Enter total fence run and average height. Pick the fence style to apply structure spacing, choose one side or both, and add a small percentage for posts/steps.
Add panel rows when the fence mixes styles (picket + rail + gate panels). All rows use the same paint side and complexity factor.
Already know the paintable area from drawings or another tool? Enter it here and we will skip structure and non-painted adjustments.
Processing stays in your browser. Use sample values and adjust before ordering paint.
Net area is capped at zero if gates/openings exceed the fence area.
Interpretation (and a quick example)
How the estimate is computed
- Start with area: run × height (or your panel mix / known area).
- Apply sides: one side vs both sides.
- Apply structure factor: open fences (pickets/rails/wire) have less paintable surface than a solid privacy fence.
- Add complexity: extra area for posts, steps, brackets, uneven grades, etc.
- Subtract non‑painted parts: gates/openings you won’t paint.
- Convert to paint: area × coats ÷ coverage, then adjust for absorption and waste. Primer is calculated separately when enabled.
Mini example (US units)
Suppose you have a 150 ft privacy fence that is 6 ft tall, painting one side, with 10% complexity and one 3×6 ft gate you will not paint.
- Raw area = 150 × 6 = 900 ft²
- +10% complexity → 900 × 1.10 = 990 ft²
- Subtract gate 18 ft² → net ≈ 972 ft²
- If topcoat is 2 coats and coverage is 350 ft²/gal: 972 × 2 ÷ 350 ≈ 5.55 gal (then add waste and round up cans)
Your result will differ based on finish/substrate presets, absorption overrides, and the waste allowance.
Tips
- Pickets & rails: paintable area can be much lower than run × height; choose the closest fence type or use panel mix.
- Both sides: “both sides” roughly doubles the area, but edges and posts can add more—use complexity and/or waste to buffer.
- Rough wood / spraying: increase absorption or waste allowance to avoid running short.
References
Notes & FAQ
What counts as fence complexity?
Use the “extra area” percent for post faces, brackets, steps, lattice accents, and uneven grades. Keep it small (5–15%) so waste and absorption remain the main buffers.
How should I model spaced pickets or wire fences?
Select the closest type: spaced pickets use a 0.65 structure factor, 2–3 rail ranch fences use 0.45–0.60, and wire + posts uses 0.25. Custom lets you set your own ratio if boards are unusually wide or narrow.
Do I need primer?
Primer helps with bare wood, metal, or masonry. Turn it off for scuff-sand and recoat jobs on existing coatings, or when using self-priming solid paints per the label.
Comments
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