Side yards are where neighbours are closest and windows face each other. On this Grace Construction project we used board-on-board cedar, stained on install, so the side yard stays private from every angle.
Why board-on-board for a side yard
In a standard side-by-side fence, the pickets butt against each other. Cedar shrinks as it dries, and within a season small gaps open between every board. Board-on-board overlaps the pickets on alternating sides of the rail, so even after shrinkage there is no line of sight straight through.
- No see-through gaps as cedar dries
- Looks finished from both sides
- Stronger, heavier wall of wood
- Blocks more wind and noise
It also looks good from both sides — a quiet benefit when the neighbour faces the same fence. For a full comparison of styles, see board-on-board vs side-by-side vs horizontal.
Stained from day one
This fence was stained as part of the job rather than left raw. Stain protects cedar from UV greying and slows how quickly the wood takes on and loses moisture, which is what causes cupping and cracking. It also gives an even, rich colour that looks deliberate next to brick.
Result
The owners now have a side yard they can actually use — for bins, an AC unit or a dog run — without it feeling exposed. Learn more about our cedar and wood fence installation.
Frequently asked questions
Does board-on-board cost more than side-by-side?
It uses more pickets per foot because the boards overlap, so material costs are higher. The payoff is privacy that does not degrade as the wood shrinks.
Should a new cedar fence be stained right away?
Stain can go on once the wood surface is dry enough to accept it. Staining early keeps the colour even and protects the cedar before the Texas sun greys it.
Which side of the fence faces out?
Board-on-board looks nearly identical on both faces, which is why it is popular between neighbours.
Get your project measured
Grace Construction builds fences, gates, decks and outdoor living across Johnson, Tarrant and Ellis counties from our shop in Alvarado. Free on-site measure, written price, no obligation.