How To Build Board on Board Fence
Before you pick up your hammer and nails, Texas State Fence does all of the proper planning for your board on board fence installation and will save you time, money and potential headaches down the road.
Choosing the Right Materials
We only use the highest of quality of materials for your board on board fence because it will affect its appearance, durability and maintenance requirements.
What is the best type of wood for board on board fences?
Several wood varieties work well for board fencing:
- Western Red Cedar: Highly resistant to decay and insect damage. It weathers beautifully over time and has a warm, rich color.
- Redwood: Similar to cedar in its natural resistance properties but with a reddish hue. It’s durable and holds up well in various weather conditions.
- Pressure-Treated Pine: More affordable than cedar or redwood, pressure-treated lumber is chemically treated to resist rot and insects, making it a budget-friendly option for homeowners.
The cost of your materials will vary depending on the wood type chosen, with cedar and redwood being more expensive than pressure-treated pine.
Hardware Components
Quality hardware ensures your fence stands strong for years:
- Galvanized Screws or Nails: Always use galvanized fasteners as they resist rusting, preventing unsightly staining and structural weakening.
- Post Hardware: Consider post levelers and protective sleeves to ensure posts remain perfectly vertical and protected from ground moisture.
Calculating The Total Amount of Materials
To determine how much materials you’ll need for your board on board fence installation:
Measure the perimeter of your yard where you’ll be installing the fence to find the total linear foot requirement.
- For posts: Plan for one post every 6-8 feet, plus extra posts for corners and gates.
- For horizontal rails: Multiply your fence length by 2 or 3 (depending on fence height) to determine the number of rails needed.
- For vertical boards: Calculate both the first layer (wider boards with gaps) and the second layer (narrower boards to cover gaps).
- Don’t forget to account for concrete (1-2 bags per post) and hardware.
What Tools Do You Need For A Board on Board Fence Installation?
Have these tools ready before you start:
- Post hole digger or power auger
- Circular saw for cutting boards
- Hammer or nail gun
- Drill with appropriate bits for pilot holes
- Level
- Tape measure
- String line for marking fence location
- Pry bar (helpful for adjustments)
- Safety gear (gloves, eye protection, ear protection)
- Check Regulations and Utilities
Before you start:
- Check local building codes and get necessary permits for your fence installation. Height restrictions and setback requirements vary by location.
- Contact your utility companies to mark underground lines before digging post holes.
- Verify your property lines to avoid disputes with neighbors.
Board on Board Fence Installation
Installing a board on board fence is a step-by-step process that begins with setting your fence posts—the foundation of a sturdy fence.
1. Setting the Posts
Posts are the backbone of your entire fence. A mistake here can mean a fence that’s unstable and may need repairs later.
Mark post locations, 6-8 feet apart, with stakes and string.
Dig post holes to about one-third the post length (24-30 inches for a 6-foot fence).
Add 4-6 inches of gravel at the bottom of each hole for drainage.
Place the post in the hole and check it’s level and aligned with your string line.
Mix concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions and pour around the post.
Hold the post level while the concrete sets (about 20-30 minutes).
Let the concrete cure completely before attaching rails (24-48 hours).
Pro tip: Consider steel posts or concrete post bases in areas prone to rot or for added durability.
2. Installing Horizontal Rails
The horizontal rails are the support structure for your vertical boards.
Measure and mark the height for your horizontal rails. A 6-foot fence needs three rails: bottom, middle, and top rail.2. Attach rails to posts with galvanized nails or screws. Pre-drilling pilot holes helps prevent wood splitting.
Make sure the top rail is level across all posts.
For extra strength, consider attaching rails with metal wires or brackets in addition to nails.
3. First Layer of Vertical Boards
Now it’s time to start the fence’s overlapping pattern.
Start at one end of your fence line with the first picket.
Make sure this board is perfect vertical with a level before securing.
Attach the board to each horizontal rail with two galvanized nails or screws per rail.
Continue installing the first layer of boards, about 1½-inch gaps between them.
Use a spacer block to keep the gaps consistent.
4. Second Layer of Boards
The second layer creates the overlapping pattern for maximum privacy.
Install narrower boards (4 inches wide) centered over the gaps in the first layer.
Make sure each board is level before attaching.
Secure each board with galvanized fasteners through all horizontal rails.
Continue until all pickets are installed.
5. Applying The Final Touches
Cut any boards that go above your desired fence height with a circular saw.
Add post caps to the post tops to protect from moisture and aesthetics.
Apply a finish such as stain or sealant to enhance durability and appearance.
Save The Headache and Hire A Dallas Based Board on Board Fence Installation Professional
A board on board fence installation is an amazing choice for many homeowners in the greater DFW area but it is also an extremely time consuming project that can lead to multiple headaches if not done correctly.
At Texas State Fence, we take the guess work and headache away from you by applying the experience we have by doing thousands of fence installations for our happy clients since 2008. Give us a call today and we will get you a hassle-free quote for your board on board fence installation.
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