6
Determining Post Spacing for Panels and Gates
Now that you have your string line run for guidance, you need to determine how far apart your posts will be
spaced so you can dig your holes. This will vary based on whether a full fence panel, trimmed fence panel or
gate is going in-between two posts.
NOTE – If you are utilizing our specialized flange posts, you will
use the ‘between posts’ measurement discussed on pages 12-13 and not the ‘on center’ measurement.
Fence Panel Post Spacing
•
All of our standard wrought iron panels are 96 inches (8 feet) wide from end-of-rail to end-of-rail. You
will want to aim for a 96-inch wide space between posts for mounting fence panels. The brackets do not
add any additional width.
•
The easiest way to determine where your post will go in the ground is to determine the ‘on center’
measurement for your post. This measurement is the dead center of where the post will be installed in the
post hole that you will dig.
•
To calculate your ‘on center’ post measurement, add the width of your fence panel (96”) plus the width of
ONE
fence post. (If you are unsure of what size fence post you have, refer to your itemized invoice or
measure one face of the post) For example:
96” Fence Panel + 2” Fence Post = 98” on center measurement
•
This measurement holds true for full size and trimmed fence panels. If you had to trim a fence panel at
the end of a run, you would simply substitute the 96” fence panel part of the equation with the width of
your trimmed fence panel (ex: 57” Fence Panel + 2” Fence Post = 59” on center measurement)
•
Once you have your ‘on center’ post measurement, you can begin marking your post holes in the grass
with your marking spray paint. Start in a corner or at the end of a run. Mark the end or corner, measure
out your ‘on center’ post measurement and mark again in the grass. Continue doing this until you have
marked where all your post holes will need to be dug up in the layout.
Walk and Driveway Gate Post Spacing
Just as we did with our fence panels, we will want to determine the ‘on-center’ post measurement for our gates
in a similar way. Post spacing for gate openings will vary based on gate width and the hinge/ latch hardware
being installed. So before we can calculate our ‘on-center’ post measurement for the gate, you will need to note
the following items down:
o
The width of the gate
o
The space needed for the hinges
o
The space needed for the latch
