A horizontal wood fence panel with open gaps against garden planting.
Architectural visualization. It does not set privacy, spacing, support, hardware or local approval requirements.A material schedule converts a chosen layout into identifiable pieces. Count infill from actual clear dimensions, actual board width and the intended gap. Keep that geometry separate from the support design and from the later decision about stock lengths, cutting loss and purchase quantities.
Create one row per condition
List run and panel identifiers, clear infill dimension, board orientation, cut length and quantity. Mark repeated panels, but verify that they really share the same dimensions. Separate gate infill, corner pieces and narrow returns from standard panels. Include the drawing revision and whether dimensions are preliminary or field-confirmed. For a stepped boundary, add the relevant level or cut-pattern note so a repeated-looking panel is not mistaken for an identical part.
Use an explicit gap convention
For n full-width slats with gaps only between them, occupied width equals n times actual board width plus n minus one times gap. Remaining space belongs to the edge treatment and must be shown. If equal edge gaps are wanted, use that different convention explicitly. Do not round a fractional quantity up and assume it fits. Review the last board and edge margins visually before turning a calculator result into a cutting instruction.
Convert cuts into an order
Group required pieces by stock option and lay out a cutting plan that includes saw kerf, end trimming and any product constraints. A linear-foot total alone cannot establish how many full-length boards will yield the needed pieces. Add an explicitly labeled allowance chosen for the project rather than hiding waste in the geometry. Confirm available lengths with the supplier, then revise the schedule if availability changes. Keep the final order list and the original piece count so differences are explainable later.
Count each run from its own geometry
A fence schedule is easier to check when each straight run, opening and change of height has an identifier. Record the intended orientation, visible board width, gap basis and finished run dimensions. Gates, returns and sloping areas need their own entries because their cutting and attachment conditions differ.
For a simple vertical-board illustration, 20 boards with a 5.5-inch face and 19 internal half-inch gaps occupy 119.5 inches before any end clearances: 20 × 5.5 + 19 × 0.5. Multiplying 20 by a six-inch repeat instead gives 120 inches because it counts one additional gap. Neither expression determines the correct end detail; that must be stated separately. These are example dimensions, not installation recommendations.
Separate the visible layout count from the purchase list. Trimming, unusable pieces, stock lengths and designated spares affect procurement. A quantity allowance does not determine post spacing, rail sizing or an approved fastening schedule.
A schedule a supplier and installer can read
| Entry | Record separately |
|---|---|
| Run | Identifier, finished length and height |
| Board layout | Orientation, actual face width, gaps and end treatment |
| Opening | Clear opening and gate responsibility |
| Stock | Supplied lengths and cutting assumptions |
| Allowance | Reason for each additional quantity |
| Unresolved | Boundary, support or attachment decisions still open |
Use the project builder to compare design assumptions, then reconcile its output with measured site conditions and the agreed assembly. Keep old quantities when the design changes so the reason for an order adjustment is visible.
Evidence & scope
Original planning guidance. References support their stated technical scope; examples and workflows do not establish product approval.