Fence Panel Sizes, Post Spacing & Materials Guide | Dodds
Fence Panel Sizes, Post Spacing & Materials Guide
Planning a new garden fence or replacing worn-out panels? This guide explains fence panel sizes, traditional post spacing and the materials normally required for a fencing project. You can also use our online fence calculator to estimate how many panels, posts and gravel boards you need.
At Dodds Fencing & Sheds, our fence panels are made to traditional imperial measurements to help them fit existing fence bays more easily when replacing older panels.
Traditional Fence Panel Widths
At Dodds, our fence panels are made to traditional imperial measurements. Our standard fence panels are 72 inches wide (1.83 metres), not 1.8 metres.
This is important because traditional fencing bays are normally set out to suit imperial panel sizes, making our panels much easier to use when replacing older or worn-out fence panels without needing to move or replace existing posts.
Many garden centre fence panels are made to 1.8 metres wide. These can be too narrow for traditional fence panel spacing, which can cause fitting problems when replacing older panels in existing concrete or timber posts.
Common Fence Panel Heights
While our panels are made to a traditional width of 72 inches (1.83m), there are different height options depending on the level of privacy and boundary height required.
- 72" x 72" fence panels
- 72" x 60" fence panels
- 72" x 48" fence panels
- 72" x 36" fence panels
Fence Post Spacing
Traditional fence post spacing is usually designed around 72 inch (1.83 metre) wide fence panels. That is why our panels are made to imperial sizes, helping them fit more easily into existing fencing runs when customers are replacing damaged or worn-out panels.
If you are replacing older fence panels, choosing a true 72 inch wide panel can save time and avoid the need to alter post positions. By comparison, some modern 1.8 metre panels sold through garden centres may leave an unwanted gap or may not fit correctly in traditional fence bays.
When installing a completely new fence, each panel normally sits between two posts, meaning you will usually need one more post than the number of panels.
- 10 fence panels usually require 11 fence posts
- 20 fence panels usually require 21 fence posts
What Materials Do You Need for a Fence?
Most fencing projects need more than just panels. Depending on the type of fence you are installing, you will usually need:
- Fence panels
- Concrete fence posts or timber posts
- Concrete or timber gravel boards
- Post mix or concrete
- Fixings and accessories
Concrete posts and gravel boards are popular because they help protect the fence from ground moisture and can increase the lifespan of the installation.
Browse Fencing Products
Dodds Fencing & Sheds supply a wide range of fencing products for repairs, replacements and complete new fencing jobs. Browse our main product ranges below:
How Many Fence Panels Do I Need?
To estimate how many panels are required, measure the total length of the fence line and divide it by the panel width. If you are using traditional Dodds fence panels, allow for our standard 72 inch (1.83m) panel width and the correct post spacing.
The quickest way to work this out is to use our online calculator.
Fence Installation Service
If you would prefer your fence professionally installed, we also offer a local fence installation service for homes across Teesside and surrounding areas.
This is ideal if you want help with both supply and fitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all fence panels 1.8m wide?
No. Many cheaper garden centre panels are 1.8m wide, but our traditional fence panels are made to 72 inches wide (1.83m) to better suit traditional post spacing.
Why does imperial fence panel width matter?
It matters because older fence runs and traditional post spacing were often built around imperial sizes. A true 72 inch panel is usually a better fit when replacing worn-out panels without moving posts.
How many posts do I need?
In most cases you need one more post than the number of fence panels.
Start Planning Your Fence
Browse our fencing products, calculate what you need and order the right materials for your project.
