When it comes to installing a new wood fence, one of the first considerations is cost. Many homeowners wonder if a horizontal wood fence is cheaper than a vertical wood fence. The short answer is that in most cases, a horizontal wood fence will be the more affordable option.
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Material Costs
When comparing the material costs of horizontal and vertical wood fences, horizontal comes out ahead. The main reason for this is that horizontal fences require fewer fence boards. Since wood fence boards make up the bulk of material costs for wood fences, using fewer boards translates into spending less money.
For example, a 6 foot tall vertical wood fence will require 6 foot long boards. However, a 6 foot tall horizontal wood fence may only require boards that are 3 or 4 feet long. This means you can build the same height fence with half the number of boards by going horizontal.
Board Feet Comparison
To demonstrate the material savings, let’s compare the board feet required for a 30 linear foot section of fencing:
| Fence Type | Board Dimensions | Boards Needed | Total Board Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical | 1 x 6 x 6′ | 30 | 180 |
| Horizontal | 1 x 6 x 4′ | 20 | 120 |
As you can see, the horizontal fence requires 33% less lumber than the vertical fence for the same length. Since the lumber makes up the bulk of the material costs, this represents significant direct savings.
Labor Cost Differences
Another factor to consider is that horizontal wood fences may have lower labor costs to install. The repetitive nature of installing shorter boards can allow the fence builders to get into an efficient workflow.
Having fewer boards to install also means spending less time cutting, transporting and handling the materials. Fastening shorter boards is often easier as well. All of these labor efficiencies can translate into reduced installation costs for the homeowner.
Installation Time Comparison
| Fence Type | Estimated Installation Time |
|---|---|
| Vertical | 3 days |
| Horizontal | 2 days |
As shown in the table, even a modest fence project may be completed a full day faster when using horizontal boards rather than vertical. For larger fence projects, the time savings could be even greater. Less install time means lower labor costs.
Aesthetic Considerations
While cost is a major factor, aesthetics should also be considered when choosing between horizontal and vertical wood fences. Some key points:
- Vertical fences provide more privacy as gaps are narrower.
- Horizontal fences give a more open, airy feel with wider gaps.
- Horiztonal fences allow more air flow and light through.
- Vertical fences have a more enclosed, private look.
There are also differences in terms of decorative options. For example, vertical fences more easily accommodate diagonal lattice accents. But horizontal fences provide the option of varying board widths for visual interest.
In summary, vertical wood fences provide more privacy while horizontal wood fences offer more airflow and design flexibility.
Price Per Linear Foot Comparison
To provide a real dollar estimate of the cost differences, let’s compare price per linear foot for horizontal vs. vertical wood fences:
| Fence Type | Estimated Price Per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Vertical | $25-40 |
| Horizontal | $15-35 |
These per linear foot prices would be inclusive of materials and professional installation labor. As you can see, there is significant overlap in the price ranges. However, the median cost of vertical fences is $10-15 more per foot than horizontal.
For a 100 foot fence, this could mean a cost savings of $1000-$1500 by going with a horizontal orientation. The material and labor efficiencies discussed earlier allow horizontal wood fences to be priced lower on average.
When Does Vertical Make Sense?
Despite the general cost savings of horizontal wood fencing, there are some situations where vertical fences are the better choice:
- When privacy is the top priority.
- On sloped landscapes where stepping is required.
- When matching the look of existing vertical fences.
- For taller fences above 6 feet high.
- If a decorative lattice accent is desired.
The appearance and privacy of a vertical orientation may outweigh the higher costs in these scenarios. But for level ground and under 6 feet, horizontal remains the more economical choice in most cases.
What About Composite Fencing?
Composite wood-plastic fencing provides another option besides traditional wood. Composite fencing has some advantages:
- Does not require ongoing staining and sealing.
- Resists insects, decay, and moisture damage.
- Has a longer lifespan than wood.
However, composite fencing also comes at a significantly higher upfront cost. Here is a price comparison on a per linear foot basis:
| Fence Type | Price Per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Wood Horizontal | $15-35 |
| Wood Vertical | $25-40 |
| Composite | $40-65 |
As you can see, composite fences can cost $10-30 more per linear foot compared to wood options. The longevity and low maintenance requirements help offset the higher initial price over time. But composite still carries a significant price premium.
When Does Composite Make Sense?
Despite the higher upfront cost, there are situations where composite fencing may be worth the investment:
- In climates with extreme weather fluctuations.
- For homeowners wanting maximum convenience.
- Near bodies of water where wood can rot.
- If regularly staining wood would be difficult.
While composite fencing costs more overall, the right setting and homeowner priorities can still make it a viable option.
Conclusion
When evaluating wood fence options, horizontal orientations consistently come out as the more affordable choice. The material and labor efficiencies of using shorter boards result in lower costs per linear foot in most cases.
However, vertical wood fences provide more privacy and may make sense on sloped terrain or when matching existing fences. Composite fencing offers exceptional longevity and convenience but at a significantly higher overall cost.
In summary, for a standard wood fence under 6 feet on flat ground, a horizontal orientation will generally provide the best value. But all scenarios should be evaluated individually based on budget, privacy needs, lifespan expectations, and aesthetics.
