Wood Privacy Fence: Individual Pickets vs Prefab Panels
A wood privacy fence is built one of two ways: from individual rails and pickets that you assemble on the spot, or from prefab panels that hang between posts. The posts, concrete and gate hardware are the same either way. For 100 ft of 6 ft fence with 8 ft post spacing and one 4 ft gate, the fence calculator gives:
Part of the project planner: Planning and building a fence.
| Pickets and rails | Prefab panels | |
|---|---|---|
| Posts | 14 | 14 |
| Rails | 36 boards | Included in the panels |
| Pickets or panels | 210 pickets (1×6, set tight) | 12 panels (8 ft) |
| 80 lb bags of post concrete (24 in deep holes) | 24 | 24 |
Posts and concrete are almost the same. What differs is the amount of work between the posts.
Pros and cons
- Pickets and rails: more flexible on slopes and curves, easy to repair one picket, and you can choose the style. Slower: every rail and picket is fixed by hand.
- Panels: much faster, with a uniform look. The post spacing must match the panel width, and a slope usually means stepping the panels, which leaves gaps at the bottom.
- Either way: check the property line, call before you dig so that buried utilities are marked, and use rot-resistant or treated lumber rated for ground contact where it touches the soil.
Choosing
If you want a quick job on a flat, straight line, use panels. If the ground slopes, if there are corners or curves, or if you want a custom design, build from pickets. For quantities for your own run, use the fence materials calculator, and for the posts, the fence post concrete calculator. The privacy fence materials list, the post spacing guide and the fence planner cover the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Which is faster to build, pickets or panels?
Prefab panels, because you set the posts and then hang whole sections, rather than fixing rails and hundreds of pickets one by one. Panels need the post spacing to match the panel width exactly.
Which looks better?
A site-built picket fence can be adjusted to the slope and the design and finished neatly on both sides. Panels are uniform and quick but are less flexible on uneven ground.
Do both need the same posts?
Yes. Both need sturdy posts set below frost depth and in concrete or compacted gravel. How deep and how far apart depends on your height, soil and local code.
Do I need a permit for a fence?
Often, especially above a certain height or along a street or property line. Ask your local building department and check any HOA rules and the property line before you buy.
More guides
Tools & materials for this project
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Estimates only. Quantities depend on your materials, site and supplier. Confirm important numbers before you order, and follow local building codes for anything structural.