10 Types of Wood Fences and Pros and Cons of Each One

The type of wood fencing you choose for your yard does more than just section off your property. The best type of fence for your home enhances your privacy, cuts down on noise, and offers a place to grow climbing plants along the edges of your yard. Wood fences are a popular choice for homeowners looking to blend their natural style with enough strength and durability to fight the elements. Explore these common types of wood fences, from the fencing style to wood varieties.

1. Split-Rail Fence

This ranch-style fence is the type you'd imagine on a farm 200 years ago. The term split-rail comes from splitting logs lengthwise either into two or four long pieces. In this design, just one, two, or three rails connect individual posts several feet apart. The cost of a split-rail fence is $10 to $28 per linear foot, but you can save over $1,000 on labor if you have the skills and time to build it yourself.

Best For

• Simple, rustic style

• Marking property

• Enclosing fields with large livestock

2. Picket Fence

We all know the picket fence from the images of 1950s suburban dream homes. They are often lower than privacy fences, sitting just three to four feet off the ground. Picket fences offer a welcoming vibe while still fencing in the dog. The cost to install a picket fence runs between $10 and $75 per linear foot depending on the type of wood and whether you add gates and high-end hardware.

Best For

• Fencing in a property without cutting off yard views

• Planting fence gardens

• Increasing home curb appeal

3. Lattice Fence

The delicate criss-cross pattern of a lattice fence finds that tricky balance between style and privacy. Choose from either full panels of lattice or lattice accents at the top of the gates of your fence. Keep in mind that lattice fencing is often much thinner than other types of posts and rails, making this an ideal option for surrounding vegetable gardens or adding to the top of a sturdier style as an accent. Lattice panels cost just $2 to $6 per linear foot for materials plus $30 to $50 an hour to hire a local fencing contractor.

Best For

• Flower and vegetable gardens

• Deterring local wildlife

• Adding minimal privacy to your yard

4. Board-on-Board Fence

The remaining types of wood fences on our list get into privacy fence territory. Starting with one of the most air-tight fence styles, board-on-board fences layer each picket so that it overlaps with its neighbor. 

The board alternates the side where it overlaps, creating a patchwork appearance that doesn't allow any light through either side of the fence. It also looks attractive on both sides, making it ideal for front yards and when you want to make a good impression on your neighbor. Since you need more materials to create the look, board-on-board fences cost $15 to $52 per linear foot including labor.

Best For

• Complete privacy

• Poolscapes

• Wind- and storm-prone areas

5.  Shadowbox Fence

While very similar to the board-on-board fence style, shadow box wood fences include a slight gap between the alternating pickets. They offer complete privacy when viewed straight on, but offer a bit of a view from an angle. Shadowbox fences offer a nice balance between constructing a wall of wood and letting in enough light to plant shrubs on the edge of the perimeter. Shadowbox fences can be difficult to install precisely, so you'll need to hire a professional. Though the cost of shadow box fences can vary, expect to pay between $17 and $40 per linear foot between materials and labor.

Best For

• A balance of light and privacy

• Durability against rough weather

• Curb appeal on all sides of the fence

6. Louvered Fence

A louvered fence adds a touch of subtle modern style to your lawn. The louvered pattern places either vertical or horizontal pickets at a slight angle, allowing in a bit of light and air while still maximizing privacy. 

A louvered fence is not an ideal DIY project, and you'll need to hire a specialist familiar with its construction. While the price will vary widely depending on its height, material, and the cost of labor in your area, assume it will cost close to the average cost of a privacy fence at $35 per linear foot.

Best For

• Letting in sunlight and breezes

• Near-complete privacy

• Adding a modern look to your lawn

7. Stockade Fence

Keep your privacy fence simple by placing the sides of the pickets right up against one another without overlap or angling. Also known as a stockade fence, side-by-side wood construction is a simple approach to a privacy fence without spending extra on complex installation. Between installation and materials, side-by-side fences cost between $15 and $20 per linear foot.

While simple in construction, this style can warp slightly over time, creating small spaces between boards or splintering under pressure.

Best For

• Budget-friendly privacy

• Poolscapes and private patios

• DIY installation

8. Tongue and Groove Fence

A tongue and groove fence is a common type of wood privacy fence. Individual wood planks fit together closely, meaning there aren’t gaps between pickets and the fence has a nice, seamless look. One side of each plank has a thin “tongue” that interlocks with the “groove” on the opposite edge of the next board, which allows them to “slide” into place

Tongue and groove fences are relatively durable and offer high levels of privacy and security. They can also be an attractive option, especially when you choose a higher-end wood and stain it. Depending on the materials you choose, expect to spend between $15 and $50 per linear foot.

Best For

• Total privacy in your yard

• Security for pets and children

• Durability against pests and weather

9. Horizontal Plank Fence

A horizontal plank fence is a wood fence with planks that run horizontally as opposed to vertically. These types of fences can be built as both privacy and non-privacy fences because they can either feature gaps between the planks, or very small gaps. The tighter the gaps, the more privacy you’ll enjoy in your yard. Horizontal plank fences also tend to be more durable, because they require higher-grade lumber, which is stronger than traditional vertical fences. They’re also a bit pricier for this reason.

Best For

• Homes with a modern aesthetic

• Bigger-budget projects

• Homeowners seeking extra privacy

10. Post-and-Rail Fence

A post-and-rail fence is all in the name: it consists of two to three horizontal rails between each post. Simple and rustic in design, these fences don’t provide much privacy and are mainly used on rural properties to designate boundaries or contain livestock. If you’re yearning for that rustic look and feel and aren’t concerned about the lack of privacy, it’s a good decorative option.

Best For

• Decorative fencing, especially for a rustic look

• Homes living on a lot of acreage looking to easily mark property lines

How to Choose a Wood Fence

How do you know which type of fence—and which type of wood—are right for your home? Here are some factors to consider when choosing a wood fence:

• Budget: How much can you realistically spend on a new fence, including materials and installation? If your budget is tighter, you’ll want to choose a lower-quality wood and a type of fence that requires fewer materials, such as a post-and-rail fence or a picket fence.

• Containment needs: Is your fence purely for aesthetics, or do you need it to contain pets or young children playing in your yard? Privacy fences with no gaps (or only small gaps) are ideal if you want to keep children and animals safe.

• Durability: Certain fence types are more durable than others. If you plan to live in this home for a long time, consider installing a fence type known for its durability so you won’t have to replace it any time soon.

• Privacy: Do you want to keep your yard private from neighbors and passersby? Or is a shorter fence with gaps OK for your needs?

• Security: Fences can be a helpful part of a more comprehensive home security plan. The taller the fence and the smaller the gaps, the more secure it is.

• Aesthetics: Sometimes, the most functional fences—that is, those that offer the greatest containment, security, and privacy—aren’t as attractive as other fences. If aesthetics are your primary concern, you might consider the rustic look of a split-rail fence or the modern look of a horizontal plank fence.