
How Much Does a Shadow Box Fence Cost?
Fence Type | Cost Of Materials | Installation Cost | Total Project Cost | Cost Per Linear Foot |
Basic Shadow box Fence | $984-$1804 | $328-$648 | $1312-$2452 | $8.00-$14.85 |
Quality Cedar Shadow box Fence | $2460-$3936 | $615-$820 | $3075-$3756 | $18.75-$22.90 |
Vinyl Shadow box Fence | $3608-$5248 | $768-$984 | $4376-$6232 | $26.70-$38.20 |
How much should a shadow box fence cost?
Thereof, how much does it cost to have a shadow box fence installed? Minimum & Maximum Costs Basic materials can cost anywhere from $1,155 to $1,260. Medium-quality materials can cost anywhere from $1,365 up to $1,533. High-quality shadowbox fencing materials can cost anywhere from $1,575 up to $1,799.
How to build a shadowbox fence?
The first step on how to build a horizontal shadow box fence involves digging post holes eight feet apart and eighteen inches deep. You can use a hand post hole digger if there are not too many holes to drill. Otherwise, you can also rent an automatic auger from an equipment rental facility. Step 2.
What does a shadow box fence look like?
What does a shadow box fence look like? Shadow-Box fences, sometimes called board-on-board fences, are picket fences with staggered rows of pickets on each side of the fence rails; the pickets on one side of the rails span the gaps between the pickets on the other side of the rails, blocking the view through the fence.
How to build a shadow box privacy fence?
Steps
- Setting up the Posts. ➤ Mark the corners and ends of the fence line by driving wooden stakes in the soil at each one. ...
- Fitting the Rails. ➤ If required, modify the length of the rails for them to fit horizontally between adjacent posts. ...
- Attaching the Pickets. ...
- Finishing and Care. ...

What is the purpose of a shadow box fence?
A shadowbox fence — aptly named, as it is designed to cast a shadow — is a popular privacy fence made to look good on both sides. A shadowbox fence is also another name for a board-on-board fence. This kind of fence looks stellar inside and out, so both you and your neighbors will be happy with it.
Can you see through a shadowbox fence?
Pets and Children Can Peer Through Head-on, shadowbox fences are just as opaque as a standard privacy fence. However, if you're up close, you can peer through the spaces to the other side.
Does a shadow box fence pros and cons?
Pros and cons of shadowbox fences When you look at a completed shadowbox fence straight on, it looks as solid as a privacy fence. But if you peer at an angle, you can see through the pickets. This can be a pro or a con, depending on the situation. A canine requiring mental stimulation will enjoy the view of the street.
What is the difference between shadow box fence and board on board fence?
Shadow Box Fence vs Board on Board A board on board fence has overlapping pickets that are attached to the same side of the fence. Unlike a shadow box fence there will be no gaps. A board on board fence is more visually interesting than a plain privacy fence, but does not allow air flow like a shadowbox fence.
Are shadow box fences more expensive?
"A shadowbox fence is only slightly more expensive than a solid dog ear fence style. It uses only a few more boards but is slightly trickier to build. It's unique in that it has boards/pickets on both sides of the horizontal rails/ runners.
Are shadowbox fences better for wind?
Board-on-Board fences (sometimes called shadow box fences) are fences with staggered rows of pickets on each side of the fence rails. These fences can offer more privacy while still allowing some wind flow through the fence to relieve pressure on the structure.
What are the cheapest fences to build?
Though yard fencing can be expensive, we've rounded up some cheap fence ideas to fit nearly any budget.Pallet fencing. For DIY projects, pallets are a common go-to, especially to build a yard fence. ... Split rail. ... Chainlink. ... Bamboo fences. ... Split rail and mesh. ... Concrete fencing. ... Barbed wire. ... Recycle leftovers.More items...•
What does shadow fence look like?
Shadow-Box fences, sometimes called board-on-board fences, are picket fences with staggered rows of pickets on each side of the fence rails; the pickets on one side of the rails span the gaps between the pickets on the other side of the rails, blocking the view through the fence.
What is the spacing on a shadow box fence?
Bullseye Fence Shadowbox privacy fences are constructed with full 6" pickets based on 3" spacing. This creates approximately a 1-1/2" overlap as the pickets alternate on each side of the 2x4 stringer.
What is a good neighbor style fence?
A good neighbor fence is a fence that is shared between two houses. Instead of having a fence where one neighbor gets the “ugly” side and the other neighbor gets the “pretty” side, this type of fence is built so that both neighbors have the “pretty” side. Any expenses associated with the fence are shared 50/50.
How do you install a shadow box fence?
5:227:00How to Build a Shadowbox Fence | The Home Depot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLine once the pickets are installed on one side of the fence. You can begin installing them on theMoreLine once the pickets are installed on one side of the fence. You can begin installing them on the other. If you're building a shadowbox fence install them filling the gaps on the other side.
Is board on board fence better?
Board on-board fencing is a solid choice for homeowners concerned about strength and durability. Generally speaking, since the lengths are longer, the posts are dug deeper than an average fence.
