Board on board fences represent one of the most popular and effective privacy fencing solutions available today. This distinctive fencing style features overlapping vertical boards that create complete privacy while offering superior wind resistance and aesthetic appeal on both sides. The overlapping design eliminates gaps between boards, ensuring maximum concealment and creating a secluded sanctuary for your outdoor space. Whether you're seeking enhanced privacy, noise reduction, or simply want to add value to your property, board on board fences deliver exceptional results with their three-dimensional appearance and robust construction that withstands harsh weather conditions.
1. Traditional Cedar Board on Board Fence with Cap Rail
Cedar board on board with trim rails offers the perfect combination of natural beauty and complete privacy. This classic design features overlapping cedar pickets mounted on sturdy horizontal rails, topped with an elegant cap rail that adds both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. Cedar's natural properties make it resistant to rot and insects, while the cap rail provides a finished appearance that enhances the fence's longevity. The top cap serves as a solid reference point during installation and adds stiffness to the entire structure. Consider using 6x6 cedar posts with 2x6 framing for maximum durability. This design ensures your private fence remains completely private for many years, even as wood naturally shrinks over time.
2. Horizontal Board on Board Fence Design
Modern board on board fence styles often feature horizontal orientation, placing pickets horizontally along posts for a sleek, updated look. This contemporary approach creates clean lines and visually wider appearance compared to traditional vertical designs. Horizontal privacy fences incorporate wood, vinyl, composite or other materials in a horizontal layout, making planks lay horizontally instead of vertically. When building horizontal board on board fences, it's important to use high-quality materials as boards may sag otherwise. The overlapping horizontal boards maintain complete privacy while offering a distinctly modern aesthetic. This design has become one of the hottest trends in exterior architecture and works beautifully with minimalist landscapes or contemporary home designs.
3. Vinyl Board on Board Fence with Low Maintenance
Board on board vinyl fences offer the timeless appearance of traditional wood with the clean, crisp appearance of vinyl. Made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), these fences resist rot, insects, and fading, making them ideal for areas with harsh weather conditions. Constructed from high-quality vinyl, this fence style requires very little maintenance and won't rot, warp, or succumb to insect damage like wood. Vinyl board on board fences come in multiple color options to complement your home's exterior. Vinyl fences require minimal upkeep since they don't need painting or staining, making them a practical choice for busy homeowners seeking hassle-free fence solutions. The overlapping design maintains the privacy benefits while eliminating ongoing maintenance concerns.
4. Composite Board on Board Fence with Metal Posts
Composite board on board fences combine benefits of wood and synthetic materials, typically consisting of recycled wood fibers and plastic. Trex composite fencing is made from an innovative blend of 95% recycled wood and plastic, with rich tones that stay vibrant throughout their lifetime. Metal fence posts with composite planks create striking contrast while providing exceptional durability. Composite fences resist rot, decay, and pests without requiring staining or painting, available in various colors and textures. With interlocking pickets, your fence maintains full privacy and identical appearance on both sides. The innovative material offers remarkable durability with zero maintenance requirements while being crafted from 100% recycled materials.
5. Board on Board Fence with Lattice Topper
Board on board fences with lattice tops offer more elegant looks, featuring overlapping vertical boards on both sides ensuring total privacy with decorative lattice patterns. Lattice comes in diagonal or square styles, creating diamond-shaped or true square openings respectively. Adding lattice toppers creates additional privacy in decorative manner while maintaining the fence's sophisticated appearance. All lattice should be fully framed to give clean, finished looks. This design combination provides complete ground-level privacy through overlapping boards while allowing filtered light and airflow through decorative lattice sections. The lattice element softens the fence's appearance and can complement garden settings beautifully. Consider using matching wood species for cohesive design, or contrast materials for dramatic visual impact.
6. Scalloped Top Board on Board Fence
Scalloped board on board fences feature distinctive looks that are both attractive and practical, with gentle scalloped or curved patterns at the top that are more elegant than straight edges. This graceful design element adds sophistication to traditional board on board construction while maintaining complete privacy benefits. The curved top creates visual interest and can complement architectural features of colonial or traditional homes. Scalloped tops add elegance and curves to classic vertical designs, creating sense of movement that can help frame entryways or garden gates. Installation requires careful planning and precise cutting to achieve smooth, consistent curves across fence sections. The scalloped pattern works beautifully with both cedar and composite materials, offering refined touch that enhances property aesthetics while providing practical privacy solutions.
7. Good Neighbor Board on Board Fence
Good neighbor fences are designed to look the same from both sides, offering visual appeal for your yard and neighboring properties. Vertical boards are alternated on each side of the fence without compromising privacy to ensure both sides have consistent appearance. With good neighbor fences, fence panels alternate on either side of posts, creating uniform, clean looks no matter what side you're viewing. This design approach is particularly important when fence lines are shared with neighbors, promoting positive relationships. The architectural design utilizes two layers of overlapping pickets, with the top layer covering all or part of the bottom layer. Rather than having one neighbor face the less attractive back side, both sides display finished appearances with alternating board patterns that maintain complete privacy.
