Horizontal Cedar Fence — Gardner, KS

Horizontal cedar fence in Gardner

We installed approximately 140 linear feet of 6-foot horizontal cedar slat privacy fence with 1x4-inch select-grade cedar boards run horizontally between green-pressure-treated 4x4 posts. Board spacing is tight at roughly 1/2 inch to maintain full privacy while allowing minimal airflow. Each horizontal board is face-nailed with galvanized ring-shank nails to the posts.

The Gardner homeowner wanted a contemporary horizontal look that stood out from the standard board-on-board style in their subdivision — horizontal cedar was the choice. Gardner's newer western Johnson County subdivisions are seeing more modern fence styles as new construction homes go in with more contemporary architecture.

Horizontal style and KC wind

Gardner sits at one of the windier positions in Johnson County — open prairie exposure from the south and west. Horizontal-style fences with minimal board spacing act as full wind sails similar to board-on-board privacy. Every post goes 36 inches deep in poured concrete. On long horizontal runs, three rails are placed vertically mid-span to prevent bow. Our wood privacy fence installation specs account for horizontal-style wind load.

Modern look, standard durability

The horizontal pattern creates a strong visual statement in the yard — clean lines, modern profile. The natural cedar will be ready for a first stain coat in 30 days. The homeowner selected a gray semi-transparent stain to complement the home's exterior. When staining, the horizontal boards need full coverage on the top edge where water and UV hit most. Our fence staining crew handles the top-edge coverage in every horizontal-style stain application.