Wood vs Vinyl vs Chain-Link: Planning Fence Materials
Each fence type is built from different parts, and each has its own counting rules. A wood fence is mostly lumber and fasteners. Vinyl is a kit of fixed-size panels and specific post types. Chain-link has a long list of small fittings that are easy to forget. This guide shows what to count for each, then compares all three on the same 100 ft run.
How the three types compare
| Wood | Vinyl | Chain-link | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Full (privacy style) to partial (picket) | Full to partial | Minimal unless slats are added |
| Layout flexibility | High: cut rails and pickets to any length | Lower: panels are fixed widths; posts must match | High: fabric is cut to length |
| Finishing | Stain, paint or seal; refinish periodically | No painting | None (galvanized or vinyl-coated) |
| Typical post spacing | 6–8 ft | Panel width, commonly 6 or 8 ft | Up to 10 ft |
| DIY difficulty | Moderate: many cuts and fasteners | Moderate: precise post placement | Moderate: fabric must be stretched tight |
None of these is “best” in general. The choice usually comes down to privacy needs, budget, maintenance tolerance, and any HOA or local rules on fence type and height.
Wood fence: what to count
Posts. Count with the sections-plus-one method from our fence post guide. Use pressure-treated lumber rated for ground contact (AWPA Use Category UC4A or higher is commonly specified for posts) or a naturally rot-resistant species.
Rails (stringers). Two rails per section is common for fences up to about 4 ft; three rails for a 6 ft privacy fence. Rails are usually 2×4s spanning post to post.
Pickets or boards. Convert the run to inches and divide by the board width plus any gap:
Pickets = (run length in ft × 12) ÷ (picket width + gap)
Actual widths are smaller than nominal: a “1×6” board is about 5.5 in wide. Add about 5% for rejects and cutting losses.
Fasteners. Plan on two exterior-rated screws or nails per picket at each rail. Three rails means six per picket.
Vinyl fence: what to count
Panels. Panels = run length ÷ panel width, rounded up. A partial panel at the end is usually cut down; check whether your system allows that.
Posts. Panels + 1 per straight run. Vinyl posts are routed (pre-cut) for where rails enter, so order by type: - Line posts: routed on two opposite sides. - End posts: routed on one side. - Corner posts: routed on two adjacent sides. - Gate posts: often reinforced with an aluminum or wood insert, per the manufacturer.
Post caps. One per post.
Spacing. Follow the manufacturer’s on-center spacing exactly. Posts set even an inch off can leave a panel that won’t fit.
Chain-link fence: what to count
Chain-link has the most parts. Terminal posts (ends, corners, gates) are larger in diameter than line posts.
| Component | Counting rule |
|---|---|
| Terminal posts | 1 per end, corner and gate side |
| Line posts | Spaced up to 10 ft between terminals |
| Top rail | Total length ÷ stick length (commonly 21 ft, swaged to join), rounded up |
| Fabric | Total length ÷ roll length (commonly 50 ft), rounded up |
| Tension bars | 1 per end or gate post; 2 per corner post |
| Tension bands | Fence height in ft − 1, per tension bar |
| Brace bands | 1 per tension bar (holds the rail end cup) |
| Rail end cups | 1 per brace band |
| Post caps | Dome caps on terminals; loop caps on line posts |
| Fabric ties | About every 12 in on line posts and every 24 in on the top rail |
| Bottom tension wire | Optional; equal to fence length |
Side-by-side: one straight 100 ft run
To compare fairly, here is the material for a single straight 100 ft (30.5 m) run with no gates or corners.
Wood privacy, 6 ft tall, 8 ft max spacing
- Sections: 100 ÷ 8 = 12.5 → 13 (actual spacing about 7 ft 8 in)
- Posts: 14 (4×4 × 8 ft)
- Rails: 3 × 13 = 39 (2×4 × 8 ft)
- Pickets: 1,200 in ÷ 5.5 in = 218.2 → 219; + 5% → 230 pickets (1×6 × 6 ft)
- Fasteners: 219 × 6 = 1,314 for pickets, plus rail-to-post fasteners
- Concrete: about 0.92 ft³ per post in 10 in holes, 24 in deep → about 12.9 ft³ → 22 bags of 80 lb (see our concrete per post guide)
Vinyl privacy, 6 ft tall, 6 ft panels
- Panels: 100 ÷ 6 = 16.7 → 17 (last panel cut down)
- Posts: 18 → 2 end posts + 16 line posts
- Post caps: 18
- Concrete: depends on hole size the manufacturer specifies; at about 1 ft³ per post, about 18 ft³ → 30 bags of 80 lb
Chain-link, 4 ft tall
- Line post sections: 100 ÷ 10 = 10
- Posts: 2 terminal + 9 line
- Top rail: 100 ÷ 21 = 4.8 → 5 sticks
- Fabric: 100 ÷ 50 = 2 rolls
- Tension bars: 2; tension bands: 3 per bar → 6; brace bands: 2; rail end cups: 2
- Caps: 2 dome caps, 9 loop caps
- Ties: about 4 per line post (36) + about 50 on the top rail → buy 100
- Concrete: smaller holes; at about 0.5 ft³ per post, about 5.5 ft³ → 10 bags of 80 lb
Wood has the most separate pieces to handle, vinyl the fewest, and chain-link the most small fittings. The posts are the one item every type shares.
Estimating cost without guessing
Prices vary by region and season, so build your estimate from local quotes:
- List every component and its quantity (as above).
- Price each line at a local supplier.
- Add concrete, gravel, fasteners and gate hardware.
- Add about 5–10% for waste, damaged pieces and the item you forgot.
Gates are often the most expensive single item per foot. Price them separately.
Common mistakes
- Using nominal lumber sizes. A 1×6 is about 5.5 in wide; using 6 in undercounts pickets by about 8%.
- Ordering one type of vinyl post. End, corner, line and gate posts are routed differently and are not interchangeable.
- Forgetting chain-link fittings. A fence without enough tension bands or brace bands can’t be stretched or finished.
- Ignoring slope. On sloped ground, wood can be stepped or racked; many vinyl panels only step. Plan extra post height for stepped sections.
- Skipping the rules. Check HOA rules, local height limits, permits, and the property line before ordering.
Plan your fence
The fence calculator estimates posts, rails and panels from your fence length and spacing. Use it to build the core list, then add the type-specific parts above.
FAQ
Which fence is easiest to install yourself?
Each has its challenges. Wood is forgiving because everything can be cut to fit. Vinyl has fewer parts but needs precise post placement. Chain-link needs proper stretching tools to get the fabric tight.
How many pickets for a 6 ft privacy fence?
For 5.5 in boards butted together, divide the length in inches by 5.5. A 100 ft fence needs about 219 pickets, or 230 with a 5% allowance.
Can vinyl panels be cut to fit a short section?
Many systems allow panels to be trimmed, but the method varies. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before planning a short final section.
Why do chain-link corner posts need two tension bars?
Fabric ends on both sides of a corner post, and each end needs its own tension bar to hold it tight.