By the MyPlanDIY editorial teamLast updated
Fence boards sound simple, but the right number depends on board width, the gap between boards and the fence height. Here's the easy method.
With 14 cm wide boards and a 1 cm gap, you'll need about 7 boards per metre of fence. For a 180 cm tall fence that's 7 boards × 180 cm per metre of run.
Boards per metre = 100 cm ÷ (board width + gap). 100 ÷ 15 = 6.7 → round up to 7 boards.
Total boards = boards per metre × fence length in metres.
Add 5 % for waste. Boards that crack on the way home or get end-trimmed add up fast.
12 m × 7 boards/m = 84 boards at 180 cm. Add 5 % waste and you're at 88. With 14 cm boards that's about 75 linear metres of board total – mix lengths to fit what your supplier stocks.
The calculator works out boards, posts and screws from your fence length and height.
10–14 cm is common. Narrower boards give a more classic look and are easier to handle solo.
5–10 mm. Wood moves with the weather, so without a gap the boards crush together and the fence bows out.
Yes for outdoor fencing. Treated softwood lasts 15–20 years. Larch or cedar can be left untreated.
2 screws per rail. With 2 rails you'll use 4 screws per board.
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