Board on board fencing is a popular choice for homeowners and property owners who value both privacy and style. With it’s overlapping boards and sturdy construction, this type of fence provides a solid barrier that effectively blocks out unwanted sights and reduces noise. In this comprehensive step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of building your own board on board fence, from gathering materials and tools to installing each board with precision. With a little patience and determination, you'll soon have a beautiful and functional board on board fence to call your own.
Are Board on Board Fences Good?
Board on board fences aren’t only aesthetically pleasing but also possess numerous advantages when it comes to privacy and security. One of the key benefits of a board on board fence is it’s ability to create a defined space between properties. With this type of fence, homeowners can clearly outline their boundaries, providing a sense of security and ownership.
The overlapping boards eliminate any gaps between them, ensuring that prying eyes are unable to see into your property. This level of privacy is particularly valuable for individuals who value their personal space and prefer to enjoy their outdoor areas without any unwanted intrusion.
This type of construction involves boards being placed vertically or horizontally, with each board overlapping the previous one. This overlapping technique strengthens the entire structure, making it highly resistant to strong winds and other external forces. The robust nature of board on board fences makes them a reliable choice for those living in areas prone to harsh weather conditions.
Unlike some other types of fences, where one side may appear unfinished or less attractive, board on board fences have the same appearance on both sides. This symmetry is highly favored by homeowners as it prevents any disputes with neighbors about which side should face outward.
Not only does it clearly outline your property boundaries, but it also offers complete privacy and outstanding durability.
Different Design Options for Board on Board Fences
- Traditional board on board design
- Alternating board on board design
- Lattice top board on board design
- Scalloped board on board design
- Shadow box board on board design
- Arched board on board design
- Stepped board on board design
- Custom pattern board on board design
When it comes to choosing the best wood for fence boards, there are several options to consider. Cedar is often favored for it’s popularity and various benefits, while redwood and teak offer a combination of strength and durability. Treated wood, cypress, oak, and other types like Douglas Fir and Pine also have their own unique qualities. Additionally, tropical hardwoods can be a suitable choice for those looking for a more exotic and long-lasting option.
What Is the Best Wood for Fence Boards?
When it comes to selecting the best wood for fence boards, there are several options that you can consider. One of the most popular choices is cedar, which offers a combination of beauty and durability. Cedar is known for it’s natural resistance to rot and insects, making it an excellent choice for outdoor projects like fencing. It also has a rich and appealing color that adds a touch of elegance to any property.
Another option worth considering is redwood and teak. These woods are known for their softness, yet they’re incredibly strong and durable. Redwood and teak also possess natural oils that help protect them against decay and damage caused by moisture and pests. They’re also resistant to warping, making them ideal for use in fences that are exposed to changing weather conditions.
Treated wood is another popular choice for fence boards. This type of wood has been chemically treated to enhance it’s resistance to rot, decay, and insect infestation. It’s an affordable option that offers decent durability, especially when properly maintained.
For those looking for an economical option, pine and oak can be viable choices. Pine is widely available and relatively inexpensive, making it a popular choice for many fencing projects. Oak, on the other hand, is known for it’s strength and longevity, but it may be pricier compared to other wood options.
If you’re looking for a more exotic choice, tropical hardwoods can provide a unique and durable fencing solution. These woods, such as ipe and mahogany, are incredibly dense, resistant to wear, and have high durability against weather and pests. However, they often come with a higher price tag and require special tools and techniques for installation.
Cedar, redwood, teak, treated wood, cypress, oak, pine, and tropical hardwoods are all viable options, each with it’s own advantages and considerations. It’s important to assess your needs, properly maintain the fence, and seek professional advice if needed to ensure a successful and long-lasting fencing project.
Source: What Is The Best Wood For Fencing? – Mans Lumber
How Far Apart Should Board on Board Pickets Be?
This type of fence still provides privacy, but it allows for more air circulation and light to pass through. The 3 ½ inch gap between the pickets is aesthetically pleasing and gives the fence a unique look. However, if you want even more privacy, you can decrease the gap between the pickets to 2 ½ or 2 inches.
On the other hand, if you want a more open and decorative fence, a wider spacing may be preferred.
In addition to the spacing between pickets, you also need to consider the spacing between posts. The general rule of thumb is to have a post every 6 to 8 feet. This ensures the fence remains sturdy and can withstand wind and other weather conditions. However, if you’ve a long stretch of fence or if youre using heavy-duty materials, you might need to have posts placed closer together to provide extra support.
When installing a board-on-board fence, it’s important to use high-quality materials and follow proper installation techniques. It’s also a good idea to consult with a professional if youre unsure about any steps of the process.
Overall, the spacing between board-on-board pickets is a matter of personal preference and the desired level of privacy.
Pros and Cons of Board-on-Board Fences
- Privacy: Board-on-board fences offer excellent privacy due to their overlapping design.
