A privacy fence with an overlapping pattern of vertical pickets is called a board-on-board fence. This type of fence is sometimes known as a “board and batten fence.” The spaces created between the boards by wood shrinkage are hidden by this kind of fence. Pickets are arranged in a first layer using 6″ wide boards spaced 1 ½” apart. Installed to cover the gaps and overlap the previous layer, the second layer is made up of 4″ broad boards.
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Board-on-board fences: benefits and drawbacks
Advantages
The primary benefit of a board-to-board fence above other wood privacy fences is true privacy. Wood shrinkage results in spaces between pickets in a standard stockade privacy fence, which will impede privacy. Because the pickets on a board-to-board fence overlap, there will never be any obvious gaps.
The overlapping boards’ texture adds even more visual appeal.
Cons
Because the boards overlap by 1 to 1 1/2 inches, a board-on-board fence will cost more. A board-on-board fence requires up to 30% more pickets than a stockade type fence. To cover the extra pickets, you will need more supplies if you intend to finish your fence. In order to conceal the overlapping edges during installation, the vertical boards must be completed.
Various Board-on-Board Fence Types
Wood
The majority of board on board fences are made of wood. Cedar fence panels used to make board-on-board fences are among the most well-liked and eye-catching designs for privacy fencing. Pressure treated timber is still the most commonly used substitute for cedar fence because of its natural color, strength, and accessibility.
Vinyl
If you want a board-on-board privacy fence but want to be sure it will survive, vinyl is an alternative.
Vinyl is far less maintenance-intensive and offers more longevity. Variations in moisture or temperature won’t cause a vinyl board-on-board fence to decay or break. Additionally, insects dislike the taste of vinyl.
When vinyl fence begins to show signs of filth, it may be cleaned with ordinary soap and water. There won’t be a need for costly or time-consuming refinishing.
Composite
Composite fence panels used to make board-on-board fences provide a visually appealing substitute for vinyl and wood. The construction of composite fencing will involve the use of fence planks coated in a recycled plastic cap and filled with recycled sawdust. Additionally, because of the material’s density, the composite fence will be stronger.
Many deck board manufacturers, including Trex, Fiberon, and Timbertech, now provide composite fence panels, which can be composite pickets and rails.
Top-cap board on board fences
A top cap and trim will be applied to the top of almost all board-on-board fences.
A horizontal board placed flat on the top edge of the fence serves as the top cap. The top cap on wood fence prevents moisture from getting to the picket ends that are exposed. Water is more readily absorbed by the pickets’ ends than by their surface.
The side trimmings are fastened to the fence’s vertical surface just behind the top cap. One or both of the fence’s sides may have side trimmings.
With a lattice fence topper, you may increase the visual attraction even more. A slender lattice piece is fastened to the top of the fence.
Panels for a Board-on-Board fence
Fence panels for pre-built wood and vinyl board-on-board fences are available. These fence panels are prepared for installation and will measure six feet in length. An inventory of board-on-board fence panels should be available from your neighborhood large box retailer, such Home Depot.
Board on Board Horizontal Fence
The pickets of a horizontal board-on-board fence are fixed to the posts horizontally. Due to its sleek, contemporary appearance, wood fences with horizontal planks are becoming more and more popular.
Side by Side vs Board on Board fencing
Pickets on board-on-board fences overlap, but pickets on side-by-side fences are arranged edge-to-edge. One type of side-by-side fence is a stockade fence. A board-on-board overlapping fence, as previously mentioned, will never have a gap, however pickets put in a stockade type fence may eventually decrease.
Shadow box fencing against board-on-board fencing
The horizontal rail of a board-on-board fence has overlapping pickets mounted on the same side. A shadowbox fence has pickets on both sides of the fence rail in alternate positions. Although a board-on-board fence would never have gaps, the design of a shadow box includes gaps.
Is the cost of a board-on-board fence higher?
A board-on-board fence will cost more per linear foot due to the pickets’ overlap, as was previously indicated. You must determine how many additional pickets your fence will require.
How long is the lifespan of a board-on-board fence?
The materials you choose will determine how long a board-on-board fence lasts.
Is a privacy fence made of board on board fencing?
Indeed, one of the few fully private fences is a board-on-board fence. Since the wood overlaps, there are no gaps when it ages. Using tongue and groove fence panels or fencing is your only alternative option for keeping gaps closed over time.
How can a kickboard be added to a board-on-board fence?
For additional structural support, a kickboard is inserted at the bottom of the board-on-board fence. The kickboard is fastened to the lower rail by screws or nails.
In summary
Board-on-board fences are a common sight because of their attractive design and visual attractiveness. Before making a final choice, always think about what best fits your demands and budget while choosing between several styles!