When you start looking for a new fence, the names of all the different styles can start to sound like a confusing puzzle. You might hear about “privacy” fences but there is one specific design that contractors always suggest if you want zero gaps and a high-end look. If you are tired of neighbors peeking through the cracks of your old wooden slats, you need to learn what a board on board fence is and why it is the gold standard for backyard seclusion.
Key Takeaways
- This style uses overlapping pickets to create a wall with no visible gaps.
- It is the most private option because wood shrinkage won’t open up holes.
- Both sides of the fence look great, making it a favorite for neighbors.
- It uses more lumber than a standard fence, so it weighs more and costs a bit extra.
Understanding What A Board On Board Fence Is
To get a clear picture of this design, think about how shingles look on a roof. Most fences are “side-by-side,” where the boards sit next to each other like a row of soldiers. The problem with that style is that wood naturally shrinks as it dries out in the sun. After a year or two, those tiny gaps turn into wide slits that anyone can see through.
A board on board fence fixes that problem by layering the pickets. The crew nails down the first layer of boards with a few inches of space between them. Then, they come back and nail a second layer of boards over those openings. This “overlap” creates a solid barrier. Even if the wood shrinks a little bit, the boards are still covering each other. Once you see how this overlapping design works, you can better appreciate the specific parts that make it so reliable.
Features of a Board On Board Fence
This specific style of construction comes with a few unique physical traits that set it apart from your average backyard barrier. Here is what you can expect to see.
Thick and Sturdy Profile
Because you are essentially using two layers of wood, the fence is much thicker than a standard one. This extra wood makes it a lot stronger. It doesn’t wobble as much in high winds and can take a hit from a stray soccer ball without breaking.
Zero Gap Privacy
The overlapping feature is the main draw here. Most fences claim to offer privacy but this is the only wooden style that delivers 100% blockage. You won’t have to worry about looking through the fence and seeing the neighbor’s lawnmower or their kids playing.
Dimensional Look
Unlike a flat, boring fence, this style has texture. The overlapping boards create shadows and depth. It looks more like a piece of architecture than just a plain boundary line. Beyond just the look, you also have a few choices when it comes to the actual wood being used.
Types of Board On Board Fences
While the way the boards are nailed down stays the same, you still have some choices to make regarding the material you use. These are the two most popular options.
Pressure Treated Pine
This is the most common version you will see. It is affordable and treated to repel bugs and rot. It starts out with a greenish tint but fades to a nice tan or gray over time. It is a workhorse choice for families.
Western Red Cedar
If you want the best of the best, cedar is the way to go. It smells great and has a beautiful red-orange color. Cedar doesn’t warp or shrink as much as pine, so it stays straight for a very long time. Picking the right material is important, but the real value comes from the long-term perks this style offers.
Benefits of a Board On Board Fence
Beyond just looking nice, there are some very practical reasons why homeowners choose this over a cheaper side-by-side fence. Here are the biggest perks.
Total Peace of Mind
Knowing that nobody can see into your yard changes how you use your space. You can enjoy your morning coffee in your pajamas or let the dogs out without them barking at everything they see through the cracks. It turns your yard into a true outdoor room.
Great Neighbor Relations
Standard fences have a “good” side and a “bad” side where the rails show. With board on board, both sides look beautiful. Since the pickets are layered on both sides, your neighbor gets a high-quality view just like you do.
Better Value Over Time
Yes, you pay more upfront because you are buying about 30% more wood. But since the fence is heavier and more stable, it tends to last longer. You won’t be out there trying to nail trim over gaps in five years.
Conclusion
When you finally realize what a board on board fence is, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular for residential yards. It solves the biggest headache of wooden fences, those annoying gaps, while adding a level of strength that you just can’t get from thinner designs. If you want a fence that looks like a million bucks and keeps your business your own, this is the one.
Ready to get a quote on a new project? The team of fence installers at Superior Fence is ready to help you build something that stays solid for years.
FAQ Section
Is a board on board fence more expensive? Yes. You are using significantly more pickets to get that overlap. You should expect to pay more for materials and a little more for labor since there are twice as many boards to nail.
Does it get heavy? It is much heavier than a standard fence. Because of the weight, you need to make sure your posts are set deep in plenty of concrete. If the posts aren’t solid, the weight of the extra wood could cause the fence to lean over time.
Can I build it with vinyl? Most board on board talk refers to wood but there are vinyl styles that mimic the look. However, vinyl doesn’t shrink like wood does, so a standard “tongue and groove” vinyl fence usually gives you the same level of privacy.
How much should the boards overlap? Usually, you want at least an inch of overlap on each side of the board. This gives the wood plenty of room to move as the weather changes without ever exposing a gap.
