The name is not a preset layout
The form offers two wood labels, but the calculation code distinguishes chain link from non-chain-link infill. Both wood choices follow the non-chain-link branch. Neither choice supplies a new board width, gap, post spacing or height for you.
For example, choosing Wood picket fence while leaving the gap at zero still calculates with a zero gap. Choosing Wood privacy fence while leaving a positive gap still calculates with that gap. The dropdown does not override the dimensions you entered, and its label does not verify visibility, security or construction details.
Paired checks using the actual calculator
Each row below was run twice through this site's submit handler: once with Wood privacy fence and once with Wood picket fence. All material cards matched within each pair. These are hypothetical software checks, not measurements of a real property or recommended fence dimensions.
The baseline inputs are 100 ft total length, 6 ft height, 8 ft post spacing, 5.5 in picket width, zero gap and no gates. To exercise the concrete cards, the tests also supply a hypothetical 1 ft³ per post and 0.5 ft³ bag yield. Neither value is a product specification or hole-size recommendation.
| Change from baseline | Posts | Rails | Pickets | Fasteners | Concrete bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| None | 14 | 39 | 219 | 1314 | 28 |
| Gap becomes 0.5 in | 14 | 39 | 200 | 1200 | 28 |
| One 4 ft gate opening | 15 | 36 | 210 | 1260 | 30 |
| Height 4 ft; post spacing 10 ft | 11 | 20 | 219 | 876 | 22 |
Compare down the table to see changes caused by numeric inputs. Compare the two type selections within a row and there is no quantity change. This distinction keeps the selector from being mistaken for a design recommendation.
What to change when comparing your own plans
- Enter the board width and gap for each plan. These are the inputs to the repeating width-plus-gap infill calculation.
- Enter the intended height and post spacing. They affect other material quantities even when the picket count stays unchanged.
- Keep total length and gate openings consistent between comparisons unless the layout itself changes.
- Use your own concrete quantity inputs. A matching bag count is not a check that a proposed hole or post design is suitable.
- Press Calculate materials after each change. Previously displayed cards are not refreshed merely by selecting another type.
Record the inputs with the result so you know what was compared. You can copy the displayed result, but copying does not save a project or reconstruct the input choices.
Why chain link is a different comparison
Chain link activates a different infill label and fastener planning branch. With the baseline length, height and spacing above, its tested output is 100.0 ft of fabric and 52 fasteners rather than a picket count and the wood fastener allowance. It still uses the same section-based post and rail counts in this implementation.
That is a software-model distinction, not a complete chain-link parts list. See the fabric-length explanation before applying wood-board quantities to a fabric fence.
What neither wood label adds
Neither selection introduces board overlap, a second layer, prefab panel sizing, a gate-leaf bill of materials or a cutting layout. The selector also does not add waste or spare boards. If those features are part of your plan, identical cards do not mean the designs have identical real-world material requirements.
Use the tool for its stated single-run planning scope. For the actual infill equation and its limits, read how the picket count works. Confirm the chosen fence system and layout separately before ordering.
Method and source
This article documents this site's calculation code and visible form labels. Four independently constructed paired input cases checked both wood selections, plus a chain-link comparison. These are reproducible implementation checks, not claims about every fence estimator, construction standards or suppliers. No material prices were assumed.