Stockade Fence Calculator
Estimate pointed stockade pickets, backer rails and posts for 6-foot traditional wood privacy fencing with zero board gap.
Fence calculator
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Overview
Stockade fences feature closely spaced vertical pickets with pointed tops, inspired by historic frontier fortifications. They offer complete visual privacy, solid security, and clean vertical sightlines.
Stockade fencing can be assembled board-by-board on site or installed using pre-assembled 8-foot wood panels attached directly between posts.
Common mistakes
- Installing stockade pickets inverted with pointed tips facing down or unevenly aligned along top stringers.
- Using undersized 2x3 rails that sag under the combined weight of heavy pointed stockade pickets.
- Allowing pickets to rest directly on moist ground soil rather than elevating them 2 inches.
- Neglecting post alignment along the string line, creating visible zigzagging in solid stockade runs.
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Related reading
In-depth guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of the pointed top on a stockade fence?
Originally designed to deter intruders from scaling security walls, the pointed top also sheds rainwater away from the wood end grain, preventing premature rot.
Is it better to build stockade fences from scratch or buy panels?
Pre-assembled stockade panels install faster, but stick-building picket-by-picket allows you to rack the fence smoothly to match sloped terrain without stepped gaps.
How many pickets are in an 8-foot stockade fence panel?
An 8-foot section using 1x4 pickets (3.5 in actual width) contains roughly 27 to 28 pickets. Using 1x6 pickets (5.5 in actual width), it contains roughly 17 to 18 pickets.
Can stockade fences withstand high winds?
Solid stockade fences catch wind like a sail. In windy areas, use 6-foot post spacing, 6x6 corner posts, and deep concrete footings to resist wind load.
How many bags of concrete do stockade fence posts need?
A typical 10-inch diameter, 24-inch deep hole requires 2 to 3 bags of 60 lb concrete mix per post to anchor a 6-foot stockade fence securely.
What wood species is most commonly used for stockade fencing?
Spruce, white pine, and pressure-treated southern yellow pine are the most common stockade materials due to affordability and ease of milling pointed tips.
How high should a stockade fence sit above the ground?
Keep the bottom of all pickets at least 2 inches above soil and mulch to prevent water absorption and prolong the lifespan of the boards.
How often should a stockade fence be sealed or stained?
Apply a quality water-repellent semi-transparent or solid stain every 2 to 3 years to prevent moisture swelling and UV greying.