Double Sided Gravel Boards? The 98 Correct Answer

What is a Gravelboard and how is it installed?

Is it important to use a gravel pad when installing a new fence is a common question we get asked. In short, the answer is yes. Read on below to find out why it’s important to use a gravel board during your fence installation and how it can contribute to the longevity of your fence.

We have also included an easy guide on how to install a gravel pad to make your fence installation with gravel pads a simple task.

What is a gravel board?

A gravel board is typically around 150mm high and is essentially used underneath to protect your fence from moisture damage from wet soil, dirt and insect damage to ensure your fence lasts as long as possible.

There are two main types of gravel slabs, namely wood and concrete.

Wooden gravel boards are often preferred by people who want to give their fence a traditional look, especially with decorative fence panels.

Concrete is an ideal material for gravel slabs because it is strong and does not rot like wood. While it contrasts with cabinet or lap panel fences, you can combine concrete gravel boards with concrete fence posts to create a strong, secure, and low-maintenance fence for your home or business premises.

The advantages:

Whether you choose a wooden gravel pad to maintain a traditional fence appearance or opt for concrete gravel pads, the advantages of the installation are obvious and here’s why:

Avoid direct contact of your fence panels with moisture, thereby eliminating the risk of water damage and rot

Preventing moisture damage and rot therefore extends the life of your fence

Gravel boards increase the height of your fence and add privacy

Gravel boards make the underside of your fence look tidier by eliminating uneven gaps and making your picket fence look professional

Avoid unexpected damage to your fence panels by using a gravel board and save money in the future

How do I install a gravel board?

Attaching a wooden gravel board to fence panels

Wood gravel boards are mounted to fence panels with studs.

A cleat is a small block of wood, as shown in the image to the left.

First nail the cleat to the wooden fence post at the required depth from the face of the post – we recommend 22mm but this will depend on your preference. Nail the gravel sheet to the front of the cleat. The installation of the gravel slab is complete

Installation of a concrete gravel slab with concrete posts

When installing a concrete gravel pad, we recommend using a concrete fence post such as a concrete fence post. B. a plug-in post to keep your fence looking good.

Concrete gravel boards and mortise posts can be used to erect a closet fence. You will still need to use cleats, but this time you will need to opt for a concrete galvanized two pin cleat (see sample image below).

You simply insert the cleat pins into the bottom holes of the mortice post and then bolt the gravel pad onto the cleats using an M8x80 bolt, nut and round washer along with a flat washer on the concrete surface.

We offer a full range of Gravel Boards available for delivery and collection at our yard in Stoke on Trent including Rock and Plain Face also available in 6″ and 12″. Our prices are extremely competitive within the Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire area.

– Gravel Board also known as Base Board.

– Ideal for slotted concrete posts and to sit under the fence panel to prevent rot.

– Posts are ideal for modern gravel board and panel fencing.

– All gravel boards are reinforced with steel bars for extra strength.

– All gravel boards are wet poured concrete for a better, cleaner look.

Did you know that there is an etiquette to follow when building a fence? Who gets the “nicer” side of the fence, or as we call it, the characterless side – flat side? Who is responsible for maintenance? Should I talk to my neighbors about putting up a fence? Did you know that trees and hedges can also fall under the fence category?

If you live in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, chances are your closest neighbor lives a few miles away, but on the other hand, they could be a few feet away. In any case, we recommend following this guide to avoid neighborhood feuds and misunderstandings.

Tip #1: Make sure your property lines are clearly known

It would be a shame if you had to tear down your fence and reinstall it a few inches from its original location because it crosses a property line! One way to avoid all of this together is to study a plat book in your area.

If it’s still unclear where your property begins and ends, we recommend contacting your local surveyor, which is the best option. You may agree with your neighbor on where the property line is, but that may not be the case if they move out and someone new moves in. Some cities may be able to help you find property lines as precursors, but this is rare when consulting a surveyor.

