The Privacy Fence – Build a Barrier Between You and Them

A privacy fence creates a tall barrier that offers not just seclusion but also a greater sense of security for homeowners who like to fully use their outdoor spaces. Unlike picket fences and other decorative fences, privacy fences are constructed with closely spaced boards patterned in such a way that they form an almost impenetrable visual barrier.

This design is particularly effective in urban or suburban settings where homes are close together. By blocking the view from outside, a privacy fence creates a private sanctuary in your backyard, ideal for sunbathing, gardening, hot-tubbing, outdoor dining, family gatherings, or quiet relaxation.

Privacy fences also serve a dual purpose by acting as sound barriers, significantly reducing the sound of street traffic or neighborly chatter. The solid, continuous structure of a privacy fence helps muffle noise, creating a calmer, more peaceful outdoor environment.

Several types of wood are commonly used for privacy fences. Popular choices include treated pine, known for its cost-effectiveness and resistance to decay and insects; western red cedar, favored for its natural oils that repel pests and resist rot; and redwood, for that California look and long lifespan. For low-maintenance projects, vinyl fence panels designed to mimic wood-grain textures can be used as a wood-look alternative that never needs painting.

These materials can be left in their natural color, which ages gracefully over time, or can be painted or stained to match your home’s exterior palette. Adding post caps, top rails, and integrated gates can elevate the look of a standard privacy fence into a high-end architectural feature.

Shadow Box Fence – Create a Soft Shadow Effect Around Your Yard

The shadow box fence is a distinctive and stylish option for homeowners looking to combine privacy with a more visually interesting design. In this design, vertical boards are placed alternately on each side of the fence rails. When viewed straight on, the fence appears mostly solid, but from an angle, light and air can filter through the gaps, creating a dynamic “shadow” effect.

Spacing between the boards allows for air circulation and light filtration, making the fenced area feel less confined—especially in smaller backyards. Despite this openness, the overlapping boards still provide a considerable level of privacy, making the shadow box fence an excellent choice for those who want seclusion without the heavy, solid look of a typical privacy fence.

Shadow box fences can be constructed from a variety of materials. Common choices include cedar, known for its natural resistance to rot and pests; pressure-treated pine, a cost-effective choice that undergoes chemical treatment to enhance resistance to decay and termites; and spruce, which is easy to paint or stain to match the décor of the space it encloses.

The choice of wood type influences the fence's appearance, longevity, and resistance to weather. For a cohesive look, many homeowners echo the fence color in their deck, pergola, or wooden decking, tying all outdoor structures together.

Lattice Fence – A Diamond in the Rough

A lattice fence, truly a diamond in the rough, adds an element of elegance and charm to any garden or yard. This design typically features crisscrossed strips of wood that create a distinctive diamond-shaped or square pattern that is attractive, affordable, and highly practical for vertical gardening.

The openwork design of a lattice fence makes it an excellent choice for gardeners because it provides a perfect framework for climbing plants like ivy, roses, clematis, or edible vines to weave through, creating a lush, living wall in just a few seasons. Lattice panels can be used as stand-alone fences, on top of solid privacy panels, or as decorative screens between outdoor “rooms” like patios and play areas.

While offering moderate privacy, lattice fences are primarily used as decorative elements, serving as garden accents, patio screens, or attractive covers for less appealing areas such as air-conditioning units, compost bins, or utility zones. When paired with raised beds or circle-shaped vegetable gardens, lattice panels can create a cohesive and productive garden layout.

Lattice fences are commonly constructed from cedar or spruce wood, which are popular because they are easy to work with and finish. Pressure-treated wood is another common option chosen for longevity in harsh climates.

For those seeking a low-maintenance alternative, vinyl lattice panels are available. These mimic the appearance of wood but do not require painting or staining and are resistant to weathering and decay—ideal for busy homeowners who want beauty without the upkeep.

Split Rail Fence – The Original Farm Fence

The split rail fence, a symbol of rustic charm and pastoral elegance, is a timeless choice for those who harken back to a time when life was more rural and much simpler. Split rail fencing is distinguished by its simplistic construction, consisting of long horizontal rails inserted into upright posts or stacked in a zig-zag “snake” pattern.

The design is deliberately open and minimalistic, typically featuring just two or three rails. This openness makes split rail fences a popular choice in rural areas, large properties, and agricultural settings, where they serve as both a functional boundary and a visual enhancement to the landscape without blocking scenic views.

Split rail fences are particularly effective for enclosing large areas like pastures or for delineating property lines in an affordable way. Their rugged, hewn-wood appearance harmonizes seamlessly with the natural surroundings, making them a fitting choice for countryside homes, ranches, and rustic-themed landscapes.

Split rail fences are typically made from cedar or black locust, both known for their natural resistance to rot and insect infestation. Cedar, with its distinct aroma and beautiful grain patterns, weathers gracefully over time to a silvery-gray patina, while black locust, a dense hardwood, offers exceptional strength and longevity—perfect for range fencing and large properties.

Another option is pressure-treated pine, which, through a chemical treatment process, gains enhanced resistance to decay and pests, making it a more cost-effective yet durable choice. Staining or sealing any of these woods will extend their lifespan and help them stand up to harsh weather.

Dog’s Ear Fence

The dog's ear fence is a delightful twist on the classic picket or panel fence, offering charm and a distinctive look at the top of each board. This design features a unique cut at the top that resembles a dog's ear, with two points and a slight dip in the middle. This playful detail brings a whimsical, light-hearted feel to any yard or garden, making it a popular choice for homeowners looking to enclose a children’s play space or a family-friendly backyard.

