Most Ideal Spacing For Fence Posts When Installing Your Fence
Most homeowners across Raleigh, NC prefer to put up custom-built fences (stick-built fences) on their properties. When putting up custom-built fences, fence posts are usually first set and then the runners (2 x 4’s) where the pickets will be attached along the fence constructed. Pickets are usually put up along the fence individually and the top part of each picket cut to suit the style preferences of the property owner after they’ve discussed with a fence company in El Cajon, CA.
The process of putting up posts for stick-built fences usually differs greatly from the process of putting up posts for panel fences. When it comes to panel fencing, the posts are usually pre-fabricated with the contractor making sure that the length of the posts is equal to the length of the fence panels. On the other hand, when it comes to installing custom fences, the spacing between fence posts is usually dictated by the length of the fence run.
When installing custom fences, contractors usually rely on a technique known as Equal Post Spacing. This simply means that the contractor has to ensure that the posts they are setting up are the same distance apart along the fence line. It is usually imperative to ensure that the distance between the fence posts is the same especially if you are putting up a fence that has a scalloped or arching top.
One of the worst things that can happen when you are installing a fence is to find that your installation has a 2-feet long arch at one end while the fence runs have arches that are 8-feet long. Note that by spacing all your posts equally, you can ensure that all the spaces along your fences are equal. The secret to equal spacing when installing a fence is simple … You simply need to a figure between 7 and 8 that can divide the length of your fence run equally. For example, if you are using a fence run that is 100-feet, your posts should be spaced 7.7-feet apart. This means that you should divide the length of your fence run (100-feet) by the spacing you will apply between fence posts (7.7-feet) which will equal to 12.98.
Based on the figures above, it means that if you wish to install a fence run that is 100-feet long, you should install 12.98 run sections between fence posts which should be spaced 7.7-feet apart. You may be wondering how you should install 12.98-feet fence run sections, and, I admit… This method of calculating the ideal equal distance is not exact. However, once you have completed installing your fence, even an expert will be hard pressed when trying to account for the 0.02-feet balance on 12.98-feet.
At this point, you may be wondering how we decided to space the fence posts 7.7-feet apart. It’s simple… We have already determined that your fence run is 100-feet. We first started with dividing 100-feet by 7.5-feet which gave 13.33-feet. This margin is huge and it will definitely be noticeable once you install your fence meaning that this spacing will not be ideal. Next, we move forward and divide 100-feet by 7.6-feet which will give us 13.15 sections. Though the 7.6-fence post spacing may work especially if you are using fence runners that are 8-feet long (2 x 4’s) the last section in your fence may be more than 8-feet. Lastly, we tried dividing 100-feet by 7.7-feet which gives us 12.98. This figure is extremely close to a full number which means that a fence post spacing of 7.7-feet would be ideal.
There are several key things to keep in mind when attempting to calculate the ideal equal spacing for your fence posts. Try finding a figure/number that lies between 7 and 8 which on dividing the length of your fence run will provide a number that is close to a full number without actually going past a full number. In the example above, the number 12.98 is much better than 13.33. Note that it is okay for the fence runs in your fencing to be spaced differently.
For example, the posts on the side line can be spaced 7.7-feet apart while the posts in the backline are spaced 7.4-feet apart. In such a scenario, the difference will be hardly noticeable once the entire fence has been installed. When spacing your fence posts, try and ensure that the spacing does not exceed 7.8-feet since you can easily go off the mark with just a single inch and pass the 8-feet spacing threshold.
For example, note that if your fence rails will be made from 2 x 4 timber and your space your fence posts 8-feet apart, you will have to run to the lumber yard for 2 x4 timber rails that are 10-feet long in order to build your fence!
When putting up a fence, it is best that you take your time to draw and plan your project on paper. Before digging up holes for your posts, try and calculate the most ideal equal post spacing. If you plan ahead before starting to actualize your fencing project, you will end up saving a lot of time and money.
This tips should help if you are going the DIY route however if you are in the market for a new fence contractor in El Cajon, CA you can give the crew at Penns Fence Company a call for a great price and quality service.
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