Privacy fences serve primarily to provide security and privacy in a world where houses are cramped as close together as possible. Common styles of privacy fences include the standard privacy fence, shadow box and horizontal style.
Standard Privacy Fence
This is what most people think of when they think of a privacy fence. This style fence is commonly constructed with treated post set in concrete and treated 2x4 cross members secured to the post. The pickets are then attached to the 2x4 cross members and are commonly treated pine or untreated cedar. The most common style picket is the "Dog Ear" picket, which has the top edges of the board trimmed. Other styles of pickets can be special ordered.
Most standard privacy fences are typically 6' tall but they can also be constructed as high as 8'. Fences that are 6' in hight have three 2x4 cross members and the post is set to a depth of 24-28" in concrete. Fences that are 8' tall have a total of four 2x4 cross members and taller post are used so that the post can be set deeper to a depth of 30". Standard privacy fences have a "good side" (also known as "finished side") and a "bad side". The bad side is the side that has the visible 2x4 cross members and the "good side" has smooth fence pickets.
Most standard privacy fences are typically 6' tall but they can also be constructed as high as 8'. Fences that are 6' in hight have three 2x4 cross members and the post is set to a depth of 24-28" in concrete. Fences that are 8' tall have a total of four 2x4 cross members and taller post are used so that the post can be set deeper to a depth of 30". Standard privacy fences have a "good side" (also known as "finished side") and a "bad side". The bad side is the side that has the visible 2x4 cross members and the "good side" has smooth fence pickets.
Shadow Box Privacy Fence
The shadow box style privacy fence is constructed similarly to the standard privacy fence with regard to the post and 2x4 cross members and overall height of fence. The difference with the shadow box style is that the pickets are spaced approximately 2" apart and the opposite side of the fence has the pickets positioned to conceal the 2" gap. The shadow box style is an attractive option for some due to the fence appearing the same on both sides. Shadow box style fences do take additional time to build properly due to each picket being adjusted so that the gaps are consistent and that each post is concealed on the front with a picket. After spacing each picket, the pickets are then installed with a level to ensure each picket is level and plumb to provide for a clean and uniform appearance.
Horizontal Privacy Fence
Horizontal privacy fences are becoming more popular and provide a great alternative to the "cookie cutter" standard privacy fence. Horizontal privacy fences are constructed with post set in concrete that span the entire height of the fence. Horizontal privacy fences can be constructed in about any height allowed by local municipalities and can be constructed with or without gaps between the boards. Horizontal privacy fences are more challenging to build due to the propensity of lumber warping and to counteract this they require post spacing at approximately 5' intervals. Horizontal privacy fences are difficult to fit into yards that have a large amount of elevation change or uneven terrain, they are best installed in relatively flat yards or yards that have a gradual and consistent slope.