- Enhanced Security: These fences create a sturdy barrier, providing increased security for your property.
- Aesthetics: Board-on-board fences have a visually appealing design that adds charm to any landscape.
- Wind Resistance: The overlapping boards help to reduce the impact of wind, making them more durable in windy areas.
- Noise Reduction: The dense structure of these fences can help to block out unwanted noise from the surroundings.
- Customizable: Board-on-board fences can be customized with different colors, finishes, and heights to suit personal preferences.
- Longevity: With proper maintenance, these fences can last for many years.
- Discretion: They can hide unsightly areas or objects within your property.
- Cost: Board-on-board fences can be more expensive compared to other fence types, depending on the material chosen.
- Maintenance: Depending on the material, these fences may require periodic maintenance such as staining or painting.
- Installation Time: Installing a board-on-board fence can be time-consuming, especially for larger areas.
- Obstruction of View: Due to their solid design, these fences may obstruct the view from both inside and outside the property.
When it comes to building a board on board fence, the spacing between the boards is an important consideration. The amount of space to leave between the wooden boards will vary depending on whether the boards are kiln-dried or green. If you’re using kiln-dried wood, it’s recommended to leave approximately 1/16th of an inch of space between the boards. On the other hand, if you’re using green wood, the boards should be placed snugly together, but not overly tight. By taking into account the moisture content of the wood, you can ensure the proper spacing for a sturdy and visually appealing fence.
How Far Apart Should Board on Board Fence Boards Be Spaced?
When it comes to building a board on board fence, one important consideration is the spacing between the wooden boards. The amount of space you should leave between boards will depend on whether the wood is kiln-dried or green.
This allows for slight expansion and contraction of the wood due to temperature and humidity changes. By leaving this small gap, you can prevent your boards from warping or buckling over time.
On the other hand, if you’re using green wood for your fence, you should go for a snug fit, but not overly tight. Green wood is known to shrink as it dries, and if you install the boards too tightly, they may end up gapping or splitting as the wood dries and shrinks. It’s important to allow some room for the wood to settle and adjust.
This won’t only improve the aesthetic appeal of your fence, but also promote better airflow and prevent moisture buildup between the boards, which can lead to rot and decay.
If privacy is your main concern, you may want to space the boards closer together to minimize visibility. However, if you’re looking for a more decorative or open design, you can opt for wider spacing to create a visually appealing pattern.
By following these guidelines and considering the type of wood you’re using, you can ensure a well-built and visually pleasing fence that will stand the test of time.
Close board fencing is known for it’s durability and longevity. Constructed with pressure-treated timber boards, these fences undergo thorough testing to ensure their strength and resilience. As a result, close board fences have the potential to endure for a substantial period. With proper maintenance and occasional care, it isn’t uncommon for these fences to last as long as 15 years.
How Long Does Close Board Fencing Last?
Close board fencing is known for it’s durability and longevity. The timber boards used in this type of fencing are pressure-treated, which means they’ve been impregnated with chemicals to protect them from rot, insect infestation, and weathering. This allows the fence to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and prolong it’s lifespan.
They’ve gone through a rigorous testing process to ensure their structural integrity and resistance to breaking or degrading over time.
With proper maintenance, a close board fence can last for up to 15 years or even longer. Occasional maintenance may include inspecting the fence for any signs of damage, such as loose or broken boards, and promptly repairing or replacing them. Regularly cleaning the fence to remove dirt, debris, and moss can also help maintain it’s appearance and prevent any potential issues.
The pressure-treated timber boards used in this type of fence undergo thorough testing to ensure their longevity and resistance to deterioration.
Benefits of Close Board Fencing Compared to Other Types of Fencing
Close board fencing, also known as board-on-board fencing, offers several benefits compared to other types of fencing.
One of the main advantages of close board fencing is it’s high level of privacy and security. The overlapping boards are installed side by side, leaving no gaps and preventing visibility from outside. This makes it an ideal choice for homeowners who prioritize privacy in their outdoor spaces.
In addition to privacy, close board fencing also provides excellent durability and weather resistance. The sturdy construction and tightly fitted boards make it less prone to damage from harsh weather conditions or external forces. This makes it a long-lasting fencing option that requires minimal maintenance over time.
Moreover, close board fencing is versatile and can be easily customized to suit different styles and preferences. It can be stained or painted in various colors to complement the aesthetics of your property. This adaptability makes it a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications.
Lastly, close board fencing offers great noise reduction qualities. The overlapping boards and solid construction help to block out unwanted noise, creating a quieter and more peaceful outdoor environment.
Overall, the benefits of close board fencing – privacy, durability, customization, and noise reduction – make it a practical and attractive option for those looking to enhance their property’s security and aesthetics.
Conclusion
By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can successfully create a sturdy and visually appealing boundary for your property. Remember to select high-quality materials, take proper safety precautions, and enlist the help of others if necessary.