You can’t go wrong with a wood fence if you’re thinking about adding character and charm to your property. The ideal fence can give your home a classic, timeless look. Are you unsure about the right option to choose?
My Fence Company, Lakeland’s top-rated wood fence installation company, will look at six types of wood fences you should consider for your yard and what you should know about each one of them.
1. Solid Board Fence
This is one of the most common types of privacy fences. You should choose this option if you want a fence that completely blocks out peering eyes. It also has some sound-dampening qualities. You can install this type of fence by attaching vertical boards to horizontal rails. The result is a sturdy, secure barrier.
Solid natural wood board fences come in different heights and can be made from any wood type. They are great for curb appeal, especially if you stain or paint over the wood grain to better match your home’s exterior.
However, the lack of gaps between the boards and rails means more trapped moisture and less airflow, which means a moderate risk of rot. Also, it will likely block the sunlight from reaching your landscape bed.
2. Board-on-Board Fence
This type of wood fence looks like a solid board fence. The main difference is that the boards are attached to vertical rails, with each board overlapping the next. Some installers create some visual interest by alternating the side of the fence where they install each board.
Done correctly, this type of fence can elevate your yard’s aesthetic appeal thanks to its modern appearance and clean lines. It can also ensure adequate privacy.
However, this type of wood fence will require the use of more materials. You’ll also need to treat it with sealant to prevent moisture and pest damage.
3. Picket Fences
There’s a high chance that picket fences are the first that come to mind when you’re thinking about types of wood fences to install. These short fences with spaced pickets pointing upwards are among the most recognizable fencing options.
They are affordable and allow better air and sunlight circulation. You should choose these fences if you’re looking to recreate a traditional or cottage-style aesthetic. Consider other options if you want a fence that’s great for privacy and offers better security.
4. Split-Rail Fence
This is a favorite option for ranch-style properties and anyone else going for that rustic feel. The fence features split logs laid out horizontally between posts. Most split-rail fences have two to four rails spaced out widely in each section, and you can make them as tall as necessary.
Thus, they are affordable, easy to install, and excellent for large properties—especially when the focus is marking boundaries between a neighbor’s property and yours. However, they don’t offer any privacy or security.
5. Shadowbox Fence
A shadowbox fence is identical to a board-on-board fence. The only difference is that the boards are spread further apart, allowing only a slight overlap so the fence only offers partial privacy. You can’t see through the fence looking at it directly, but you can see through to the other side from an angle.
The design makes it an excellent choice for anyone who wants some air and sunlight coming through the fence—an important feature if you have a flower or vegetable bed along the borders of your yard.
6. Post-and-Rail Fence
As the name implies, a post-and-rail fence doesn’t feature any boards. They look very similar to split-rail fences because you’ll have two or three horizontal rails running across the post. However, they are more refined, with clean lines.
They also have the same pros and cons. You should only choose a post-and-rail fence if you want to keep livestock confined to specific spaces or if you’re looking to denote boundaries.
Choose the Perfect Wood Fence for Your Property
With so many types of wood fences to consider, it can be hard to know which one to choose for your property. Should you use cedar wood or pine? How about Ipe?
That’s where a qualified fence installation contractor like My Fencing Company comes in.
The experienced crew can provide guidance on the right type of fence to install after evaluating your preferences, budget, and environmental factors, such as your soil type and condition.
Read more tips for choosing the best fence materials, or call My Fencing Company in Lakeland, FL, today to schedule a consultation.