Shadowbox wood fence installed in a North Carolina backyard

What is a shadowbox fence?

Alternating pickets installed on both sides of the rails -- boards overlap slightly so the fence appears solid from a distance but allows airflow through the small gaps. Looks identical from both sides, which makes it the neighbor-friendly choice.

What is a privacy fence?

Solid boards installed side by side with no gaps -- maximum privacy, blocks all sightlines, stops wind. The standard 'dog ear' style is the most common residential fence in the Triangle. Looks finished on the outward-facing side.

Which provides more privacy?

Privacy fence wins. Shadowbox technically has small gaps -- you cannot see clearly through it at normal distance, but it is not fully solid. For true blackout privacy, a tongue-and-groove or board-on-board dog-ear fence is better.

Which handles NC wind better?

Shadowbox. The gaps between alternating boards significantly reduce wind load on the fence structure. Solid privacy panels act as a sail in storms, which is why corner and end posts on privacy fences need to be set deeper.

Cost comparison in NC

Shadowbox uses more lumber (boards on both sides) and runs 10-15% more than standard dog-ear. On a 150 LF job at $38/LF, that adds approximately $570-$855 to the total. Both styles are available at Triangle Fencing Co.

Frequently Asked Questions

Semi-private. The alternating boards create small gaps -- you cannot see clearly through a properly built shadowbox fence from normal distance, but it is not fully solid. For true privacy blocking all sightlines, a tongue-and-groove privacy fence is better.
That is one of its main selling points. Shadowbox looks identical from both sides. Standard dog-ear fences have a finished 'good side' facing out and a less-finished side with visible rails facing the neighbor. Shadowbox eliminates that problem entirely.
Shadowbox fences handle wind better than solid privacy fences because the gaps allow airflow through the structure. Solid panels act as a sail in high winds -- which is why post depth and concrete volume are especially critical for full privacy fence installations.
Typically 10-15% more than dog-ear due to additional lumber. On a 150 LF job at our $38/LF rate, a shadowbox upgrade adds approximately $570-$855 to the project total. Request a written quote for your specific dimensions.

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Triangle Fencing Co. -- Serving Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill and surrounding areas.

Free estimates within 24 hours. Call (919) 200-5882 or request online.