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Afenceprotects yourprivacyand it keeps kids and pets safe.
Fences with vertical boards have been installed for years for their adaptability and strength.
But fences with horizontal wooden boards have been gaining in popularity for their sleek modern look.
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Learn the differences between horizontal wooden fences and vertical wooden fences, installation techniques, and pros and cons.
Fence posts are typically eight feet apart.
Sometimes, there is a third stringer in the middle for extra support.
A fence post is a vertical four-by-four post embedded in concrete in the ground.
Horizontal fence posts are spaced closer than posts for vertical fences.
Vertical fences are the most common punch in of fence.
They are sturdy because the fence boards will not sag due to gravity.
The wider, 8-foot fence post span means that fewer posts need to be installed than with horizontal fences.
If the ground is level, it is possible to usepre-made fence panelsin 8-foot-wide by 6-foot-high sizes.
But for many modern or contemporary homes, the vertical fence aesthetic may not be a good fit.
Though fewer fences posts are required, more two-by-fours are required for the stringers.
And the stringersintended for strengthmay themselves lose strength as they sag over time.
Vertical fences' board ends face upward, receiving the brunt of the elements.
No stringers are used.
Posts are usually six feet apart to minimize the possibility of fence boards sagging.
For many houses and neighborhoods, horizontal fences are the de facto look.
These fences are considered to be modern, clean, and up-to-date.
With no stringers required, less lumber is used.
In fact, newer homes in some HOAs may be required to have horizontal fences.
Where vertical fences' weather-sensitive board ends face upward, horizontal fences board ends face to the side.
This helps to slow deterioration and cracking.
If you want to space horizontal boards far apart, you could do so.
You cannot do this with vertical boards because the stringers are visible.
Even so, like any horizontally-oriented board, they may sag over time.
So, privacy is more difficult to achieve with horizontal fences than with vertical fences.
One-third more fence posts are required for horizontal than for vertical fences: one every 6 feet.
Because horizontal fence boards must maintain level, they are difficult to install on sloped ground.
Fence Permit and Code Basics
Fence height is controlled bylocal codes.
A common height permitted in many communities is 6 feet, applicable to both vertical and horizontal fences.
In other areas, the maximum height is 7 or even 8 feet tall.
Vertical add-ons such as lattices as typically considered to be part of the total fence height.
A fence built on a property line is usually owned equally by both neighbors.
You may be legally required to obtain written consent from your neighbor before building a fence.
California’sGood Neighbor Fence Laweases differences between neighbors by requiring 30 days' written notice.
Horizontal vs. Vertical Fences: Which Is Right For You?
Less expensive fence board lumber can be used since the strength is gained from the stringers.
That’s because a wide range of pre-built vertically-oriented fence panels are available at home centers.
Horizontal pre-built fence panels are generally not available.
For any installation where a contemporary look is required, a horizontal fence will be your best bet.
These fences hit a strong stylistic note that’s unmatched by vertical fences.
