Wooden fences are a popular choice for homeowners looking to add privacy, security, and aesthetic appeal to their outdoor spaces. When it comes to wooden fences, two of the most common styles are horizontal and vertical. But how do you choose between horizontal and vertical wooden fences? We’ll examine the key differences, pros and cons, and help you determine which is the best option for your needs.
What is a Horizontal Wooden Fence?
A horizontal wooden fence consists of long boards or panels installed horizontally between supporting posts. The boards run parallel to the ground rather than perpendicular. This creates a distinctive look with clean, continuous lines that provide an unobstructed view.
Some key features of horizontal wooden fences:
- Boards are installed horizontally, creating a smooth, uniform appearance.
- Allows for more visibility and airflow compared to vertical fences.
- Typically made from wood materials like cedar, redwood, pine.
- Cost is moderate and installation is relatively straightforward.
- Low maintenance required beyond periodic staining or sealing.
What is a Vertical Wooden Fence?
Vertical wooden fences are made up of long planks or pickets installed vertically between horizontal railings. The vertical boards provide structure and privacy by blocking views.
Some defining features of vertical wooden fences include:
- Boards are installed vertically, resulting in a more enclosed, private feel.
- Provides excellent privacy and security for yards and pets.
- Materials commonly include cedar, redwood, pressure-treated pine.
- Installation can be more complex and cost may be higher.
- May require more ongoing maintenance like sealing and stain touch ups.
Comparing Horizontal and Vertical Wooden Fences
Now let’s directly compare some of the pros and cons of horizontal vs. vertical wooden fences.
Visibility
- Horizontal: Provides open, unobstructed views of surroundings. Allows sunlight and breezes to filter through.
- Vertical: Creates a taller barrier for maximum privacy and seclusion. Blocks views both in and out of a yard.
Aesthetics
- Horizontal: Clean, continuous, contemporary look. Emphasizes horizontal lines.
- Vertical: Traditional picket style often seen with cottages or ranch homes. Draws the eye upward.
Durability
- Horizontal: Vulnerable to sagging over time, requiring reinforcement.
- Vertical: Pickets are less prone to sagging and last longer without support.
Security
- Horizontal: Low barrier easy for pets or kids to climb over.
- Vertical: Taller and more enclosed, making climbing difficult. Better deterrent.
Cost
- Horizontal: Slightly lower cost on average. Shorter posts needed.
- Vertical: Added materials and construction labor increase overall price.
Maintenance
- Horizontal: Low maintenance. Easier to inspect, clean and refinish boards.
- Vertical: More difficult to pressure wash and stain vertical pickets over time.
Guidelines for Choosing Horizontal or Vertical
When deciding between horizontal vs. vertical, keep these general tips in mind:
- Privacy is priority: Choose vertical for seclusion and deterring climbers.
- Budget is a factor: Horizontal costs less overall in most cases.
- Contemporary style desired: Horizontal has a cleaner, modern look.
- Matches home style: Consider vertical for cottages, ranches. Horizontal for modern.
- Durability concerns: Vertical resists sagging better long-term.
- Gate needed: Double gates easily accommodate horizontal. Vertical more challenging.
- DIY project: Horizontal is simpler for homeowners to self-install.
- HOA rules: Homeowners associations may dictate fence style.
Best Uses for Horizontal Wooden Fences
Horizontal fences shine when you want an open, inviting look and don’t require total privacy:
- Defining front yard boundaries and entryways
- Lining driveways, walkways or garden borders
- Encouraging breezes in warm climates
- Framing views rather than blocking them
- Matching modern or contemporary home styles
Best Uses for Vertical Wooden Fences
Vertical fences are ideal when privacy is the priority, such as:
- Privacy screens between close neighbors
- Pet containment in backyards
- Pool security to prevent child access
- Blocking wind or noise pollution
- Establishing firm property boundaries
- Complementing traditional home styles like cottages
Final Verdict: Horizontal vs Vertical Wooden Fences
When weighing all factors, vertical wooden fences have slight edge for overall versatility and privacy. But horizontal fences offer their own pros like cost, maintenance and style.
Ultimately, deciding between horizontal vs. vertical comes down to your specific needs and priorities for security, budget, aesthetics and functionality. If privacy trumps all, vertical is likely the best bet. But horizontal provides a great open look when view and airflow matter most.
Carefully assess your goals so you can determine which direction suits your space. With proper installation and care, horizontal and vertical wooden fences both offer beauty, value and performance to enhance your outdoor living areas for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more expensive, horizontal or vertical wooden fence?
Vertical wooden fences tend to be more expensive than horizontal. The additional material and construction labor costs of building taller and installing vertical pickets leads to a higher overall price in most cases.
Are horizontal fences stronger than vertical?
Vertical fence pickets are generally stronger and more durable than horizontal planks. Vertically installed boards experience less direct downward gravity pressure and are less prone to sagging and warping over time. Adding structural support can help strengthen horizontal fences.
Do horizontal fences provide privacy?
Horizontal fences provide some privacy, but substantially less than a vertical fence of equal height. The spacing between horizontal planks allows for open visibility between gaps. Vertical pickets are tightly spaced to create a solid, opaque barrier.
What is the most private fence?
The most private fence design is a solid vertical wooden fence installed at a height of 6 feet or taller. This maximizes seclusion by preventing views in or out of the fenced space. A vertical cedar fence stained or painted an opaque color provides maximum privacy.
Do horizontal fences let in more light?
Yes, horizontal wooden fences allow more sunlight to filter into a yard. The gaps between the horizontal boards don’t block light the way a solid vertical picket fence does. This makes horizontal fences ideal for emphasizing views and encouraging breezes.
Can you alternate boards horizontal and vertical?
It is possible to install a wooden fence with alternating horizontal and vertical boards. Often called a lattice fence, this style provides a decorative, textured look combining elements of both. It also delivers partial screening while still allowing some visibility.
What is the most secure fence?
The most secure fence incorporates tall vertical boards or pickets, opaque privacy screening, sturdy metal posts, and additional features like trellis toppers to deter climbing. A smooth rot-resistant wood like cedar coupled with regular maintenance also improves security.
How high should a privacy fence be?
A privacy fence should be 6 feet high to maximize seclusion. Taller heights up to 8 feet can provide even more security but may not meet code requirements. Always check local ordinances for maximum allowable fence heights.
What is the best wood for fencing?
Cedar and redwood are considered the best woods for fencing. Their natural resistance to rot, insects and water damage make them very durable. They also have visual appeal. Pressure-treated pine is a more affordable option but requires preservative to protect it from the elements.
Conclusion
Choosing between horizontal and vertical wooden fences involves tradeoffs. Vertical fences provide unparalleled privacy and security, while horizontal styles emphasize views, airflow, and contemporary appeal. Assess your priorities and needs to determine which orientation makes the most sense for your yard and lifestyle. With proper installation and care, you’re sure to enjoy your new wooden boundary for years to come.