Free Picket Fence Plans
The classic picket fence — posts, rails, and evenly spaced pickets, counted and costed for you.
- $189est. materials
- Intermediatedifficulty
- 40parts
- 3tools
A picket fence is three parts repeated down the yard: posts, horizontal rails, and the pickets. The cut list below breaks out exactly how many of each this run needs, generated from the 3D model — so “how many pickets do I need” stops being a guess.
Set the length and picket spacing in the editor and everything recounts. It prices rot-resistant lumber for the parts near the ground, and you can print the layout to build section by section.
What you’ll buy
| Item | Qty | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| 4×4 8' PT | 3 | $38.94 |
| 2×4 12' PT | 2 | $20.96 |
| 1×4 8' PT | 18 | $113.04 |
| Deck Screw (1 lb box (~90)) | 1 | $11 |
| Finish Nail (1 lb box (~180)) | 1 | $5.50 |
| Estimated total | $189 |
Prices are a national estimate. Open the plan in the app and set your local lumber prices for an exact figure — the total updates as you type.
Your cut list
| Qty | Stock | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 35× | 1×4 PT | 3' 6" |
| 2× | 2×4 PT | 12' |
| 3× | 4×4 PT | 5' |
Tools you’ll need
- Circular saw (or hand saw)
- Drill/driver
- Hammer (or nailer)
How to build it
- Gather your lumber and hardware. Pick up the boards and fasteners from the shopping list. It’s optimized to minimize offcuts, so buy the counts shown.
- Cut your pieces. Cut each piece to the lengths in the cut list. The app can print a per-piece cut diagram for every board.
- Dry-fit and assemble. Lay the pieces out on a flat surface, check for square, then fasten them with the hardware listed.
- Check it holds, then finish. Confirm the design passes the build checks (sag, fasteners), then sand and finish to taste.
Frequently asked questions
How many pickets do I need for a fence?
It depends on length and spacing — the cut list below gives the exact count for the run shown, and it recounts the moment you change the length or the gap in the app.
How far apart should fence posts be?
6–8 feet on center is typical. Set the spacing in the editor and the post count and cost update.
What’s the best wood for a picket fence?
Cedar and pressure-treated pine are the standard rot-resistant picks. Switch materials in the app to compare cost.