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Board-on-Board Fences in Allen, TX
Two layers of pickets, the second covering the joints of the first. When the wood shrinks in August, there is still a board behind every gap.
How It Differs From a Standard Privacy Fence
| Side-by-side | Board-on-board | |
|---|---|---|
| Pickets | One layer, edge to edge | Two layers, overlapping |
| Gaps after drying | Narrow gaps appear | Covered by the second layer |
| Lumber per foot | Less | More, because of the overlap |
| Weight on posts and rails | Lighter | Heavier |
| Look | Flat face | Stepped face with shadow lines |
The extra weight and the extra wind load of a solid face are the reasons post and rail quality matter more on this style. The City of Allen’s guideline already calls for metal posts 18 inches deep in concrete; ask the contractor whether they go deeper or closer together for board-on-board at 8 feet.
City of Allen, Residential Fence Guideline, dated June 2026, read October 5, 2026.
Cap, Trim and the Finished Top
Board-on-board is often finished with a flat cap board across the top and a trim strip under it. The cap covers the picket ends, where water soaks in fastest, and gives the fence a straight top line.
Because the top is one continuous line, a single post that moves is easier to see on this fence than on a dog-eared one. That is another reason to care about the posts.
Is It Worth the Extra?
It is a matter of what you want from the fence.
- If the yard backs onto a busy street, a walking trail or a neighbor’s patio, full privacy all year may be worth it.
- If the fence mostly separates two quiet backyards, side-by-side cedar does the same job for less.
- If the fence is shared, the neighbor is paying for part of the upgrade or you are covering the difference. Settle that first. Shared fences in Texas.
You can also mix: board-on-board on the side that needs it and side-by-side on the rest, if your association allows two styles.
Questions About Board-on-Board Fence
How much more does board-on-board cost?
This site has no sourced price difference for Allen. It uses more pickets per foot, so ask for both styles priced on the same quote.
Does board-on-board look the same from both sides?
Not exactly. One side shows the rails unless the fence is built with pickets on both faces. Ask the contractor to describe each side.
Can a board-on-board fence be repaired a few boards at a time?
Yes. Individual pickets in either layer can be replaced. Matching the color takes time or stain.
Can it be 8 feet tall in Allen?
The city’s guideline allows fences up to 8 feet in back and side yards.
Have Both Styles Priced Side by Side
Same length, same posts, two picket layouts. A fence contractor can show you the difference in dollars.
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