Horizontal Slat Fence Installation
Modern horizontal cedar on black steel posts, the clean architectural look, engineered so long boards don't sag between posts.
Overview
Horizontal fences have become the signature look of newer homes from Frisco to Richardson: long cedar boards running between slim black steel posts, with a gap you choose for more or less privacy. Done well, they look custom. Done cheaply, the boards cup and sag within a couple of summers.
The difference is in the spans and the fasteners. We keep post spacing tighter than on a vertical fence, use thicker boards on longer runs, and hide a steel channel along the top so the boards can't bow. Every board is screwed, not nailed, so it can move with the seasons without working loose.
Styles and options
What's included
- Texas811 utility locate
- Black powder-coated steel posts set in concrete
- Smooth-face cedar boards, gap-spaced with spacer blocks
- Concealed top channel to keep boards straight
- Stainless or coated screws on every board
- Cleanup and walk-through
Specifications
- Heights
- 4'-0" to 8'-0"
- Boards
- 1x6 cedar; 5/4x6 on spans over 6'-0"
- Posts
- 2x2 or 2x4 steel, black powder coat
- Post spacing
- 6'-0" typical
- Board gap
- 3/8" to 1-1/2"
- Fasteners
- Stainless steel screws
What affects your estimate
- Linear footageThe main driver, as with any fence.
- HeightEvery extra foot adds a full set of boards.
- Board gapTighter gaps mean more boards per foot.
- Board thicknessThicker boards for longer spans cost more but stay straight.
- Post finishBlack powder coat is standard; other colors are available.
- StainHorizontal cedar looks best sealed from day one.
Common questions
Do horizontal fences sag?
They can if posts are too far apart or boards too thin. We keep spans around six feet, upgrade to thicker boards on longer runs, and add a top channel so the boards can't bow.
Will my HOA allow a horizontal fence?
More are allowing them, especially in newer neighborhoods, but many still require vertical pickets on perimeter fences. We can supply drawings and specs for your HOA application.
Are horizontal fences easy to climb?
The boards act like a ladder, so they are not a good pool barrier. For pools we recommend ornamental steel or aluminum.
Can you build a screen for AC units or pool equipment?
Yes, short freestanding screens are a common small project, and we often add one to a fence job.
Often paired with
Let's walk your property line.
Tell us about the project and we'll schedule a visit. You'll get an itemized written estimate, with no prices guessed online and no pressure.