What Is A Shadow Box Fence?

A shadow box fence is a structure similar to a regular picket fence. This type of construction is a privacy fence variation with a unique design to cast a shadow, allow ventilation, and provide other benefits.

Wood is the preferred material for shadow box fence installation because it’s lightweight and affordable. Composite and vinyl are other usual materials employed to create shadow box fences.

Each type of shadow fence has advantages and disadvantages that you should know. Stick around to learn more about this fence and how it could enhance your home!

Understanding What Is Shadow Box Fence — A Complete Breakdown

Shadow box fences have vertical boards fastened in intervals. One fence board is attached to the front of the rail, and the following is on the back side of the rail. The structure can be between four and eight feet tall, but the average height is six feet.

What Is a Shadow Box Fence Made of?

Wood, vinyl, and aluminum are the preferred materials to build shadow box fences. Choosing the ideal material will depend on different factors, like the backyard style and your preferences. The following are the benefits of each material.

Shadow Box Fence Materials Comparison

• Wood Shadow Box Fence Panels
  Using shadow box fence panels made of wood is less expensive. Additionally, this material is often more accessible and looks more natural than vinyl. Different types of wood are also available, allowing you to choose from hardwood, redwood, cedar, spruce, pine, and more. The downside of wood is that it requires more maintenance. You must paint, stain, and refinish the structure to guarantee its good condition. Otherwise, the shadow box fence panels will lose their aesthetic value and may be affected by rotten wood or fungi.
• Vinyl Shadow Box Fences
  A vinyl shadow box fence does not require maintenance. Therefore, you won’t spend considerable time cleaning or bothering your neighbors to care for double-sided wood fence panels on the other end. Likewise, fences built with this material last longer than wooden shadow box fences. This material is more expensive than wood and doesn’t look as good. However, vinyl won’t require you to spend the same money or effort you would spend taking good care of a wood shadowbox fence.
• Aluminum Shadow Box Fences
  Using aluminum is a relatively new trend in shadow fencing. This material is sturdy, lightweight, and does not require maintenance. Many colors are available, and the panels come preassembled. So, building a shadow box fence with aluminum panels is easier and faster. One thing to consider is that aluminum is more inclined to commercial settings. As a result, the fence of a rural house won’t have the look of a vinyl or wood shadowbox fence.
• The Benefits of Shadow Box Fences
  This type of fence offers more benefits than just aesthetic value. For example:

1. Reduced Visibility from Outside
   A shadow fence will not block visibility from the outside entirely.
   Nonetheless, neighbors or unwanted eyes must get very close to peek through. Building a shadowbox fence can be helpful around pools or outdoor areas.
2. More Ventilation to Allow Air & Light
   A shadow privacy fence partially blocks the air and light entrance. The staggered shadow box fence panels leave slight gaps between the pickets.
   Double-sided wood fence panels allow air and light to flow in and out of the household perimeter. So, family members will enjoy warmer and cooler seasons.
3. Different Styles for Different Preferences
   This type of fence suits rural areas and more commercial locations. Plus, multiple styles like the shadow box dog ear fence or horizontal fence suit different households.

Types of Shadow Box Fences — Different Styles Explained

The following are some of the most popular shadow box fence styles for households. Let’s explain each one briefly.

Shadow Box Horizontal Fence

This type of structure has the boards attached horizontally instead of vertically. A shadow box horizontal fence looks modern and different from standard fencing.

Dog Ear Shadow Box Fence

This style has cut-out top corners on both sides, resembling folded dog ears. A dog ear shadow box fence features a hexagonal shape made with wood, vinyl, and other materials.

Shadow Box Privacy Fence

A shadow box privacy fence has vertical pickets attached following a staggered pattern. As a result, the gaps between the panels are less visible. This type of shadow privacy fence is also more stable and secure.

Shadow Box Fence vs. Privacy Fence — Are They the Same?

Since they’re similar, it’s often easy to compare a shadow box fence to a privacy fence and believe they’re the same. However, the structures are different.
Privacy fences have pickets fastened close to each other, blocking visibility inside and outside.

On the other hand, a shadow box fence features small spaces between the boards, making it a semi-private fence style.

One thing to consider is that you can build a shadowbox privacy fence with less visibility by making the overlap between 1 and 1 1/2 inches narrower.

Installing taller posts is another potential solution if you value your privacy.

Shadow Box Fence vs. Standard Privacy Fence

How to Build a Shadow Box Fence — Things to Consider

You can build a shadow box fence by yourself or hire a professional.

If you prefer doing the work yourself, you need sharp attention to detail and good carpentry knowledge. You must also consider many factors, and a guide on how to build a shadow box fence if you don’t have any experience. Here’s a preliminary list of everything you will need.

• Choose material from wood, vinyl, or aluminum.
• Evaluate the perimeter conditions.
• Study the soil to spot rocks, roots, and others.
• Determine how many gates you need.
• Pick a fence style between the shadow box dog ear fence, horizontal fence, etc.
• Create a plan to attach the pickets more closely if you prefer a shadow box privacy fence.
• Identify the proper fence height.
• Set a time from a couple of days to a week to complete the project.

Shadow Box Fence Price – How Much Is It?

The average shadow box fence price is between $3116 and $4000. This price range includes materials, labor costs, style, height, and coverage, among other elements. Alternatively, the shadow box fence price per linear foot is another factor to consider.

If you hire a professional, you can ask how much a shadow box fence costs per foot to get a more accurate quote, considering the household perimeter.

How Much Does a Shadow Box Fence Cost Per Foot?

The shadow box fence price per linear foot is between $10 and $40. This range includes materials and labor costs, but it will depend on the preferred fencing material. For example, installing shadow box wood fence panels is between $15 to $30 per linear foot.

Final Words

If you wonder what is a shadow box fence, all you have to do is look at the structure to understand its concept. This type of fence is simple but highly efficient. You don’t have to spend considerable money on a shadow box fence installation, and the benefits compensate for the investment.

Unlike other fences, shadow box wood fence panels are more convenient for multiple reasons. The household has better protection without blocking essential elements like air or sunlight. These reasons make it a valuable addition to any home that needs an extra external barrier.

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