Styles

Wood fencing is typically built using vertical pickets which can be 4″ or 6″ wide. The separation between pickets can be close for maximum privacy or not. Typically these pickets are fastened to horizontal rails either 2×3 or 2x4s that are connected to the posts with brackets. The posts can be either steel or wood. Steel is better of course and one side of the fence will have the pickets attached which is considered the front side, while the back side will show the horizontal rails and the posts and will not not as nice.

A Shadow Box style is wood fencing that looks the same on both sides and the posts are hidden. This is a good solution to make the neighbor happy.

Horizontal boards are another style and is considered more of a contemporary style. Or the boards can be weaved to give a basketweave effect. However, the type wood used will have a significant impact on the overall cost of the fence. Horizontal boards need to be built using higher grade lumber than conventional picket fences.

Pros and Cons

Pro Wood fences are the most popular privacy fence as they are a less costly alternative compared to a block wall or an ornamental steel or aluminum fence.

As you can see in the photo at the top, wood fences can be installed to follow grade changes with much extra labor involved.

Con Being natural wood, however, they don’t last as long and require more maintenance.