Once you've settled on cedar, there's a second decision that changes the whole feel of the fence: the style. The two we build most in Portland are the good-neighbor fence and board-on-board. They look similar from a distance and behave very differently up close.
Good-Neighbor (Shadowbox)
A good-neighbor fence alternates boards on either side of the rail, so it looks finished on both sides — no "ugly side" facing your neighbor. It lets a little air and light through the small gaps, which is great in a windy spot (wind passes through instead of pushing the whole fence over). The trade-off: from certain angles you can see a sliver of the yard beyond.
Board-on-Board
Board-on-board overlaps each vertical board over the next, so there are no sight lines through the fence at all — true, complete privacy. It's the choice for a hot tub, a pool, or any yard where you want a solid wall of cedar. It uses more wood (so it costs a bit more) and catches more wind, which is exactly why the post-setting has to be done right.
How to Choose
Want it to look great from the street and the neighbor's side, in a breezy yard? Good-neighbor. Want zero gaps and a private retreat? Board-on-board. Both look fantastic when they're built with quality cedar and finished with a warm stain — and both are the kind of thing worth seeing in person before you decide. We'll bring samples to your estimate.