What is the most accurate way to determine how much fence you will need for your yard?

I recently replaced the entire backyard fence at my home. To determine an accurate linear footage, measure the perimeter of the area to be fenced. Fence posts for both wood and chain link fences are placed eight feet apart. Don't forget to add one extra at the start of the fence and on both sides of any gate. Determine the number of gates into the fenced area.

Any reputable fence contractor will provide an on-site estimate ,at no charge, of linear footage, materials required including (gates, posts, staining, old fence haul-off), and installation costs separately in writing. I created my own estimate to test against and better understand vendor estimates. I spoke with 4 vendors. My experience shows that costs roughly run half for labor, half for materials. The arduousness of the job helped justify for me the cost of labor.

The crew took 2 days to erect a galvanized post, 2x4 treated lumber supporting overlapping cedar fence, complete with two gates. I stained it and saved $200. Were I to do it again, I'd let them stain it