Map runs, corners, and gates
Measure straight runs between terminal conditions and record every corner, end, and gate opening.
Gate widths reduce infill length but add dedicated posts, framing, and hardware.
Establish bays and posts
Divide each run by approved maximum post spacing and round up to whole bays.
Count line, corner, end, and gate posts by function because sizes can differ.
Calculate the privacy face
For boards, use actual board face plus gap or specified overlap; for panels, use installed panel width.
Board-on-board, shadowbox, cap-and-trim, and stepped layouts need pattern-specific quantities.
Add framing and consumables
Rails follow bay count and rails per bay; concrete follows actual hole geometry and product yield.
Fasteners, brackets, rot boards, caps, trim, stain, and gate hardware remain visible order lines.
Check wind and site constraints
A solid privacy face can impose materially different wind loads than an open fence.
Post size, depth, spacing, footing, height, and reinforcement require project-specific verification.