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Wood Fence Installation - Shadowbox Fence Style
Shadowbox Fence Style
A shadowbox wood fence, often regarded for its aesthetic appeal and privacy features, is constructed with an alternating pattern of fence boards. This design allows for a somewhat transparent barrier, which offers privacy while still permitting light and air to pass through. Here’s a more detailed explanation of its structure and benefits:
Structure
Alternating Boards: The fence is made by placing boards side by side with slight gaps between them on both sides of the central supporting rails. These boards alternate on either side of the rails, creating a pattern that blocks direct sight through the fence while maintaining some level of permeability.
Support Rails: Horizontal rails are used to support the vertical boards. These rails are attached to fence posts that are anchored in the ground, providing the structural integrity of the fence.
Fence Posts: Typically made of the same material as the rest of the fence (wood), the posts are set into the ground at regular intervals. They provide the main support structure for the rails and boards.
Support Rails: Horizontal rails are used to support the vertical boards. These rails are attached to fence posts that are anchored in the ground, providing the structural integrity of the fence.
Fence Posts: Typically made of the same material as the rest of the fence (wood), the posts are set into the ground at regular intervals. They provide the main support structure for the rails and boards.
Picket Style & Size:
Shadowbox fence normally comes withe following two picket styles:
– Straight
– Dog-eared
1×4 Picket:
Nominal Size: 1 inch thick by 4 inches wide
Actual Size: Usually about 3/4 inch thick by 3 1/2 inches wide
Characteristics: These are slimmer and give a more delicate appearance. They are lighter, which can make them easier to work with. They also provide a classic look for fence designs.
Usage: Ideal for more traditional or decorative fences where a lighter and less obtrusive appearance is desired.
1×6 Picket:
Nominal Size: 1 inch thick by 6 inches wide
Actual Size: Usually about 3/4 inch thick by 5 1/2 inches wide
Characteristics: These pickets are wider, providing more coverage per board. This can be beneficial for privacy fences as fewer boards are needed to achieve the same level of privacy.
Usage: Suitable for more robust privacy fences. Their wider profile means they can also be more visually impactful and can make a fence appear sturdier.
– Straight
– Dog-eared
1×4 Picket:
Nominal Size: 1 inch thick by 4 inches wide
Actual Size: Usually about 3/4 inch thick by 3 1/2 inches wide
Characteristics: These are slimmer and give a more delicate appearance. They are lighter, which can make them easier to work with. They also provide a classic look for fence designs.
Usage: Ideal for more traditional or decorative fences where a lighter and less obtrusive appearance is desired.
1×6 Picket:
Nominal Size: 1 inch thick by 6 inches wide
Actual Size: Usually about 3/4 inch thick by 5 1/2 inches wide
Characteristics: These pickets are wider, providing more coverage per board. This can be beneficial for privacy fences as fewer boards are needed to achieve the same level of privacy.
Usage: Suitable for more robust privacy fences. Their wider profile means they can also be more visually impactful and can make a fence appear sturdier.
Decorative Trims:
Cap Trim:
A cap trim is a horizontal piece that sits atop the fence, covering the tops of the vertical pickets. It’s designed to protect the end grains of the wood, which are most vulnerable to moisture and decay. It often has a slight slope to shed water and prevent it from pooling.
Top Trim:
Top trim is a decorative element that runs along the top edge of the fence. It adds a finished look and can be designed in various shapes to complement the style of the fence and the property. It also covers the sharp edges and provides a degree of protection from the elements.
Bottom Trim:
The bottom trim, or “kickboard,“ is a piece of wood that runs along the bottom of the fence. This trim serves several purposes: it can prevent soil contact with the fence pickets, which helps to prevent rotting; it can also act as a barrier to prevent grass or weeds from growing up against the fence, and it provides a clean, finished look to the base of the fence.
A cap trim is a horizontal piece that sits atop the fence, covering the tops of the vertical pickets. It’s designed to protect the end grains of the wood, which are most vulnerable to moisture and decay. It often has a slight slope to shed water and prevent it from pooling.
Top Trim:
Top trim is a decorative element that runs along the top edge of the fence. It adds a finished look and can be designed in various shapes to complement the style of the fence and the property. It also covers the sharp edges and provides a degree of protection from the elements.
Bottom Trim:
The bottom trim, or “kickboard,“ is a piece of wood that runs along the bottom of the fence. This trim serves several purposes: it can prevent soil contact with the fence pickets, which helps to prevent rotting; it can also act as a barrier to prevent grass or weeds from growing up against the fence, and it provides a clean, finished look to the base of the fence.
