Fence Palings Calculator

This calculator works out how many palings you need to clad a timber fence in New Zealand, so you can order the right quantity in one go. Palings are the vertical boards that form the face of a standard timber fence, and the count depends on three things: the length of the fence, the width of each paling, and the size of the gap you leave between them. Builders use different setups: butted palings with no gap for maximum privacy, a small even gap for a lighter look and airflow, or a lapped or board-and-batten arrangement. Many fences are also clad on both sides, which doubles the palings, and some use an alternating both-sides design for a fence that looks the same from each property. You enter the total fence length, the width of a single paling, the gap you plan to leave, and whether you are cladding one side or two. The calculator returns the number of palings required, the palings used per metre, and the count per side, so you can price the timber and check it against a supplier quote. Getting this right matters because palings are usually sold in packs or by the each, and being a few short means another trip and a possible colour or treatment mismatch from a different batch. Remember that palings are only the cladding: you will also need posts, rails and fixings, which this calculator does not include. Use it alongside a fencing materials calculator for the full picture. Treat the result as a close estimate and add a few spares for cuts and the occasional split board.

Palings only; posts, rails and fixings are separate. Add a few spares for cuts and splits. An estimate only.