How this calculator works
The estimate starts with the same counts as a fence takeoff: one more post than sections, a fixed number of rail boards per section, and pickets along the run at their width plus gap. Unit prices are yours, because a treated 4 by 4 post and a cedar picket do not cost the same in every province. Waste is applied to rails and pickets but not to posts, and concrete is counted as whole bags per post. Labour is a rate per linear metre of fence, and gates are added as a fixed price each.
Formula
Sections = ceil(run / post spacing); posts = sections + 1; rail boards = sections x rails per section; pickets = ceil(run / (picket width + gap)). Materials = posts x post price + buy quantities x unit prices + posts x bags per post x bag price. Total = materials + labour rate x run + gates x gate price.
Worked example
A 30 m fence on 2.4 m posts has 13 sections, 14 posts and 26 rail boards. At 140 mm pickets with a 20 mm gap it needs 188 pickets. With a $12 post, $6 rail, $4 picket and $8 bag, two bags per post, the materials come to $1,300. Labour at $20 per metre adds $600, for $1,900 or $63.33 per metre.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does the labour figure not change with picket spacing?
Labour is entered as a rate per linear metre of fence. A denser picket layout costs more in material and time per metre, so raise the rate for closed or tall fences, or price the job from your own hours.
Should I add HST or GST?
No. The estimate excludes sales tax, permit fees, delivery and disposal. Add those to the total you quote, and check whether the supplier price already includes them.
How accurate is a per-piece estimate?
Accurate only as the unit prices you enter. Fence prices move with treated lumber supply and vary by region, so price the exact products and replace the defaults before ordering.