How Many Featheredge Boards Do I Need? (Complete Calculator Guide)
If you’re building a featheredge fence, one of the most common questions is:
“How many featheredge boards do I actually need?”
Getting this right is important: order too few and you’ll delay the job, too many and you waste money.
In this guide, we’ll show you:
- How to calculate exactly how many boards you need
- The correct overlap to use
- A simple formula you can reuse for any project
- Your featheredge board amount with an automatic calculator at the bottom of the page
What Is a Featheredge Board?
Featheredge boards are tapered timber boards used to build traditional closeboard style fencing. They are installed vertically and overlap each other to create a strong, weather resistant barrier.
The Key Factor: Board Overlap
Unlike fence panels, featheredge boards overlap, so the full width of each board is not visible.
Standard overlap:
- Typically 20mm–25mm overlap per board
Step-by-Step Calculation
Step 1: Measure Your Fence Length
Measure the total length of the fence in metres.
Example:
- Fence length = 10 metres
Step 2: Calculate Coverage Per Board
Most common featheredge board:
- 125mm wide
With overlap:
- 125mm – 25mm overlap = 100mm effective coverage
Convert to metres:
- 100mm = 0.10m coverage per board
Step 3: Use the Formula
Number of boards = Fence length ÷ Coverage per board
Example:
- 10 ÷ 0.10 = 100 boards
Quick Reference Table
| Fence Length | Boards Needed (125mm boards) |
|---|---|
| 5m | 50 boards |
| 10m | 100 boards |
| 15m | 150 boards |
| 20m | 200 boards |
Add Wastage (Important)
Always add 5–10% extra for:
- Cutting
- Damage
- Natural timber variation
Example:
- 100 boards + 10% = 110 boards total
Board Sizes & Coverage Guide
| Board Width | Overlap | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 100mm | 20mm | 80mm (0.08m) |
| 125mm | 25mm | 100mm (0.10m) |
| 150mm | 25mm | 125mm (0.125m) |
Pro Tips (From Trade Experience)
- Stick to consistent overlap – don’t guess as you go
- Use a spacer block when installing for accuracy
- Slightly tighter overlap = better for windy areas
- Always round UP your board quantity
What Else You’ll Need
When calculating your fence, don’t forget:
- Fence posts (usually spaced at 1.83)
- Gravel boards
- Fence rails (typically 3-4 per bay)
- Nails or screws
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Not accounting for overlap
❌ Forgetting wastage
❌ Mixing board sizes mid-project
❌ Incorrect post spacing affecting layout
Final Calculator (Simple Version)
Use this:
Fence length (m) ÷ 0.10 = number of boards (for 125mm boards)
Then add:
+10% extra
Final Thoughts
Calculating featheredge boards is simple once you understand overlap and coverage.
Getting it right means:
- No wasted money
- No delays on site
- A clean, professional finish
Featheredge Board Calculator
By Giordan Gosling, Oakwell Garden Products