Tip #2: Talk to your neighbors

Although you don’t have to tell your neighbor your plans, it’s considered a polite gesture to make sure you don’t spoil your relationship with each other. You may put up a fence to protect your pets and family from potential threats, but your neighbor might think you’re trying to fend them off. For example, a 6 foot high fence would give a completely different impression than a 4 foot high fence. A 4 foot fence is often chest high on most adults, allowing you and your neighbors to interact with each other. On the other hand, a 6-foot privacy fence can also benefit both neighbors by providing complete privacy. If you or your neighbor frequently entertain guests, like to lounge in the garden on hot summer days, or enjoy a nice cold drink, a 6ft fence might be a better option. This way, you can both enjoy all of the aforementioned activities without making you or your neighbor uncomfortable when you are in your backyards.

When planning your fence, it’s a good idea to consider what the rest of your neighborhood might look like. Choosing a style that fits a common theme can reduce resistance from your community. Maybe your neighbor has considered putting one up too, which could be great if you both go for a certain look and split the cost. This doesn’t happen often, but sharing your thoughts and ideas with your neighbors can increase your chances.

During your conversations, mention the maintenance work that would need to take place. If it’s your fence then you are responsible for cleaning both sides. Your neighbor might volunteer to clean the side facing his property. To sweeten the deal, you could also offer your neighbor the option of painting the side of a wooden fence that faces their property. If it is your neighbor who is installing the fence, you must get their permission if you want to make any changes to the fence, e.g. B. delete it.

If you’re part of a homeowners association (HOA), you may be limited to styles, sizes, and types. Detailed communication is key to ensure a smooth process.

We’d like to give you some advice for those of you who have “one of those neighbors” – the type that just can’t be satisfied and doesn’t agree with any of your plans. After any failed attempt to communicate as equals, it’s your fence on your property and you can do whatever you want with it – provided you comply with all your local ordinances and HOA rules (if applicable).

Tip #3: Install your fence facing your neighbors

What is the front of a fence? The front of a fence is considered the flat side of the fence, some would say the “better side” and the back contains the center rails and posts. Some fences may not even have a “front” or “back” meaning they look the same on both sides. These types of fencing are considered “good neighbors” and are common with vinyl fencing. You can achieve the same look on both sides of a wooden fence by adding slats on both sides of the fence or by choosing a shadowbox design that has alternating slats on each side.

Now that we’ve broken down what the difference between the front and back of a fence is, you can start planning your installation. Traditional fence etiquette dictates that the front of the fence faces outward from your property. This is also a good idea to make your property look attractive from the street. If you’ve ever seen a fence built with the posts and rails facing outwards, you would think it faces backwards or inside out. It’s easy to imagine this with a traditional image

Paling. Besides, it is not only more beautiful with the flat side facing out, but also safer and more secure. With posts and railings facing outwards, a would-be thief would have an easy foothold to jump over the fence and onto your property.

Who would have thought that just a few tips could help you ensure you continue to have good relationships with your neighbors? We are proud to help our community learn more about fencing. If you have any questions, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help!

Yes, that is possible. The best way to do this is probably to install V-notch posts, which the Aris rails will then also fit onto. Then simply mount a cant rail on the other side and you also have two sides to nail on.

Just remember to pack the gravel board down far enough so that the spring edge sits properly on the roof edge side

As mentioned you could use panels which would be faster but never last as long as thin wood in my opinion. Buy your own feather edge and with a decent nail gun it won’t take long

Vertical hit and miss fence elements

Hit and miss fencing panels are so named because the stakes or boards are alternately attached to the front and back of the panel with an overlap to create a stylish hit and miss pattern.

They are part of our premium ‘both sides good’ range as both sides are the same giving you and your neighbor the best looking side of the fence. They are built from planed boards so the surface is smooth and gives a high quality feel. Another benefit of the hit and miss style is that the slatted design provides an approximate 15% reduction in wind load as the gaps between the slats allow air to pass.

