Roofing & Exterior
Horizontal Fences That Stay Flat, Not Wavy
The clean modern look done right for Northwest ground — heavier framing, tighter post spacing, and board grades chosen so the long horizontal runs don't cup, sag, or bow after the first wet-dry year.
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Signs to watch
Is this you?
You want the modern horizontal look
Horizontal boards read clean and contemporary, but the style is less forgiving than pickets — every bow and gap shows across the long run, so how it's framed matters more, not less.
You've seen horizontal fences go wavy
Long horizontal boards want to cup and sag between posts. It's almost always under-built framing or posts set too far apart — a spacing and grade problem, not bad luck.
Your lot slopes
Horizontal boards can't follow a slope the way pickets step down. The line has to be racked or stepped deliberately, and getting that layout right up front is what keeps it looking intentional.
You want privacy with a designed edge
Tight board spacing gives real privacy; a small reveal gives a lighter, slatted look. The gap you choose changes the whole feel — and how much it screens once the wood shrinks.
Your options
Framing and spacing built for the long horizontal run
We build horizontal fences in western red cedar for its natural rot resistance, and in composite where you want zero maintenance and a dead-flat board that never cups. Because horizontal boards span between posts instead of hanging off rails, the framing carries more load — so we set posts closer together, use heavier posts and blocking, and pick board grades that resist bowing across the run. You choose the spacing, from tight full-privacy to a slatted reveal, and the grade, and we're honest about what each buys you. Underneath it all sits the part that actually matters: ground-contact-rated posts set in concrete over a gravel base so water drains away, and hot-dipped or coated hardware that won't bleed rust streaks down the boards. We'll also lay out staining so you know what keeps the tone versus letting it silver.
The method
How we do it
- 01
Layout, line, and utility locate
We confirm the property line, plan the post spacing and how the run handles any slope, pull any permit the city requires, and call in a utility locate before a single post hole — what's underground is ours to sort out, not yours.
- 02
Heavier posts set to drain
Posts set closer than a standard fence, below frost line, on a gravel base so water moves away from the wood, and concrete plumbed true — the extra framing is what keeps horizontal boards from waving between posts.
- 03
Boards, reveal, and walkthrough
Graded boards hung to your chosen spacing with a consistent reveal, gates hung to swing true and latch clean, then a walk of the whole line together. Most residential runs: 2–5 days.
Straight numbers
Horizontal fence pricing
Horizontal fencing generally runs a step above standard vertical cedar, because it takes more posts, heavier framing, and higher board grades to stay flat across the run — length, height, board choice, slope, and gates move the number. Composite horizontal costs more up front and gives it back in maintenance. Posts, drainage, gates, and haul-off of the old fence are in the quote, not add-ons — we price the whole line before any wood is cut.
Where we do this work
Horizontal Fences: straight answers
Why do horizontal fences sag or go wavy?
Because the boards span between posts instead of hanging off vertical rails, so any weakness in the framing shows. Posts set too far apart, undersized boards, or a low grade will bow across the long run. We set posts closer, use heavier framing, and pick grades that hold flat — the spacing is the whole game.
Can I build a horizontal fence on a slope?
Yes, but it takes planning. Horizontal boards can't follow the ground the way stepped pickets do, so a slope is handled by racking the boards to the grade or stepping the sections deliberately. We lay that out before we dig so the finished line looks intentional, not accidental.
Cedar or composite for horizontal boards?
Cedar for the warm natural look and lower up-front cost; composite where you want a board that never cups or checks and no maintenance. Composite's dead-flat consistency actually suits the horizontal style well — but it costs more up front. We'll price both against your yard and let you decide.
How much privacy do I get with horizontal boards?
As much as you want — tight board-to-board spacing closes the sightlines for full privacy, while a deliberate reveal gives a lighter slatted look that screens less. Remember wood shrinks as it dries, so we account for that movement in the spacing so a privacy fence stays private.
Get the horizontal fences conversation started.
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