15 Different Types of Wood Fences To Protect Your Property

Last Updated on June 27, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford

A wood fence is not only a practical addition to your property, but it can also enhance the overall aesthetic of your home. Choosing the right wood fence style is crucial, as it can either complement or detract from the appearance of your property.

There are several factors to consider when selecting a wood fence, such as the purpose of the fence, the desired level of privacy, and the maintenance required.

1. Picket Fence

Picket fences are a timeless and iconic choice for many homeowners. They consist of evenly spaced vertical wooden slats, known as pickets, which are attached to horizontal rails.

Picket fences have been a popular choice in the United States since colonial times, symbolizing the ideal of the American dream – a house with a white picket fence.

Popular materials (cedar, pine, redwood)

The most common materials used for picket fences are cedar, pine, and redwood. Cedar is a popular choice due to its natural resistance to rot, insects, and decay, making it a durable option for fencing.

Pine is more affordable than cedar but needs to be pressure-treated to increase its resistance to decay and insects. Redwood is also naturally resistant to decay and insects, but it can be more expensive than other options.

Applications and benefits

Picket fences are an excellent choice for front yards, gardens, or any area where you want to define a boundary without completely obstructing the view. They provide a charming and welcoming appearance while allowing light and air to pass through.

Picket fences are versatile and can be customized with different styles of pickets, such as pointed, rounded, or dog-eared tops, to match the overall aesthetic of your home.

2. Privacy Fence

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02/03/2024 08:42 pm GMT

Privacy fences are designed to provide a barrier between your property and the outside world, offering seclusion and security while reducing noise and blocking unsightly views. These fences typically feature closely spaced vertical boards or panels with little to no gaps between them, ensuring maximum privacy for homeowners.

Board-on-board, stockade, and shadowbox styles

There are several popular styles of privacy fences, each with its unique design and appearance:

Board-on-board: This style consists of overlapping boards, creating a solid barrier that offers excellent privacy. The overlapping design also allows for natural expansion and contraction of the wood, reducing the risk of warping or splitting.
Stockade: Stockade fences feature tightly spaced vertical boards with pointed tops, creating a fortress-like appearance. This style is cost-effective and provides a high level of privacy and security.
Shadowbox: Also known as a “good neighbor fence,” the shadowbox style features alternating boards on each side of the fence, creating a pattern that looks the same from both sides. This design allows for airflow and some visibility while still maintaining a high degree of privacy.

Height considerations

The height of a privacy fence is an essential factor to consider, as it directly impacts the level of privacy and security provided. Most privacy fences range from 6 to 8 feet in height, but local regulations and ordinances may dictate the maximum allowable height for residential fences.

It’s crucial to check with your local authorities before installing a privacy fence to ensure compliance with any restrictions.

3. Split Rail Fence

Split rail fences, also known as log fences or post-and-rail fences, are characterized by their simple, rustic design. They consist of wooden posts with horizontal rails inserted into notches or holes in the posts.

Traditionally used for agricultural purposes to define property boundaries and contain livestock, split rail fences have become a popular choice for homeowners seeking a rural, natural aesthetic for their properties.

Material options (cedar, pine)

Cedar and pine are the most common materials used for split rail fences. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot, insects, and decay, making it a durable and low-maintenance option.

Pine, on the other hand, is more affordable but requires pressure treatment to increase its resistance to decay and insects. Both materials offer a rustic appearance that complements the design of split rail fences.

Installation and maintenance

Split rail fences are relatively easy to install, as the design allows for flexibility in uneven terrain. The rails can be adjusted to follow the contour of the land, making them an ideal choice for properties with slopes or hills. However, due to their open design, split rail fences may not be suitable for containing small pets or providing privacy.

Maintenance for split rail fences is generally minimal, especially if constructed from cedar or pressure-treated pine. Periodic inspection for loose or damaged rails and occasional cleaning with a mild soap and water solution will help maintain the fence’s appearance and longevity.

4. Lattice Fence

A lattice fence is a unique and visually appealing fencing option that features an open, crisscross pattern formed by thin slats of wood or other materials. This design offers a balance between privacy and openness while adding a decorative touch to any property.

Lattice fences are often used as garden accents, trellises for climbing plants, or as standalone fences to create a sense of boundary and seclusion without obstructing views or air circulation.

Common lattice patterns

There are several common lattice patterns to choose from when designing a lattice fence:

Square lattice: This pattern features evenly spaced horizontal and vertical slats intersecting at right angles, creating a grid of uniform squares.
Diagonal lattice: In this pattern, the slats are arranged diagonally, forming a diamond-shaped grid. This design adds a dynamic visual element to the fence.
Privacy lattice: Privacy lattice features smaller openings between the slats, providing a higher level of privacy while still allowing for some air circulation and visibility.
Custom lattice: Custom lattice patterns can be designed to suit individual preferences and create unique, eye-catching fence designs.

Ideal for gardens and patios

Lattice fences are particularly well-suited for gardens and patios due to their decorative nature and ability to support climbing plants. Some applications and benefits of lattice fences in these settings include:

Garden accents: Lattice fences can be used to enclose garden areas, providing a protective barrier against pests and adding visual interest to the landscape.
Plant support: The open design of lattice fences makes them ideal for supporting climbing plants and vines, creating a lush, natural backdrop for your outdoor space.
Patio privacy: A lattice fence can offer privacy and security around patio areas, creating a safe and secluded environment for relaxation and recreation.
Decorative screens: Lattice fences can be used as decorative screens to camouflage unsightly features, such as air conditioning units or trash bins, while still allowing for air circulation.

5. Horizontal Slat Fence

Horizontal slat fences are a modern and stylish alternative to traditional vertical fence designs. They feature horizontally oriented wooden slats, which can be spaced close together for privacy or farther apart for a more open and airy look.

This contemporary design has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly for urban properties and modern architectural styles.

Material options (cedar, redwood)

Cedar and redwood are the most popular material choices for horizontal slat fences due to their natural beauty and durability. Both woods are naturally resistant to decay, insects, and rot, making them ideal for outdoor use.

Cedar tends to be more affordable than redwood but still offers excellent longevity and resistance to harsh weather conditions. Redwood, while often more expensive, provides a rich, luxurious appearance that many homeowners find appealing.

Benefits of horizontal slats

There are several benefits to choosing a horizontal slat fence for your property:

Aesthetic appeal: The sleek, modern design of horizontal slat fences adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to any property.
Versatility: Horizontal slat fences can be customized with various spacing options, allowing you to control the level of privacy and visibility according to your preferences.
Low maintenance: Both cedar and redwood require minimal maintenance, making horizontal slat fences a low-maintenance option for homeowners.
Enhanced property value: The contemporary design and high-quality materials used in horizontal slat fences can increase the curb appeal and overall value of your property.

6. Louvered Fence

A louvered fence is a distinctive and stylish fencing option that features angled slats, also known as louvers, which are arranged in parallel rows.

This unique design allows for a combination of privacy and airflow, making it an ideal choice for homeowners seeking both functionality and visual appeal.

Angled slats for privacy and airflow

The angled slats in a louvered fence are designed to provide privacy while still allowing air circulation. The angle of the slats can be adjusted to control the level of privacy and airflow according to your preferences.

When viewed from the front, the fence appears solid and offers excellent privacy; however, when viewed from an angle, the gaps between the slats become visible, allowing air to pass through.