Vertical hit-and-miss panel boards run vertically instead of our alternative horizontal hit-and-miss panels. This variant obviously still lets the wind through the panel but gives a different look.

If you require a narrower panel to complete your fence, it is fine to cut a panel to size on site. Please remember to treat cut ends with Jakcure Cut Treatment

These panels are also known as ventilation fence panels

Please Note: These Vertical Hit & Miss fence panels do not offer complete privacy.

1.83m x 1.83m panels can be installed horizontally. They are double tagged so they can be fitted with the pales either vertically or horizontally.

specification

The panels are 1.83m wide with a 45 x 51mm frame and are recessed to accommodate boards.

Vertical boards 95 x 8 mm with internal horizontal battens 50 x 12 mm.

The panel thickness is 51 mm. Please note that the dimensions of the components may increase by 6% upon initial shipment as our treatment process may temporarily cause the product to swell.

All wood is planed all around and comes in natural Jakcure® treated wood with a 25 year guarantee.

All fasteners are made of stainless steel.

A fence panel is not complete without a sturdy gravel board. Gravel boards protect the slab from moisture rising from the ground and help keep aggregate in the garden. You should not forget about them when installing a fence.

Gravel boards – why bother?

You can build a fence without gravel boards. You may of course wish to replace that fence sooner than you otherwise would! Even though a wooden fence is guaranteed against rot, it can be physically damaged by either rocks and stray mowers, and will quickly rot if it comes into direct contact with the soil. A solid gravel board always makes a fence look better.

Types of gravel slabs

Wooden gravel boards look great and are easy to cut to size. Always add them to every fencing order. Make sure each board has been pressure treated with a preservative to ensure longevity.

Many people choose concrete gravel pads, especially when fence panels are attached between concrete posts. They simply slide into the grooves of the concrete post. However, when they need to be trimmed, they require a bit more work and create clouds of dust. The upside is that they last for decades and are relatively maintenance free. A wash cleans things up and gets rid of algae build-up.

When should gravel boards be installed:

Do this each time you install a new fence panel (unless the existing one is still in good condition – a poking around with a screwdriver will find rotten spots) and once the panels are pulled up and secure, secure them in place. That’s because fence panels can vary very slightly from one to another and if they need to fit into a fixed space you’ll need to cut them to size (shaving an inch off the end of a framed panel is a real pain). It’s so much easier to saw through a slab of gravel. When you get the saw out, treat any cut ends with wood preservative to reduce the risk of rot.

How to assemble gravel boards:

It is easy to attach a gravel slab. There are three methods you can use:

1. For snap-in fence posts: Make sure the posts are secured for the correct spacing from your panels. Measure and cut the gravel sheet according to the clearance. Insert the gravel slab before inserting the panels. Easy! (this method is used for both concrete gravel slabs and wood gravel slabs)

2. With Clips: Install the clips in the middle of the width of your fence post at the desired height. We recommend creating pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting.

3. With Wooden Blocks: Make some wooden blocks out of pine or cedar. These can be the same width and thickness as the gravel slabs. Position them on either side of where the board meets the post. Screw them tight. Then “slide” the end of the gravel slab between the blocks. Screw through the blocks to secure the boards. Repeat on both ends of course.

Use zinc-plated screws throughout installation for easy replacement and to reduce rusting.

Methods 2 and 3 make replacing gravel slabs easier. They’re the most likely part of your entire fence to rot first – that’s their job! Replacing a gravel slab is far cheaper than replacing an entire slab, or worse, a series of a few rotten slabs.

spirit levels

Don’t think for a second about installing a gravel slab without a spirit level. By the way, this applies to all your panels. “I judge it by eye” will only highlight one major flaw – that your eye can’t judge levels!

If the ground is sloping, step on the planks and fences.

