When it comes to your home’s exterior, a wood fence doesn’t just mark property lines—it makes a statement. And in Dallas–Fort Worth, where properties span from charming cottages in Oak Cliff to modern builds in Frisco, a custom wood fence can elevate your curb appeal, enhance privacy, and last for years when done right.
This guide covers everything from choosing the right style to adding color and decorative features—plus, we’ll break down durability for each fence type, so your investment stands strong in the Texas heat, wind, and weather swings.
Popular Styles of Wood Fences for Your Home (With Durability Breakdown)
1. Board-on-Board Privacy Fence
What does it look like: Vertical boards are attached on both sides of the fence rails in an overlapping pattern, offering complete privacy from both angles.
Best For: Backyards, pool areas, and homes in close proximity to neighbors.
If you’re after maximum privacy, you can’t go wrong with a board-on-board fence. The overlapping design not only keeps nosy neighbors from peeking through but also looks polished from both sides—which is great if you’re in a neighborhood with HOA rules or shared property lines.
These fences tend to hold up really well in Texas weather, especially when built with cedar. Cedar naturally resists pests and decay, and when it’s sealed properly, it can last for decades.
Since the boards overlap, they’re also better at handling high winds—no rattling or warping here. Just make sure you stay on top of maintenance: a good stain every few years and the occasional rinse keeps it looking sharp and protected from moisture.
This is your ideal for privacy-focused homeowners who want durability and a polished look from both sides.
2. Horizontal Slat Fence
What does it look like: Wide horizontal boards stacked with small gaps, offering a modern and sleek appearance.
Best For: Modern homes in Plano, Frisco, and Uptown Dallas where design and curb appeal matter.
Want a modern, eye-catching design? Horizontal fences are sleek, simple, and trending hard—especially around newer builds in places like Frisco and Prosper. They make your yard look bigger by drawing the eye across the space, and they can be customized with wide or narrow slats, gaps between boards, or clean framing.
Now, because the boards run horizontally, they can trap moisture if not sealed right, so choosing a durable wood like cedar is key. Pine works too, but it needs to be pressure-treated and well maintained.
These fences are easy to clean with a hose and a brush—just keep an eye on the framing, because the horizontal layout needs strong support to avoid sagging over time.
If you want sleek and contemporary, and quality materials with expert installation, and that will last in North Texas storms, this is your go to.
3. Shadowbox Fence
What does it look like: Boards are alternated on each side of the horizontal rails, creating a semi-private look with airflow and shadowing.
Best For: Homeowners who want airflow and a good-looking fence on both sides.
If you want something a little more open but still semi-private, a shadowbox fence is a great in-between. The boards alternate on either side of the rails, which means you get airflow and a more dimensional look—perfect if your backyard catches a good breeze (which happens a lot around Arlington and Grand Prairie).
These fences are usually built with cedar or treated pine and do a solid job resisting pests and decay, especially when sealed right.
Because of the alternating pattern, they’re less likely to get knocked around in storms and won’t trap moisture like solid fences sometimes do. Just know they take a bit more effort to clean since dirt can settle between the boards.
Balanced between privacy and airflow, these are perfect for warm Dallas summers with occasional strong winds.
4. Picket Fence
What does it look like: Short, evenly spaced vertical slats, usually used in front yards or garden areas.
Best For: Decorative front yards, especially in neighborhoods like Highland Park or Lakewood.
There’s something timeless about a good ol’ picket fence. Whether it’s lining your front yard, enclosing a flower garden, or wrapping a pool, picket fences bring charm and curb appeal in a way few others can.
They’re usually shorter and spaced out, which means they don’t block wind or trap moisture, but because of all the individual pickets, there’s more surface area to care for. Cedar or pressure-treated pine are solid choices, and staining or painting them regularly helps prevent rot—especially near the base, where lawn sprinklers tend to splash.
These fences are easy to wash down and great for neighborhoods with strict design standards, like Highland Park or Southlake.
5. Lattice-Top Fence
What does it look like: Solid fence base with an open lattice pattern at the top. Offers privacy with added decorative flair.
Best For: Stylish privacy in backyards, around patios, or to top existing fences.
Want a fence that feels a little more upscale? A lattice-top fence gives you complete privacy at the bottom with a decorative touch up top. It’s a nice compromise if you want something secure but don’t want to feel too boxed in.
These fences work beautifully with climbing vines or string lights, and the lattice design adds texture without blocking out all the sunlight.
Durability-wise, the lattice section can be a bit more delicate than solid boards, so you’ll want to use a quality wood (like cedar) and keep it sealed. It’s best to avoid dense vines or placing it too close to sprinklers, since moisture can weaken the smaller slats over time.
A gentle rinse now and then keeps everything clean, and a fresh coat of sealant every few years keeps it strong and beautiful.
Tips for Creating a Unique and Stylish Wood Fence
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel—just upgrade it. M&C Fence DFW give your fence a custom, head-turning look.
- Switch up board sizes or orientations (e.g., wide and narrow boards alternating, or combining vertical and horizontal).
- Choose a contrasting trim color to frame each panel.
- Use decorative top rails, cap rails, or post skirts to add visual interest.
- Blend materials—try wood slats with a metal frame for a modern industrial vibe.
How to Incorporate Decorative Elements into Your Wood Fence
There are just a few fence add-ons that bring both beauty and functionality to your property.
- Post caps
- Choose copper, solar, or wood pyramid caps to add character and protect post tops from moisture.
- Trim & Molding
- Clean borders make your fence look intentional and professional.
- Trellis sections
- Perfect for climbing vines like jasmine or honeysuckle.
- Cutouts or view panels
- Custom shapes or framed gaps give a peek-through effect without sacrificing security.
Using Color to Enhance Your Wood Fence Design
Whether you want your fence to blend in or stand out, color plays a big role.
- Natural stain
- Highlights wood grain while offering a warm, organic look.
- Dark stain or black paint
- Hides dirt, offers bold contrast, and pairs well with greenery.
- White or pastel paint
- Classic and clean. This is especially great for front yards or coastal-style homes.
- Two-tone
- Use one color for slats and another for trim or posts for a sharp, custom look.
In DFW, we recommend UV-resistant stains or paints to combat our intense sun and extend the life of your fence color.
Creative Ways to Incorporate Gates and Arbors into Your Wood Fence
Don’t treat your gate like an afterthought. Turn it into a statement and an investment!
Gates:
- Add decorative hinges, handles, or scrollwork.
- Use arch-top gates for charm or square-top for modern flair.
- Use a steel frame hidden behind wood planks to prevent warping or sagging in the Dallas heat.
Arbors:
- Install an arbor over your gate and train vines like star jasmine, grapes, or climbing roses.
- Use string lights or lanterns for nighttime curb appeal.
- Frame garden paths or patios with matching arbors to create flow throughout your outdoor space.
Build It Your Way, Make It Last
A custom wood fence is more than a boundary; it’s part of your home’s identity. The right style, color, and materials can improve your curb appeal, boost resale value, and stand strong through the unpredictable Texas weather.
At MC Fence DFW, we know the North Texas climate and what it takes to build a fence that’s both stylish and long-lasting. We’ll help you choose the right wood, style, and finishes so your fence looks great and performs even better—year after year.
