Fence Calculator
Calculate fence posts, panels, materials, and cost for your South African property. Covers steel palisade, Clearvu, wooden paling, precast concrete, and chain-link fencing.
Quick Calculator Get a fast estimate
m
m
m
m
Total perimeter
70 m
Fence length (excl. gate)
67 m
Posts required
28
Panels / bays
27
Estimated material cost
R 34 170
Estimated labour cost
R 22 780
Total estimated cost
R 56 950
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How to Use the Fence Calculator
Enter your yard dimensions (or total perimeter), subtract gate widths, and select your fence type. The calculator estimates posts, panels, and supply-and-install costs based on 2024 South African rates.
The Extended Calculator adds post footing concrete quantities and a detailed cost breakdown. The Professional Calculator covers wind load analysis, electric fence energiser sizing, and life-cycle cost comparison.
Need more detail?
Extended Calculator More options, charts, and scenario comparison
m
m
m
Material quantities
67 m fence
Posts
28
Bays / panels
27
Rails (total)
81
Fence panels/metres
67 m
Fence Type Comparison
| Type | Cost/m (supply+install) | Security | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel palisade | R750–R950 | High | 20–30 yr |
| Clearvu / Clearview | R900–R1,200 | Very high | 15–25 yr |
| Wooden paling | R350–R550 | Low–medium | 8–15 yr |
| Precast concrete | R800–R1,100 | Medium | 30–50 yr |
| Chain-link | R250–R400 | Low | 10–20 yr |
Post Footing Formula
Posts = ⌈fence length ÷ post spacing⌉ + 1
Footing volume = π × (hole radius)² × depth (per post)
Concrete bags (25kg) ≈ total footing volume ÷ 0.025 m³
Rule of thumb: post embedment = ⅓ of above-ground height
Need full precision?
Professional Calculator Complete parameters, sensitivity analysis, and detailed breakdown
m
m
m/s
Wind load (SANS 10160-3)
34,4 kN total
Dynamic pressure (q)
735 Pa
Wind area
36 m²
Total wind force
34 398 N
Approx. moment per post
3 870 N·m
SA design wind speed: 28–40 m/s depending on region (SANS 10160-3). Coastal and highveld areas may need higher values. Consult a structural engineer for solid walls >1.8m.
Frequently Asked Questions
2024 supply-and-install rates: palisade R750–R950/m, Clearvu R900–R1,200/m, wooden paling R350–R550/m, precast R800–R1,100/m, chain-link R250–R400/m. Always get 3 quotes. Coastal areas can be 10–15% higher due to corrosion requirements.
Posts = (length ÷ spacing) + 1. For 50m at 2.5m spacing: 21 posts. Add 2 posts per gate (hanging and closing posts), plus corner posts. Clearvu and palisade typically use 2.5m spacing.
Minimum ⅓ embedment. For 1.8m fence: at least 0.6m in ground. Use 250–300mm diameter concrete footing (grade 15–20 MPa). In expansive clay soils (common in Gauteng and KZN), go deeper — 0.8–1.0m.
Steel palisade must comply with SANS 1199. Electric fences require OHS Act compliance and a COC (certificate of compliance) from a registered electrician. Warning signs every 10m. Max voltage 10,000V, max 5J stored energy.
Governed by the Fences Act 31 of 1963 and municipal by-laws. Fences ≤1.8m usually need no permit. Walls >1.8m typically need plans and approval. Boundary disputes should be resolved with a registered land surveyor.