8. Board on Board Fence with Kickboard Foundation
Board on board fences with kickboards provide extra reinforcement and support to prevent damage from elements, featuring sturdy kickboards at the base. The kickboard design protects fence boards from ground moisture, soil contact, and potential damage from lawn maintenance equipment. This foundational element typically uses pressure-treated lumber or composite materials for enhanced durability against moisture and insects. Kickboards create clean transition between ground level and fence panels while adding structural integrity to the entire system. The design works particularly well in areas with challenging drainage or where fence boards might otherwise contact soil directly. Retaining walls can separate fence boards from coming into contact with soil, holding back dirt when there are elevation issues. Consider integrating decorative elements into kickboard design for added visual appeal.
9. Picture Frame Border Board on Board Fence
Picture frame board on board fences are stylish with charming touches featuring decorative square cuts in tops that resemble picture frames. The overall look has visually appealing borders that bring the whole design together for upscale properties. This sophisticated design creates framed sections that add architectural interest while maintaining the privacy benefits of overlapping boards. Each fence section appears as individual framed panels, creating rhythm and visual structure along the fence line. The picture frame borders can incorporate contrasting wood stains or materials for enhanced definition. Installation requires precise measurements and careful attention to frame proportions for professional appearance. This design approach works exceptionally well for front yard applications or property perimeters where aesthetic appeal is paramount. The framed sections can vary in size to accommodate different architectural styles and landscape features.
10. Dog Ear Board on Board Fence Style
Dog ear fences are popular for many different types of fences, including board on board, named for the look of a dog's ear or page edge folded over with pointed top edges. Dog-ear styles feature boards with angled cuts at the top, creating distinctive pointed appearance. This classic American fence style combines practical overlapping board construction with traditional pointed picket tops. The dog ear cut is typically made at 45-degree angles, creating uniform pointed appearance across all fence boards. This design provides excellent visual appeal while maintaining complete privacy through overlapping board construction. Dog ears add rustic charm while the trim covers the dog ears for clean finished appearance. The pointed tops shed water effectively, potentially extending fence lifespan. Dog ear board on board fences work well in suburban and rural settings, complementing various architectural styles from colonial to contemporary ranch homes.
11. Board on Board Fence with Decorative Post Caps
Decorative post caps are simple ways to enhance appearance of board on board fences, available in various styles from traditional to modern while adding elegant finishing touches. Post caps help prevent water from seeping into posts, reducing risk of rot while serving functional purposes. Choose from pyramid, crown, flat, or custom-designed caps to complement your fence style and home architecture. Trex fence post caps come in three designs including flat top, crown, or pyramid options. Post caps create finished appearance while protecting post tops from weather infiltration that could cause premature deterioration. Consider materials that coordinate with fence boards or provide attractive contrast for visual interest. Post caps that fit wide range of post sizes offer exceptional durability while providing both protection and style. Proper post cap installation ensures your investment remains protected from moisture damage.
12. Shadow Box Board on Board Fence Design
Horizontal shadowbox fences are aptly named as they're designed to cast shadows, also called board-on-board fences with attractive looks on both sides. Shadowbox cedar fences use tall pickets with vertical boards alternated on either side of fence rails rather than same side of horizontal rails. The boards are mounted with wide gaps initially, then each board is alternated to cover gaps on opposite side, eliminating direct sightlines while allowing oblique views. Fence boards aren't completely hinged together like stockade fences, but still offer plenty of privacy with minimal gaps allowing just enough light to create unique dark-and-light contrast. This privacy fence design allows some light to pass through and create shadows while being more visually appealing than other options.
13. Board on Board Fence with Metal Accents
Wood fences with metal accents add both rustic charm and modern sophistication, featuring decorative pickets along fence tops or ornamental post caps. Cedar fences with exposed black posts create durable options with striking looks, as black iron creates contrast with rich red cedar. Metal accent integration can include decorative hardware, ornamental iron details, or contemporary steel elements that complement the organic wood appearance. Metal accents require far less maintenance than wooden ones while bringing unique looks that enhance any landscape. Consider incorporating metal gate hardware, decorative brackets, or accent strips that coordinate with home's architectural elements. Steel fence frames with wood infill create modern aesthetic while providing exceptional structural integrity. The combination creates sophisticated appearance that works well in contemporary settings while maintaining the warmth of natural wood materials.
14. Stepped Board on Board Fence for Slopes
Stepped board on board fences with caps accommodate sloped terrain while maintaining consistent appearance and privacy. This specialized design approach follows ground contours by creating stepped sections rather than slanted panels. Each fence section maintains level top and bottom rails while varying in height to accommodate slope changes. If you want simple and modern look to accommodate fence on sloped landscape, board on board fence with top cap is great option. The stepped approach ensures overlapping boards maintain proper alignment and privacy coverage throughout terrain changes. Planning stepped fences requires careful surveying and precise post placement to achieve professional appearance. Consider incorporating retaining elements where significant elevation changes occur. This design maintains the aesthetic benefits of traditional board on board construction while adapting to challenging topography that would otherwise require complex custom solutions.
