PICKETPILOT FIELD GUIDE
Count fence posts without doubling the corners
Dividing total footage by spacing misses the shape of the fence. Start by naming the posts where runs begin, end, turn or meet a gate.
Name the shared posts
Draw a sketch and assign short labels to the important posts: A, B, C and so on. A straight run from A to B has two named endpoint posts. A second run from B to C reuses B. Enter the same label when it is physically the same post; use a different label for a separate post.
PicketPilot counts named posts once, then inserts the interior posts needed for each fence segment. The connection diagram shows relationships, not angles, coordinates or a surveyed layout.
Three different layouts, three counts
| Example at 8-ft maximum bays | Posts |
|---|---|
| One straight 16-ft run | 3 |
| Two connected 16-ft runs, A–B–C | 5 |
| Two disconnected 16-ft runs | 6 |
| Closed square, four 16-ft sides | 8 |
These examples demonstrate topology only. Eight feet is an editable example, not a suitable spacing recommendation for every fence. Product specifications, height, loads, ground conditions and local requirements determine the actual layout.
Inspect the real connections
The planner supports paths, disconnected runs and loops. It rejects duplicate connections and three-way junctions because those need a separately reviewed layout. A shared label counts one post; it does not prove that a single post can support the proposed attachment.
Gates can require different posts from ordinary fence runs. The budget separates gate posts so their product and price do not disappear into the line-post quantity.