So you need some privacy in the yard and are looking at a wooden fence to get it.  Easy to install and durable, wood fencing is still the most popular choice for homeowners everywhere.

Take a look at these three different ways you can install the 1×6 fence boards, creating three distinct looks in your yard.

Good Neighbour / Board on Board

This is the style that you see most often.  The 1×6 fence boards are installed on both sides of the 2×4 stringer or cross beam.  A 3 1/2” spacing between the boards on one side is covered by the boards installed on the other side (also spaced 3 1/2” apart).  It creates an alternating look that allows wind to flow through the fence, while still creating a decent amount of privacy.

You can see through this fence when you’re standing at the right angle (very close to the fence and with limited sight).  The spacing between the fence boards also makes this style climbable.  Make sure you shrink that spacing for pool applications, allowing this style to meet building code.

Flat Privacy

Just like it sounds, this style is flat and private.  All of the 1×6 fence boards are installed along the same side of the fence, butted up against each other.  You’ll only use about 17 boards for each 8 foot section, as opposed to the 21 or so used with the Board on Board style.  That makes this fence cheaper to build.

You’ll have to decide which side of the fence will display the 2×4’s.  Often homeowners face this side out, but that makes it climbable as well (and might annoy the neighbor).  For pools, you’ll need to face the 2×4’s in to meet code.

The boards will shrink from exposure to the sun and you’ll end up with a small gap in between them.  It’s not a lot, but will make this privacy fence less private then you may have originally expected.

Board on Baton

This style is a mixture between these two, but offers complete privacy.  The 1×6 fence boards are attached to one side of the 2×4 stringer spaced 3” apart.  Then another 1×6 board is nailed to the top of the spacing, overlapping the other boards by about 1” each.

Any gap is covered and will be even after shrinkage occurs.  You’ll be using around 21 to 23 boards per 8 foot section, making it slightly more expensive to build than the Board on Board style.  Again, you’ll need to decide where to face the 2×4 stringers.

All of these wooden privacy fence styles are simple to build and use readily available materials.  Choose whichever one suits your yard and application the best.

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