Getting your fence project off on the right foot starts with one thing: accurate measuring. It might seem simple, but a few small mistakes early on can turn into big headaches down the road — like crooked lines, unexpected costs, and frustrated weekends.
For homeowners in Shreveport, measuring for a fence brings a few extra challenges. We’ve got shifting soil, heavy rains, tree roots, and some tricky property lines that can trip up even the best DIYers. That’s why we put together this guide — so you can plan your fence install the smart way, without the guesswork.
At New Look Exteriors LLC, we’ve measured and installed fences across every type of property you’ll find in the Shreveport area. Whether you’re working with a tight backyard or a wide-open pasture, we’ll show you the right steps (and the common pitfalls to avoid) to save you time, money, and a whole lot of hassle.
TL;DR:
Properly measuring your yard for a fence is essential to avoid costly mistakes. Start by walking your perimeter, marking corners, and accounting for gates. Always order 5-10% extra material and double-check local Shreveport regulations. For complicated yards or unclear property lines, call a professional like New Look Exteriors for a hassle-free installation.
Why Proper Fence Measurement Matters
Taking the time to measure your fence layout the right way can save you thousands of dollars — and a lot of frustration. When measurements are off, you end up short on materials, with crooked lines, or scrambling to fix costly mistakes halfway through the job.
Our fence company New Look Exteriors LLC, we’ve seen it all across Shreveport — from fences that didn’t meet HOA rules to projects delayed because of missing posts or wrong gate sizes. Accurate measuring up front helps avoid these common pitfalls.
It’s not just about making your fence look good either. A poorly measured fence can cause bigger headaches, like violating Shreveport property codes or even crossing into a neighbor’s yard. Fixing those problems after the fact usually means tearing the fence down and starting over — an expensive mistake no homeowner wants.
Proper planning also helps with ordering the right amount of materials. When you measure correctly, you can buy smarter, avoid overpaying, and keep your fence installation project moving without delays.
Bottom line? A little extra time with a measuring tape today can save you a mountain of problems tomorrow.
Tools You’ll Need to Measure Your Yard for a Fence
Before you start marking lines in your yard, make sure you have the right tools for the job. Proper tools make a huge difference when it comes to accurate fence measurements and a smooth fence installation.
Here’s what you’ll need:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 100 ft+ Measuring Tape | For measuring long, straight sections accurately |
| Stakes | To mark corners and gate openings |
| String Line | To create straight fence lines between stakes |
| Marking Spray Paint | To mark fence post locations clearly |
| Notepad & Pencil | To record measurements and section lengths |
| Measuring Wheel (optional) | Handy for very large or uneven yards |
Quick Tip:
Always double-check your measuring tape for slack. A sagging tape can throw off your numbers and cause major problems when you start digging post holes.
Using quality tools from the start ensures your fence project in Shreveport stays on track. It also helps avoid costly mistakes like misaligned posts or uneven panels.
Step-by-Step: How to Measure for Fence Installation Properly
A good fence starts with good measurements. Follow these steps to measure your yard like a pro and avoid costly surprises later.
1. Walk the Perimeter
Before you grab the measuring tape, take a slow walk around your property line.
Look for things that could affect your fence layout, like:
- Slopes or hills
- Large trees
- Utility poles
- Rock outcroppings
- Water drainage areas
In Shreveport, uneven ground and tree roots are a big deal. Planning ahead for these obstacles saves you time and keeps your fence line strong and straight.
2. Mark Your Corners
Use stakes to mark every corner of your future fence. If you’re installing a gate, place stakes where the gate will go too.
Then, run a string line tightly between the stakes to create clean, straight lines.
Pro Tip: Pull your string tight — sagging string leads to crooked fences, and crooked fences lead to unhappy homeowners.
3. Measure Each Straight Section
Take your measuring tape and measure each straight section of fence, from stake to stake.
Write down every measurement on your notepad, and be specific. Include notes like “side yard” or “rear property line” to avoid confusion later.
If you’re using a Shreveport fence company like New Look Exteriors, having clear measurements upfront makes it easier for us to give you a faster, more accurate estimate.
4. Account for Gate Locations
A lot of DIY fence builders forget to plan for gates — and it causes major headaches later.
If you’re installing a walk gate, add extra space for hinges and latch hardware. For vehicle access gates, plan at least 10–12 feet wide to allow cars, trailers, or lawnmowers to pass through easily.
Common Mistake:
Homeowners underestimate how wide a driveway gate needs to be. Always measure your vehicles first!
5. Measure Twice
The old saying is true: measure twice, cut once.
Professionals always double-measure before ordering fence materials.
One bad number can mean ordering too few posts, wrong-sized panels, or even needing to reorder custom gates — all of which cost more money and delay your project.
Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid
Even a small measuring mistake can turn a simple fence project into an expensive headache. Here are the most common mistakes we see around Shreveport, and how you can avoid them.
