How Much Fence Do I Need for My Property?

The first question most people ask us is how much fence their yard needs. It is a fair one, and you can get close on your own with a tape measure and a sketch. Here is the order we would work it in.

Start with what the fence is for

Privacy, keeping a dog in, securing a pool, marking the edge of the property, or keeping a view open. The purpose decides which sides of the yard get fenced and how tall and how solid the fence should be. A privacy fence around the whole backyard is a different run than an open fence across the back only.

Write the goal down in one sentence. It keeps the rest of the planning honest.

Know where your property line is

The fence has to run on your side of the line. Your deed, your plat and a survey show it. If the markers are missing or you are unsure, a surveyor can mark the corners. This step is worth doing before you measure anything, because the line decides the route. Our post on building on or near a property line goes deeper.

Sketch the route

Draw the yard on a sheet of paper. Mark the house, the driveway, the sheds, the trees, the pool or patio, and any slope. Then draw the line where you want the fence to go. Mark where each gate should be. Note anything in the way, like a big root, a downspout, an air conditioner or a utility box.

The sketch does not have to be to scale. It only has to be clear.

Measure the run

Walk the route with a long tape or a measuring wheel and write down each straight stretch in feet. Add the stretches together for the total. Measure along the ground where the fence will stand, not across the yard in a straight line from corner to corner, since the fence follows the route you drew.

If you have a wheel or a phone measuring app, use it, and check one side twice. A small error in one run is easy to fix. A missed side of the yard is not.

Count the gates

Every gate takes the place of a section of fence, so the total run includes the gate openings. Decide how many gates you need and how wide. A walk gate for people is one thing. A double gate for a mower, trailer or truck is another. Think about the back door, the side yard and the driveway.

We build gates in every material, and the hardware is part of the plan. See our custom gates for the range.

Think about slope and obstacles

A hill, a ditch or a row of trees changes how a fence gets built, and sometimes how much material it takes. If the ground slopes, read our post on how to fence a sloped yard. If there are trees or a creek on the line, mention them at the walk.

Check the rules

Height and placement rules differ by town, county and neighborhood, and an HOA may set its own. Ask your local office and your HOA what applies to your address. The homeowner pulls any permit the town requires, so find out early.

Bring it to a crew

Once you have the goal, the line, the sketch and a rough footage, you are ready for a walk with a fence crew. We will measure it ourselves, check your numbers, plan the gates and talk through material and style. If you want to see what a fence could look like first, browse our gallery.

You do not need a perfect number to call. Send us the form or call or text 803-609-9760, and we will set up a time to walk it with you.