Take your time, draw everything on paper before breaking up the ground with a spade, and use that level until the bubble pops (they don’t – but you get the feeling).

Top Tips and Techniques:

Direct or suspended?

Some lay the gravel slabs directly on the ground. Others raise them a little off the ground surface. The reasoning is that being right on the ground will keep all the aggregates in the garden.

However, raising them a little allows the water to flow through, eliminating any chance of local flooding or puddles. I like a small gap between the bottom of the gravel slab and the soil surface. I like the idea of ​​airflow, water entry and exit points, and a board that lasts longer.

When you are “on the surface” make sure the ground is level and firm, even adding a layer of sand to embed the board.

hedgehog clock

Everyone loves hedgehogs in the garden because of their insatiable appetite for snails. However, they are becoming increasingly scarce, also because the gardens are becoming safer. All a hedgehog needs is a hole in a fence or a hedge the size of a small football and bingo, he can roam freely over a larger area while eating more mollusks.

Now obviously a solid gravel wall stops this freedom of movement. Before you erect a row of fences, using gravel boards of course, you could create hedgehog-friendly gaps in the fencing. Maybe cut the gravel board to help the pigs in our hedges. Your garden will be better for it.

If you would like to learn a little more about the other fencing accessories we offer, why not watch the video below. It is packed with extremely useful information.

I hope you enjoyed this guide! If you found it useful in any way, please share it with your family and friends on social media or leave a comment below. The entire team here at Buy Fencing Direct would really appreciate it. If you’re interested in other gardening tips and tricks, click here to read a few more of our helpful blog posts. See you soon for the next edition of the Buy Fencing Direct blog!

Focus on gravel boards – do you need them?

Gravel boards are the unsung heroes of any fence installation, and yet they are rarely mentioned. What are they, what do they do and honestly, do you really need them?

We talk extensively with customers about their fencing project when preparing a quote; We talk about different styles, height and width required, hardwood or softwood fence even if you want wood, concrete or composite fence posts. But the conversation customers are most likely to shrug off is the one about gravel boards.

Gravel boards serve such a useful purpose, but many people don’t know what they are, and those who do often think they’re just an extra expense they can do without. We think this is a short-sighted view.

What are gravel slabs?

Gravel boards are wide boards, typically 140 to 150mm high, that are tucked under your fence panel to prevent it from touching the ground or grass below. Their main purpose is to prevent moisture from the ground from rotting your fence panels, but they also provide protection from insects or termites that could damage the fence.

Properly installed gravel boards will extend the life of your fence and save you the expense of frequent repairs or replacements. While not absolutely necessary, they make a lot of sense in the long run.

And if the gravel boards themselves need to be replaced, you can do so without having to replace the entire fence, which is a much cheaper solution.

Other benefits of gravel boards?

So much for the practical reasons for adding gravel boards to your fencing project. But to be honest we also think they look good. Gravel boards give a more professional, even finish to a fence line, hide small gaps and reduce any glaring and uneven “steps” when your fence panels are on sloping terrain, as shown below.

What are they made of?

Gravel boards are most commonly made from wood, concrete, or galvanized steel composite (we recommend the Durapost fencing system, which we also install). There are pros and cons to each, so here’s a quick summary.

Wooden gravel boards

Wooden gravel boards give a traditional look and are very aesthetic, especially when they match the wood of the fence panel; They are also environmentally friendly when panels come from FSC certified sources and are cheaper to purchase and install than other materials. Pressure treated gravel should last seven or eight years, which is good value when weighed against the lower initial cost.

Concrete gravel slabs

Concrete gravel slabs require very little maintenance, are strong, durable and safe. On the other hand, they are not very pretty to look at and concrete is not a very environmentally friendly product either. Concrete slabs are more expensive, both to purchase and to install (due to their weight, you’ll need more than one worker to install them), but they won’t need to be replaced for many years.

