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A Board on Board fence: what is it? Examine your alternatives for board-on-board fence.

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!

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Texas Fence Laws: All the Information You Need

Texas has very little to no fence restrictions for property owners, in contrast to many other states. Since Texas has historically been a “open range” state, cattle producers are exempt from having to corral their animals in several counties.

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There are some situations where you really need to exercise caution, even if the Lone Star State may have liberal fence rules.

Having a fence with a neighbor, for example? Own a Homeowners Association?

At that point, your intentions for building a fence may be impacted by local and state regulations.

Thus, before you begin your search for a Texas fence firm to fulfill your fencing requirements—hold your horses—here are some things you should be aware of regarding Texas fence rules.

FENCE LAWS IN STATES WITH OPEN RANGE

Texas is mostly a “open range” state when it comes to fence laws—a word that may evoke images of roving cattle and the Wild West. This idea effectively creates a “fence out” state for people who choose to keep livestock off their land since it exempts livestock owners from the common law need to fence in animals.

However, as is frequently the case, this rule might not apply to everyone.

First off, addenda to stock regulations in some Texas counties can override this broad open-range policy. These are locally passed rules that mandate that farmers maintain their livestock (sheep, cattle, jacks, jennies, horses, etc.) off public roads and highways, converting the open range to a closed range.

Therefore, it’s important to comprehend these subtleties before you just let your animals go freely. It could be legally necessary for you to have a fence in some situations.

HOAS VS. TEXAS FENCE LAWS

When it comes to determining how a neighborhood is designed and maintained, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) frequently have a lot of influence. HOAs may establish rules restricting or completely prohibiting fences, depending on the particular HOA. These policies may be implemented to preserve a particular local aesthetic, protect unimpeded vistas, or address other particular issues.

In a different state, homeowner association fence regulations can stipulate that waterfront homes are not permitted to have fences in order to protect the community’s scenic vistas. That sounds like a fair request on the surface, one that would maximize everyone’s pleasure of a breathtaking natural location. However, Texas law follows a different beat.

HOA control over fence was restricted by Bill 1588, which was enacted by the Texas Senate in 2021. Thanks to this legislation, your homeowners association cannot outright forbid you from installing a fence if you are a property owner. You are legally permitted to construct a fence for security or safety, even if they may define the kinds of fences needed—perhaps a see-through mesh instead of a wood fence material.

Nevertheless, in order to preserve the surrounding lake vistas, fences on beachfront properties must be made of decorative wrought iron or tubular steel with at least 75% open space per linear foot, according to Code 157.02. Privacy fences built in compliance with this chapter’s regulations may be situated more than 35 feet from a lakefront lot’s back property border and completely behind the primary residential building.

FENCE HEIGHTS: In Texas, everything is bigger

The majority of states in the United States follow a same formula when it comes to residential fencing heights: backyard fences can be as high as six feet, while front yards are limited to four to five feet.

While Texas is known for beating its own drum, in residential neighborhoods it can occasionally adhere to these general rules. Code 157.02 states that the maximum height for a fence construction in a residential area that borders a street is four feet. Nonetheless, state rules permit an 8-foot maximum fence height if your property does not front on a roadway.

Fencing in agricultural areas must be constructed to “Provide for an open atmosphere” and may not be higher than five feet.

BOUNDARY FENCES: YOU RULE, THIS IS YOUR LAND

Similar to other states, Texas has a tendency to have different fence legislation when it comes to shared border fences.

Texas law regarding fences is less interventionist than California law, which requires joint responsibility. Every man for himself, it seems. A fence that you pay for is solely yours.

Unless there is a prior agreement, you are not required to share expenditures or upkeep for a fence that your neighbor creates. Therefore, you are not legally obligated to assist in the restoration of a boundary fence that has been destroyed by a storm or another natural disaster. On the other hand, if neighbors do decide to keep up the shared fence, then that agreement is enforceable.

EVERFENCE TEXAS FENCING

Compared to other states in the union, Texas typically has less regulations on fence. However, there are still times when a property owner might be restrained by municipal, state, and HOA regulations. In order to have a fence constructed that satisfies state legislation as well as your demands, it is essential to understand when and how to handle these exceptions.

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How to Construct a Wooden Fence

Building a wood fence is a simple method to demarcate your property boundaries, improve backyard seclusion, and keep young children and pets inside. An increasing number of homeowners are learning that they may construct their own wood fence rather than hiring someone to install it for them and paying extra for labor on top of the supplies.

Read More: Wood Fence Company Illinois

If you’re thinking of installing a new wood fence, you’ve certainly done some research on the expenses of doing it yourself vs hiring someone to install it as part of a home improvement project.

Even though there is a learning curve if you have never worked on this kind of project before, the majority of individuals can figure out how to complete it on their own.

But, you’ll need to budget money for the supplies and tools, as well as time to study about the components and procedure of building a fence. A step-by-step tutorial on making a DIY wood fence may be found below!

