Tools and Materials
Materials
Markers
- Notepad
Pencil
- Measuring wheel (optional)
- Stakes
Steps on How to Measure Your Yard for a Fence
- Before you begin, locate the property boundaries. Consult the land records or property survey to ensure you are not trespassing.
- Mark the corners of your property using stakes. This gives you an idea of where the fence is to be installed.
Caution
Be well aware of local building codes and rules affecting fence height, style and placement.
- Sketch a rough idea of what you want your yard to look like. Mark the location of your house or existing structures and areas where the fencing will be placed—label entry points like doors and pathways.
- By drawing the sketch, you can better understand the fencing layout and track your measurements precisely.
- Using tape or a measuring wheel, measure the boundary where you plan to install the fence. To maintain accuracy, measure in a straight line. Measure in small sections for curved or irregular sections.
- Write down each measurement on your sketch and sum up all the measurements to get the total footage of the fence.
- Decide the spacing between your fence posts, usually 6 to 8 feet. On your sketch, mark where the posts will be placed.
- Measure the distance between each stake to ensure that posts are evenly spaced. This will determine the number of posts needed for fencing.
Tip
Use a level to measure the height changes on uneven ground. If the sloop is steep, you may need custom fencing panels.
- If gates are to be installed, mark their locations on the sketch and measure the widths. Standard gate sizes are usually 3 to 6 feet.
- Measure and include space for posts on the sides of the entryway as well.
- Walk along the fence line and look for any obstructions, such as trees or rocks, that might affect the yard measurement.
- Take note of any area that needs attention, like sloped land or ground that needs leveling.
- Add up all the measurements to calculate the total footage of material needed.
- Consider adding an extra 5-10% to your measurement for potential mistakes or adjustments. This step concludes the process of how to measure your yard.
Fencing projects require accurate yard measurements to complete the job efficiently. With these steps, you will get a clear picture of how to measure your yard for a fence. Following proper procedures is always wise to avoid installation failures.