By the MyPlanDIY editorial teamLast updated
Building a fence and not sure what actually goes on the shopping list? Here's a practical rundown of the materials that turn up on almost every fence build – and the ones people forget most. For the whole process, start with our complete fence guide.
Most fences use the same core materials. The quantities depend on the length and height, but the list usually looks like this:
| Material | Typical choice | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fence boards / profiles | Treated softwood, larch or cedar, 10–14 cm wide | The visible face. Count depends on length, width and gap. |
| Posts | 9 × 9 cm pressure-treated | Carry the fence. 1 per 180–200 cm + 1 at the end. |
| Rails | 45 × 95 mm | The boards screw onto these. Usually 2 per bay. |
| Screws | Stainless A2/A4, 4–5 cm | 2 per board per rail. Buy 5–10 % extra. |
| Brackets | Post supports, angle brackets | Join posts, rails and any gate. |
| Footings | Post concrete, ground spikes or post shoes | Chosen by soil, height and wind. |
| Gate + gate hardware | Hinges, latch, handle | Only if the fence needs a gate. |
| Wood treatment / paint | Oil, wood preserver or paint | Treat softwood; larch can be left bare. |
| Spacers | Small blocks or nails | Give an even gap between boards. |
| Waste | About 5 % extra | For trimming, warped boards and mistakes. |
To get exact quantities from your own measurements, let the fence calculator work out boards, posts and screws for you.
The boards are the visible face of the fence and come in treated softwood, larch and cedar. The width (typically 10–14 cm) and the gap between them decide how many you need – a solid privacy fence uses more per metre than a fence with gaps. See how many fence boards do I need or let the fence calculator work out the count.
The posts carry the fence, and the spacing between them (typically 180–200 cm) affects strength, price and stability. Too wide a spacing gives a sagging fence; closer posts cost more but stand more solidly. See the count in how many fence posts do I need.
Screws and brackets are often what people leave out of the budget – yet they hold the whole fence together. Always use stainless-steel screws (A2, or A4 near the coast) to avoid rust stains, and allow 2 screws per board per rail. Brackets such as post supports and angle brackets should match your materials and fence type.
The posts need to stand firm. The choice between post concrete, ground spikes and post shoes depends on the soil, the fence height, wind exposure and fence type. Concrete and post shoes last longest; ground spikes are quicker and can be enough for low fences on firm, dry ground.
Treated softwood should be finished with wood preserver, oil or paint to last and look good. Larch and cedar can be left bare to weather to a silver-grey. Add a finish as a line on your list if you choose a wood that needs painting or oiling.
See the method behind the budget in our renovation budget and take a printable shopping list to the hardware store.
At a minimum: fence boards, posts, rails, stainless-steel screws, brackets and a foundation (post concrete, ground spikes or post shoes). Often a gate, wood treatment and spacers too.
Boards, posts, rails, screws, brackets, footings and optionally a gate and wood treatment. See the full table above – and let the fence calculator fill in the quantities from your measurements.
About 7 boards per metre with 14 cm boards and a 1 cm gap, plus 5 % waste. See how many fence boards do I need for the method, or use the calculator for the exact number.
At 180–200 cm post spacing, plan for about 1 post per 2 metres plus 1 at the end. See how many fence posts do I need for the details.
Often yes. Posts set in concrete or on post shoes last far longer than posts straight in soil, which rot within a few years. On firm, dry ground, ground spikes can be enough for low fences.
Allow 2 stainless-steel screws per board per rail – with two rails that's 4 per board. Buy 5–10 % extra.
Yes. The fence calculator automatically builds a list of boards, posts and screws from your measurements, which you can save as a project and add extra items to.
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Read guide →Create a free account and use the fence calculator, material list and budget in MyPlanDIY.
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