Picket Fencing vs Privacy Fences

Fencing can serve a variety of purposes. This blog compares picket and privacy fencing, styles, and materials. Fences can be installed to increase the curb appeal of a property, to reduce noise and wind, create a contained space for people or animals, enhance security, mark property boundaries, and provide privacy. There are a bunch of fence styles and materials: wood, vinyl, metal, wrought iron, aluminum, steel, composite, bamboo, stone, and brick.

Picket Fence

We have all seen the perfect photo of a home with a white picket fence.  The picket fence acts as a decorative element to the property. A picket fence usually stands 3 to 4 feet high and has pointed, round tops on its vertical slats called pickets, hence the name of this style of fence. There are gaps between the pickets, ranging from 1 to 3 inches, which allow airflow and visibility through the fence. Generally, picket fences are made of wood and require painting, though vinyl has become a popular option and requires little maintenance. Typically, picket fences are white, but can be other colors to accent a property. Picket fences are used to define a space or garden, can provide structure and outline a pathway, and add curb appeal.

Pros of Picket Fences

• Easy to install

• Easy to repair

• Visually appealing

• Create charm

• Affordable

Cons of Picket Fences

• Limited privacy

• Maintenance for wooden fencing- painting, sealing

Privacy Fence

Privacy fencing is designed to create a private area. Privacy fences block the outside world from looking in and provide a secure and secluded area. Privacy fence is usually 6 to 8 feet tall, has a solid wall that can be made from various materials, and has no space between panels. Keep in mind that taller fences could require approval from a neighborhood HOA or building permits from your township. 

What types of materials are privacy fences made of?

Wood, a very common fencing material, is often used to construct privacy fences; however, vinyl, composite, metal, chain link with privacy slats, stone, and brick can be used.  Pressure-treated pine is the most economical material to install, but it can require more maintenance over time. Vinyl and composite fencing repairs can be more costly, but routine maintenance is limited. Prices for fences vary. Chain link, which has low maintenance requirements, is the next lowest in terms of cost. Cedar, redwood, vinyl, and composite are all generally comparable in price.  Corrugated metal fences are highly durable and are low maintenance, but initial costs are higher. Brick and stone are the most expensive to install, though they have very low maintenance needs and outlast other fencing materials.

There are many styles of privacy fencing to choose from. Solid board fences have boards abutting each other vertically, with no gaps in between. Board-on-board fences have vertical boards overlapping one another on both sides of the rails, creating a shingle-like look. Shadowbox fences, also known as a “good neighbor fence,” have alternating pickets on both sides of the horizontal rails. This pattern creates an attractive appearance on both sides of the fence. Lattice-top fences have a solid fence bottom and a decorative lattice pattern at the top. Horizontal slat fences have boards closely attached, running horizontally. Stockade fencing has vertical wooden boards with a pointed top, closely attached side by side. And corrugated metal fences have solid panels mounted either horizontally or vertically on posts. Chain link fences with privacy slats (made from high-density polyethylene, aluminum, or PVC) provide 70-95% privacy depending on slat type and spacing. Brick and stone fencing or walls, which are generally a custom design, provide a low-maintenance and durable privacy fencing option, but the installation cost is higher than other fence materials.

Pros of Privacy Fences

• Blocks visibility

• Deters intruders

• Keeps pets and animals secure

• Reduces road and neighborhood noise

• Blocks wind

• Creates a defined outdoor private space

• Enhance property appearance

• Can increase property value

Cons of Privacy Fences

• Cost

• Maintenance

• Height limit may be enforced by local ordinances or HOA

• Dissatisfied neighbors due to property line issues or a view change

• Can create too much shade or block airflow

If you have questions on privacy fences, picket fencing, or other types of fence, please contact us. For more information on fences, check out our fence construction page.