The space between your fence pickets is usually a matter of preference. You can choose to make it as narrow or wide as you want it, but you have to take several things into account before you settle on the gap size. Masters Roofing explains further.
Privacy Fence
A privacy fence’s main purpose is to keep your home somewhat hidden from the rest of the neighborhood. If you’re planning for a privacy fence, you have two options.
A solid fence is for complete privacy. For this one, the fence boards can be tight together or spaced ⅜ to ¼ inches apart. This is to allow the wood to expand and contract in wet and dry conditions. The second option, a board-on-board fence, can have 3 ½ inches of gap between the pickets. Your fence boards will alternate on the sides of the rails with an inch of the overlapping area.
Picket Fence
Spacing for a picket fence depends on personal preference. However, there’s a standard rule that applies for such types of fences. Here, the space between the two pickets must be under 4 inches. This is so that a 4-inch sphere cannot fit through the gap, adding to the safety of your family.
Expect your contractor to perform calculations to determine the distance between fence gaps.
1. Post Spacing – Measure the distance between neighboring fence posts. This is assuming that the posts are spaced with even spaces between them.
2. Unit Width – Add the picket width to your desired spacing dimension to find the unit width.
3. Number of Pickets – Find out the number of pickets for each section. To get this, you should divide the post spacing by the unit width.
4. Total Area – Find the total area occupied by the pickets. You can do this by multiplying the number of pickets by the picket width.
5. Fence Gap – Lastly, divide the total area by the number of pickets, then add one. This will now be the gap you can leave for your fence.
In addition to providing high-quality roofing services, Masters Roofing also specializes in fence installations and repairs. We’re here to ensure that you get the fence you want and need, allowing you to enjoy your property as you should. Call us now at (901) 871-7663 or fill out our contact form for a free estimate. We’re excited to serve clients in Memphis, TN.