What are the benefits of shadowbox fencing?
What are the benefits of shadowbox fence? If you live in a windy area or a stormy area, your fence has a better chance of staying upright. Often, when it comes to privacy fences is a strong wind comes by they can be blown over.
Why is the shadowbox called a shadowbox?
It gets the name shadowbox because the way the fence is designed it cast a shadow. The frame is the basic frame of a privacy fence. It is the pickets that go on differently.
Is a shadowbox fence a privacy fence?
Let’s start this by saying a shadowbox fence is one of the best-looking privacy fences out there. However, they are only semi-private as they offer some glimpse into your yard. In order to see into the yard though someone would really need to be up on the fence trying to see in.
Is Sunrise Fence semi private?
Like what as mentioned at the beginning, these fences are only semi-private. Therefore, they don’t keep your belongs as secure as a completely private fence. In the end, it is up to you to weigh your options. Whatever you decide, contact Sunrise Fence today to get started on building the fence of your choosing.
Is a privacy fence good for wind?
Benefits of this fence! Every fence offers a benefit of its own. In this case, if you live in a windy area or a stormy area, your fence has a better chance of staying upright. Often, when it comes to privacy fences is a strong wind comes by they can be blown over.
What is Shadow Box Fence?
Shadow box fence is a style of fence that has vertical pickets fastened to one side of the stringers, with a space between them. On the other side of the stringers, more pickets fill the gaps. This creates a vertical louvered effect. When looking at the fence from a perpendicular angle, the fence looks completely solid.
Type of Materials Used to Build Shadow Box Fence
There are two primary materials used to build shadowbox privacy fence. The first is wood. The second is vinyl. Both are great materials for fence. However, some manufacturers even offer aluminum options. Your budget, your backyard and your personal taste will influence what material you choose to build your fence from.
Should I Stick Build My Fence or Use Fence Panels?
Stick building a fence is when you nail up on board at a time. Pre-made panels are ready to attach to posts because they are already assembled. Either option is available with wood fence. If you are choosing to purchase a vinyl fence, then you will have to buy it in panels or sections.
Conclusion
Shadow box fence is the choice when choosing a privacy fence for your backyard. A great looking style that homeowners and their neighbors love. So much so that if you have a homeowners association, they may require it over solid board privacy fences.
The Details
If you’re considering purchasing a shadowbox fence for your property, there are a few important things you should know before you do. Let’s zoom in and take a look at what a shadowbox fence entails.
Installation
Shadowbox fences come in pre-packaged wooden panels. Once assembled, the fence is made of a staggered arrangement of boards, with pickets fixed on either side. Shadowbox fences are easy to install.
Types of Wood
Most shadowbox fences are made of cypress, fir, spruce, redwood, pine, red cedar, or white cedar. The type of wood you choose makes a difference when it comes to durability and aesthetics. As a rule of thumb, cedar pickets and rails are preferable over pine wood, since pine wood tends to warp or bow.
Benefits of a Shadowbox Fence
Privacy fences allow you to keep peace of mind, especially if you have children or pets that may roam the property outdoors. Shadowbox fences, like other privacy fences, conceal your yard and home from neighbors and passerby. With a shadowbox, you can sleep soundly knowing that your own little slice of paradise is safe, secure, and protected.
FAQs
What are the disadvantages of a shadowbox fence? Unlike stockade fences– which is made of wooden boards constructed tightly against each other for maximum privacy– shadowbox fences only offer partial privacy.
What is a shadowbox fence?
Most commonly, a shadowbox fence is used to enclose an entire back yard, but they’re sometimes used for smaller areas such as around a pool, garden, patio or play area within a larger space. Children and large dogs can be easily kept within an area enclosed with a shadowbox fence.
How tall is a fence?
Accessories include decorative post tops, gate hardware and attractive top rails. The most common fence heights are 6’ and 8’, though any height can be custom made. Panels are typically 6’ to 8’ wide when used in place of a stick-built fence where every plank is installed individually on site.
How do I clean a fence?
Use mild detergent and a soft brush to wash the fence. A hose or a power sprayer on 1300psi or lower pressure can be used to rinse it. Use a stain with a sealer. The inclusion of UV inhibitors and algaecide can help maintain the looks of your fence too.
What affects the labor cost of a fence?
Landscape – The general landscape of your yard, field or garden will affect the labor cost. If there are many hills, scopes, ditches or tress, then clearing of these areas and making them suitable for fence installation will be more labor intensive.
Can vinyl posts be installed over wood?
The vinyl posts fit over wood or steel posts and remain flush with the ground. A manual or powered post hole digger is an essential tool. If you have clay in your soil, the ground can be very hard during months with little rain, so you may want to plan installation for wetter months, typically spring or fall.
Do stick build fences cost more?
Onsite, stick-build fences cost more, but they can be tailored to your exact requirements. If you’ve had experience with fence installation or are comfortable using a level and doing the hard dirt work required, then installing your own fence can be a money-saving option.
Shadowbox Fencing Design and Material Requirements
So, how to build shadow box fences? What are the materials needed? This part will tell you how to build shadow box fences and help you get the right materials when deciding to create one.