Not Accounting for Slopes or Grade Changes
Shreveport yards aren’t always flat.
If you measure straight across without considering the slope or elevation changes, you could end up with uneven fence lines or large gaps under your panels.
Always walk the yard first and note any hills, dips, or drainage areas. In some cases, you may need to step the fence or use racked panels to keep everything level and tight to the ground.
Forgetting to Include Gates
Gates are one of the most important parts of your fence — but they’re often forgotten during the measuring process.
You must plan ahead for:
- Walk-through gates
- Double-swing driveway gates
- Gate hardware clearance (hinges, latches, posts)
Adding gates after your initial measurements can throw off your entire material order and fence layout.
Not Confirming Property Lines
This is a big one.
Building a fence even a few inches onto a neighbor’s property can create legal issues — and could force you to tear it down at your own expense.
If you’re unsure about your exact property lines, always get a recent survey.
It’s a small upfront cost that can save you thousands later.
Ignoring Local Zoning Rules
Shreveport has fence regulations that cover height limits, materials allowed, and how close fences can be to streets or sidewalks.
Some neighborhoods and HOAs even have stricter rules about fence design and placement.
Before you dig a single post hole, check:
- City of Shreveport fence height restrictions
- Setback rules (how far from the property line you must build)
- HOA guidelines (if applicable)
Skipping this step can lead to fines or even being ordered to remove and rebuild sections of your fence.
Pro Tip: Always Add 5–10% Extra Material
When it comes to fence installation in Shreveport, one thing the pros always do is order a little extra material — and for good reason.
We recommend ordering 5% to 10% more than your exact measurements for:
- Posts
- Panels
- Pickets
- Concrete for posts
This small cushion helps cover:
- Mis-measurements
- Miscuts during installation
- Damaged materials
- Last-minute layout changes
| Material | Recommended Overage |
|---|---|
| Fence Panels | 5% extra |
| Fence Posts | 5–10% extra |
| Individual Pickets | 10% extra |
| Post Concrete | 5–10% extra |
Real Talk:
It’s a lot cheaper to have a few extra pickets left over than to shut down your project waiting on a second delivery — especially with material costs and delivery fees climbing in Shreveport.
Having that extra 5–10% on hand keeps your project moving smoothly without delays. Plus, if you ever need a quick repair down the road, you’ll already have matching materials ready to go.
Shreveport-Specific Fence Measuring Tips
Shreveport has its own set of challenges when it comes to fence measuring and installation.
Here are a few local tips to keep your project on track:
Watch for Soft Soil Spots
After heavy rains — which aren’t rare around here — Shreveport soil can get soft and unstable.
This can cause fence posts to shift or lean if you don’t adjust your post spacing or footing depth.
Pro Tip:
When you measure, note any soft or muddy areas. You may need to dig deeper post holes or use extra concrete to secure your fence properly.
Be Mindful of Tree Roots in Older Neighborhoods
Many Shreveport neighborhoods — especially older ones like Highland and Broadmoor — are full of mature trees.
Tree roots can throw off your fence line and make digging post holes a nightmare if you’re not prepared.
What to do:
- Walk your fence line carefully.
- Look for bulges in the ground where roots might be just under the surface.
- Plan your fence layout to either work around roots or be ready to do some extra digging and cutting (carefully).
Double-Check for Underground Utility Lines
Before you start measuring and marking post holes, it’s critical to know what’s under your yard.
In Shreveport (and across Louisiana), homeowners can call 811 to schedule a free utility locate.
This service marks the location of buried gas, electric, water, and communication lines — keeping you safe and avoiding costly repairs.
Reminder:
It’s not just smart — it’s the law. Always call 811 before you dig.
When to Call a Fence Installation Professional
Sometimes, no matter how well you measure, a yard can throw more curveballs than you expect.
If your property has:
- Major slopes or uneven ground
- Lots of trees, rocks, or landscaping obstacles
- Unclear or disputed property lines
— it’s usually smarter (and cheaper in the long run) to call a professional fence installer.
At New Look Exteriors, we know the ins and outs of Shreveport fence installation.
Our team can handle complicated layouts, tricky soil conditions, and all the local zoning rules you need to follow.
Good News:
We offer free estimates and consultations for homeowners in Shreveport and the surrounding areas.
Whether you need help measuring, choosing materials, or handling permits, we’ll make sure your fence project is smooth from start to finish — without the guesswork or expensive surprises.
Conclusion: Start Your Fence Project the Right Way
Getting accurate measurements upfront is the foundation for a smooth, hassle-free fence installation.
It saves you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches down the road — especially when dealing with Shreveport’s unique property layouts and soil conditions.
If you’re in Shreveport or the surrounding areas and want a fence installation done right the first time, contact New Look Exteriors.
We’ll walk you through the entire process — from measuring to final build — so you can relax and enjoy a beautiful, durable fence that’s built to last.
Reach out today for your free estimate!
Let’s make your yard the best-looking one on the block.
