Are you ready to set up a new fence for your yard but you’re not sure what the best option is? Don’t rule out horizontal fencing as an option because it can give your yard a fresh new look. Let me share some horizontal fence ideas for your backyard so you can see just how many options you have.
What Is a Horizontal Fence?
Horizontal fences are constructed entirely of horizontally oriented fence posts and fence boards. There are no stringers used. Posts are typically six feet apart to avoid drooping fence boards.
Horizontal fences are an aesthetic choice for many residences and localities. These fences are seen as clean, modern, and contemporary. Without the need for stringers, they consume less lumber.
What’s the Difference Between a Horizontal and Vertical Fence?
Whereas the weather-sensitive board ends of vertical fences face upward, the board ends of horizontal fences face to the side. This contributes to the slowing of degradation and cracking.
Horizontal fences are typically more expensive than vertical fences due to the fact that the fence boards are made with high-grade lumber to minimize drooping. Nonetheless, they, like any other horizontally oriented board, may sag over time.
A vertical fence is typically the ideal solution for any fence project where expenses must be kept low. Because the strength is provided by the stringers, you can use fence board lumber which isn’t that expensive.
Vertical fences will follow the contour of any sloped land with a smooth appearance on both the upper and lower parts of the fence.
Horizontal fences work well for tiny patios because they feel less restrictive; they lack the cage-like feeling created by vertical fences.
Read our related post “25 Fence Line Landscaping Ideas to Upgrade Your Yard” here.
How Are Horizontal Fences Built?
Building a horizontal fence is not completely different compared to building a vertical one. It’s mostly a matter of discarding a few elements and making measurement tweaks.
Take note that before you start building your fence, you want to make sure you are not going to hit any underground utilities. You’re going to have to dig holes for the posts, add concrete and gravel, and mostly cut and nail a bunch of boards.
There are also plenty of online written and video tutorials that will show you how to build a horizontal fence.
Why Build a Horizontal Fence?
A horizontal fence is the greatest option for any installation that requires a contemporary aesthetic. These fences strike an unparalleled stylistic tone in comparison to vertical fences.
19 Horizontal Fence Ideas for Your Backyard
1. Composite Horizontal Fence
Composite fencing is a late 1990s introduction of a synthetic replacement to traditional materials. Composite fencing is constructed from recycled polymers and wood fibers (like sawdust and chips).
Trex presently dominates the composite fencing market, which is why this generic style of fencing is frequently referred to as Trex fencing.
Composite material is available in boards or panels. They have a similar appearance to wood and can be fitted similarly. Composite materials can be used to make practically any fence style that can be created with wood. It’s a great long-lasting option for horizontal fences.
2. Horizontal Vinyl Fence
As with corrugated metal, vinyl has a distinct look and feel from the majority of the fences we discussed here. The majority of individuals will choose wood due to its affordability and availability.
While the plastic fence will be more expensive, it should last longer than any additional wood. And they should be quite straightforward to keep, as they do not require staining or any other type of maintenance.
3. Painted Horizontal Wood Fence
A wood fence will typically endure about 15 years. However, with appropriate care, you may extend the life of your wood fence to at least 20 years. Priming or painting (or both)- your horizontal wood fence is a wonderful idea for two reasons.
First, it helps prolong the lifespan of your horizontal fence. Second, it gives you the chance to have a fence that matches your garden aesthetics. This way, you can have the fence looking virtually any way you like.
4. Horizontal Metal Fence
Horizontal metal fencing is a safe and secure option for enclosing your loved ones, your home, and your belongings. Metal fencing is extremely aesthetically pleasant due to its crisp lines, providing a sleek, modern design that increases property value and makes your home much more desirable.
Steel fencing is a popular choice for homes due to its simplicity of maintenance and pleasant, modern design. Metal fencing provides an unmatched level of protection for your property and will outlast any other sort of fencing due to its strong, robust structure.
5. Concrete Fence
While fencing your yard with concrete fence panels may appear to be a gloomy, monotonous option, you may also choose ornamental concrete panels. These panels are fairly popular nowadays, as they have a contemporary appearance and complement a variety of garden styles.
Additionally, concrete fence panels have a longer lifespan and require little maintenance. They are available in a variety of beautiful textures and colors, they complement a variety of landscape styles.
6. “Staircase” Horizontal Fence
Where the fence is usually built on an uneven surface causing the top of the fence to go up and down like a set of stairs.
This allows you to get creative with your horizontal fence and make the top side look like a staircase. It’s an unconventional approach to the problem of uneven terrain, but certainly a cool design nevertheless.
7. Cedar Horizontal Fence
If you want a fence that will easily last 15 to 20 years, cedar is an excellent choice. This wood has a lovely light honey tint. To maintain the hue, you’ll need to treat the wood and do routine maintenance.
Otherwise, it will deteriorate and become grey. However, grey is not an unattractive color, and you may appreciate this patina.
8. Modern Metal Fence
A modern horizontal fence may transform an ordinary backyard into a fashionable and chic hangout spot. The horizontal boards reflect the modern interior design aesthetic of sleek, clean lines.
For a simple do-it-yourself fence, use prefabricated panels with horizontal rails and a black metal frame. After that, you may install them on posts and call it a day. Add a beautiful cut-out metal panel to add visual interest and personalize your fence.
9. Stained Wood Fence
You can find benefits to opting for a horizontal stained wood fence. A well-applied, high-quality stain will help prevent water from penetrating your wood fence. This, in turn, aids in the prevention of rotting.
Direct sunshine, regardless of the season, can lose the color from your wooden fence, leaving it looking faded and aged. Pre-staining will help to minimize UV damage.
