Everything You Need to Know About Board-on-Board Fences
These fences are characterized by their unique structure, featuring overlapping vertical fencing boards that create a consistent appearance from both sides and eliminate gaps for the ultimate privacy.
In this Fence Armor guide, you will learn all you need to know about board-on-board fences: their structure, benefits, installation tips, and maintenance advice. If you're considering adding them to your property, you'll soon see why board-on-board fences are so fantastic.
Let's explore why board-on-board fencing might be the right choice for you.
What is a Board-on-Board Fence?
A board-on-board fence is a type of property fencing designed with overlapping vertical boards. It provides maximum privacy and a consistent appearance from both sides.
This structure is achieved by attaching fencing boards on either side of the horizontal rails, with each board slightly overlapping the next.
Using this design eliminates gaps that might occur from board shrinkage, providing solid coverage and superior privacy compared to other fence types.
In addition to privacy, board-on-board fences offer excellent acoustics and durable fencing solutions.
They reduce noise by creating a barrier that helps minimize sound, making them an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a quiet outdoor space.
The overlapping boards also strengthen the structure, allowing it to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Benefits of Installing a Board-on-Board Fence
Board-on-board fences offer many benefits beyond privacy and durability, making them a versatile and practical choice for many homeowners.
Here are some additional reasons why installing a board-on-board fence is advantageous:
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Enhanced Privacy: The overlapping design ensures no visible gaps, creating a solid barrier that is difficult to see through.
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Durability: The double layer of overlapping boards makes board-on-board fences sturdier than other wood fence designs. This added strength helps protect the wood fence and allow it to withstand wind and harsh weather conditions.
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Curb Appeal: The alternating boards provide a sense of depth and texture, enhancing the look of your yard while also delivering functional benefits like security and privacy.
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Noise Reduction: The overlapping boards create a solid barrier that helps block out noise from nearby roads or neighbors, making your outdoor space more peaceful and enjoyable.
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Customization: Board-on-board fences can be tailored to fit a variety of styles, with options for different types of fence materials, heights, and even decorative post caps.
By choosing a board-on-board fence, homeowners can enjoy a beautiful, durable, and secure fencing option that adds to the long-term value of their property.
Types of Board-on-Board Fences
Board-on-board fences offer various customization options, allowing homeowners to tailor the look and function of their fences to their specific preferences and needs.
Below are some of the popular variations:
Fence Height Options
Board-on-board fences are available at different heights and sizes, providing flexibility depending on the homeowner's priorities.
Taller fences (like 6-foot or 8-foot ones) are perfect for those who want to maximize privacy and security. In comparison, shorter fences can offer a balance between privacy and aesthetics without making the yard feel closed off.
Selecting the right height for your needs will depend on local regulations, property lines, and intended use—whether it is for privacy, decoration, or simply defining boundaries.
Decorative Post Caps and Trim
Adding decorative elements like post caps and trim is a simple way to enhance the appearance of a board-on-board fence.
Decorative post caps are available in various styles, from traditional to modern, and can add an elegant finishing touch while still serving a functional purpose.
Post caps help prevent water from seeping into the posts, reducing the risk of rot. Using Fence Armor’s Post Caps can extend the longevity of your fence while adding a custom design element to your property.
What makes these Post Caps special is their ability to fit a wide range of post sizes, their exceptional durability, and their capacity to provide both protection and style, ensuring your fence stays in great condition for years to come.
Wood Varieties
Homeowners can select from different types of wood to build their board-on-board fence. Cedar is ideal for its natural resistance to rot and insect damage, and it ages beautifully to a silver-gray color if left untreated.
On the other hand, pine, when pressure-treated, is a more affordable option with excellent durability. There is also redwood, which, while more expensive, provides a rich, luxurious appearance with a natural resistance to decay.
When choosing the variety of wood to use, keep in mind that it can significantly impact the overall look of the fence, as well as the maintenance requirements you will need.
Comparing Board-on-Board Fences to Other Fence Types
Board-on-board fences have distinct advantages over other fences, such as stockade, shadowbox, and picket fences. Each fence type has its own characteristics that make it suitable for different needs and preferences.
Here’s a more in-depth look at how board-on-board fences compare to their counterparts:
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Stockade Fences: Stockade fences consist of closely placed vertical boards attached to horizontal rails. While they provide privacy, they may develop gaps over time due to wood shrinkage. On the other hand, board-on-board fences maintain complete privacy thanks to the overlapping boards.
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Shadowbox Fences: Shadowbox fences have boards attached on alternate sides of the rails, creating a partially open design. While they offer a semi-private appearance, board-on-board fences provide full privacy and a more robust structure.
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Picket Fences: Picket fences are primarily decorative and offer little privacy or security. In contrast, board-on-board fences provide both aesthetic appeal and effective privacy and security.
While board-on-board fences may be more expensive initially, their durability, increased privacy, and aesthetic value often make them worth the investment.
NOTE: Fence Armor’s products, like post guards and rot barrier sleeves, can be used with other fences to improve their longevity, not just board-on-board fences.
Planning and Installation Tips
Planning and installing a board-on-board fence requires attention to detail to guarantee that your fence lasts for years to come. Not only that, but proper planning can help you avoid costly mistakes and keep you on track with your set timeline.
Here are some tips for planning and installation:
Planning Your Fence
Careful planning is essential for a successful outcome when installing a board-on-board fence. Here are some key considerations to ensure everything goes smoothly:
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Local Regulations: Check local building codes and zoning regulations to determine any restrictions on fence height or placement.
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Property Boundaries: Know the exact boundaries of your property before installing your fence to avoid conflicts with neighbors.
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Soil Conditions: Assess the soil type in your yard. Loose or sandy soil may require deeper post holes and additional concrete for stability.
