To calculate a paling fence, start with the total fence length and divide it by your chosen post spacing. Then allow for the posts, rails, plinth boards and overlapping palings required for each bay. Exact quantities change with fence height, board width, ground levels and gate openings, so confirm the final list before ordering.
How Many Palings, Rails and Posts Do I Need?
The safest method is to divide the fence into bays between posts, calculate the components for one bay, then multiply across the full line. Do not order from length alone without allowing for corners, changes in level, gates and the required overlap between palings.
Information to Measure First
- Total boundary length in metres
- Chosen fence height
- Preferred post spacing
- Number of corners, ends and gate openings
- Any slope or step in the ground
- Whether capping or lattice will be added
Australian Lattice & Timber offers standard material options for 1.65m, 1.95m, 2.25m and 2.55m fences. Read the height guide before calculating quantities because taller fences generally need larger or more closely spaced structural components.
How to Calculate Fence Posts
Posts are commonly spaced around 2.4m to 3m apart, depending on fence height and exposure. Divide the total fence length by the planned spacing, round up to a whole bay, then add one end post.
For example, a straight 18m boundary divided into 3m bays creates six bays and needs seven posts. A corner, gate or change in direction may require additional posts. Taller or wind-exposed fences may need closer spacing.
How Many Rails Are Required?
Standard-height paling fences commonly use two or three horizontal rails per bay. Taller fences may require more support. Multiply the number of bays by the rails used in each bay, and allow for practical stock lengths and cutting.
Rails must join securely at posts. Avoid planning joins in open spans, and do not assume every offcut can be reused.
How to Calculate Palings
Palings are calculated from the actual cover width, not simply their face width. Traditional paling fencing overlaps boards so movement during drying does not open large privacy gaps.
Because paling profiles and overlap can vary, confirm the effective cover width of the selected product. Divide the fence length in millimetres by that cover width, then add a sensible allowance for cuts, selection and accidental damage.
Plinth Boards, Capping and Fixings
Plinth boards run along the base of the fence. A level boundary may need one continuous row, while sloping or stepped ground may need extra boards to close gaps. Capping follows the top length of the completed fence.
Fixing quantities depend on the number of rail-to-post connections and paling-to-rail connections. Use exterior-grade galvanised fixings suitable for treated timber.
Simple Materials Checklist
| Component | Calculate From | Check Before Ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Posts | Fence length ÷ post spacing, plus end post | Corners, gates, height and exposure |
| Rails | Bays × rails per bay | Fence height and available rail lengths |
| Palings | Fence length ÷ effective cover width | Overlap and wastage allowance |
| Plinth | Total fence length | Slope, steps and extra rows |
| Capping | Total finished top length | Corners, joins and waste |
Avoid These Common Ordering Mistakes
- Using face width instead of effective cover width for palings
- Forgetting the extra end post
- Ignoring gates and corners
- Using standard post spacing for a very tall or exposed fence
- Failing to allow for stepped ground
- Ordering exact quantities with no cutting allowance
Get the Quantities Checked Before Ordering
Use this guide for planning, then bring the measurements to Australian Lattice & Timber for a final materials check. We supply individual components and paling fence packages from Dandenong South, with Melbourne metro delivery available. For build order and post-setting guidance, see the installation guide.
Ask for a quote or call (03) 9793 6288.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should paling fence posts be?
Posts are commonly spaced around 2.4m to 3m apart. Taller fences and exposed sites may need closer spacing.
Should I add extra palings for waste?
Yes. A sensible allowance covers cutting, selection and occasional damaged boards.
Can the supplier calculate the final quantities?
Yes. Bring the total length, height, gate positions and ground-level changes so the material list can be checked before ordering.
