Board-on-Board Wood Fence

This is a type of privacy fence made by attaching every other picket to the opposite side of the rail. The overlapping design results in a sturdy, solid fence that’s just as attractive from either side, though the additional material required adds to the cost. With no gaps or spacing between pickets, board-on-board fencing is great for those seeking maximum privacy. The pickets can be oriented vertically or horizontally giving you additional options.

Side-by-Side (Stockade) Wood Fence

Another common privacy fence type, side-by-side fencing butts the edge of each picket against the next to create a solid privacy fence. Just like board-on-board fencing, this can be installed horizontally or vertically with no overlapping.

Additional looks can be achieved with side-by-side fencing by customizing the top portion of your fence with a common dog-ear top, scallop top, lattice, and even a cap and trim topper to add a finished look to the top of your fence.

Shadowbox Wood Fences

This fence uses alternating pickets on both sides with a gap in between, creating a distinctive “shadow” effect. These gaps make it look solid when viewed head-on. But from an angle, you can see through to the other side so it offers a semi-private option. It also allows air to flow through the pickets and in the event of heavy winds, it’s a great option. Another benefit to a shadowbox design is that each side looks identical so neither you or your neighbor will be stuck staring at the “ugly” side of the fence!

Split Rail Wood Fencing

Split rail fences have a rustic-style look and can be used for decoration or for its practicality, making it popular for properties in rural areas, farms, and ranches. Split rail fences are often used to define a residential property line from the road and are most often used for ornamental purposes. Because split rail fences have large openings they don’t work well to keep smaller animals, like dogs, in or out of the property, but they work well for large animals like horses or livestock. Split rail fencing is an economical choice for property owners who need to fence in entire tracts of land, like farmers or ranch owners. 

Post and Rail Wood Fencing

Post-and-rail fences feature long, smooth-cut rectangular timber rails suspended between large posts. These fences are not as rough-cut and rustic-looking as split rail fences. Horizontal posts are usually placed 6 feet apart and 5 feet tall. They can have two, three, or four horizontal rails to prevent livestock from being able to roam and are generally considered functional, rather than ornamental.