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How to Measure For a Fence: 5 Effective Tips

How to Measure Your Yard For a Fence: 5 Steps

You may have heard the saying measure twice, cut once. Well, it’s just as true when it comes to building a fence. Without accurate measurements, you might underestimate costs, purchase the wrong amount of materials, or—worse yet—build outside your property line and be required to tear your new fence down.

Whether you’re looking into different fence services or DIY-ing it yourself, knowing how to measure for a fence will help you understand the scope of your project before you start.

Property lines, underground utilities, local regulations, and the lay of the land are just a few of the factors you’ll need to take into account during the planning stage. But the benefits of fencing the right way are more than worth the effort. Luckily, our step-by-step guide to measuring for a fence is here to help.

The Importance of Measuring Your Yard Properly

When it comes to fence installation, precision matters. You might think that such a big fencing project could afford to give or take an inch or two here or there, but small measuring errors can add up to big differences as they compound on each other.

Accurate fence measurements help keep your project on track by ensuring you:

Avoid mistakes and work efficiently – Measurement errors can add up to expensive time-wasters when you’re digging fence post holes, pouring concrete, and cutting lumber. Spend a little extra time on measuring precisely—you’ll save in the long run by preventing rework and adjustments after construction begins.
Comply with local regulations – Building codes and HOA fence rules have a lot to say when it comes to fences. You’ll need to account for property line setbacks, fence height, and other specifics set out in your local regulations. Non-compliance can result in costly fines or even having to redo the work.
Save money on materials – Nothing is worse than realizing you’re short on a fence material that’s no longer available, or finding you have a surplus you can’t return. To ensure you pay a reasonable fence installation cost, accurate measurements will prevent over-ordering and underestimating.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Measure Your Yard for a Fence

If you’re reading this article, we know there’s likely one burning question on your mind: How much fence do I need? Let’s grab that measuring tape and find out.

Here are the essential steps to plan for your fence and measure your yard correctly:

Confirm your property lines – You may think you know the boundaries of your parcel, but it’s critical to confirm this before you break ground. If you don’t have a map of your property, contact your local county building department or assessor’s office for guidance.
Look up your local codes and obtain permits – While you’re in touch with your building department, discuss any necessary permits and code requirements you’ll need to follow. You’ll probably be required to pay a small fee for a building permit.
Locate and mark underground utilities – It’s helpful to mark water lines, electrical wires, and gas lines in advance to determine where you can safely dig post holes. Contact your utility companies for help before digging near lines.
Measure your perimeter – You can use a measuring tape or measuring wheel, or opt for a laser distance meter for measurements accurate to 1/16”. Once you have your total, divide by the width of your fence pickets, panels, or slats to calculate how much fencing material you’ll need. For example, if your perimeter is 250” long and your panels are 8’ wide, you’ll need 32 panels. Don’t forget to subtract the width of any gates.
Note slopes and uneven terrain – Areas where your yard has bumps, dips, or hills will require leveling before you begin your fencing project. Low-lying areas may also require gravel and backfill to ensure water drains away from posts to prevent moisture damage.

Should You Work With a Professional?

Homeowners often jump into building a fence thinking that it’s a simple DIY job to knock out in a weekend or two…only to discover that fence installation is a particularly challenging construction project. Improperly installed fences cause headaches down the road when problems like bad drainage lead to rotting fence posts or incorrect post spacing leads to sagging and warping.

Unless you’re an experienced builder, we recommend working with a professional fence contractor to get the longest lifespan and the most enjoyment from your fence. With professional fence services from EverFence, you’ll receive:

Expert guidance on how to work with your yard’s unique terrain and layout
Fast installation
A high-quality fence backed by a lifetime guarantee

Why Use Our Instant Quote Generator?

How much fencing do I need? This is probably the first question you’ll be asking yourself as you consider constructing a new fence.

Walking the perimeter of your yard and measuring by hand is one way to find out, but if you want a fast and accurate measurement—along with a sneak peek at the wide range of materials, styles, and finishing touches you can choose from—try our instant quote tool.

Our instant quote feature is extremely easy to use. With a few clicks, you can:

Map out the precise area to be fenced using satellite imagery of your yard
Choose from single, double, or sliding gates
Compare different types of fences, including wood, vinyl, wrought iron, and rail
Add details about your yard’s terrain that may affect construction

Fence installation has never been so easy. By simply putting the location of your fence installation on the map (don't worry if it's not exactly perfect); plus adding fence and gate options, we'll get you an accurate quote in minutes.

If you want additional help, check out our guide or talk to our fence experts today. With our four-step quote tool, you’ll be one step closer to your new fenced yard!

Measure Twice, Build Once, and Enjoy for Decades With EverFence

Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or considering professional installation, getting those measurements right is the first step toward success with your fence-building project. And with EverFence’s instant quote tool, measuring your yard is a snap—anytime, anywhere.

At EverFence, our goal is to help you build the best fence for your needs, whether that’s making your front garden the jewel of the neighborhood, or making your backyard a perfectly private oasis. Contact EverFence today, and let our team of fence experts get your new fence off to a smooth start.

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