Short answer: No — our 8 foot aluminum fence panels are not 96 inches wide. This is one of the most common questions we receive from customers trying to install their fencing between existing posts, columns, or walls.
Our panel widths are nominal sizes. That means “8 foot” is a general label, not the exact measurement. The actual width of your panel will vary slightly depending on the grade (Residential, Commercial, Industrial) and post size. If you’re working with fixed posts or masonry columns, you must reference on-center spacing.
📏 What You Need to Know
- Actual Panel Width: Commercial and Industrial 8′ panels measure approximately 98 3/4 inches tip to tip
- On Center Spacing: With posts, spacing varies by post size — usually 99 to 100 1/4 inches on center
- If your posts or columns are already set, use our Rail End Mounts for a clean installation
📐 Full Spacing Chart
Use the spacing chart below to find the exact on-center width for your panel based on its grade and the size of the posts you’re using.
| GRADE | WIDTH | ACTUAL WIDTH | POST | ON CENTER | PICKETS (STYLES 1–6, 9, 10 / 7 & 8) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RESIDENTIAL | |||||
| Residential | 5′ wide | 63 inches typ. | 2″ × 2″ | 63 3/4 inches typ. | 13 / 26 |
| Residential | 5′ wide | 63 inches typ. | 2.5″ × 2.5″ | 64 1/4 inches typ. | 13 / 26 |
| Residential | 6′ wide | 72 inches typ. | 2″ × 2″ | 72 1/2 inches typ. | 15 / 30 |
| Residential | 6′ wide | 72 inches typ. | 2.5″ × 2.5″ | 73 inches typ. | 15 / 30 |
| Residential | 7′ wide | 85 3/8 inches typ. | 2″ × 2″ | 85 7/8 inches typ. | 18 / 36 |
| Residential | 7′ wide | 85 3/8 inches typ. | 2.5″ × 2.5″ | 86 3/8 inches typ. | 18 / 36 |
| COMMERCIAL | |||||
| Commercial | 6′ wide | 72 inches typ. | 2″ × 2″ | 72 1/2 inches typ. | 15 / 30 |
| Commercial | 6′ wide | 72 inches typ. | 2.5″ × 2.5″ | 73 inches typ. | 15 / 30 |
| Commercial | 6′ wide | 72 inches typ. | 3″ × 3″ | 73 1/2 inches typ. | 15 / 30 |
| Commercial | 8′ wide | 98 3/4 inches typ. | 2″ × 2″ | 99 1/4 inches typ. | 21 / 42 |
| Commercial | 8′ wide | 98 3/4 inches typ. | 2.5″ × 2.5″ | 99 3/4 inches typ. | 21 / 42 |
| Commercial | 8′ wide | 98 3/4 inches typ. | 3″ × 3″ | 100 1/4 inches typ. | 21 / 42 |
| INDUSTRIAL | |||||
| Industrial | 6′ wide | 72 inches typ. | 2.5″ × 2.5″ | 73 inches typ. | 15 / 30 |
| Industrial | 6′ wide | 72 inches typ. | 3″ × 3″ | 73 1/2 inches typ. | 15 / 30 |
| Industrial | 6′ wide | 72 inches typ. | 4″ × 4″ | 74 inches typ. | 15 / 30 |
| Industrial | 8′ wide | 98 3/4 inches typ. | 3″ × 3″ | 99 3/8 inches typ. | 21 / 42 |
| Industrial | 8′ wide | 98 3/4 inches typ. | 4″ × 4″ | 100 inches typ. | 21 / 42 |
Note: This chart is just a guide. Do not install all of your posts in advance. You build your barrier one panel at a time because of our routed line, corner, end, and 3-way posts. Do-It-Yourself fence installation has never been easier!
🔧 Attaching Panels to Existing Posts or Columns?
Our full guide shows you exactly how to connect aluminum fence panels to wood posts, walls, or columns — using the right mounts and spacing.
🧠 Final Advice
Don’t assume your new panel will fit a 96″ gap just because it’s labeled “8 foot.” Always:
- Check the spacing chart
- Measure your post-to-post distance on center
- Consider using Rail End Mounts or Swivel Mounts for flexibility
Still unsure? Contact us. We’ll help you measure twice and cut zero mistakes.
