If you’re planning a new fence—whether DIY or with a professional—one crucial detail to determine is how far apart to place the posts. While it might seem straightforward, proper fence post spacing significantly impacts your fence’s strength, appearance, and long-term durability.
Spacing impacts everything: how much material you’ll need, how well the fence holds up in harsh weather, and even how it looks from across the yard. Get it wrong, and you may end up with sagging fence panels, wobbly sections, or posts that shift with every storm. Get it right, and you’ll have a fence that stands tall and strong for years.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything homeowners need to know—from spacing by material type to how local conditions in Seattle and Portland affect decisions. We’ll also answer common questions about spacing fence posts and offer practical tips for a flawless fence installation.
Why Fence Post Spacing Matters for Every Fence Installation
Every fence starts with its foundation—and that’s the posts. Posts support your panels or rails, keep everything straight, and anchor the fence to the ground. Most fence posts are installed in concrete and must be spaced correctly to prevent failure down the road.
Too wide? You’ll compromise structural integrity, especially in taller fences or high-wind areas. Too narrow? You’re wasting time, effort, and money installing more posts than you need. It’s all about finding the ideal spacing based on the fence type, terrain, and usage.
Fence post spacing also affects aesthetic appeal. Even, consistent gaps create a visually pleasing look across your property. Whether you’re installing a privacy fence, a field fence, or a decorative metal design, accurate measurement at this stage makes all the difference.
How to Space Fence Posts Based on Fence Type
Wood Fences: How Many Posts Do You Need?
With wood fences, spacing usually lands between 6 and 8 feet. That’s the general rule for keeping wood posts stable and upright while minimizing sag between fence panels. If you’re using heavier panels or live in a windy neighborhood, go with closer post spacing around 6 feet.
Two rails between posts is common, but taller fences often need three. Cross members add strength and help support the wood fibers in your panels over time, especially in damp Pacific Northwest climates.
When laying out your fence line, always count your total length and divide it by your post spacing to figure out how many posts you’ll need. Don’t forget to account for end posts, corner posts, and gate posts in your total. While eight feet is often the upper limit for post spacing, it’s important to consider fence weight and wind load when finalizing placement.
Vinyl Fencing: Consistency Is Key
Vinyl fences are manufactured with pre-sized panels—usually 6 or eight feet long. That means post holes must be spaced exactly to match. Any variation will throw off the install, causing alignment issues and unwanted gaps.
Because vinyl expands and contracts with temperature, it’s crucial to install vinyl posts with concrete footings and let them cure fully before attaching panels. If you’re in a colder or wetter zone like Seattle, consider reducing spacing slightly or reinforcing with thicker line posts for extra support.
Chain Link Fence Posts: Know the Maximum Distance
Chain link fence posts are often spaced 8 to 10 feet apart, depending on the fence’s purpose and height. That said, for fences over four feet tall or in areas with high wind or tension (like enclosures), experts recommend spacing posts no more than 6 to 8 feet.
T posts and line posts are used together with top rails and smooth wire to create secure runs. For gates, corners, or major stress points, install stronger concrete posts or steel-reinforced corner posts to maintain structural stability.
Specialty Fence Types: Woven Wire, Barbed Wire, and Electric Fencing
Barbed Wire & Standard Field Fence
When building with barbed wire or woven wire fence, spacing matters for tension and durability. A standard barbed wire fence typically uses posts every 10 to 12 feet, but you’ll want closer spacing if the fence needs to handle livestock pressure or rugged terrain.
Field fence and woven wire designs require more frequent posts (often 8 to 10 feet apart) to prevent sagging. For longevity, install all the posts in a straight, level line and reinforce every corner with braced end posts and corner postsset deep in concrete.
Electric Fencing: Balance Between Tension and Flexibility
Electric fencing can allow for wider spacing—sometimes up to 90 feet between posts—but that only works on flat, open land with low tension needs. In most backyard or farm applications, plan on space fence posts every 25 to 40 feet.
Use smooth wire for safety, and rely on concrete posts or strong T-posts at key stress points. Keep in mind that uneven terrain or shifting soil will require posts closer together to maintain charge and line consistency.
What Impacts Optimal Fence Post Spacing?
Fence Height and Exposure
The taller the fence, the more stress it experiences from wind. For fences over 6 feet, go with spacing no greater than 6 feet—and as low as 5 feet if your yard is particularly exposed. This helps maintain adequate support and keeps your fence line from bowing or shifting.
Terrain and Soil Conditions
Slope and soil play a major role in spacing. If your fence runs along uneven ground or sandy, soft, or wet soil, expect to use closer post spacing for reinforcement. In Seattle and Portland, where rainfall and shifting soil are common, 30–36” deep post holes filled with gravel and concrete provide a solid base.
On sloped land, you’ll also need to decide whether to step the fence or follow the grade. Either way, consistent spacing and accurate measurement will ensure a strong and visually appealing result.
Fence Sections and Local Regulations
If you’re using pre-assembled fence sections, let those guide your spacing. Most come in 6 or eight feet lengths, and you’ll need to follow that closely. For all installations, it’s important to check local regulations. Some local building codes mandate specific spacing and post depth—especially for electric fencing, pool enclosures, or fences over a certain height.
Fence Post Spacing Mistakes That Can Cost You Later
Using Fewer Posts Than Needed
Trying to use less posts might save money upfront, but you’ll likely pay more later in repairs. Improper spacing can cause panels to sag, gates to misalign, and even result in entire sections collapsing. In wet climates like the PNW, that risk only increases.
Eyeballing Instead of Measuring
We get it—measuring every spot can feel tedious. But inconsistent spacing not only looks bad, it makes installation harder. Use a tape measure, stake your corners, and mark every post hole based on your fence type and panel width. Precision is everything.
Ignoring the Fence Type
Spacing that works for a wood fence might not work for picket fences, chain link fences, or electric fencing. Each style—and even each property—has different requirements. Use this guide as a starting point, then adjust based on your material, use case, and site conditions.
What’s the best spacing in wet soil or heavy rain zones?
Stick to no more than 6 feet between posts. Dig deeper holes (30–36 inches), and use gravel + concrete for drainage and support.
Frequently Asked How Far Apart Should Fence Posts Be Questions
Can I use 8-foot panels in Portland?
Yes—but the posts must be spaced exactly eight feet apart. If you’re worried about wind or weight, reduce spacing to 7.5 feet for extra support.
How deep should I dig post holes?
A good rule is â…“ the height of the fence. So for a 6-foot fence, aim for 2.5 to 3 feet deep.
Should spacing change for corners or gates?
Yes. Corner posts and gate posts need added strength, and often closer spacing or deeper footings to carry the load.
Can I reuse existing post holes?
Only if they’re in the right spot and the footing is still solid. Otherwise, start fresh with new measurements.
Build It Right with Cool Cat Fence
Whether you’re fencing in your backyard, a hillside property, or a wide-open pasture, getting your fence post spacingright is step one. At Cool Cat Fence, we’ve installed thousands of fences in the Seattle and Portland areas, and we tailor every job to the fence type, terrain, and climate.
We use the right tools, materials, and layout methods to ensure every fence we install looks great and stands strong—for years. From planning to permits, we take care of it all so you can sit back and enjoy the view.
Ready to get started? Reach out to Cool Cat Fence today or explore our fence installation services for expert guidance, quality work, and fences built to last.