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Quality Materials: Using high-quality fencing boards and posts is crucial for a longer-lasting fence. Fence Armor offers wood fence tools that can help streamline the installation process and guarantee your fence remains sturdy over time.
Installation Steps
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Set the Posts: Mark where each post will go, ensuring even spacing. Dig post holes deep enough to provide stability (usually one-third of the post's length), and set the posts in concrete to prevent movement.
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Attach Horizontal Rails: Once the concrete has set, attach horizontal rails between the posts. These rails will support the vertical boards.
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Attach the Vertical Boards: Attach the vertical boards, ensuring each one is level before securing it in place. The overlapping design means each board should slightly overlap the next to create the signature board-on-board look.
Using tools such as post levelers and protective post sleeves from Fence Armor can help ensure that each post is perfectly vertical and that your fence remains in good condition for years to come.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Board-on-Board Fences
The cost of installing a board-on-board fence can vary based on several factors:
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Type of Wood: The type of wood you choose will greatly impact the cost. For example, cedar is more expensive than pine but requires less maintenance over time.
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Fence Height: Taller fences require more materials and labor, which increases the overall cost.
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Quality of Materials: Higher-quality fencing boards, posts, and hardware will cost more, but they will provide better longevity and fewer repairs in the long run.
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Customizations: Adding features like decorative post caps or gates will also increase the cost.
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Labor Costs: Labor costs can vary depending on the complexity of the installation and local rates. DIY installation can save money, but professional installation ensures the fence is built correctly and securely.
While the initial cost of a board-on-board fence may be higher than other types of fences, the long-term benefits of durability, privacy, and aesthetic value make it a worthwhile investment.
Investing in quality tools and protective products from Fence Armor can also help reduce future maintenance costs and protect your investment.
Maintenance Tips for Board-on-Board Fences
Board-on-board fences need regular maintenance to remain in excellent condition for years on end.
Below are some additional maintenance and repair tips to help you get the most out of your fence:
Routine Maintenance
To keep your wood board-on-board fence in top condition, regular maintenance is essential:
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Cleaning: Clean your fence periodically to remove dirt, debris, and mildew. This helps prevent discoloration and damage from moisture.
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Staining or Sealing: Apply fence stain & seal every few years to protect the wood from the elements and prevent issues like rot, warping, and insect damage.
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Protective Products: Use Fence Armor post guards to protect the base of the posts from damage caused by lawn care equipment. This will help extend the lifespan of your fence.
Repair Tips
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Inspect Regularly: Examine your fence for signs of wear or damage, such as warped or cracked boards. Early detection can prevent minor issues from becoming larger, more costly problems.
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Replace Damaged Boards: Replace damaged or warped boards as soon as possible to maintain the fence's integrity and ensure it continues to provide privacy and security.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Board-on-Board Fences
Installing a board-on-board fence requires precision and care to ensure it stands the test of time. Many common mistakes can lead to issues that affect both the appearance and durability of the fence.
Here are some tips on what to avoid and how to ensure your installation is done correctly:
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Not Setting Posts Deep Enough: Posts that aren't set deep enough can cause the fence to lean or become unstable. Make sure posts are set in holes at least one-third the height of the post and filled in with concrete for stability.
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Neglecting to Use Treated Wood: Using untreated wood for posts or fencing boards can lead to faster deterioration. Opt for pressure-treated lumber to resist rot, decay, and insect damage.
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Skipping Protective Finish: Failing to apply a stain or sealant leaves your wood fence vulnerable to the elements, leading to premature wear. Regularly applying a protective finish helps maintain the fence's durability and appearance.
Experience Quality Board-on-Board Fencing with Fence Armor
Experience the lasting benefits of a board-on-board fence by using high-quality tools and protective products from Fence Armor.
Our wood fence tools and accessories are designed to simplify the installation process and help ensure your fence remains beautiful and durable for years to come.
Visit our store today to explore our wide selection of fencing tools and protective solutions to get started on your board-on-board fencing project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here, we answer common questions about board-on-board fences.
What Are the Cons of Board-on-Board Fencing?
One of the main cons is the higher initial cost compared to other types of wood fencing. The overlapping design requires more boards for fence coverage, which can increase material costs.
Additionally, because it is made of wood, board-on-board fencing requires regular maintenance, such as staining or sealing, to protect against weather damage, rot, and insect infestations.
Homeowners should also consider that installation may be more labor-intensive due to the double-layered design, which can add to labor costs if you are hiring a professional.
Do Board-on-Board Fences Rot?
Board-on-board fences can rot over time if they are not properly maintained. Wood is susceptible to moisture, leading to rot, especially if the fence is exposed to the elements without adequate protection.
To prevent rot, it's essential to apply a protective stain or sealant every few years. Using pressure-treated wood for posts and boards can also help resist decay.
Can I Pressure Wash Board-on-Board Fences?
Yes, you can pressure wash a board-on-board fence, but it must be done carefully to avoid damaging the wood. Use a low-pressure setting and maintain a reasonable distance from the fence to prevent gouging or splintering the boards.
Key Takeaways on What Is A Board-on-Board Fence
Board-on-board fences provide homeowners with a durable, aesthetically pleasing, and highly private fencing solution. With overlapping boards, these fences eliminate gaps, ensuring maximum privacy and effective noise reduction.
Though the initial investment may be higher, their durability and the functional benefits they offer make them an excellent long-term choice.
Proper planning, high-quality materials, and routine maintenance are essential to maximize the lifespan of a board-on-board fence.
Fence Armor’s range of protective products, such as post guards and wood fence tools, can help you maintain the quality of your board-on-board fence, keeping it in excellent condition for years to come.
Explore our products today to enhance and protect your next board-on-board fencing project.