How To Build A Horizontal Shadow Box Fence: Preparatory Tips
To understand how to build a shadow box privacy fence, you must first prepare to build a fence. Thus, it is the next step and certainly an important one. After this, we will help you with the steps on how to install a shadow box fence.
How To Install A Shadow Box Fence?
Shadowbox fences are stunning and have an incredible curb appeal from the street. They assure excellent privacy right behind the wall. See, for people who want to know how to build shadow box fences, we wish to tell you that you can construct a shadowbox fence from scratch.
Advantages of The Shadow Box
Now that you are aware of how to install a shadow box fence, are there any advantages of doing so? Let us have a look.
Disadvantages of The Shadow Box
Even though you now know to build a shadow box fence and we have given you the shadow box pros, there are still a few downsides of the shadow box you need to know before you begin implementing what you just learned in the ‘how to build shadow box fence’ section.
How To Maintain A Shadow Box Fence?
Now that you know how to construct a shadow box fence, you should be aware of some maintenance tips that help ensure your built wall lasts for years. Please wait for a few months before painting or staining to ensure that the lumber has dried completely. The pressure treated lumber must be painted or stained every few years.
Working with Pressure-Treated Lumber
Use hardware and fasteners that are for stainless steel, treated wood, or galvanized screws.
What is a shadow box fence?
The shadow box is one wood fence that manages to provide both to a homeowner.
Why do people use shadow boxes?
More Air and Light. Any type of wood fence doesn’t have to represent a vision of walling yourself off from the world. That’s one of the reasons why the shadow box is one of the more popular choices. Among the chief reasons for that are connected to the amount of air and light that come through on a daily basis.
What is a shadow box fence?
What Is A Shadow Box or Board-On-Board Fence? A shadow box fence, also called a board-on-board fence, is a type of privacy fence. It has a close resemblance to the classic picket fence. Shadow box or board on board benches are constructed with standard posts. Three rails span between each post.
What happens if a wood fence is decomposed?
In addition, if the wood on your fence begins to decompose, it may develop fungus and dry rot. This will effectively weaken your fence. In addition, shadow box or board-on-board fences can warp, crack, and fade with time.
What is a picket on a fence?
A picket is attached to one side of the rails, and another picket is attached to the other side. These pickets are slightly overlapped in order to obscure the view of your lawn. This alternating picket pattern continues and creates a “shadow box” pattern.
Can you put a shadow box on a board fence?
There are plenty of plus sides to installing a shadow box or board on board fence around your lawn. Of course, this type of fence acts as a privacy fence, shielding your yard from view. This makes it easy to enjoy get-togethers with friends and family, and to obstruct your lawn from nosy neighbors.
Is a shadow box fence the same as a board on board fence?
Shadow box fences and board-on-board fences are the same thing. They are visually interesting privacy fences that look the same on both sides. Most people hire a professional to install a shadow box or board on board fence. But if you have the knowledge and skills, this is a project you could complete yourself!
Is there a front or back to a shadow box fence?
This is because it looks the same on both sides, thanks to its alternating pattern. There is no front or back to shadow box or board on board fences.
Is a shadow box fence durable?
Durable. Because of the alternating pickets, shadow box or board on board fences are extremely durable. You won’t have to deal with sagging or falling pickets since their weight is evenly distributed between the rails.

The Details
- If you’re considering purchasing a shadowbox fence for your property, there are a few important things you should know before you do. Let’s zoom in and take a look at what a shadowbox fence entails.
Installation
- Shadowbox fences come in pre-packaged wooden panels. Once assembled, the fence is made of a staggered arrangement of boards, with pickets fixed on either side. Shadowbox fences are easy to install. When installing your shadowbox fence, make sure to set up the boards the same way on either side, while erecting the board on the reverse side to cover the gaps from the opposite side…
Types of Wood
- Most shadowbox fences are made of cypress, fir, spruce, redwood, pine, red cedar, or white cedar. The type of wood you choose makes a difference when it comes to durability and aesthetics. As a rule of thumb, cedar pickets and rails are preferable over pine wood, since pine wood tends to warp or bow. Cedar wood is highly durable due to its natural oils that deter insects. Cypress woo…
Benefits of A Shadowbox Fence
- Peace of Mind
Privacy fences allow you to keep peace of mind, especially if you have children or pets that may roam the property outdoors. Shadowbox fences, like other privacy fences, conceal your yard and home from neighbors and passerby. With a shadowbox, you can sleep soundly knowing that you… - Weather Resistant
If you live in a region prone to storms or extreme weather, you should take durability into account when selecting a fence for your property. Shadowbox fences are known for withstanding strong winds and storms. Because they are not solid fences, this allows wind to pass through the board…
FAQs
- What are the disadvantages of a shadowbox fence? Unlike stockade fences– which is made of wooden boards constructed tightly against each other for maximum privacy– shadowbox fences only offer partial privacy. A shadowbox fence may not be ideal for homeowners looking for a fence that completely blocks off the property, but rather for those who want the visually attractiv…