Wood Fence Materials Breakdown
A wood fence has five main components: posts (4×4 or 6×6), rails (2×4 or 2×6), pickets (1×4 or 1×6), fasteners (screws or nails), and post-setting concrete. The post count drives everything else — rails and pickets are calculated per section (the span between two posts, typically 8 feet).
Materials per 8-ft SectionPosts: 1 per section + 1 (for the end/corner)
Rails: 2 for fences under 5 ft, 3 for 5–8 ft
Pickets: Section width ÷ (picket width + gap)
Concrete: 1–2 bags (80 lb) per post hole
Rails: 2 for fences under 5 ft, 3 for 5–8 ft
Pickets: Section width ÷ (picket width + gap)
Concrete: 1–2 bags (80 lb) per post hole
Cedar and redwood are naturally rot-resistant but cost 2–3× more than pressure-treated pine. For most residential fences, pressure-treated pine with a quality stain applied within 6 months of installation offers the best value. Untreated pine will rot within 3–5 years of ground contact.