Most people who call about a privacy fence have one of three reasons. A new dog. A new neighbor whose back deck looks straight into the yard. Or a home near a busy road where a solid fence cuts down the view and some of the noise. A wood privacy fence handles all three, and it is still the most common fence in Monroe backyards.
Wood privacy fence options in Monroe
A wood privacy fence is a solid fence, usually 6 feet tall, with boards set tight so you can't see through. Within that, there are a few common styles:
- Dog-ear. The classic look, with clipped corners on top of each board. Usually the most affordable.
- Flat top or capped. A top rail and cap board across the top for a cleaner, more finished look.
- Shadowbox. Boards alternate on each side of the rail. It looks good from both sides, which neighbors and some HOAs appreciate, and lets a little air through.
- Board-on-board. Overlapping boards so no gaps open up as the wood shrinks.
Most privacy fences use pressure-treated pine posts and rails, with pine or cedar boards. Some homeowners choose galvanized steel posts with wood boards for extra strength in wet clay.
The HOA and property line checklist
Before a single post is set, these should be in hand:
- HOA approval letter, if you have an HOA. Many Monroe subdivisions restrict height, style, which side of the fence faces out, and how far forward of the house it can go.
- Your survey or plat, so the fence goes where it belongs.
- NC811 utility marking, which is required before digging.
- Permit, if one is required for your project. The contractor usually checks and pulls it.
Ask for a written quote that includes a simple drawing you can submit with your HOA application.
How it gets built
- Mark the line and gate locations, and confirm utility flags are clear.
- Dig post holes deep enough for the soil, with gravel at the bottom for drainage.
- Set posts in concrete, shaped so water runs away from the wood.
- Hang rails, then boards, checking for straight lines and even height.
- Build and hang gates on heavier posts, with hardware sized for the gate.
- Walk the fence with you and clean up the site.
A typical backyard privacy fence takes one to three days of work.
Why posts matter more than boards in red clay
Red clay holds water after a storm and shrinks during dry stretches. A post that is set too shallow, or sits in a pocket of standing water, will start to lean within a few years. When one post leans, it pulls on the rails and boards next to it. That is why a good builder spends most of the attention on post depth, footing and drainage. The boards are the easy part.
What it costs
Wood is usually the most affordable way to get full privacy. The price depends on footage, height, style, wood type and site conditions. Gates are priced separately, depending on width and whether it is a single walk gate or a double drive gate. We don't publish prices because every lot is different. Your real price comes from a free on-site visit and a written quote. See the fence installation cost guide for what moves the price.
Signs a wood privacy fence is right for you
- You want full privacy and a solid visual barrier.
- You want a natural wood look and are fine with occasional staining or sealing.
- You want full privacy without the cost of vinyl.
- Your HOA allows wood fencing.
If you would rather never stain anything, look at vinyl fencing. If privacy isn't the goal and you need a pool-friendly see-through look, consider aluminum fencing. For an existing wood fence that is leaning or storm damaged, fence and gate repair may be all you need.
What to ask any fence contractor
- How deep will the posts be set, and in what?
- Is old fence removal and haul-off included?
- What wood are the posts, rails and boards?
- Which side of the fence faces out?
- Who calls NC811 and who handles the permit if one is needed?
Call (980) 414-4919 or request a free quote to get started.
Questions people ask
How tall can a privacy fence be in Monroe?
Six feet is the most common height for backyard privacy fences. Your HOA covenants and local rules decide what is allowed for your lot, and front-yard limits are often lower. Confirm the allowed height before getting quotes.
How long does a wood privacy fence last?
With posts set well and occasional staining or sealing, a wood privacy fence commonly lasts many years. In our hot, humid climate, the bottom of boards and posts is where rot starts, so keeping soil and mulch from piling against the fence helps.
Should I stain my new wood fence?
Staining or sealing helps protect wood from sun and moisture. New pressure-treated wood usually needs to dry out for a while first. The contractor can tell you what to look for so you know when it is ready.
Which side of the fence faces my neighbor?
Many HOAs require the finished side to face out toward neighbors and the street. If your HOA doesn't say, it is your choice. A shadowbox style looks finished on both sides and avoids the question.