Compare popular fence styles for your home.
FENCE TYPES
The right fence depends on what matters most to you, privacy, curb appeal, security, visibility, budget, or a combination of all of the above. Bluebonnet Fences helps homeowners compare common fence types and choose a style that fits the home, yard, neighborhood, and long-term goal.
Every fence style serves a different purpose.
CHOOSING A FENCE STYLE
Some fences are designed for privacy. Others are built to define a space, protect a pool, frame a garden, or add a more open and decorative look. Understanding the differences between common fence types can help you make a more confident decision before your project begins.
WOOD FENCE STYLE
Side-by-side fencing
A side-by-side fence is one of the most common and economical wood fence styles. The pickets are installed next to each other, edge to edge, creating a clean and traditional fence appearance.
Because wood naturally expands and contracts, small gaps may appear between pickets over time. For homeowners looking for a straightforward, budget-conscious fence, side-by-side fencing can be a practical option.
Best For:
Budget-conscious projects
Traditional wood fence appearance
Property lines
Basic privacy needs
Fence replacement projects
PRIVACY FENCE STYLE
Board-on-board fencing
A board-on-board fence is a popular privacy fence style where the pickets overlap each other. This creates a more finished look and helps reduce visible gaps between boards.
Board-on-board fencing is often chosen by homeowners who want more privacy, a more decorative appearance, and a fence that looks upgraded from both sides.
Best For:
Privacy-focused yards
Decorative wood fences
Backyards and side yards
Homes where appearance matters from both sides
Upgraded fence replacement projects
OPEN-VIEW FENCE STYLE
Ornamental iron fencing
Ornamental iron fencing is a strong and timeless option for homeowners who want security and structure without fully blocking the view. It is commonly used around pools, gardens, walkways, front yards, and open-view property lines.
This style can help define an outdoor space while keeping the yard feeling open, elegant, and connected to the surrounding landscape.
Best For:
Pool fencing
Gardens
Walkways
Open-view property lines
Front yards
Decorative security
PRIVACY FENCE STYLE
Horizontal board-on-board fencing
Horizontal board-on-board fencing combines the privacy of overlapping pickets with a clean, contemporary layout. Instead of running vertically, the boards are installed horizontally and overlap to help reduce visible gaps while creating strong, uninterrupted lines across the fence.
This style is often chosen by homeowners who want a more modern, architectural look without sacrificing the privacy and finished appearance of traditional board-on-board construction.
Best For:
Modern and contemporary homes
Privacy-focused yards
Clean, architectural fence designs
Highly visible outdoor living spaces
Homeowners looking for a distinctive custom fence
Which fence type is right for your home?
FENCE STYLE COMPARISON
Each fence type has its own strengths. The best choice depends on how you want the fence to look, how much privacy you need, where it will be installed, and how the space will be used.
SIDE-BY-SIDE FENCE
A practical and economical wood fence style with a traditional look.
BOARD-ON-BOARD FENCE
A more private and decorative wood fence style with overlapping pickets.
ORNAMENTAL IRON FENCE
A durable open-view option that adds structure, security, and style without blocking visibility.