Items You’ll Require

Selecting the sort of wood to use for your fence is one of the first phases in the constructing process. After deciding on the kind of wood to use, you must choose the style of fence you want to construct and purchase the wood posts and pickets to begin going.

You’ll also require other supplies. Continue reading to find out what additional kinds of materials are required to construct a wood fence.

Organizing Your Wooden Fence

Even though you may be eager to install your new wood fence, it’s always a good idea to carefully review your fence designs before you get started in order to prevent issues later on. Prior to creating a fence design, you must choose the style and height that you want.

Step 1: Select the Height and Style of the Fence

Whether you’re fencing your front yard or backyard will generally have a big impact on the height of the fence. There are municipal laws that restrict the height of front yard fences in several places. For this reason, a three- or four-foot-tall picket fence is a popular choice for front yard fences.

Fences for the backyard are often higher. This is due to the fact that this is often the greatest option if you live in a city and desire seclusion from your neighbors. The standard height for a backyard fence is six feet. Wood privacy fences, horizontal wood fences, shadowbox fences, and side by side dog ear fence pickets are common designs to select from. A range of color options for wood fences may also be found to accommodate your own style preferences.

Step 2: Establish the Fence Configuration

You may really begin construction when you’ve determined the kind of wood you want to use, the height, and the design of your fence!

Marking the edge of your land is the first step in laying out the design for your fence. If you haven’t already, now is a good time to let your neighbors know what you’re planning so there won’t be any disputes about property borders. You may find out whether there are by contacting a land registry agency.

Once the boundaries of your property are defined, you may use stakes to clearly designate the fence line. Make care to draw a straight line in this area and mark the plot’s corners. After the corners are staked, use a square to tie a thread around each stake to make sure the corners are 90 degrees and the stakes are level.

Here’s where taking your time and making sure your marks and measurements are accurate pays off when creating a wood fence. It will be considerably more difficult to fix anything that is incorrect today.

Step 3: Verify Local Laws and Obtain Required Permits

A crucial aspect of laying the foundation for a fruitful fence construction endeavor is confirming that you have permission to construct the fence in the desired location. Make sure you are in compliance with local building rules and planning laws before proceeding with the project to avoid requiring any further licenses.

This is the time to confirm that the fence heights you have planned are acceptable where they have been staked out.

To create the fence of your dreams, find out if a building permit is required. Next, make sure that no gas, water, or electrical lines are in the way of your fence installation by calling your local “Call Before You Dig” hotline. Building a fence will need you to dig, so you need to be sure you won’t encounter any obstacles.

How to Install a Wooden Fence

You may really start working on the building of your new fence now that you have established the foundation, so to speak!

Step 4: Collect the Required Equipment and Supplies

We listed all of the supplies you’ll need for your wood fence project earlier in this post. Apart from the items mentioned above, you will also require certain tools.

You will need to decide if you want to fasten your pickets and fence rails to the fence posts using screws or nails. Therefore, you will require a screwdriver and screws or a hammer and nails. The procedure may always be sped up with a nail gun or nailer.

Step 5: Make the fence posts’ holes.

You have previously designated the locations of your corner fence posts as part of your fence’s perimeter stakeout. The locations of the remaining posts must now be marked.

The primary guideline in this case is to ensure that there are no more than eight feet between any two post sites. If your fence is forty feet long, you should split it in half, which means you will need five posts set equally apart.

Now that the post sites have been determined, the holes need to be made using the post hole digger. The general guideline in this situation is that the hole has to be sufficiently deep to submerge around one-third of the post.

6. Position the Fence Posts

It’s time to get the holes ready for the posts once you’ve dug out your post holes. To aid with drainage and stability, fill the hole with a few inches of gravel. When the posts are in their post holes, you may use your level to ensure that the angles are equal and the posts are level.

To cement the posts into place, you may now pour in the concrete. At minimum, this is a two-person task. To hold the post in place while you pour in the dry concrete mix, you will need one person. After filling it to approximately two thirds full, top it off with water to reach ground level and stir.

Before the cement cures, it is a good idea to double-check with your level that your post is straight. You may support the post with your stakes after you are certain it is proper. After that, go with the remaining posts and continue until all of them are set up.

Step 7: Fasten the fence panels

Your fence’s actual structure, the panels, may now be added once your posts are sturdy and in place. At this stage, you need to fasten your top rail, middle rail, and bottom rail to the posts if you’re using pickets in instead of panels. Verify that these are level and spaced equally!

Screw or nail the boards into position. Just like you would when installing posts in the ground, you should take your time to ensure that every fence panel has a level top and that they are all precisely the same height.

Step 8: Set Up a Barrier

Whether you are building a fence in your front or backyard, you will almost always need a gate to allow access and departure.

Fence gate kits are readily available and include all the hardware required to install the gate.

Step Nine: Sealing and Sealing

After installing your fence, you should want to give it the final touches. This can extend the life of your fence by many years, and with the correct stain, you may even completely alter its appearance.

For your fence to last as long as possible, you should do this process again throughout the years. It’s crucial to maintain your fence by painting or staining it when it begins to deteriorate.