Even SpacingHow to space fence pickets evenly
Pick the widest gap you want, then find how many pickets fill the section with equal gaps. Do not space by eye and do not nudge the last picket to make it fit.
Worked example
A length of 88.5 in needs 15 pickets with gaps of 2.25 in.
(88.5 − 15 × 3.5) ÷ 16 = 2.25 in
Try your own length
15 pickets, with gaps of 2.25 in.
(88.5 − 15 × 3.5) ÷ 16 = 2.25 in
Center each picket at these distances from the start:
- Mark 1: 4 in
- Mark 2: 9.75 in
- Mark 3: 15.5 in
No fit. At this length the pickets cannot sit with gaps of 2.5 in or less. Try a longer length.
Type a length in inches, for example 48 or 48.5.
The method
- Measure the section between the two posts, in inches.
- Pick the widest gap you want between two pickets.
- Find the smallest number of pickets whose gaps are no wider than that.
- Divide what is left after the pickets by the number of gaps. A gap sits against each post, so there is one more gap than pickets.
The gap is a rule of thumb
The gap between pickets is a rule of thumb, not a code or a standard. This page uses 3.5 inch pickets, the width of a 1x4, and a widest gap of 2.5 inches. Pick the look you want: a smaller gap gives more privacy and uses more pickets.
The only code for fence gaps is the pool barrier rule. A barrier around a pool must not let a 4 inch sphere pass. Check the exact rule and its section with your building department, as it differs by place. Other fences have no general code limit on the gap.