Durapost composite gravel panels

Lightweight, low maintenance and durable, Durapost gravel boards are available in a range of colors to complement the rest of the Durapost fence post system. Made from galvanized composite steel, they will not warp or rot and are pleasing to the eye, especially if you are going for a clean, contemporary look in your garden. They’re not as cheap as wooden gravel boards, but the extra cost is a good long-term investment for such a stylish and durable solution.

We hope you’re just as much a fan of gravel boards as we are by now, so don’t neglect them when planning your new fence. Talk to our trusted installation team about the options.

Call us on 01865 863428 or 07900 938061 or email [email protected].

Hi Mike if you pay you have the side you want if you share the cost but it is your responsibility then I would be inclined to leave the good side to your neighbor as a good gesture half the money to pay. However, with the

Gravel Boards Sometimes I put the rough side the other way when it’s not visible, ie when it’s buried on one side. However, the concrete post should only be rough on one side where the fence panel will snap in. I’ve seen posts that are rough on one side and I don’t use them for that reason. It is also worth looking at different concrete posts as they are not all of the same quality, some have a much better finish than others about the same despite the cost. I’ve never heard so much babble about which direction a gravel board goes. It doesn’t matter which way it goes. It’s very easy to swap out if there’s a problem, and as for the front of the fence panel, it normally goes back the same way it came out. That’s usually a clue as to whose fence it was in the first place.

DuraPost composite gravel board

DuraPost® is the stylish, secure and easy-to-maintain galvanized steel post system that is suitable for virtually any type of fence. It will not rot, warp or crack and requires no maintenance once installed. Incredibly light weight compared to concrete without sacrificing strength

Wind Tested – Withstands wind speeds of up to 180 km/h.

Patented and Manufactured in the UK

Maintenance free

Versatile

Price comparable to concrete

Incredibly light compared to concrete

25 year guarantee

Available in the finishes anthracite grey, sepia brown or olive gray and optionally in 1.83 m or 3.0 m length

Also available is the galvanized reinforcement bar to provide extra support when the job calls for it

Portfolio – Shropshire Walls & Arches

Gravel board retaining walls, Shropshire

Concrete Gravel Panel Retaining Walls – Telford, Shropshire

You don’t have to use bricks or sleepers for retaining walls. Concrete gravel slab walls aren’t the prettiest type of retaining wall, but if the wall isn’t too tall and you want something that will last, then this will certainly do the job. Note that the concrete posts are concreted at least 2′ into the ground.

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We can build retaining or decorative walls near you.

We are based in Telford and serve the Telford area including Admaston, Apley, Aquaduct, Arleston, Brookside, Church Aston, Dawley, Dawley Bank, Donnington, Donnington Wood, Doseley, Edgmond, Edgmond Marsh, Hadley, Homer Lake, Horsehay, Ketley, Ketley Bank, Lawley, Lawley Bank, Leegomery, Lightmoor, Lilleshall, Little Dawley, Madeley, Muxton, Newdale, Newport, Oakengates, Old Park, Overdale, Priorslee, Randley, Shifnal, St Georges, Spring Village, Stirchley, Sutton Hill , Ditch, Wellington, Wombridge, Woodside, Wrockwardine, Wrockwardine Wood

For a free no-obligation consultation and quote, click here to email us.

Garden fence etiquette – should the “good” side be facing you or your neighbors?

If you’re putting up a picket fence between you and your neighbours, you might be wondering if there are any laws in the UK telling you who has the ‘good’ sides. There can be strong opinions on this, so read on to find out how to position your fence panels.

UPDATED 5/1/2022

Most fence panels and gates have one side that is more attractive than the other – one side is usually smoother and shows the best features of the design; On the other side you can see the support posts and rails (not quite as nice!).

So which side of the fence should face your property?

You’ve probably always assumed that the nicer side of the fence should face into your own backyard, and why not when that boundary is your responsibility and you paid for the new fence? This can lead to an awkward conversation when your neighbor complains that the less attractive side is turned towards him. They might even insist that the “good” side should be on their own backyard.

