Board-on-Board vs Lattice Top
Choosing between Board-on-Board and Lattice Top fencing? Board-on-Board and Lattice Top are two popular privacy fence styles, each with distinct advantages. Here's a detailed comparison of design, installation, pros, and cons.
Overview
Board-on-board fences feature overlapping vertical boards on alternating sides of the rails, creating a fence that looks the same from both sides. This 'good neighbor' design provides privacy while allowing air to flow through the overlapping gaps, reducing wind load.
Lattice top fences combine a solid privacy panel on the bottom with a decorative lattice section on top. The lattice allows light and air to pass through while adding visual height and interest. Commonly built with wood or vinyl in 6-foot or 8-foot total heights.
Common Uses
Board-on-Board
- ✓ Shared property lines
- ✓ Backyard privacy
- ✓ Wind-resistant installations
- ✓ Neighbor-friendly boundaries
Lattice Top
- ✓ Backyard privacy with light
- ✓ Garden enclosures
- ✓ Decorative boundaries
- ✓ Plant trellis support
- ✓ Pool area fencing
Pros & Cons
Board-on-Board
- + Looks great from both sides
- + Allows airflow — reduces wind damage
- + Provides good privacy with overlapping boards
- + Stronger construction than flat panel
- + Excellent for shared boundaries
- − Uses 30-50% more lumber than standard privacy
- − Higher cost due to extra materials
- − Small gaps visible at angles
- − More complex to build than flat panel
- − Heavier than standard privacy fence
Lattice Top
- + Adds height without a closed-in feeling
- + Decorative element enhances curb appeal
- + Allows light and air through lattice
- + Supports climbing plants and vines
- + Available in wood and vinyl
- − Lattice section is fragile — breaks easily
- − Does not provide full privacy
- − Catches wind and can blow over
- − More expensive than plain privacy panels
- − Lattice deteriorates faster than solid panels
Which Is Better: Board-on-Board or Lattice Top?
Choose Board-on-Board if you need:
- ✓ Shared property boundaries
- ✓ Windy locations
- ✓ Neighborhoods requiring same look on both sides
- ✓ Privacy with airflow
Choose Lattice Top if you need:
- ✓ Gardens needing airflow and privacy
- ✓ Properties wanting decorative height
- ✓ Vine and climbing plant support
- ✓ Backyards needing light filtering
Board-on-Board is not recommended for:
- × Maximum privacy (small gaps exist)
- × Budget projects (uses more lumber)
- × Simple, quick installations
Lattice Top is not recommended for:
- × Maximum security
- × Complete visual privacy
- × High-wind areas (lattice catches wind)
- × Minimalist modern designs
Published February 15, 2026
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