Privacy fence installation
A privacy fence can make your backyard feel like part of your home instead of an open space shared with every nearby property. It can block unwanted views, reduce distractions for pets, define property lines, protect outdoor living areas, and create a safer place for children to play.
Create a more private and secure backyard
Modern Fence Company installs custom privacy fencing throughout Fort Smith, Western Arkansas, and Eastern Oklahoma.
We plan each fence around the property, including
- The level of privacy you want
- Fence height
- Board layout
- Yard slope
- Wind exposure
- Drainage
- Gate locations
- Children and pets
- Pool or patio areas
- Underground utilities
- HOA rules
- Local permit requirements
- The style of the home
Our privacy fence options include solid-board wood fencing, board-on-board fencing, shadowbox fencing, horizontal fencing, steel-post construction, chain link privacy systems, custom gates, and professional staining. We help you choose a fence that fits the property rather than pushing one standard layout on every homeowner.
Privacy is the reason people call — rarely the only job
Privacy is often the main reason homeowners call us, but the fence may need to solve several problems at once. The best design begins with how the yard is used.
A family with dogs may need secure gate latches and limited gaps. A homeowner with a pool may need to meet specific gate and enclosure rules. A property with a steep slope may require a different layout than a flat suburban yard.
A well-planned privacy fence can help
- Block direct views from nearby homes
- Create a private outdoor living space
- Keep children and pets inside the yard
- Separate neighboring properties
- Screen trash containers or equipment
- Reduce distractions around a pool
- Define a patio, deck, or outdoor kitchen
- Add a finished background for landscaping
- Control access through gates
- Improve the appearance of an older property
A closed appearance that can still be customised
Wood is one of the most common materials used for privacy fencing because it provides a closed appearance and can be customized in many ways. Modern Fence Company offers wood fence installation with several privacy-focused layouts.
Wood privacy fence options may include
- Solid-board fencing
- Board-on-board fencing
- Shadowbox fencing
- Horizontal fencing
- Alternate-board layouts
- Cap and trim
- Decorative post tops
- Wood-on-steel construction
- Custom walk gates
- Steel-frame wood gates
- Double-drive gates
- Professional staining
- Dip-stained materials
The wood, posts, framing, gates, and finish should be selected as one complete system.
Boards close together, a closed fence surface
Solid-board fencing places boards close together to create a closed fence surface. It is commonly used for:
- Backyard privacy
- Pet containment
- Side-yard fencing
- Pool and patio areas
- Property separation
- Outdoor living spaces
- Screening utility areas
Top styles and finishing details
- Dog-ear boards
- Flat-top boards
- Decorative caps
- Cap and trim
- Custom post spacing
- Steel support posts
- Matching wood gates
- Stain or natural finishes
Wood changes as it dries and is exposed to weather. Boards may expand, shrink, crack, or move over time. We use quality materials and proven installation methods, but we do not make unrealistic promises that natural wood will never change.
Overlapping boards, heavier finish
Board-on-board fencing uses overlapping boards to reduce the visible gaps that may develop as wood dries. It provides a heavier, more finished appearance than a basic solid-board fence.
A strong choice for
- High-privacy backyards
- Homes built close together
- Outdoor kitchens and patios
- Pool areas
- High-end residential projects
- Properties where both sides of the fence are visible
This design uses more material than a standard privacy fence, which affects the project scope and final proposal.
Partial privacy, more airflow
Shadowbox fencing uses boards installed on alternating sides of the rails. It creates partial privacy while allowing more airflow than a completely solid fence.
It may work well when
- Both neighbors will see the fence
- Wind exposure is a concern
- The homeowner wants a finished look on both sides
- Full visual blockage is not required
- Air movement through the yard is important
A shadowbox fence is not fully private when viewed from an angle. We explain the expected level of privacy before the homeowner selects this style.
A clean, modern line across the yard
Horizontal fencing creates a clean, modern look by installing boards across the fence line instead of vertically. It is often used around:
- Modern homes
- High-end backyards
- Outdoor kitchens
- Patios
- Pools
- Garden areas
- Custom outdoor living spaces
Horizontal fencing requires proper framing and support. Long boards can bow, sag, or move when the structure is too light or the supports are spaced too far apart. We plan the posts, framing, board thickness, and layout around the fence height, board length, grade, and wind exposure.
Uneven ground changes the whole layout
Many properties throughout Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma have uneven or sloped ground.
A privacy fence may
- Follow the grade
- Use stepped sections
- Change height in selected areas
- Require custom board trimming
- Need special gate construction
- Need drainage openings or clearance
The right approach depends on the fence style and amount of slope. Horizontal fencing requires careful planning because long level boards may create large openings underneath the fence as the ground changes. Vertical privacy fencing can often follow the grade more naturally.
We review the slope before selecting the final layout.
A privacy fence is only as useful as its gates
A poorly built gate may sag, drag, twist, or stop closing correctly. Modern Fence Company provides custom gate fabrication through our own metal shop.
Privacy fence gate options
- Wood walk gates
- Steel-frame wood gates
- Double walk gates
- Double-drive gates
- Sliding gates
- Custom-width gates
- Gates for sloped openings
- Driveway gates
- Automatic gates
A steel frame may be recommended for wider or heavier wood gates. It provides added support while allowing the outside of the gate to match the surrounding privacy fence.
Measure the widest thing that has to get through
Before selecting gate width, think about what needs to pass through the opening. This may include:
- Lawn mowers
- Trash containers
- Wheelbarrows
- Pool equipment
- Landscaping equipment
- Utility workers
- Recreational vehicles
- Trailers
- Small tractors
- Emergency access
A gate that is too narrow can create a long-term access problem. We recommend confirming the largest expected use before the fence is built.
Gates on sloped openings
Standard square gates do not always work on hillsides. The bottom of the gate may drag against the ground or leave a large opening underneath.
We measure the slope and plan the frame, hinge side, swing direction, and bottom clearance around the actual opening.
One project: fence, gate and access control
A driveway gate can be combined with a privacy fence to control vehicle access and create a finished entrance.
Driveway gate planning may include
- Opening width
- Swing or slide operation
- Vehicle clearance
- Trailer access
- Grade
- Gate weight
- Support posts or columns
- Operator capacity
- Keypad access
- Telephone entry
- Camera integration
- Safety devices
- Emergency access
Modern Fence Company can coordinate the fence, gate fabrication, and access control system within one project.
Wood is not the only way to close a view
Chain link fencing can be fitted with privacy slats when the property owner wants the strength and lower maintenance of chain link with reduced visibility.
May work well for
- Larger properties
- Utility areas
- