About Spaced Board Style Fencing

  • Written by Doityourself Staff
    on Sep 14, 2011
    To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.
    Reviewed by
    Caleb Mayo
    on Nov 10, 2020
spaced board wood fence corner

Spaced board fencing is primarily used in front or side yards where visibility is important. Spaced board fences mark boundaries, while their low, open design allows visibility through and over the fence. Designs with special topping or finishes make an attractive visual foreground with the house as the background.

The spaced board system consists of face boards, rails and posts.


Board Width:

actual 3 1/2", 4", 5 1/2", 6"
nominal 4", 4", 6", 6"
Board Thickness:

5/8", 11/16", 3/4" actual - nominal or stated size 1"
Board Height:

4', 5'
Board Topping:

Flat, Dog Ear, French Gothic, Gothic
Board Grade:

Premium, Select, Standard and Better, Standard
Board Surface:

Rough, Smooth Four Sides, Smooth One Face 2 Edges - (one face rough)
Rail Width:

actual 3 1/2", 3 3/4" - nominal or stated size 4"
actual 2 1/2" - nominal or stated size 3"
Rail Thickness:

actual 1 1/2", 1 3/4" - nominal or stated size 2"
Rail Length:

actual 8', 10'
Rail Grade:

Standard and Better, #2
Rail Surface:

Rough, Smooth Four Sides
Post Width:

actual 3 1/2", 3 3/4" - nominal or stated size 4"
Post Thickness:

actual 3 1/2", 3 3/4" - nominal or stated size 4"
Post Height:

6', 7', 8'
Post Toppings:

Flat, Beveled, French Gothic, Gothic, Post Caps in a variety of styles
Post Grade:

Standard and Better, #2
Post Surface:

Rough, Surfaced Four Sides
Designs:

Spaced Board
Arched Spaced Board
Scalloped Spaced Board