A tall, horizontal wood fence creates a safe and secure area around your home. If you have children, you don't have to worry about them wandering away from the confines of your backyard. A horizontal fence can also keep unwanted visitors off your property.
Disadvantages. However, horizontal fences do have a couple of downsides. They can be more expensive than vertical fences because they require more lumber. Additionally, horizontal fences are more likely to sag over time due to the weight of the pickets pulling down on the posts.
Vertical fences are naturally stronger and more durable since the weight and structural integrity is evenly distributed down the entire perimeter. This is because each and every post is either rooted in the ground or comes very close to it.
There aren't many people who will say that a vertical fence is more attractive than a horizontal one. Horizontal fences are sleek, modern, and unique—giving your home a standout look in the neighborhood. And if your home already has a modern design, a vertical fence will likely stand out as well (but in the wrong way).
A horizontal fence has the end of each fence board running side to side. The high-quality, durable lumber necessary to keep a horizontal fence from sagging also helps the fence last longer. The stringers at the top and bottom of the panels provide additional support as well.
While building a horizontal fence isn't more difficult than building a traditional fence, they do present more structural issues. Wood boards are weaker when running horizontally instead of vertically, making them more susceptible to sagging as gravity pushes down on them.
To prevent the wood from warping or sagging, use a sealant to protect the wood after the fence is installed. Does a horizontal fence need rails? Fence rails span between posts and offer strength to the fence section. They are usually used on the top of the fence and the bottom of the fence.
Gap: Small gaps between horizontal boards are standard for horizontal fences and impact the final appearance of the fence. Generally, we will use gaps between ¼” and 1”. If you want no gaps between boards, we would recommend using a tongue and groove board.
Although there is no law as such to enforce it, in this situation, the usual convention is for the more attractive side of the fence to face outwards.
Hardwoods like Ipe and Mangaris are gorgeous when applied horizontally because the natural grain that runs the length of the planks creates a high-end look. Softwoods like pine, Douglas fir, redwood, and cedar are also great fencing choices.
A vinyl fence or an aluminum fence can add to the resale value of a home, while a chain-link fence adds little to no value. Overall, the best way to increase property value with a fence is to choose a design that is both functional and attractive.
Steel. Like aluminum, steel is a resilient material, making it a great option if you're ready to invest in a new fence. Galvanized steel chain-link fencing is especially long-lasting. It holds up well to wind and rain, and small sections can be easily replaced if any damage occurs.
4. Wrought Iron Fencing. The wrought iron fence is the strongest and most long-lasting fencing option available. Featuring a classic design with wide spaces that beautifully display landscape and gardens, you won't find more a suitable option for vintage and retro style homes.
Horizontal fences tend to be more expensive than vertical fences because they require a higher grade of lumber for the fence boards to reduce the possibility of sagging. Even so, like any horizontally-oriented board, they may sag over time.
Anti-climb and wrought iron fencing are considered a little more secure. No matter which material you choose, make sure to discuss your security needs with your fencing contractor. From trespassing signs, trail cameras, and safety gates, they can help recommend the add-ons you need to secure your property thoroughly.
Face the finished side of the fence toward your neighbor
In particular, the solid panel fences often used for privacy are generally constructed like this. The finished side should face toward your neighbor. Not only is this more polite, but it's the standard.
He is all pine and I am apple orchard. And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him. He only says, 'Good fences make good neighbors.'
And so on. 'Good fences make good neighbours' pithily expresses the need to have clear boundaries between properties, as well as the need for neighbours to respect these boundaries, if relations between neighbours are to remain amicable and 'good'.
Important to remember that we used deck boards here, NOT fence boards. The trickiest part with this is making sure that the first board is level, level, LEVEL. Mike started each section at the top; this way he knew that he would have a full board at the height he wanted it to be (6 feet for us).
Because of the warping issue and our freeze-thaw climate, horizontal fencing doesn't generally last long. In fact, this type of fence wears down 4 times as fast as a vertical fence made with the same materials. This means that you'll have to replace it every 3-5 years instead of every 15-20 years.
On average, homeowners pay around $5 to $12 per linear foot for a horizontal wood fence for the material. The cost for this fence installed averages $15 to $22 a linear foot.
The posts should be no more than six feet apart, if more than six feet apart, the stability of the fence may be compromised.
Ipe is one of the best types of wood to build your horizontal fence since its grain pattern creates a high-end look for such fences. This exotic hardwood is extremely strong since its high density and natural oils make it resistant to rot, insects, and scratches.