Fencing Options
A well-designed fence is more than just a barrier — it’s a frame, a backdrop, and a boundary that shapes how your outdoor space feels. It defines privacy, shelters from wind or noise, and creates a sense of enclosure that can be subtle or bold.
We see fencing as an extension of the landscape design — something that should feel integrated, intentional, and beautiful from both sides. Whether you’re in a dense urban lot or an open rural property, we tailor our fence designs to match your space, your needs, and your sense of style.
🧱 Fence Layouts We Build
1. Horizontal Slat Fences
These have a clean, contemporary look and are perfect for clients who prefer a modern or architectural aesthetic. Slats can be spaced tight for privacy or looser for a more open, breathable design.
Tight Slats (⅛”–¼” gaps):
- Offers near-total privacy
- Great for patio enclosures, hot tub surrounds, or backyard retreats
- Works especially well with lighting and modern plantings (e.g. ornamental grasses, columnar trees)
Wide Slats (½”–1″ gaps):
- Allows more airflow and filtered light
- Best for semi-private spaces or decorative screening
- Creates a rhythm of light and shadow as the sun moves
Design Notes:
We often build horizontal fences using 1×6 or 1×4 cedar boards, sometimes mixing widths for visual interest. Posts can be wood or metal (black steel works beautifully here), and we recommend hidden fasteners or back-mounted screws for a clean face.
2. Vertical Board Fences
The most classic option — traditional, versatile, and well-suited to almost any style of home or garden.
Privacy Boards:
- Boards are installed edge-to-edge or overlapped
- Creates a solid, visually quiet barrier
- Good for boundary fences where privacy is important year-round
“Good Neighbor” Fences:
- Boards alternate on either side of the post
- Looks balanced from both properties
- Allows airflow and filtered views while still offering substantial privacy
Shadowbox Designs:
- Boards are staggered slightly for a layered effect
- Offers visual interest from both sides and good wind resistance
Design Notes:
Vertical fences can be finished with a cap rail for polish, or topped with lattice to soften the height and allow light through the upper portion. We sometimes use decorative post caps or finials to enhance the craftsmanship.
🌲 Materials: Cedar vs. Pressure-Treated
Cedar
- Naturally rot-resistant and insect-repellent
- Rich grain and warm color that weathers to soft silver-grey
- No chemical treatment ~ ideal for organic gardens or clients concerned about environmental health
- Looks beautiful raw or takes stain very well
- Slightly higher cost up front, but easy to work with and age-worthy
Recommended For:
Clients who love a natural look, are open to the soft weathering process, or want a fence that can remain beautiful even without annual staining.
Pressure-Treated Lumber
- Treated to resist rot, insects, and fungal growth
- Durable and strong, especially for structural elements like posts
- Lower initial cost, but requires stain or paint for best appearance
- Has a greenish tone when new that can be muted with stain
- Slightly heavier and more prone to small surface cracks as it dries
Recommended For:
Clients looking for durability on a budget, or those planning to stain their fence darker for a uniform finish.
🎨 Finishing: Raw, Stained, or Painted
Raw (Untreated) Cedar:
- Low maintenance if you’re happy to let it silver over time
- Beautiful in naturalized, woodland, or rustic gardens
- Minimal intervention required — just occasional inspections for fasteners or shifting
Stained Cedar or Pressure-Treated Wood:
- Protects against UV and moisture, extending the life of the wood
- Semi-transparent stains allow wood grain to show while adding tone
- Solid stains offer a more uniform color but require more frequent upkeep
- Needs to be reapplied every 2–4 years depending on sun exposure
Painted Fences:
- Bold and clean but high maintenance
- Requires priming and careful application
- More prone to peeling or cracking over time
Our preference? Semi-transparent stain, applied with care and updated only as needed. It strikes the best balance between protection and beauty.
🖼️ Design Aesthetics & Use Cases
Modern Garden or Urban Backyard:
- Horizontal cedar slats with black posts
- Integrated lighting or vine wires
- Gravel, pavers, or corten steel elements nearby for contrast
Traditional Home or Country Garden:
- Vertical good neighbor fencing with cap rail
- Paired with perennials, roses, or climbing vines
- Natural finish or warm cedar stain to match outbuildings
Privacy-Focused Areas:
- Full-height vertical boards (6–8 feet) with tight spacing
- Often used for pool enclosures or property boundaries
Can be paired with trees or shrubs for additional buffering
Decorative Screens or Partial Dividers:
- Shorter fencing or panel-style screens
- Used on patios, beside decks, or near raised beds
Great for hiding compost bins, AC units, or creating garden rooms
💬 Choosing the Right Fence for You
We’ll walk you through a few key questions to help clarify the right direction:
- What’s your goal? Privacy, structure, wind protection, beauty?
- How much maintenance are you comfortable with?
- Are there local bylaws or height restrictions we need to respect?
- Do you want the fence to stand out or fade into the background?
Fencing is one of the most visible — and long-lasting — investments you’ll make in your outdoor space. Our job is to make sure it serves its purpose, holds up to the elements, and looks better with time.