At a Glance: Feature Comparison
| Feature | Board-on-Board Fencing | Side-by-Side Fencing |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy Level | 100% Complete Privacy (No gaps) | Partial to High Privacy (Small gaps form over time) |
| Upfront Cost | Moderate to High | Budget-Friendly |
| Wind Resistance | Superior (Overlapping design adds thickness) | Standard |
| Long-Term Aesthetics | Maintains seamless look as wood shrinks | Picket shrinkage creates visible hairline gaps |
Board-on-Board Fencing: The Ultimate Privacy Barrier
Board-on-board fencing is constructed by overlapping vertical pickets. The first layer of boards is attached to the stringers with small spaces between them, and a second layer of pickets is nailed directly over those seams.
- Zero Sightlines: Because the pickets overlap by an inch or more on each side, there are no gaps for neighbors or passersby to look through.
- Shrinkage-Proof: All wood contracts as it cures under the intense North Texas summer sun. With board-on-board construction, as the wood shrinks, the overlapping pickets simply slide slightly without exposing any gaps.
- Enhanced Strength: The double layer of lumber adds structural weight and rigidity, helping the fence panels resist warping and wind damage during severe DFW thunderstorms.
Side-by-Side Fencing: The Classic, Budget-Friendly Choice
Side-by-side fencing is the traditional method where pickets are nailed flat, edge-to-edge, along the fence rails in a single, continuous line.
- Cost-Effective: Requiring fewer pickets and less labor than board-on-board designs, side-by-side installation stretches your fencing budget further.
- Clean, Uniform Profile: It offers a classic, flat aesthetic that aligns smoothly along property boundaries and meets standard suburban HOA requirements.
- Natural Gapping: As new wood pickets dry out and shrink over time, small hairline gaps will naturally form between the boards. While it still offers great security, it does not provide 100% visual blockage indefinitely.
Which Style Belongs in Your Backyard?
If your home backs up to a busy alley, a neighbor's window, or you simply want a secluded outdoor retreat for your family and pets, Board-on-Board is worth the investment. It provides complete peace of mind and long-term durability against soil movement and wind storms.
If you have a large perimeter to enclose, live in a quiet cul-de-sac, or want to maximize curb appeal while keeping initial installation costs lower, Side-by-Side delivers exceptional value and timeless style.
Build Your Ideal Wood Fence Today
Whether you choose board-on-board or side-by-side, North Texas Fence and Deck builds every fence with deep concrete footings, heavy-duty posts, and high-grade lumber tailored to DFW soil conditions.
Call North Texas Fence and Deck at (972) 586-2442 or fill out our Service Request Form to get a free estimate for your DFW home!
