FenceTracer vs Joist
Joist is a general-purpose estimating and invoicing app. FenceTracer is fence estimating software with a drawing-driven takeoff.
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The verdict
Quick read
Feature-by-feature
Where each tool actually fits
| Feature | FenceTracer | Joist | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drawing-driven takeoff | Native — sketch the layout, linear feet and posts auto-compute | Not offered — line items entered manually | FenceTracer |
| Fence-specific catalogue | Built-in fence style presets and pricebooks for chain link, wood, ornamental, vinyl, and custom work | Generic line-item library — you build it | FenceTracer |
| Per-segment fence styles | Yes — one quote, mixed styles per segment | Not applicable — no fence concept | FenceTracer |
| Canadian sales tax (HST/GST/QST/PST) | Automatic by install province | Manual tax rate per invoice | FenceTracer |
| Slope-aware linear feet | Geometry engine computes sloped lengths | Not applicable | FenceTracer |
| Branded PDF estimates | Yes — logo, terms, line items, layout image, and tax breakdown | Yes — branded PDF estimates and invoices | Tie |
| Customer approval | Revision-bound approval link records customer name and email | Estimate/invoice approval workflow with client activity tracking | Tie |
| Payments | Stripe for subscription billing; quote-side payments not built in | Online payments and homeowner financing are part of Joist's public offer | Competitor |
| Mobile worker app for installers | iOS + Android worker app with crew job queue | Contractor mobile app, not crew-oriented | FenceTracer |
| Pricing model | $180 CAD/month flat, unlimited users | Low-cost paid tiers for estimates, invoices, and payments | Competitor |
Best fit
Which shops should pick which tool?
FenceTracer is best for
- Fence shops that quote from a measured drawing rather than a parts list
- US and Canadian contractors who need tax-ready customer quotes
- Crews that want estimator and installer access under one FenceTracer bill
- Estimators who need slope-aware linear feet and per-segment fence styles
- Operations that want crew handoff (worker app) in the same tool as estimating
Joist is best for
- Sole operators and small handyman crews doing mixed trade work
- Contractors who write line-item estimates without a site sketch
- Anyone whose primary need is invoicing and payments, not takeoff
Pricing
Total cost matters more than sticker price
$180 CAD/month, flat. Unlimited users, unlimited quotes, unlimited projects. 3-month free trial, no credit card.
Joist publicly lists Basics, Pro, and Elite monthly plans. Last checked May 25, 2026, those tiers were $10/month, $16/month, and $32/month, with payments and financing available.
Joist is lower cost for estimating/invoicing only. FenceTracer costs more because it includes fence takeoff, tax-ready quote workflows, scheduling, locates, and worker handoff.
Current competitor details: official Joist page.
FAQ
Questions before you switch
Is FenceTracer a Joist replacement for fence contractors?
For fence-specific quoting, yes. FenceTracer replaces the spreadsheet + Joist combo by producing the quote directly from the site sketch — fabric, posts, hardware, labour, and tax all derived from the drawing. Shops that primarily need invoicing and payments may still keep Joist alongside; fence-focused shops typically consolidate into FenceTracer.
Does Joist do fence takeoff?
Joist is a general line-item estimating tool — it doesn't have a fence-specific takeoff. You'd enter linear feet and material counts manually after measuring or sketching elsewhere. FenceTracer produces the takeoff from the drawing itself.
Which is cheaper if I only need estimates and invoices?
Joist is cheaper if all you need is a lightweight estimate/invoice/payment app. FenceTracer is $180 CAD/month because it includes fence-specific drawing takeoff, quote approval links, Canadian tax, scheduling, locates, and installer handoff.
Can I use both?
You can. Some shops use FenceTracer for drawing-driven quoting and an invoicing app for payments. The simpler workflow is consolidating into one tool — FenceTracer's quote-to-project handoff and worker app remove most of the case for a second product.
Ready to test the workflow?