FairFences

Board-on-Board Privacy Fence

Also known as: Shadowbox Fence, Neighbor-Friendly Fence, Overlapping Board Fence

What Is a Board-on-Board Fence?

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.

Compatible Materials

Board-on-Board fences can be built with these materials:

Is Board-on-Board Right for You?

Best for

  • Shared property boundaries
  • Windy locations
  • Neighborhoods requiring same look on both sides
  • Privacy with airflow

Not recommended for

  • Maximum privacy (small gaps exist)
  • Budget projects (uses more lumber)
  • Simple, quick installations

Common Uses

  • Shared property lines
  • Backyard privacy
  • Wind-resistant installations
  • Neighbor-friendly boundaries

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
+ Looks great from both sides Uses 30-50% more lumber than standard privacy
+ Allows airflow — reduces wind damage Higher cost due to extra materials
+ Provides good privacy with overlapping boards Small gaps visible at angles
+ Stronger construction than flat panel More complex to build than flat panel
+ Excellent for shared boundaries Heavier than standard privacy fence

Board-on-Board vs Other Styles

Ready to Build a Board-on-Board Privacy Fence?

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