Scalloped or Dipped
Scalloped refers to a decorative, curved design along the top of the fence, where the top trim forms a concave pattern between the posts. The scallops can be shallow or deep, depending on your preference, with deep scallops offering a more pronounced wave shape. This can create a more open, inviting look compared to a straight line.
Deep design refers to a significant depth in the scalloped pattern or it might refer to a different type of design where the cut of the top trim is more dramatic or the wood is thicker, giving the fence a more robust appearance.
Deep design refers to a significant depth in the scalloped pattern or it might refer to a different type of design where the cut of the top trim is more dramatic or the wood is thicker, giving the fence a more robust appearance.
Post Type
4×4 Post:
Nominal Size: 4 inches by 4 inches
Actual Size: About 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches
Use: These are commonly used for residential fences and are considered sufficiently strong for most types of fencing, including privacy fences up to a certain height.
Appearance: They are less bulky and can appear more proportionate for smaller fences or where a lighter aesthetic is desired.
Installation: Easier to handle and install due to their lighter weight.
Cost: Generally less expensive than larger posts because they use less material.
6×6 Post:
Nominal Size: 6 inches by 6 inches
Actual Size: About 5.5 inches by 5.5 inches
Use: These are used for larger, more robust structures like privacy fences, pergolas, and decks, especially where a heftier look is desired or extra support is needed, such as for taller fences or in high-wind areas.
Appearance: They provide a more substantial and sturdier look to the structure.
Installation: Heavier and more difficult to work with, which may make the installation process more labor-intensive.
Cost: More expensive due to the increased amount of wood material.
Nominal Size: 4 inches by 4 inches
Actual Size: About 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches
Use: These are commonly used for residential fences and are considered sufficiently strong for most types of fencing, including privacy fences up to a certain height.
Appearance: They are less bulky and can appear more proportionate for smaller fences or where a lighter aesthetic is desired.
Installation: Easier to handle and install due to their lighter weight.
Cost: Generally less expensive than larger posts because they use less material.
6×6 Post:
Nominal Size: 6 inches by 6 inches
Actual Size: About 5.5 inches by 5.5 inches
Use: These are used for larger, more robust structures like privacy fences, pergolas, and decks, especially where a heftier look is desired or extra support is needed, such as for taller fences or in high-wind areas.
Appearance: They provide a more substantial and sturdier look to the structure.
Installation: Heavier and more difficult to work with, which may make the installation process more labor-intensive.
Cost: More expensive due to the increased amount of wood material.
Gothic:
A Gothic post refers to a specific style of fence post characterized by its pointed or spear-shaped top, which resembles architectural elements commonly found in Gothic architecture. This design feature adds a decorative, historical, or elegant touch to fencing projects, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal. A Gothic post is typically carved or shaped to form a distinct point at its top, giving it a classic, somewhat medieval look.
A Gothic post refers to a specific style of fence post characterized by its pointed or spear-shaped top, which resembles architectural elements commonly found in Gothic architecture. This design feature adds a decorative, historical, or elegant touch to fencing projects, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal. A Gothic post is typically carved or shaped to form a distinct point at its top, giving it a classic, somewhat medieval look.
Post Caps
A post cap is a decorative element placed on top of a fence Post. Apart from adding a stylistic touch, post caps serve several important functions:
Protection: Most importantly, they help protect the end grain of the post from the elements. The top of a post is particularly vulnerable to rain, snow, and ice, which can seep into the wood grain, causing rot and decay. By covering the top, a post cap prevents water from penetrating the wood.
Durability: By keeping the post dry, the cap extends the life of the post. This is especially crucial for wooden posts, which are prone to rotting.
Design Variety: Post caps come in various designs and materials, including wood, vinyl, copper, stainless steel, and solar-powered lighted caps.
Protection: Most importantly, they help protect the end grain of the post from the elements. The top of a post is particularly vulnerable to rain, snow, and ice, which can seep into the wood grain, causing rot and decay. By covering the top, a post cap prevents water from penetrating the wood.
Durability: By keeping the post dry, the cap extends the life of the post. This is especially crucial for wooden posts, which are prone to rotting.
Design Variety: Post caps come in various designs and materials, including wood, vinyl, copper, stainless steel, and solar-powered lighted caps.
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Super Fabrications
Super Fabrications delivering high-quality design and installation services for fences (aluminum fence vinyl fence, chain-link, wood fence), railings, and stairs. With a commitment to excellence and professionalism, we ensure every project reflects our dedication to durability, aesthetics, and customer satisfaction.