, post length, embedment and rail layout with your installer; these depend on the fence and ground conditions.
Boards: count the installed cover
TMG’s green treated fence boards include 150mm-wide boards in 1.2m, 1.8m and 2.4m lengths, plus a 100mm-wide option at 1.8m. All four options are listed at 16mm thick.
For one continuous 12m run using 150mm boards with no gap, 12,000 ÷ 150 = 80 boards before allowance. With an optional 5% spare allowance, that becomes 84. This is a quantity example, not an installation specification. Allow for the actual bay layout and any end cuts.
125mm feather edge boards overlap, so each additional board covers less than its full width. Confirm the intended overlap before calculating the count.
Build your shopping checklist
- Posts: include ends, corners, changes of level and both sides of gates; check whether any existing posts can be reused.
- Rails: work from the number of rails per bay in the agreed design and the available stock lengths.
- Boards: choose the length, width and profile; calculate gaps or overlaps and allow for cuts.
- Gravel boards: include where specified in your fence design.
- Post concrete: calculate from hole dimensions and the manufacturer’s yield for the selected product.
- Fixings: select suitable lengths and corrosion protection for the materials and use.
- Gate hardware: check hinges, latch, stops and any bolts against the gate design.
Check the total before ordering
Count each straight run separately. Shared corner posts should only be counted once; gate posts and changes of height may need separate treatment. A board calculator estimates coverage, while the post and rail list still needs checking against the layout.
Use the fencing quantity tool and checklist, then send us your sketch, measurements and postcode. The product selectors show current sizes, prices and availability. For long timber, confirm delivery access or your collection vehicle before arranging the order.