Beyond its unique look, the dog's ear fence serves all the practical purposes of a traditional fence, providing a boundary that keeps pets and children safe while allowing views in and out of the yard. Its friendly and inviting appearance makes it particularly well-suited for front yards, cottage gardens, and pet areas, where it can enhance the landscape without creating a feeling of confinement.

When selecting wood for a dog's ear fence, durability and appearance are key considerations. Commonly used woods for this style include cedar, spruce, and pine. Cedar is favored for its natural resistance to rot and its appealing red-to-golden color, which ages beautifully over time. Spruce offers a smooth, uniform surface that takes paint or stain well and is often chosen for budget-friendly installations.

Pine, often pressure-treated for enhanced durability, is affordable and readily available. It readily accepts paint and stain, allowing homeowners to customize the color to match their home or landscape. Because dog’s ear fences are often used in prominent locations, many homeowners choose a high-quality exterior stain to highlight the wood grain and protect the boards from moisture.

Board on Board Fence – Total No-See-Through Privacy

A board on board fence is an exceptionally sturdy and strong privacy fence commonly used in master-planned subdivisions and higher-end residential neighborhoods. Characterized by overlapping vertical boards, this design ensures that no gaps are left open, providing an impenetrable visual barrier and no see-through privacy.

Each board is mounted so that it slightly overlaps the one next to it, much like board and batten siding, covering any potential gaps that might appear due to wood shrinkage. This overlap creates a uniform appearance from both sides of the fence, offering a clean and sophisticated look that both you and your neighbors can appreciate.

The strong structure of a board on board fence makes it an ideal solution for enclosing areas that require a high degree of privacy, such as backyard pools, patios, spas, or private retreats within the garden. Besides privacy, these fences also serve as effective windbreaks and sound barriers, enhancing the tranquility and comfort of outdoor living spaces.

When it comes to choosing the right wood, the focus should be on durability, weather resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Cedar is a premium choice for its natural resistance to moisture and its resilience in harsh weather. Its rich color and texture add an element of luxury to the fence's appearance.

Pressure-treated pine can be a practical and cost-effective option. Treated to withstand rot, termites, and fungal decay, it is a durable choice for fences that need to last decades. Redwood is another excellent option, known for its beauty and longevity. While more expensive, redwood offers a unique California look and can dramatically upgrade the perceived value of the property.

No matter which species you choose, board on board fences benefit from a high-quality exterior stain or sealant to protect against UV damage and moisture. A well-maintained board on board fence can anchor the entire landscape for many years.

Stockade Fence – When You Want to Build a Fort

A stockade fence, reminiscent of the vertical spiked log walls once used to fortify frontier forts, is now a bold and dramatic choice for rural properties and cabins. Stockade fencing is constructed from vertical logs or large posts set side by side, sometimes with sharpened tops for a historic “fort” appearance.

Building a stockade fence requires careful selection of tree species to create the strength and durability expected from a fort-style barrier. Among these, loblolly pine, ponderosa pine, white pine, and various species of spruce are typically used. Loblolly pine is a cheap, widely available log in the eastern United States, while ponderosa pine, with its tall, straight growth, is widely available in the west.

White pine offers a heavier option for fence construction in states and provinces that border the Great Lakes. Spruce logs from the same region can also be used. These sawlogs are chosen not only for their strength but also for their “bark-on” aesthetics, as they age gracefully and blend harmoniously with natural surroundings.

In constructing these fences, at least two feet of one end of each log is buried in the ground. This anchoring method provides a solid foundation, preventing tipping or shifting, which is particularly important given the height (often between 8 and 12 feet) and weight of the logs. Because the buried portion is in constant contact with moisture and soil, logs should be carefully treated or naturally rot-resistant.

Sharpening the top end of each sawlog is an option where security is a concern. It worked 200 years ago and it certainly still works today. The result is a fence that is visually striking, historically inspired, and capable of withstanding the rigors of rural environments.

Horizontal Slat Fence

A horizontal slat fence is a favorite of modern architects and designers, offering a sleek and contemporary look that pairs well with current home styles. This type of fence is characterized by its clean lines, where horizontal boards are uniformly attached to vertical posts, creating a bold linear pattern that immediately elevates curb appeal.

While providing an aesthetically pleasing boundary, horizontal slat fences also offer a sense of privacy without completely blocking the view or airflow, striking a balance between openness and seclusion. Their versatility allows them to be used in many settings—from enclosing a backyard to creating a private outdoor living room, screening a patio, or enclosing a pool deck.

Horizontal lines also visually “stretch” the space, making narrow yards appear wider and long, low homes feel more grounded and proportionate.

Construction materials for horizontal slat fences range from premium woods to engineered products. Woods like cedar and redwood are popular choices because of their natural beauty, durability, and resistance to decay and pests. Cedar, with its rich, warm tones, ages gracefully; redwood stands out with its signature California coastal look.

For a more economical option, treated pine can be used, offering durability at a lower cost, although it may require more frequent sealing or staining to protect against the elements. Composite boards and metals such as aluminum or steel can also be used to create horizontal slat fences, providing a more industrial, urban look and a “build it and forget it” maintenance profile.

The choice of material affects not only the appearance of the fence but also its longevity, required maintenance, and how well it integrates with the overall design of your property and any existing decks, pergolas, or water-proof wood structure.