15. Board on Board Fence with Stone Retaining Wall
Board on board fences combined with stone retaining walls create dramatic elevation changes and sophisticated landscape integration. Installing cedar fence on top of retaining walls creates modern looks while accommodating different ground elevations. Retaining walls serve different purposes including increasing fence height, separating fence boards from soil contact, holding back dirt during elevation issues, and creating attractive additions with horizontal counterpoints to vertical fence boards. Stone or concrete retaining walls provide substantial foundation for board on board construction while addressing drainage and soil retention needs. The combination creates substantial barriers that enhance security while providing attractive landscape features. Natural stone gives structures visual interest while lattice wood fencing along tops between posts with decorative caps adds extra height and privacy. This approach works exceptionally well for properties with challenging topography or where additional height is desired.
16. Arched Top Board on Board Fence
Arched top fences add elegance and curves to classic vertical designs, featuring gently curved tops that soften fence appearance while maintaining traditional structure. Decorative flat arch board on board fences create sophisticated appearances with curved top elements. The arch design creates sense of movement and visual interest while providing all the privacy benefits of traditional board on board construction. Arches help frame entryways or garden gates, adding refined touches to front yards while offering privacy and security. Installation requires precise cutting and careful planning to achieve smooth, consistent curves across fence sections. Consider using templates or guides to ensure uniform arch shapes throughout the fence line. The curved tops work particularly well with traditional and colonial architectural styles, creating sophisticated landscape boundaries that enhance property aesthetics while maintaining complete privacy through overlapping board construction.
17. Board on Board Fence with Trim Rails
Cedar board on board with trim rails provides perfect wooden fence style when design and privacy matter, with overlapping slats providing complete privacy and security. Trim made from simple 1x3 lumber butts directly against top caps and covers dog ears of pickets for finished appearance. Side trims attach to vertical surfaces under top caps and can be installed on one side or both sides of fences. The trim rail system creates clean, finished appearance while concealing construction details and board edges. This design ensures private fences remain private for many years as pickets can shrink over time on standard stockade fences, leaving gaps. Trim rails add structural elements while enhancing aesthetic appeal through clean lines and professional finishing. The system works well with various wood species and can accommodate different staining or painting schemes for customized appearances.
18. Mixed Height Board on Board Fence Pattern
Creating visual interest through varying board heights within board on board construction offers unique design opportunities while maintaining privacy coverage. This approach incorporates boards of different lengths to create rhythm and pattern along the fence line. The mixed height design can follow architectural themes, create wave-like patterns, or incorporate geometric elements that complement landscape features. Careful planning ensures privacy remains intact while achieving desired aesthetic effects. The varying heights can accommodate different functional needs, such as lower sections for garden visibility and higher sections for complete privacy. Consider using consistent spacing between different height boards to maintain structural integrity. This design approach works particularly well for contemporary settings where visual interest and uniqueness are desired. The mixed height pattern can incorporate different wood species or stains to enhance the dimensional effect while maintaining the overlapping board privacy benefits.
19. Board on Board Fence with Integrated Planters
Incorporating built-in planter boxes into board on board fence design creates functional landscape elements while maximizing space utilization. This innovative approach integrates growing areas directly into fence structure, providing opportunities for vertical gardening and attractive plant displays. The planter integration requires careful consideration of drainage, access, and structural support to ensure long-term success. Consider using moisture-resistant materials and proper waterproofing to protect fence components from irrigation effects. The integrated planters can vary in size and height to accommodate different plant types and landscape designs. This approach works exceptionally well for urban settings where space is limited and multi-functional designs are valuable. The planter boxes can incorporate matching wood species or contrasting materials for visual interest while maintaining the privacy benefits of overlapping board construction. Proper planning ensures easy maintenance access while creating attractive garden features.
20. Modern Board on Board Fence with Lighting
Incorporating LED lighting systems into board on board fence design creates dramatic evening ambiance while enhancing security and safety. Strategic lighting placement can highlight fence architectural features, provide pathway illumination, or create attractive landscape accents. Modern fence designs accommodate various technology integrations while maintaining sleek aesthetic appeal. Consider low-voltage LED systems for energy efficiency and easy installation within fence structure. Post cap lighting, rail-integrated strips, or accent spotlights can transform fence appearance after dark. The lighting integration requires planning for electrical connections and weather protection to ensure reliable operation. Solar-powered options provide sustainable alternatives that eliminate wiring requirements. This approach works particularly well for entertainment areas, pool surroundings, or property perimeters where enhanced visibility is desired. The combination of modern lighting technology with traditional board on board privacy creates sophisticated outdoor environments that function beautifully day and night.
Conclusion:
Board on board fences offer unmatched versatility in design, materials, and functionality for modern property owners. From traditional cedar constructions to innovative composite materials with integrated features, these twenty ideas demonstrate the extensive possibilities available. The overlapping design provides enhanced privacy, durability, visual appeal, noise reduction, and increased property value. Whether you prioritize low maintenance, architectural integration, or unique aesthetic elements, board on board fence designs can accommodate diverse needs while delivering lasting privacy and security solutions for any property.
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