Fences & Decks
Estimate posts, rails, pickets, concrete, deck boards, joists, and hardware for fencing and decking projects.
Fence Calculator
Posts, rails, pickets, and concrete bags for wood fencing.
Deck Calculator
Deck boards, joists, and hardware for wood or composite decks.
Composite vs. Wood Decking: Which Is Right for You?
Wood decking costs $1,280–1,600 per 16x20 ft; composite runs $2,900–3,100. Wood needs staining every 2–3 years; composite near-zero maintenance. 25-year cost inside.
Deck Board Spacing: How Wide Should the Gap Be?
Composite deck boards need a 3/16-in. side gap per Trex/TimberTech specs. Dry wood installs at 1/8 in.; wet-treated installs tight. End gaps vary by temperature.
Deck Joist Spacing: 12, 16, or 24 Inches On Center?
Most decks use 16-inch joist spacing. Composite decking often requires 12 inches for diagonal boards. Full IRC Table R507.6 span limits by species and spacing.
How Deep Should Fence Posts Be Set?
Fence posts for a 6-ft fence typically go 24–36 inches deep depending on your frost line and local code. Learn the 1/3 rule, frost depth lookup, and hole sizing.
Fence Post Spacing: How Far Apart Should Posts Be?
Wood fence posts go 8 feet on center; chain link goes 10 feet; vinyl matches manufacturer panel width (6–8 ft). Learn spacing by fence type and how to divide uneven runs.
How to Calculate Picket Spacing for a Fence
Calculate even picket spacing using: Gap = (Section width − Pickets × Picket width) ÷ (Pickets + 1). Pool code limits openings to 4 inches. Worked examples included.