No that's not the issue, we would just use the existing fenceboards and put them on the other side. They could then upgrade their side of the fence whenever they get around to it.

I just have no idea if this works or not because I've never built a fence.

If it doesn't really work then I guess that would explain why all the fences in my neighborhood are vertical because you wouldn't be able to install a horizontal one without getting every neighbor on the block to change their fences too.

How are you going to weed between the two sets of fenceboards?

I am not sure but perhaps I could lay concrete between them

Vertical slat/picket placement is just very traditional....that's why you see so much of it. But horizontal slatting offers a much more contemporary look and many new fences are being constructed in this manner.

If it is a shared fence - on the property line, slats alternating sides (a 'good neighbor' fence) - then you should consider your neighbor's feelings/opinions. If it is not a shared fence (all on your property - neighbors do not contribute to cost or upkeep), then you are free to do whatever you like. If the neighbors don't like it, they can build their own fence on their property to obscure yours!

But to answer your question, yes you can just give your neighbor all the vertical slats and let them do their thing. The stringers should remain in place, as they typically are centered on the uprights. You will just need to coordinate heights :-)

If the good side is facing you, it is likely not your fence. It is traditional (in fact required in my town) to face the good side to the street and to a neighbor. But even if that’s not the case, what you are proposing seems to be a sure way to make enemies on every front. Are you sure this is worth it? How about a vine??

I would question that assumption about outward facing fence being traditional. I think that may be a very regional convention. Here, shared fences (located on the property line) are almost always "good neighbor" fences (if not chain link), so they look exactly the same on both sides. And both sets of homeowners are equally responsible for the cost, maintenance and any repairs.

If the fence is located firmly within your property line, then the design of the fence and all associated costs and responsibilities are yours.

btw, there is such a thing as double sided fencing as well. Kind takes the "good neighbor" concept to the extreme :-)

If you live in a region where you get plenty of rain, there was a practical reason vertical works best. Horizontal boards were open to rot since water couldn't run down in the direction of the grain. If you do go horizontal you might need to overlap the boards, clinker fashion, and put on a capping strip at the top. I can sympathise with your neighbours not wanting one horizontal fence when the others are vertical. It would really mess up the look of their garden.

The convention here is also that the posts and horizontal members go on the owners side. If ownership is uncertain that's how it's decided who's fence it is.

Hi Calumin, I know this answer is a little late but I do believe you would be able to a vertical oriented fence on your neighbors side and a horizontal fence on your side. If the existing posts are strong, install rails in between posts to connect their vertical planks to and then install your horizontal planks to the posts on your side. Finish with a wide rail to cap the top of the fence and you should be good to go.

Hi Mike. Loved your solution. I want to do something similar to the fence I share with my neighbours. There are large, square 3.5" x 3.5" posts which are 8 feet apart (from the center of each post). Fence is made of treated wood. The posts are all on my side only. My neighbour has a nice flat fence with only boards showing. I have posts and the boards are inset on the far side of the posts. Do you think I could just horizontal boards and attach them to the posts?!

Nikkayuko, did you figure out if what you want to do is possible? My neighbor across the back side of our lot wants to put up a silver corrugated metal fence with wood fence posts about 8 feet apart, and I'm wondering if we could attach horizontal boards to the posts so it would look like a horizontal wood fence from our side. I'm going to have my fence guy meet with their contractor to see if it can be done. Otherwise we will just put up a wood fence on our side so that we can't see the metal. We need a new fence anyway, not excited about a metal one, though.

If we do a separate fence, I'm hoping we can get them close enough together, basically right against each other, so that we don't have to worry about weeds growing up between them.

I didn’t here back from the contact on Houzz. Thinking of doing the same as you- contacting a local fence company and asking them. If I find out, I’ll save this thread and let you know! I’m actually now thinking that painting (upkeep) might be easier if it’s possible. I could just spray the paint, without having to worry about bleeding over to the neighbour’s yard!

The gap between the two fences can become homes for vermin. Our municipality doesn't allow back to back fences for this reason.

Hmm. Good to check out. Thanks.

Vertical fencing is a better option if you have varying levels/grade of surface in the yard. Horizonal works best with even surfaces. I would survey the land and be sure it is all even enough to pull off a horizonal fence.

When it comes to the neighbors, if they want to pitch in 50/50 on a shared property line then they can have a say in what they want on their side - If they don't pitch in, then they can be quiet and be happy they are even getting any kind of updated fencing they will benefit for FREE.

I just purchased a home and they newly installed dogear vertical wood fencing all around the back and side yard. Because it is brand new fencing and the post are 8 feet apart, I plan to just lay horizonal boards over the vertical boards and paint it all. If this was an older fence or the posts were further apart, I would have more install work. Lucky for me it's a new fence.

Happy project starting! :)