Overlapping Wood Fence Styles

Basketweave

• The basketweave fence is so-named because of its resemblance to a simple basket-weaving pattern, in which individual strips of material alternately weave over and under a series of cross-pieces.

  In the case of a basketweave fence, vertical posts anchor the fence to the ground. These posts are spaced at regular distances according to the size and weight of the fence structure. Long, thin and flexible boards run horizontally, zig-zagging in between the posts. With each successive board, its twining between the posts alternates from the board beneath it. As a result, the fence has an attractive, textured appearance, resembling a large woven basket.

Shadowbox

• The shadowbox style is primarily for privacy fences. Its design allows a nearly complete obstruction of any visibility lines. However, unlike the standard privacy fence, which obscures the view by fitting individual vertical boards closely together, the shadowbox fence uses two layers of boards to create an interesting play of positive and negative space.

  The fence has strong vertical posts, which anchor the entire structure to the ground. Between these posts, the shadowbox style uses two or more horizontal beams as the basic frame for the fence. Whereas many fence styles would then employ vertical boards on one side of the horizontal beams, the shadowbox fence has boards on both sides. The boards on either side are spaced in an alternating fashion so that none of the gaps overlap to create visibility all the way through the fence.

Latticework

• A latticework fence uses an elaboerate overlapping pattern of individual wood strips to create a highly decorative effect. Unlike a shadowbox or a basketweave fence, which each give a relatively high degree of privacy, a latticework fence is rarely intended as a high-performance privacy fence. In some cases, the latticework style combines with another style to perform its function.

  For example, a tall shadowbox fence may use a strip of latticework along its upper edge, above any sightlines, and the shadowbox element of the fence fulfills any need for privacy while the latticework adds a decorative touch.