Side-by-Side vs. Board-on-Board

Side-by-Side

The classic DFW backyard fence. Pickets butt up against each other in a single layer, with the runners and steel posts visible from one side. From the picket side it looks clean and uniform. From the runner side, you see the structural skeleton — three horizontal 2×4 rails and the back of every picket.

When to choose it: budget priority, back-of-lot fences your neighbors won't see, or a yard where you control both sides of the line.

Board-on-Board

Two layers of pickets that overlap each other. The back layer covers the gaps in the front layer, so the fence looks identical from both sides — no visible runners, no "back" of the fence. This is the style most DFW HOAs require for street-facing or shared property lines.

When to choose it: shared fence lines with neighbors, HOA-controlled neighborhoods, front-yard installs, or anywhere the fence is visible from both sides.

Privacy and wind

Board-on-Board blocks more sight lines because the overlapping pickets close any gaps that open up as the wood ages and dries. It also blocks more wind, which means it takes more force in a storm — that's why every Board-on-Board build uses heavier post spacing and reinforced runners.

Cost difference

Board-on-Board uses about 30% more wood than Side-by-Side at the same height. Labor is also slightly higher because each picket gets placed and nailed twice (once for the back layer, once for the front). Expect Board-on-Board to run roughly 8–12% more in total than the same height/material Side-by-Side.

What HOAs say

Most DFW HOA covenants written after 2010 specify "good neighbor" or "shadow box" style fencing on shared lines. Both of those terms generally refer to Board-on-Board. If your HOA submission requires a stamped material spec, we provide one free of charge for either style.