What makes side-by-side fencing worth considering
Side-by-side fencing is one of the most direct ways to create backyard privacy, pet containment, and a clean property boundary. The pickets are installed next to one another in one plane, which keeps the material count and visual profile simpler than an overlapping board-on-board design.
Simple does not mean structure should be ignored. Pecos prefers steel posts for wood privacy fencing and plans the rails, fasteners, gate openings, grade changes, corners, and finish around the height and use of the fence.
Side-by-side can be a strong fit when the owner wants the warmth of wood without paying for the additional lumber and labor of an overlapping design. Cedar, staining, cap details, and upgraded gates can still make the finished fence feel intentional rather than basic.
Best for
- • Everyday backyard privacy
- • Pet containment
- • Budget-conscious wood-fence replacement
- • Cedar or pressure-treated fence projects
- • Homes that need a clean, simple fence line
Options
- • Cedar pickets
- • Pressure-treated pickets
- • Steel posts
- • Six-foot and taller layouts where appropriate
- • Walk and driveway gates
- • Stained finish
Planning the side-by-side fencing project
Wood movement matters on side-by-side fencing because boards can shrink after installation and create small gaps. Picket width, initial spacing, lumber condition, and stain all influence how the finished fence ages. A customer choosing this style should understand that natural wood will not remain dimensionally frozen through every season.
Rail layout is part of the structure. Taller fences and heavily used gate areas need support appropriate to their height and load. Pecos uses the section layout, post spacing, gate placement, and grade to determine how the visible wood should be supported.
Side-by-side fencing can transition cleanly into board-on-board, wrought iron, masonry, or an upgraded entrance when those junctions are planned in advance. Natural stopping points such as corners and gates usually create the cleanest material changes.
What affects the cost?
Side-by-side fencing generally uses fewer pickets than board-on-board, making it one of the more cost-efficient wood privacy styles. Price still changes with lumber choice, fence height, steel posts, gates, demolition, haul-off, access, grade, staining, and specialty trim.
When comparing bids, confirm the post system, rail count, lumber type, gate construction, demolition, concrete, and stain. A simple style can still be built to very different structural standards.
We'll make the scope clear—including materials, posts, gates, site access, demolition, and any specialized hardware that applies—so you know what's in the estimate.
Care and long-term performance
Stain can protect the wood and keep color more consistent. Watch for sprinkler overspray, soil contact, loose fasteners, damaged rails, gate movement, and finish wear.
Individual pickets are relatively straightforward to repair when the posts and rails remain sound. If movement is coming from the posts, replacing boards alone will not correct the structural problem.
Comparing your options
Compared with board-on-board, side-by-side uses less lumber and creates a flatter visual surface. It can be the better value when straightforward privacy is the main goal.
Board-on-board offers more depth and can cover gaps better as boards move, but it costs more and adds weight. The right choice depends on budget, appearance, and how important maximum privacy is over time.
Frequently asked questions
Is side-by-side fencing cheaper than board-on-board?
Usually, because it uses fewer pickets and requires less overlapping material. Gates, posts, height, lumber, and finish still affect the final price.
Will side-by-side fencing develop gaps?
Natural wood can shrink and move as moisture changes, so small gaps can develop over time. That is one of the tradeoffs compared with overlapping board-on-board construction.
Can side-by-side fencing use cedar?
Yes. Cedar is a common visible material for side-by-side privacy fencing.
Does Pecos use steel posts with side-by-side fences?
Yes. Pecos prefers steel posts for wood privacy fencing regardless of whether the pickets are side-by-side or board-on-board.