Unfortunately the UK does not have strict legislation on this aspect of garden fencing, with a few exceptions which we detail below. If the boundary between you and your neighbor’s yard is your responsibility (check your title deeds) and you’re paying for the fence, it can face any direction.

Considerations and Exceptions

Neighborhood Relations!

If you’re the polite type and like to get along with your neighbors, showing them the smooth side of the fence would be generous, but this is far from an established convention and there’s absolutely no obligation to do so if you don’t want to.

One border – two fences!

Today, homeowners sometimes erect their own fence along a boundary line even though their neighbor has already erected an existing fence behind it. If your neighbor put up their own fence on their side of the border, they’ve saved you some soul searching! Your conscience is free to turn the “good” side of your own garden!

If you share the cost

If your neighbor made a financial contribution to the new fence, it’s a good idea to agree on direction before installing it. Take into account whose boundary the fence is on and how high the financial outlay is on both sides.

When to seek advice on your fence

If you live in a conservation area, Area of ​​Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), or a listed building, it’s a good idea to seek advice from your local planning office, as strict rules can apply to the erection or modification of fences and gates the direction it is pointing, especially when facing the highway.

When you should show the “good” side away from you

Is your fence facing the street, e.g. For example, on a front yard border, having a post and railing visible from the street looks rather odd – almost as if it were upside down! Although there is no law to enforce this, it is common in this situation for the more attractive side of the fence to face outwards.

Can you build a fence without a neighbor’s permission?

What if your neighbor is responsible for the boundary between your gardens and has put up a fence that you don’t like? Maybe they gave you the less attractive side of the fence to look at! Can you build your own fence to hide or disguise it without their permission? In principle yes, but you must ensure that your own fence is within the boundary of your own property and must not exceed the maximum height of two meters without planning permission.

Which limit is legally your responsibility?

As you will have gathered from this reading, some of the considerations here take into account whether you or your neighbor are responsible for the boundary on that side of your property. We wrote another article to provide a guide to finding out whose boundary the picket fence is on – it’s not always easy!

Gates also have a “good” side!

Remember that gates also have a “good” side – gates that face a road or footpath are usually built with their best side forward.

Win-win fencing styles

Some fence styles look good on either side. If you want to make your neighbors happy but don’t want to spend money on a fence they appreciate more than you do, why not consider hit-and-miss fence panels? With posts running vertically or horizontally, this type of fence alternates the posts on the front and back to create a distinctive pattern on either side.

If you live in or around Oxfordshire find out more about installing hit and miss fencing in your garden.

Please call 01865 863428 or 07900 938061 to discuss your requirements.

When you get a new fence, you can’t just think about yourself — you have to think about your neighbors, too. If the type of fence you want is legal in your neighborhood, you may feel like you have the go-ahead to install it. Your fence may be in your yard, but your neighbors will still see it every day from their yards or windows. There are a few rules of fence etiquette to keep in mind before proceeding with the installation.

Make sure your property lines are defined

Do you know where your property begins and where it ends – and are you really sure? It’s a good idea to check your home’s plan, which is a drawing depicting your land. If you have lost this document, you may be able to obtain it free of charge from your county records office. You can also hire a surveyor to clarify the boundaries of your property. Additionally, a surveyor can place stakes along the boundary, giving you a clearer idea of ​​where exactly your fence can go.

Talk to your neighbor

Provided your fence is definitely within your property lines and complies with neighborhood codes, you may not need to talk to your neighbors about it. Still, it’s common practice to ask — and it could save you future legal trouble if it turns out your neighbor wants to challenge your fence. Plus, if it’s going to be a divider between your yards, that might actually be something your neighbor is considering too! You may find that you and your neighbor can work together on the project – and share the cost.

