Fence Material Calculator & Cost Estimator for Auckland Homeowners
Easily calculate your fence materials and costs in Auckland with our fence material calculator. Estimate posts, rails, pickets, and timber prices for cedar, redwood, or treated wood.
Fence Material Calculator & Cost Estimator: How to Plan Your Auckland Fence Project
Building a fence in Auckland requires careful planning to get the right materials and stay within budget. Whether you’re installing a privacy fence, picket fence, or rail fence, knowing exactly how many posts, rails, and pickets you need can save time and money. The fence material calculator and cost estimator makes this process simple and accurate for any Auckland property.
How to Estimate Fence Materials in Metres
1. How Many Fence Posts Do You Need?
Fence posts provide the backbone of your fence. In New Zealand, posts are typically spaced 2.4 metres apart for timber fences.
Formula:
Fence length (m) ÷ 2.4 + 1 = Number of posts
Example: For a 30m fence:
30 ÷ 2.4 + 1 = 13.5 → round up = 14 posts.
2. How Many Fence Rails Do You Need?
Rails are the horizontal supports between posts. The number of rails depends on fence height:
Fences up to 1.2m: 2 rails
Fences 1.5m – 1.8m: 3 rails
Taller fences: 4+ rails
Formula:
(Number of posts - 1) × rails per section = Total rails
Example: A 30m fence with 14 posts at 1.8m high:
(14 - 1) × 3 = 39 rails
3. How Many Pickets or Boards Do You Need?
Pickets or fence boards provide privacy and style.
Formula:
Fence length (m × 1000) ÷ (board width (mm) + spacing (mm)) = Number of pickets
Example: 30m fence using 100mm wide boards with 10mm spacing:
30,000 ÷ (100 + 10) = 272 boards
For a privacy fence, set spacing to 0.
4. How Much Concrete Do You Need?
Fence posts in Auckland are usually set 600mm – 800mm deep in concrete.
As a rule: 1 bag of 30kg concrete mix per post for standard 100x100mm posts.
For 14 posts → 14 bags of concrete.
Estimating Fence Costs in Auckland
The cost of your fence depends on the material you choose:
Pine timber (treated): Most affordable, around $75 – $120 per metre installed
Cedar timber: Higher-end look, $120 – $180 per metre
Aluminium/steel: Modern and low maintenance, $150 – $250 per metre
Composite fencing: Durable, eco-friendly, $200 – $300 per metre
👉 For current timber pricing, check Bunnings NZ or Mitre 10 NZ.
Fence Material Calculator Example (30m Timber Fence, 1.8m High)
Posts: 14
Rails: 39
Pickets: 272 (100mm boards, 10mm spacing)
Concrete: 14 bags
Estimated cost (pine): $2,500 – $3,500 (materials only)
Why Use a Fence Calculator?
✔ Saves time on material estimates
✔ Helps avoid over-ordering timber
✔ Gives a realistic project budget
✔ Provides clarity before talking to contractors
Frequently Asked Questions About Fence Cost & Materials in Auckland
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On average, 2.4m apart for timber fencing. For heavier materials like steel or composite, check supplier recommendations.
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Cedar, treated pine, or hardwoods like oak are recommended. Posts should be set at least 600mm deep in concrete for stability.
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Treated pine is the cheapest and most common option, starting around $75 per metre installed.
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At least ⅓ of the post length in the ground. For a 1.8m fence, use 2.4m posts with 600mm underground.
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Most timber fences range between $75 – $150 per metre, depending on design and timber type.
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Yes, many homeowners build their own timber fences. However, professional installation ensures proper alignment, durability, and compliance with Auckland Council guidelines.
