Fence Style Guide
Board-on-Board vs. Side-by-Side Fence: Which Is Better?
A practical North Texas guide to TrueSet's two primary wood privacy fence configurations — how each one works, how they compare on privacy and cost, and how to choose the right one for your yard.
Published by TrueSet Fence & Gate
Quick comparison
The Two Configurations at a Glance
Both styles are built with vertical wood pickets. The difference is how those pickets are arranged — and that single choice changes material usage, cost, appearance, and how the fence behaves as the wood naturally moves over time.
Side-by-Side Cedar
- Traditional privacy fence configuration
- Pickets installed next to each other
- Uses less material
- Generally more economical
- Clean, straightforward appearance
- Good choice when budget and privacy are both important
Board-on-Board Cedar
- Overlapping picket configuration
- Uses additional material
- Generally costs more
- Provides better long-term privacy as wood naturally dries, shrinks, and moves
- More substantial, premium appearance
- Good choice when privacy and finished appearance are higher priorities
Neither option creates perfect or absolute privacy. Both are legitimate, well-built fence styles — the right choice depends on what matters most for your yard and your budget.
How it works
How Side-by-Side Fencing Works
In a side-by-side fence, vertical pickets are installed next to one another along the rails. It is the traditional privacy fence configuration most homeowners picture when they think of a wood fence.
Traditional appearance. A clean, straightforward look that fits most North Texas neighborhoods.
Efficient material use. Pickets sit edge to edge, so the fence uses less material than an overlapping design.
Lower cost. Less material and less labor generally make side-by-side the more economical option.
Natural wood movement. As wood dries and shrinks over time, small gaps may become more visible between pickets. This is normal behavior for wood, not a defect.
How it works
How Board-on-Board Fencing Works
In a board-on-board fence, alternating pickets are installed over the gaps between the primary row of pickets. The overlapping layer covers the spaces that would otherwise open up as the wood moves.
Additional pickets and material. A second layer of pickets means more wood on every run of fence.
Additional labor. Installing and aligning the overlapping pickets takes more time than a single row.
Enhanced privacy. The overlapping design helps maintain screening as the wood naturally dries, shrinks, and moves.
More dimensional appearance. The layered pickets give the fence a stronger, more architectural look from both sides — a clear visual upgrade.
Board-on-board provides greater screening than side-by-side, but it does not eliminate every possible sightline under every condition. It is a strong upgrade when privacy and finished appearance are the priorities.
Cost comparison
How the Two Styles Compare on Cost
Board-on-board generally costs more than side-by-side because it requires more pickets and more installation labor. We do not publish a made-up per-linear-foot price difference here — the real number depends on your footage, height, gates, and site conditions.
For the full breakdown of 2026 North Texas wood fence pricing — including how height, gates, tear-out, and site conditions affect the total — see our North Texas wood fence cost guide.
Decision guide
Which One Should I Choose?
Neither style is universally superior. The right choice comes down to what you want from the fence and how you want to balance budget against long-term privacy and appearance.
Side-by-Side may be the better fit if:
- Budget is a major consideration
- You want a traditional privacy fence
- Maximum long-term visual screening is not the primary goal
Board-on-Board may be the better fit if:
- Privacy is especially important
- You prefer a more premium appearance
- You are comfortable investing more in materials and installation
The material behind both styles
Both Styles Are Built in Cedar
TrueSet generally prefers cedar for premium residential wood privacy fencing in North Texas, and both side-by-side and board-on-board can be built in cedar. To understand why cedar is our preferred picket material — and when pressure-treated pine still makes sense — compare cedar and pressure-treated pine.
Questions homeowners ask
Board-on-Board vs. Side-by-Side FAQ
Is board-on-board more expensive than side-by-side?+
Yes, generally. Board-on-board requires more pickets and more installation labor than side-by-side construction, so it tends to cost more.
Does side-by-side fencing develop gaps?+
Natural wood movement and shrinkage can make small gaps more noticeable over time. This is normal behavior for wood fencing, not a defect.
Is board-on-board completely private?+
Board-on-board generally offers greater screening than side-by-side because the overlapping pickets cover the gaps. No outdoor wood fence should be marketed as guaranteeing absolute privacy under every condition, but board-on-board is a strong choice when privacy is the priority.
Can both styles be stained?+
Yes. Both side-by-side and board-on-board fences can be stained. fence staining & restoration page.
Can I price both styles online?+
Yes. TrueSet's calculator lets you compare project configurations and get a realistic ballpark before you schedule a traditional estimate. Start your estimate now.
References & project planning
Before Applying This Guide to Your Fence
Fence style describes the picket arrangement, not the complete construction specification. Compare the wood, posts, rails, height, gates, and finishing scope as well as the appearance.
- Western Red Cedar Lumber Association — Cedar FencingWestern red cedar characteristics and fence-planning resources
Keep exploring
Related Resources & Service Areas
- View All Fence Guides.
- Explore wood privacy fence installation.
- Protect the wood with fence staining & restoration.
- See the full North Texas wood fence cost guide.
- Compare materials: cedar vs. pressure-treated pine.
- Browse all North Texas service areas.
Compare Options in Your Fence Estimate
See how side-by-side and board-on-board compare for your actual yard. Choose your style, enter a rough measurement, and get a realistic ballpark in about two minutes.