How Many NORTHERNLINE® Vinyl Fence Panels, Posts, and Gates Do I Need?
Planning your fence layout before you order is the easiest way to make sure you get the right vinyl fence materials for your project.
This guide will help you calculate how many panels, posts, and gates you need for a basic NORTHERNLINE® vinyl fence layout. You do not need a professional drawing. A simple sketch with measurements is usually enough to get started.
If you are unsure, you can also send us your drawing and we can help build a materials list for you.
Step 1: Draw Your Fence Layout
Start by drawing a simple aerial view of your fence layout.
Your drawing does not need to be to scale, but it should show each fence line clearly. Measure each section of fence in linear feet and write the measurement on your drawing.
Make sure to include:
- Each fence line
- Corners
- End posts
- Gate locations
- Any separate fence sections
- Any changes in direction
This gives you a clear starting point before calculating your vinyl fence panels, posts, and gates.
Step 2: Calculate How Many Vinyl Fence Panels You Need
To calculate how many NORTHERNLINE® vinyl fence panels you need, divide each fence line by the finished width of one fence section.
For NORTHERNLINE® privacy fence panels, the sections are spaced 8 feet on center. This means the measurement is taken from the center of one post to the center of the next post.
Example calculation:
Fence section width: 8 feet on center
Divide each fence line by 8 to estimate the number of vinyl fence panels needed for that section.
Example:
A 78-foot fence line divided by 8 equals 9.75.
That means you would need 10 vinyl fence panels for that section.
Repeat this for each separate fence line on your drawing.
Step 3: Mark Out Your Fence Posts
Once you know how many panels are needed, mark the post locations on your drawing.
Each fence section needs posts to support the panels. You will also need posts at corners, ends, and on both sides of each gate.
Gate openings should be marked clearly so the correct gate posts and hardware can be included in your material list.
If you are installing your posts directly into concrete footings, make sure you are ordering the correct longer posts for that installation method.
Please note: We need measurements between each fixed point, including corners, ends, gates, and any other breaks in the fence line. If your fence line is interrupted by a gate, building, wall, or other feature, please measure each section separately so we can calculate the correct number of posts and panels.
Step 4: Add Up Your Vinyl Fence Materials
Once each fence line has been calculated, add up the total number of panels, posts, gates, and hardware required.
A typical vinyl fence material list may include:
- Vinyl fence panels
- Fence posts
- Post caps
- Gates
- Hinges
- Latches
- Screws or fasteners
- Longer posts, depending on installation method
Your final material list will depend on your fence style, layout, gate locations, corners, and installation method.
Example Vinyl Fence Material List
Based on your layout, your material list may look something like this:
- 25 vinyl fence panels
- 27 posts
- 1 gate
- 1 latch
- 1 pair of hinges
- Screws or fasteners
- 2 post inserts
- adhesive
What Vinyl Fence Materials Do I Need?
Most vinyl fence projects are made up of panels, posts, post caps, gates, and hardware.
The exact materials you need will depend on the style of NORTHERNLINE® vinyl fence you are ordering. A privacy fence, picket fence, and ranch rail fence will each have different parts and layout requirements.
Your material list may also change depending on whether your fence has multiple runs, corners, slopes, gates, or separate sections.
That is why it is important to look at the full layout instead of only using the total linear footage.
Why Accurate Vinyl Material Measurements Matter
Vinyl fence materials are ordered based on your layout, not just the total number of feet.
A straight 100 foot fence line may need a different number of posts than a 100 foot fence with corners, gates, and separate sections. Gate locations, post placement, and changes in direction can all affect your final material list.
Measuring each fence line separately helps avoid missing posts, ordering the wrong gate setup, or underestimating the number of panels needed.
A clear drawing also helps our team understand your project faster, so we can build a more accurate materials list for you.
Still Need Help?
Still not sure what NORTHERNLINE® vinyl fence materials you need?
Send us a simple drawing of your fence layout using the steps above. Include the measurements for each fence line, gate locations, corners, and any separate sections.
From there, our team can help build a materials list for your project so you know what to order with more confidence.