Side-by-side
Side-by-side is the classic wood privacy fence: pickets nailed up tight against each other, one layer thick. It uses the least material of the three, so it's the most budget-friendly.
The trade-off is gaps. Cedar shrinks a little after it goes up, and treated pine shrinks more. A fence that looks solid on install day will usually have thin gaps between the pickets after its first summer. You can see through those gaps if you're standing close. For a lot of yards that's fine. If total privacy matters to you, keep reading.
Board-on-board
Board-on-board uses two layers of pickets that overlap. The first row goes up with a gap between each picket, and the second row covers those gaps from the other side. When the wood shrinks, the overlap is still there, so you keep your privacy.
It also looks good from both sides, which neighbors appreciate, and it has more texture and shadow than a flat side-by-side fence. It takes more pickets and more labor, so it costs more than side-by-side. It's the style we build most for backyard privacy.
Horizontal
Horizontal fences run the boards sideways between the posts. They have a clean, modern look and they're popular on newer homes and around patios, pools and A/C units.
Horizontal boards need to be built right or they sag. A board spanning between posts can bow over time, so the post spacing and any center supports matter. We often finish horizontal fences with a cap and trim so the top looks clean and the board ends are covered. Horizontal usually costs more than the other two because of the extra framing and finish work.
How they compare
- Privacy: board-on-board and a well-built horizontal fence stay private as the wood shrinks. Side-by-side opens up small gaps.
- Looks: side-by-side is traditional, board-on-board looks finished on both sides, horizontal reads modern.
- Material and cost: side-by-side uses the least wood, board-on-board more, horizontal usually the most once you add framing and trim.
- Wind: any solid privacy fence catches wind like a sail, so post depth and spacing matter for all three. Our post article covers how we set them.
Cap and trim, rot boards and gates
A few add-ons apply to any style. A top cap and trim board give the fence a finished look and help shed water off the picket tops. A treated rot board along the bottom keeps the pickets off the dirt. And whatever style you choose for the fence, we can build the walk gate or driveway gate to match. We build cedar swing and slide gates on steel frames so they don't sag the way an all-wood gate can.
What about the HOA?
Some HOAs in Midlothian, Waxahachie and Red Oak spell out the fence style, height, wood and stain color they allow, and some want the finished side facing out. Check your HOA's rules before you pick a style. We're happy to help put together what they need for approval. Our guide on HOA rules, permits and property lines has more.
Common questions
What is the difference between board-on-board and side-by-side fences?
Side-by-side pickets sit edge to edge in one layer, so small gaps open as the wood shrinks. Board-on-board uses two overlapping layers, so you keep your privacy after the wood dries. Board-on-board takes more material and costs more.
Do horizontal fences sag?
They can if they are not framed right. Boards that span too far between posts can bow over time. Proper post spacing, center supports where needed and a cap and trim keep a horizontal fence straight.
Which wood fence style gives the most privacy?
Board-on-board and a well-built horizontal fence. A side-by-side fence will usually show thin gaps after its first summer as the pickets shrink.