10. Horizontal Bamboo
If you’ve been considering constructing a privacy fence but are unsure if you want to invest in wooden fencing and a contractor to install it, bamboo fencing may be a viable solution.
This appealing fencing is more affordable, eco-friendly, and simple to build. You can choose the fencing that is the simplest to build and then customize the height and style to meet your landscaping requirements.
11. Concrete and Panels Interchange
With their breathtaking look and capacity to withstand high winds, a durable fence with concrete posts provides an excellent option to surround your property or garden when erected properly. A fantastic alternative to traditional wooden fence posts, installing a fence with concrete posts is gaining popularity.
Building a fence that is weather-resistant and requires little maintenance is a clear advantage of using concrete posts. While concrete posts are normally more expensive than wooden posts, they can be considered an investment in your garden due to the little maintenance required over time.
12. Pallet Fence
If you’re short on cash and you want to make your own horizontal fence, there’s always the option of making a fence with pallets. Since you can likely get them for free or purchase them at really convenient prices, they could make great fence materials.
Apart from being inexpensive to construct, pallet fences have a plethora of other benefits for your yard. Pallet makers design them expressly to bear extremely heavy loads without breaking, making pallet fences extremely sturdy.
Due to the fact that pallet fences are pre-assembled, they are much easier to install into a fence. Consider each pallet as a fence part; rather than constructing each section individually, you only need to join them to form a fence.
13. Solid Wood Fence
Having a strong horizontal fence constructed provides privacy without revealing your intentions. Given the variety of reasons why people purchase fences, no one would assume you were motivated by a need for solitude.
This eliminates sideways stares from neighbors who may otherwise question if you desired seclusion.
Solid wood is also cheaper compared to hardwood varieties, so it’s definitely an option to consider if you’re looking to save some money.
14. Back to Front Slatted Fence
The shadow box fence is regarded as the “nice neighbor” fence, regardless of whether it is vertical or horizontal. That is because the boards and posts appear to be in good condition from both sides of the fence.
This type of fence has boards on both sides, which creates a gap for air circulation. As a result, there is an angle where people can look into your backyard through the fence, but the amount they can see is significantly less than with the vertical shadow box type.
15. Cedar Fence Panels
What makes a horizontal cedar fence superior to other forms of treated lumber is its durability. It will not fracture, distort, split, or disintegrate under your feet. However, because cedar is prone to scratches and dents, you’ll want to avoid bumping or pounding your fence.
Want to learn for yourself how to make a DIY cedar fence? Just can check this tutorial.
16. Horizontal Logs
A log fence is a form of fence that is common in the United States and Canada. It is constructed of timber logs that are normally split lengthwise into rails and used for agricultural or ornamental purposes.
Due to the fact that these fences require far more timber than other types of fences, they are often seen exclusively in places with an abundance of wood.
17. Horizontal Glass Panels
Glass fencing is one of the newest trends in modern backyard architecture. Glass fencing is an interesting option for homeowners, architects, and builders as a unique safety barrier.
It is gaining popularity rapidly as a fashionable alternative to classic types of fence materials. Apart from its visual appeal, a glass fence has a plethora of functional advantages and critical safety measures when used as a fencing option.
18. Decorative Wood Fence
Decorative fencing is available in a range of styles and materials for property owners. This fencing choice is ideal for adding flair and refinement to your property while also increasing security and clearly delineating property limits.
Numerous homeowners select ornamental fencing for its beauty and charm. Decorative wood fencing is available in a variety of hues, and homeowners can choose a style that complements their home’s architecture, ranging from contemporary to traditional.
19. Stacked Concrete Blocks
Instead of a professionally poured concrete fence, you can always do the cheaper option, concrete blocks or bricks. If you have access to a lot of concrete blocks you can have them stacked like a wall. However, you want to make sure you do this correctly or have an expert install them. I say this because they are heavy and you do not want them falling down on you or a neighbor.
You will have to stack them properly, you will have to use mortar, and making sure you have proper footings will ensure they last long. This guide from Better Homes and Gardens provides all the information you need to build a concrete block wall in your garden!
Horizontal Fence FAQs
What’s the Best Wood for a Horizontal Fence?
When placed horizontally, hardwoods such as Ipe and Mangaris appear stunning due to the natural grain running the length of the planks. Softwoods such as pine, cedar, redwood, and Douglas fir make excellent fencing materials as well.
Does a Horizontal Fence Provide More Privacy than a Vertical Fence?
Horizontal fences, by virtue of their construction design, ensure the seclusion of your home. This fence style features panels that are closer together, obstructing any external viewing. Vertical fences have more evenly spaced panels than horizontal fences.
Can You Build a Horizontal Fence on a Slope?
Yes. You can follow the ground’s slope or maintain the horizontal fence line and follow the ground in steps. The third option is to run the rails parallel to the ground while maintaining the verticality of the fencing slats or pickets.
How Much Does a Horizontal Fence Cost?
On average, homeowners spend between $5 and $12 per linear foot on a horizontal wood fence. The fence installation cost ranges between $15 and $22 per linear foot. The costs vary based on design, type of materials used, cost of labor, geographical location, and other such variables.
How Much Space Between Planks for a Wooden Horizontal Fence?
Horizontal boards can be spaced closely together, with an eighth-inch gap between them, for added privacy, or with a quarter-inch to one-inch gap between them for a more open feel.
Should I “DIY” My Horizontal Fence?
It’s totally up to you. Building a horizontal fence isn’t very difficult, but it can be a bit time-consuming. However, it’s going to save you quite a lot of money in labor costs.
Final Thoughts
The orientation in which the fence boards are installed is critical to the overall appearance of the fence. Vertical board fences have been used for years due to their versatility and strength. However, horizontal board fences have grown in popularity due to their sleek modern appearance.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.