VERTICAL FENCE STYLES
A vertical wood fence is one of the most popular fence styles in Austin, TX because it combines timeless curb appeal with privacy. Built with upright boards that can be customized in height, spacing, and finish, this classic design can complement any landscape.
There are a handful of go-to vertical fence styles, and each one comes with upgrade options, like trim details, post choices, you name it. To keep things simple, we’ve pulled together the most common styles and the different ways they can be done. Just choose the one that catches your eye to jump to that section.
Vertical privacy fence
Vertical semi-privacy
Vertical shadow box
Vertical board-on-board
Vertical semi-privacy top
vertical fence gallery
With Paragon Fence and Outdoor, you’re in great hands. Our vertical fence gallery features real projects (no AI images here) personally managed by Paragon’s owner — including pre-Paragon projects.
vertical privacy fence
A vertical wood privacy fence is the classic for a reason — upright pickets set tight together, supported by horizontal rails and sturdy posts.
A 2×6 cedar cap and trim adds a polished top line and frames the fence so it looks more intentional. If you want something with extra structure and architectural feel, a 2×6 cap and trim with cedar-framed sections gives each panel its own “picture frame,” or a 2×6 cap and trim with steel-framed sections pairs all that warm cedar with a rigid steel frame.
You’ll find a few renderings of these styles just below, so you can get a feel for how each one looks.
Essential materials: Includes 5/8”×6" Japanese cedar pickets, treated pine posts, and basic hardware
Our standard: Includes 5/8”×6" Western Red Cedar pickets, steel posts, and high-quality hardware
Premium materials: Thicker, 3/4”×6” Western Red Cedar pickets, steel posts, premium hardware
Upgrade option: Includes a 2x6 cedar cap with trim for a more finished look
Upgrade option: Includes cedar cap and trim, and framed with cedar trim on the sides
Upgrade option: Cedar cap and trim, and framed with black or galvanized 3" steel posts
vertical semi-privacy fence
A vertical semi-privacy fence gives you that nice balance — enough coverage to feel comfortable, but spaced just right to let the breeze roll through.
A 2×6 cedar cap and trim adds a crisp, finished top line, while steel-framed sections give each panel a sturdy backbone. If you want something a bit more modern, you can fine-tune the look with 3” or 4” pickets, depending on how open you want it.
You’ll find a few renderings below to help you picture the options.
Essential materials: Includes 5/8”×6" Japanese cedar pickets, treated pine posts, and basic hardware
Our standard: Includes 5/8”×6" Western Red Cedar pickets, steel posts, and high-quality hardware
Premium materials: Thicker, 3/4”×6” Western Red Cedar pickets, steel posts, and top-of-the-line hardware
Upgrade option: Includes a 2x6 cedar cap with trim underneath for a more finished look
Upgrade option: Includes cedar cap and trim, and framed with black or galvanized 3" steel posts
vertical board-on-board
A vertical board-on-board fence is the go-to when you want true, consistent privacy — overlapping pickets that close up those gaps even when the wood dries out.
A 2×6 cedar cap and trim adds a strong, finished top line. If you want each panel to feel more defined, a cedar cap and trim with cedar-framed sections creates a picture-frame look that tightens everything up visually. Or, a cedar cap and trim with steel-framed sections pairs warm cedar with a rigid steel backbone.
You’ll see renderings of each style below so you can get a feel for the differences.
Essential materials: Includes 5/8”×6" Japanese cedar pickets, treated pine posts, and basic hardware
Our standard: Includes 5/8”×6" Western Red Cedar pickets, steel posts, and high-quality hardware
Premium: Thicker, 3/4”×6” Western Red Cedar pickets, steel posts, and top-of-the-line hardware
Upgrade option: Includes a 2x6 cedar cap with trim underneath for a more finished look
Upgrade option: Includes cedar cap and trim, and framed with black or galvanized 3" steel posts
vertical shadow box
A vertical shadow box fence is that sweet blend of privacy and semi-privacy. Because the pickets alternate, you get a fence that lets light through, adds a little visual depth, and doesn’t feel as closed-off as a solid panel.
If you want to give it a more finished look, we recommend a 2×6 cedar cap and trim to cleans up the top line and tie the whole design together.
You’ll find a rendering of this upgrade option below so you can see how it comes together.
Essential materials: Includes 5/8”×6" Japanese cedar pickets, treated pine posts, and basic hardware
Our standard: Includes 5/8”×6" Western Red Cedar pickets, steel posts, and high-quality hardware
Premium: Thicker, 3/4”×6” Western Red Cedar pickets, steel posts, and top-of-the-line hardware
Upgrade option: Includes a 2x6 cedar cap with trim underneath for a more finished look
Upgrade option: Includes cedar cap and trim, and framed with black or galvanized 3" steel posts
vertical semi-privacy top
A vertical semi-privacy fence is a nice way to mark off your yard without losing that open, backyard feel. The gaps between the pickets break up the view just enough while still letting in sunlight and giving the fence a lighter look overall.
If you want the top to look a little more refined, a 2×6 cedar cap and trim does the trick. It adds a solid, finished edge that up levels the whole fence without taking away from its laid-back vibe.
You’ll find a rendering of this option below so you can see how it all comes together visually.
Upgrade option: Includes a 2x6 cedar cap along the top and framed with cedar trim on both sides
Fence pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different materials carry different price tags, upgrade options are plentiful, and labor shifts depending on the layout, terrain, and how much we’re building. But in simple terms, your total cost comes down to three things: how many feet of fence you need, the quality of materials you choose, and the style you’re after.
To give you a ballpark, here’s what most folks can expect. These prices are based on a minimum of 200 feet of 6’ vertical fence and don’t include fence removal, upgraded style options, or gates. Our essential materials are a great option when you “just need a fence,” but keep in mind that many HOA’s require higher grades of wood. For a sturdier, longer lasting fence, we always recommend our standard or premium options.
how much does a vertical wood fence cost?
Essential materials
$29-38
per ft.
4×4 treated pine posts
2×4 treated pine rails
5/8”×6 Japanese cedar pickets
Exterior-grade screws
Stainless steel nails
Our standard
$39-50
per ft.
Galvanized steel posts
2×4 treated pine rails
5/8”×6” Western Red Cedar pickets
Exterior-grade screws
Stainless steel nails
Premium materials
$47-60
per ft.
Galvanized steel posts
2×4 treated pine rails
3/4”×6” Western Red Cedar pickets
Exterior-grade screws
Stainless steel nails