If you’ve ever had a quote for a fence, you might have noticed that the fence contractor asks for a site layout, or they might come out to measure themselves.
They probably create a site layout sketch while measuring, noting corners, changes of direction, ends, and gates. That’s because the more corners, ends, and gates you have, the more your fence is likely to cost. Here’s why.
End and Corner Posts Require More Material
Most fence types have different end and corner posts. They’re bigger and sturdier than standard posts because they have to handle extra tension on the fence. These specialized posts carry much of the fence’s weight, ensuring everything stays straight and secure.
Often, that means the posts themselves will be larger, complete with additional tensioning hardware to keep wire, mesh, or other materials taut. The concrete footings for end and corner posts also tend to be bigger and deeper, which is significant because you pay for concrete by volume. In the Phoenix region, deeper footings may be needed due to a variety of soil conditions like gravel or hard clay, further adding to the overall cost.
They Also Take More Time to Install
A fence’s total cost includes both materials and labor. So, whenever more robust posts or specialized fittings are involved, labor usually increases too.
End and corner posts are heavier than intermediate posts and require careful alignment. This might involve additional measuring and marking to ensure a straight fence line. After these posts are installed, extra fittings and tensioners often need to be added for chain link, welded wire, or other fencing materials. All that additional work increases the labor portion of the project.
They Increase the Number of Posts
When you look at the cost breakdown for most fence systems, the panels (whether mesh, wood, vinyl, or something else) usually aren’t the biggest expense. Fence posts, on the other hand, can be quite costly once you factor in the post itself, brackets or fittings, footings, and concrete.
Typically, fence posts are set at regular intervals—for example, every 8 or 10 feet in a run of fencing. If you wanted to install 100 feet of fence with posts every 10 feet, you’d need 11 posts in total. But if there are two extra corners, you’d need 13 posts, so the added posts plus the corner posts’ heavier specifications raise the cost.
They Increase “Cuttings”
Most fence panels come in standard sizes. If your fence layout includes extra corners or shorter runs, some sections will need to be cut to fit. Cutting panels takes time, and if the leftover pieces can’t be used elsewhere, it can drive up the material costs as well.
Where Do You Need Extra Posts?
Figuring out exactly how many end and corner posts a fence requires often means a thorough site inspection. In the Phoenix Metro area, local ordinances, property lines, and unique lot shapes can all influence the exact placement of end and corner posts.
Fence estimators will mark places where the fence ends or meets a building, along with any point where the fence line shifts direction by more than about 10 degrees. This includes both horizontal and vertical changes in the layout—if the land slopes sharply, you may need additional corner or end posts to adjust.
What Can You Do?
If you’re trying to keep your project on budget, aim for fence lines that are as long, straight, and level as possible. Fewer corners mean fewer large posts, smaller footings, and less cutting or adjusting of fence panels.
You can also consider placing gates at the end of a fence line so that the gate post can double as an end post. This might mean fewer overall posts to install. Finally, it’s worth asking your fence contractor which fencing systems work best if you can’t avoid multiple corners and ends—some designs are simpler and more economical to install than others.
Western Fence Company has decades of experience working with corner posts, gates, and challenging layouts across the Phoenix area. If you’re looking for a durable and cost-effective solution, learn more about our Phoenix fence installation services.