Face the finished side of the fence to your neighbor

Certain types of fences have a finished side, or “good” side, that looks smoother and more polished than the side with the rails and posts visible. In particular, the solid wood fences that are often used as privacy screens are usually constructed in this way. The finished side should face your neighbor. This is not only more polite, but also standard. Your property will look much nicer when the “good” side is on the outside. Otherwise, your fence will look like it was installed backwards.

However, many other types of fences look identical on both sides and are often referred to as “good neighbor fences” for this reason. You can install a double sided privacy fence if you don’t like the inside of a fence. Double-sided fences are made using a “sandwich construction” method, which also makes them stronger.

Maintain your fence continuously

Of course you want your fence to look its best – you don’t want the paint to fade or chip, you want to keep your fence clean and you don’t want your wood to rot. However, it’s not just for your own benefit – if your fence becomes an eyesore, your surrounding neighbors won’t be very happy. It could even affect their property value if they decide to sell. Only get a fence that will keep you looking good. If you can’t handle the maintenance of a wooden fence, consider a lower-maintenance material like vinyl or aluminum. A darker fence also shows less dirt than a lighter one and doesn’t need to be cleaned as often.

Ultimately, if you follow these guidelines for fence etiquette, you will have a lot less stress and enjoy a fence more easily. Communicate with your immediate neighbors while you work on the project – don’t let it turn into an unpleasant surprise. You may find yourself surprised at how eager your neighbors are to cooperate and help you.

Do you have any other neighborhood advice for homeowners looking to install a new fence? Leave a comment below!

Before the fence installation process begins, you must consider the placement of the fence. There is a “good” and a “bad” side to most fence constructions. The side of the fence with flat battens is considered the good side and the one with the support beams is considered the bad side. Which side of the fence should face your yard? Here is the answer…

Which side of the fence should face your yard? – The good side is on the outside

As a general rule of thumb, the “nice” side of the fence is on the outside. The side with the rails and posts is visible in your garden and the smooth side faces your neighbors, the street or the alley. There are mutliple reasons for this:

If your fence is facing a street, it will look much better with the smooth side out.

Putting the rails on the outside of the fence would make it easier for people to climb up and over. This would be a major security issue.

Showing your neighbors the pretty side of the fence is considered good etiquette. It’s a compromise – I’ll set up a barrier connected to your property, but you get to see the bright side.

Gate bolts are easier to install on the railing side of the fence.

If your fence is damaged in the future, having the railing side facing in will help you see the evidence.

If you have dogs or children next to you in the garden, they cannot climb over the fence with the smooth side. You will also have a hard time moving the fence posts. On the railing side you could pop a picket out if you push hard enough with an outward force.

The list goes on and on, but the simplest answer is to face the railings toward your yard. This creates a durable, stable frame that adds protection and value to your property.

exceptions to the rule

As with anything, there are some exceptions to the rule. For example, if the two neighbors next to you have already installed privacy fences, you can show the finished sides of their two fences to you. At this point, connecting them with a smooth fence wall would look more cohesive. If the back of your home faces an alleyway, the railing on the other side will not detract from the aesthetics of your home. You just have to think about the security threat it can pose.

Some fence styles have neither a good nor a bad side. These are considered “semi-private fences” because there is a small gap between the pickets. One picket goes to one side and the other to the next. Passers-by can easily see through the fencing, more so than a full privacy fence. This usually doesn’t work well for people with close neighbors.

Discuss your options with your fence installers ahead of time so they can help you choose the best setup for your home and which side of the fence should face your yard.

Talk to your neighbors before installing a fence

It’s always best to talk to your neighbors before figuring out fence placement and installing a fence, especially if your properties are right next to each other. You may be able to split the cost of the fence associated with your yard. You can also convince your neighbor to get a fence at the same time, saving you money on installation costs. If there are any discrepancies regarding the property lines, you must work them out before the fence is installed. Most neighbors will be more than happy to work with you and if not, your fencing company can speak to your neighbors for you.