When planning a fencing project, one of the terms you’ll frequently encounter is linear foot. Whether you’re purchasing materials, getting a quote from a contractor, or calculating the total cost of your project, understanding how linear footage applies to fencing is essential. In this guide, we’ll explain what a linear foot is, how it’s used in fencing, and why it’s vital for pricing and material calculations.

What is a Linear Foot?

A linear foot (or lineal foot) is simply a measurement of length or distance in a straight line. It does not take into account any height, width, or thickness—just the straight measurement of how long something is. When it comes to fencing, a linear foot refers to the length of the fence, measured from one end to the other along the ground.

• 1 linear foot = 12 inches

• Linear footage is used to measure the perimeter of the area you’re fencing, whether it’s a small yard, a large commercial property, or a surrounding barrier around a pool.

Example: If you’re installing a fence along a property line, and the length of that line is 100 feet, you would have 100 linear feet of fencing.

Why is Linear Foot Important in Fencing?

Understanding linear footage is critical because fencing materials are often sold by the linear foot. The number of linear feet determines the amount of material you need to purchase and the amount of labor required for installation. Here are the key reasons why linear footage is vital in fencing:

1. Material Calculation

Fencing materials, such as posts, rails, panels, and gates, are typically sold by the linear foot. For example, if you’re purchasing wood for a fence, the lumber might be priced by the linear foot, so you need to know the length of your fence to estimate the total material cost.

Internal Link: Explore our Wood Fencing and Gates page for more information about material pricing and options.

2. Cost Estimation

Many contractors base their pricing on linear footage. The total cost of your fence installation will depend on the materials you choose and the length of the fence. Understanding how to calculate linear feet will help you budget for your project and get accurate quotes from contractors.

Check out our guide on Fencing Prices for more information about cost factors and budget planning.

3. Fencing Layout

When planning a fence, knowing the linear footage helps you determine the area the fence will cover. It allows you to choose the number of posts, rails, or panels you will need, as well as any additional features, such as gates, that may be required.

How to Measure Linear Footage for Fencing

Now that you understand what a linear foot is, let’s go over how to measure linear footage for your fencing project. The process is straightforward but requires some planning.

1. Mark the Perimeter

Start by marking the area where you plan to install the fence. Use a tape measure, string, or markers to define the perimeter of the fence line. Be sure to measure all sides of the area you want to enclose.

• For example, if you’re fencing a rectangular yard, you’ll measure the length of each side.

2. Measure the Length of Each Side

Use a measuring tape to measure the length of each side of the area you want to fence. For a square or rectangular fence, add the length and width of all four sides together to get the total linear footage.

• Example: If you have a rectangular yard that measures 50 feet long and 30 feet wide, the total linear footage would be 50 + 30 + 50 + 30 = 160 linear feet.

3. Account for Corners, Gates, and Other Features

Remember to subtract the width of any gates you plan to install. Gates will typically be sold in standard widths, such as 3 feet, 4 feet, or 6 feet. Deduct the total width of any gates from your total linear footage to avoid overestimating the material needed.

• Example: If you plan to install a 4-foot gate, subtract 4 feet from your total linear footage to account for the space the gate will take up.

4. Consider Irregular Shapes

If your property is not a simple rectangle or square, you may have to measure the lengths of each side separately. For properties with curves or irregular shapes, it’s best to break the fence line down into smaller, straight sections and measure each one individually, then add them together.

For more detailed advice on planning and installing your fence, visit our Contractors page.

How Linear Footage Affects Your Fence Installation Cost

As mentioned earlier, contractors and suppliers often price fencing based on linear footage. The cost per linear foot depends on the materials you choose and any additional features you require. Here’s how the linear footage can influence your fencing costs:

• Material Cost: The more linear feet of fence you need, the more material you’ll have to purchase. Fencing materials, such as wood, vinyl, or iron, are typically priced per linear foot, meaning longer fences are more expensive to build.

• Labor Cost: Labor costs are typically calculated based on the total linear feet of fence being installed. The longer the wall, the more time it will take for the contractor to install.

• Gate Installation: If you’re installing gates, these will be factored into the overall cost. Gates are usually priced separately, based on their size and material; however, the total linear footage of the fence remains the primary driver of costs.

Example of Cost Breakdown for a Fence Installation:

Suppose you’re installing a 100-foot vinyl fence. Here’s how linear footage factors into your cost:

• Material Cost: If vinyl fencing costs $25 per linear foot, the material cost for 100 feet of fencing would be $2,500 (100 x $25).

• Labor Cost: If labor costs are $30 per linear foot, the labor cost for 100 feet of fencing would be 100 x $30 = $3,000.

• Gate: A 4-foot vinyl gate might cost around $200, which would be added to the total cost.

So, the total cost for this 100-foot vinyl fence would be $5,700.

To compare the pricing of different materials, visit our Vinyl Fencing and Gates page.

How Linear Footage Affects Fence Maintenance

The linear footage of your fence can also influence the time and money spent on maintenance. A longer fence will require more frequent cleaning, staining, or repairing. Additionally, fences exposed to harsh weather conditions may require more frequent upkeep to maintain good condition.

For example:

• Wood Fencing: Wood fences require regular staining or painting to protect them from the elements. More linear feet of wood fence will result in more time and materials for maintenance.

• Vinyl Fencing: Vinyl fences are low-maintenance, but over time, they may still require occasional cleaning or minor repairs. A longer vinyl fence means more surface area to clean or repair.

• Iron Fencing: Iron fences can rust, so regular cleaning and occasional repainting may be necessary. Again, more linear footage means more surface to maintain.

If you need advice on keeping your fence in top shape, check out our Common Maintenance Tips for Automated Driveway Gates page.

Conclusion

Understanding what a linear foot is and how it applies to fencing is crucial when planning a fencing project. From calculating the amount of material needed to obtaining accurate quotes from contractors, linear footage plays a significant role in determining your overall fencing costs. Whether you’re building a new fence or replacing an existing one, knowing the total linear footage will help you make informed decisions about your fencing project.

If you’re ready to get started on your fence installation or need help with material selection, visit Fred’s Fencing for expert advice and professional services.