Horizontal vs. Vertical Fence: Pros, Cons, and Costs

Whether you have a dog running around or want to add some privacy to your yard, a fence is a great option. Before diving into the different types of fences or finding a local fence contractor, you must first decide if you want your fence boards to run horizontally or vertically. 

While it may seem like a small decision, it has a big impact on the cost and appearance of your final product. Let’s compare horizontal vs. vertical fences to see which is right for your backyard remodeling project.

Horizontal Fences vs. Vertical Fences: Key Differences

Horizontal fences are often stronger than vertical fences because they require higher-grade lumber, but they are more expensive to install. Vertical fences offer an easier DIY job and lower-cost installation on average, but they aren’t as durable as horizontal fences.

What Is a Horizontal Fence?

Unlike traditional vertical fences, horizontal fences feature pickets that run parallel to the ground, or from side to side.

Best for: 

• Modern or contemporary homes

• Homeowners who aren’t too concerned about privacy

• Properties with a home security system

• Homes located in regions prone to inclement weather

• Big-budget projects

Pros of Horizontal Fences

One of the most appealing perks of a horizontal fence is its unique design. Traditional fences are vertical, so choosing a horizontal design will make your home stand out in the neighborhood. Horizontal fences are also stronger than their vertical counterparts since they require higher-grade lumber. The durability of their material means less weather impact because ground moisture doesn’t affect the ends of the pickets. 

Cons of Horizontal Fences

One notable downside to horizontal fences is that they’re more expensive than vertical fences. That’s because they must be bought piece by piece. Since you can’t buy horizontal fences in packs, you or your fencing pro will have to build a horizontal fence on-site, which adds to fence installation costs. 

The design of horizontal fences makes them less secure than vertical fences, because their ladder-like slats can allow trespassers to scale the structure more easily. Even at its tightest, horizontal fences leave a 1/8-inch gap between boards. While it may not seem much, it’s enough to see through, so there’s not as much privacy.

What Is a Vertical Fence?

Vertical fences are more traditional and feature boards or pickets that run from the ground up.

Best for: 

• Older, traditional homes, such as an American Colonial-style 

• Homeowners working with a smaller budget

• Properties with sloped or uneven terrain

• Locations with dry weather

Pros of Vertical Fences

One of the biggest perks of a vertical fence is its price. Vertical fences cost less than horizontal fences because they are made from less expensive wood and can be assembled off-site. Vertical fence packs are designed to be efficiently assembled during installation. For this reason, vertical fences are the best bet for a DIY fence project.

These types of fences also work well on uneven ground. You can stagger vertical fence packs, even on a steep slope. And much like horizontal fences, vertical fences are also quite sturdy. Their weight is evenly distributed and they have horizontal stringers installed to reinforce that sturdiness, as well.

Finally, vertical fences make better privacy fences and offer more security than horizontal fences, since the boards are closer together and not easy to climb.

Cons of Vertical Fences

One of the drawbacks of a vertical fence is that it doesn’t have as much aesthetic value or stand out as much as a horizontal fence. But for some homeowners who prefer a traditional look, this can actually be a perk. Another con is that vertical fences are more impacted by severe weather. The most sensitive part of a fence is its ends, which in the case of a vertical fence face up toward the sun and elements and down into the ground. This means vertical fences deteriorate faster over time in areas with more moisture. They can also be prone to sagging.

Vertical vs. Horizontal Fences: Every Facet, Compared

Now, let’s take a look at which fence comes out on top for appearance, durability, security, and more.

Appearance​: Horizontal Fences

There aren’t many people who will say that a vertical fence is more attractive than a horizontal one. Horizontal fences are sleek, modern, and unique—giving your home a standout look in the neighborhood. And if your home already has a modern design, a vertical fence will likely stand out as well (but in the wrong way).

Ground Slope: Vertical Fences

Horizontal fences must be installed on fairly level ground, so they’re a little less flexible regarding where you can install them. If your back or front yard is sloped, you’ll likely have to resort to a vertical fence—regardless of your design preference.

Durability​: Tie

Horizontal fences are prone to sagging if not reinforced with posts or cross beams. But they’re made from higher-grade lumber than traditional vertical fences. That said, vertical fences already include reinforcements that make them very durable. So when trying to decide which is more durable, it's not black and white.

Security: Vertical Fences

Even at their tightest, horizontal fences leave enough of a gap between slats that someone can look through. These gaps also give someone enough leverage to climb your fence easier than if the posts were vertical. So if you’re looking for a fully private solution, vertical fences are your best bet.

Price​: Vertical Fences

Most of the time, vertical fences are more affordable than horizontal ones for a few reasons. For example, vertical fences are made from less expensive wood and are sold in pre-made packs while horizontal fences are taller and must be installed on-site. While many other factors are at play, it’s safe to say a horizontal fence will cost you more.

DIY-Ability: Vertical Fences

Vertical fences are created so that very handy homeowners can install them on their own. That’s not to say it isn’t a big job, because it is. But horizontal fence installation requires more experience and expertise and is best left to a local fence contractor near you.

Weather Resistance: Horizontal Fences

The most susceptible parts of a fence are the exposed ends. And with vertical fences, those ends are facing upward (toward the sun, rain, snow, etc.) and down into the ground (which gets wet or has bugs). So if you live in an area with higher moisture levels, your vertical fence will wear out faster. 

ROI and/or Resale Value​: Tie

Installing a fence offers up to a 70% return on investment (ROI), but it’s hard to tell which type of fence has the biggest impact. A fence made from higher-quality materials and with a unique design will likely have the best ROI. But, either one is good from a resale value.