If you’re thinking about installing a new fence, you’ve probably realized just how many choices you have when it comes to wood fence styles and materials. Whether you’re after privacy, charm, or something that ties into your home’s style, understanding the types of wood fences available can make all the difference in choosing the perfect fence for your yard.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular styles, dive into wood materials like pressure treated pine, western red cedar, and redwood, and offer real-world advice for homeowners in the Seattle and Portland areas. Whether you’re planning a large fence installation project or just exploring your options, you’ll find everything you need to get started right here.
Why Wood Fences Are a Favorite Among Homeowners
There’s a reason many homeowners still turn to wood for their fencing needs. Wood offers natural beauty, affordability, and unmatched customization options. It blends seamlessly into your landscaping and enhances your curb appeal, all while giving you flexibility in fence style, height, and finish.
The material is also sustainable and easy to work with. With proper maintenance, including regular staining or sealing, a wood fence can stand strong for decades, even in the wet, moss-friendly climate of the Pacific Northwest.
The Most Popular Styles of Wood Fences
Different fence styles serve different purposes, whether that’s privacy, aesthetics, or security. Here are the main types of wood fence styles we build for customers in the region.
Privacy Fences
Privacy fences are built to shield your yard from view, making them a top choice for backyards or homes with nosy neighbors. The most common fence style here is the stockade fence, made from vertical boards placed tightly together with no gaps. If you want to provide privacy, reduce noise, and create a private outdoor oasis, stockade-style privacy fences are an excellent choice.
We often recommend using cedar or pressure treated materials for this fence style, depending on your budget and design preferences.
Picket Fences
The iconic picket fence never goes out of style. It’s ideal for front yards and garden borders, offering a charming boundary without blocking views. Modern picket fence styles vary widely, dog ear, pointed, and flat tops are just a few of the design options available. The spacing between pickets can also be adjusted based on the level of openness or coverage you want.
If you’re looking for a decorative, low-profile fence, the picket fence delivers classic appeal with modern flexibility.
Horizontal Fence
A horizontal fence features boards installed parallel to the ground using horizontal rails, which creates a sleek, modern appearance. This fence style is gaining popularity in urban and suburban settings where contemporary design matters. A horizontal fence can be built with cedar, redwood, or even pressure treated pine, depending on your desired level of durability and aesthetic appeal.
Board on Board Fences
Board on board fences are a smart solution for homeowners who want total coverage without losing style. These fences use overlapping boards, usually installed on both sides of the rails, to eliminate gaps even when the wood shrinks. They offer full privacy and a symmetrical look from both sides, which is especially helpful if you share the fence line with a neighbor.
We build board on board fences with western red cedar or spruce for a sturdy, long-lasting result.
Shadowbox Fences
Shadowbox fences are a semi-private fence style where the pickets alternate on either side of the horizontal rails. This creates a fence that allows airflow and filtered light while still offering coverage. Shadowbox fences are great for areas where you want privacy without a completely solid wall, and they look great from both sides, too.
Split Rail and Rustic Styles
For a rustic look, nothing beats a classic split rail fence or decorative picket fence with dog ear or pointed tops. These styles are especially popular on larger lots or properties with a more natural feel. If you’re looking for a simple boundary or garden accent with lots of character, these fence styles add charm without closing in your space.
Best Wood Materials for Your Fence
When it comes to wood fence materials, not all wood is created equal. Here’s a breakdown of the best wood options based on performance, cost, and regional availability.
Pressure Treated Pine
Pressure treated pine is one of the most common and budget-friendly fencing materials on the market. It’s chemically treated to resist termites, moisture, and rot, making it a decent choice for wet climates. However, pressure treated wood can sometimes warp or shrink as it dries, and it may require more frequent sealing or paint to keep it looking fresh.
We recommend pressure treated pine for those on a budget or for fence posts and framing, where strength matters most.
Western Red Cedar
Western red cedar is a favorite here in the Northwest, and for good reason. It naturally resists moisture, rot, and pests, making it a durable and low maintenance choice. Its rich color and pleasant aroma add to its appeal, and it accepts stain beautifully. While it may cost more upfront than pine, the long-term durability and minimal upkeep make western red cedar a smart investment.
Redwood
Redwood is one of the most highly durable and visually striking wood types available. It holds up well against the elements and has a deep, warm tone that adds serious aesthetic appeal. Like cedar, it’s naturally resistant to termites and decay, but it’s typically more expensive and may not be as locally available in the Northwest as western red cedar or spruce.
Spruce and Other Softwoods
Spruce is another softwood option often used for stockade fences or prefabricated panels. It’s affordable and easy to paint or stain, though it doesn’t resist decay as well as cedar or redwood. It’s best used in dry climates or in projects where a lower upfront cost is important.
How to Choose the Right Fence for Your Home
Choosing the perfect fence means thinking through your goals, budget, and the look you want to achieve. Here are a few tips:
- Think about what matters most: privacy, security, aesthetic appeal, or pet/kid containment.
- Match the fence style to your home’s style and neighborhood vibe.
- Factor in climate conditions, moisture resistance is key in Seattle and Portland.
- Don’t forget fence height restrictions from HOAs or local codes.
- Choose materials and wood types based on how much maintenance you’re willing to take on.
If you’re unsure where to start, our team can help you compare options and build a plan that fits your property, style, and budget.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Wood Fence in Top Shape
A little upkeep goes a long way. To maximize the life of your wood fence, follow these proper maintenance tips:
- Apply stain or paint every few years to protect against moisture and sun damage.
- Trim back vines, grass, or overgrowth around the base of the fence.
- Clean the boards periodically to remove algae or dirt buildup.
- Replace damaged pickets, boards, or rails as needed to prevent spreading issues.
Regular attention helps prevent small problems from becoming costly repairs, and keeps your fence looking great for years.
What Will It Cost?
The cost of a fence installation project depends on several factors: material, fence style, height, terrain, and total linear foot coverage. Here’s what to expect on average:
- Pressure treated pine privacy fence: $25–$35 per linear foot
- Western red cedar horizontal fence: $40–$60 per linear foot
- Picket fence (cedar or spruce): $20–$30 per linear foot
- Board on board fence: $35–$50 per linear foot
- Shadowbox fence: $30–$45 per linear foot
- Stockade fence: $25–$40 per linear foot
We always recommend getting a custom quote. Every fence installation project is unique, and we’re here to make sure yours gets done right, from permits to post caps.
Frequently Asked Types of Wood Fences Questions
What’s the most durable wood for fences?
Western red cedar and redwood are both top-tier in terms of durability and resistance to rot, moisture, and insects.
Can I mix different wood types in one fence?
Yes, mixing pressure treated posts with cedar or spruce pickets is a great way to balance cost and longevity.
How long do wood fences last?
With proper maintenance, a wood fence made of cedar or redwood can last 20–30 years or more in the Northwest.
Is painting or staining better?
Stain is often preferred, it soaks into the wood and doesn’t peel, offering longer-lasting protection than paint.
What’s the difference between board on board and stockade fences?
Board on board fences use overlapping boards for a full-privacy design that adapts well to wood shrinkage. Stockade fences have tightly spaced but non-overlapping boards, and may show small gaps over time.
Ready to Build Your Perfect Fence?
From modern horizontal fences to traditional picket fence styles, Cool Cat Fence is here to help you find and build the perfect fence for your home. Our expert team handles everything from design to installation, with high-quality materials and no-stress communication. We serve homeowners across Seattle, Portland, and nearby areas, and we’d love to bring your fence vision to life.
Let’s build something beautiful. Contact Cool Cat Fence today for a free estimate.
