Horizontal fences have moved from design magazines into everyday backyards, and for good reason. Long, level lines make a yard feel wider, pair beautifully with modern and transitional homes, and bring a crafted look to traditional ones. At 76 FENCE Main Line, we build horizontal fences in cedar, composite and metal-framed designs, and we engineer them so the boards stay straight season after season. It’s a style our brand knows well: 76 FENCE was featured on HGTV’s “Worst Yard on the Block” building a horizontal wood privacy fence.
Why Horizontal Fences Need a Different Approach
A vertical fence is supported by rails every few feet of height. A horizontal fence flips that: each long board spans from post to post on its own. That means post spacing, board thickness and fastening matter more. Boards that span too far can sag or twist, especially with our humid summers followed by freeze-thaw winters. We plan post spacing for the material you choose, and we often add a top cap and a center support or trim board to keep long runs crisp.
Material Options
Cedar is the most popular horizontal material. It’s naturally stable, looks warm and takes stain well, from honey tones to deep grays. Composite boards give a similar modern look with less upkeep and resist rot and insects; it’s a premium option many homeowners love for its consistency. Aluminum and steel-framed systems pair metal posts with wood or composite infill for a sharp, architectural look.
Compare options on our wood fencing, composite fencing and aluminum fencing pages.
Choosing Your Spacing
Tight (privacy)
Boards run nearly edge to edge for full screening. It works as a modern privacy fence around patios, hot tubs and pools.
Small gaps
Narrow reveals between boards add shadow lines and texture while blocking most views. A popular balance of looks and privacy.
Open slats
Wider gaps create a light, airy screen. Great for decorative accents or semi-privacy around gardens and side yards.
Where Horizontal Fences Shine
- Modern and renovated homes, where the fence can echo window lines, siding or hardscape.
- Patios and outdoor kitchens, where a horizontal screen feels more like architecture than a boundary.
- Small or narrow yards, since horizontal lines visually widen the space.
- Accent walls in front of AC units, trash cans or utility areas.
- Commercial frontage, including horizontal dumpster enclosures for restaurants and retail.
Slopes, Soil and Level Lines
Horizontal boards look best when they’re level, which means slopes need planning. On a gentle grade, we typically step the sections so each bay stays level and the steps line up cleanly. On steeper grades, we’ll show you how the steps will look before we build.
Posts are set typically 30″–36″ deep in our area, below the frost line, so heaving doesn’t throw boards out of level; local code governs. Main Line lots often have clay soil, rocky schist and big tree roots, so we plan post locations around what’s underground as much as possible.
Finishes and Upkeep
Horizontal cedar shows off grain and color, so the finish matters. A penetrating stain applied once the wood has had time to dry evens out the tone and slows graying; many homeowners refresh it every few years, especially on sunny, south-facing runs. If you’d rather let the fence weather naturally, cedar turns a soft silver. Composite needs no staining at all, just an occasional rinse to clear pollen and dirt.
Matching Gates
A horizontal fence deserves a gate that continues the lines. We build matching walk gates and double drive gates, and for driveways, horizontal slide or swing gates can be automated. Explore gates and automatic gates for ideas.
Ready for a fence you'll love?
Book a free, no-pressure estimate. Zero dispatch fees — and we handle permits, HOA paperwork and the 811 call.
Permits, HOAs and Your Estimate
Some HOAs and historic districts have opinions about contemporary designs, and rules vary by municipality. We check them for you and handle the permit, HOA approval and PA One Call (811) utility locate. Andrew Taylor, our General Manager, meets most customers on site to talk through board spacing, color and layout. Estimates are free with no dispatch fees, and we offer and honor manufacturer warranty coverage on every fence we install.
Call or text 484-779-6307 or book a free estimate to see what a horizontal fence could do for your yard.