To measure for a fence: walk each side of your proposed fence line with a measuring tape, record each run's length, add them for total linear footage, count corners and gates, and note any slopes. That gives a contractor everything needed for an accurate quote.
What You Need
Measuring tape or wheel
A 100-ft tape works for most yards. A measuring wheel is faster for longer runs.
Paper and pen
Sketch a simple top-down diagram of your yard. Label each run with its footage.
Your phone
Google Maps satellite view helps confirm rough dimensions before you start measuring.
Measuring Each Fence Run
Plan Your Layout
Walk the fence line, mark all corners with stakes, and note any gates, utilities, or grade changes before measuring.
Know Your Property Lines
Get a survey or pull your plat from the county appraisal district before assuming where your property line sits.
Choose Your Material
Cedar, iron, chain link, vinyl, or aluminum — each has different maintenance profiles, costs, and HOA restrictions.
Budget Realistically
Get 2–3 written quotes and compare scope carefully — a lower price often means thinner posts or fewer rails.
Check Local Rules
Houston, TX, Harris County, and HOA rules on fence height, material, and setbacks vary by location — verify before you build.
Get a Pro Quote
A free on-site estimate from Griffin costs nothing and often reveals issues DIY measuring misses — slope, tree roots, easements.
Walk each side of your planned fence perimeter separately. Measure from corner to corner — or from corner to gate opening, then gate width, then continue to next corner. Write every measurement down as you go.
Corners and Gates
Count the number of corners your fence will have — each needs a post set differently than line posts. Measure each gate opening width. Standard walk gates are 36–48 inches; drive gates are 10–16 feet wide.
Dealing with Slopes
If your yard has significant slope, measure along the ground, not as a flat horizontal distance. The fence will step or rack with the slope, and contractors need the ground-level measurement. Note where major slope changes occur in your sketch.
Calculating Total Linear Footage
Add all run measurements together. That total is your linear footage. Most Houston backyards total 100–200 linear feet. Multiply by your target price per foot for a rough budget check before getting quotes.
Using Google Maps to Pre-Check
In Google Maps satellite view, right-click on your lot corner and select "Measure distance." Click around your proposed perimeter for a rough linear footage check. Not precise enough for final measurements, but useful for ballpark budgeting.
Do I need to measure before calling Griffin Fence?
No — Griffin Fence measures your property as part of the free estimate process. But having a rough measurement helps you have a realistic budget conversation before the estimator arrives.
How do I measure an irregular lot?
Break irregular lots into straight segments and measure each one separately. Where the lot has a curve or angle, divide it into multiple straight runs and add them together. Contractors do the same when estimating.
Houston Note: Houston’s gumbo clay soil and hurricane wind exposure require deeper post footings and galvanized hardware than national minimums.
What if my yard is larger than my measuring tape?
Use a measuring wheel (about $30 at home improvement stores), or break the run into segments and move the tape end-over-end, marking your progress each time.