How each one is built
A solid board privacy fence has its boards butted tight together on one side of the rails. Board-on-board is a variation where the boards overlap on one side, so there are no gaps even as the wood shrinks.
A shadowbox fence alternates the boards from one side of the rails to the other, with each board overlapping the gap behind it. Names vary between installers, so ask to see a photo or sample of what's being quoted.
Side by side
Privacy
- Shadowbox
- Very good straight on; you can see slightly through at an angle
- Solid board
- Complete: no gaps to see through
Looks from the neighbor's side
- Shadowbox
- The same from both sides
- Solid board
- Rails and posts show on one side
Wind and air
- Shadowbox
- Lets air through, so it catches less wind
- Solid board
- Blocks the wind entirely
Wood used
- Shadowbox
- More boards, because they overlap from both sides
- Solid board
- Fewer boards
| Shadowbox | Solid board | |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Very good straight on; you can see slightly through at an angle | Complete: no gaps to see through |
| Looks from the neighbor's side | The same from both sides | Rails and posts show on one side |
| Wind and air | Lets air through, so it catches less wind | Blocks the wind entirely |
| Wood used | More boards, because they overlap from both sides | Fewer boards |
Why the 'good side' can matter
Some townships say which way a fence has to face. Westtown Township, for example, requires fences to be installed with the finished side facing out. Because a shadowbox fence looks the same from both sides, there's no bad side to worry about, and your side looks as good as your neighbor's.
Which one should you choose?
A simple rule of thumb:
- Choose solid board or board-on-board when you want complete privacy, for a pool, a hot tub or a busy road.
- Choose shadowbox when you want privacy that looks finished from both sides and lets a breeze through.
- Check your township's height limits and which side has to face out before you decide.
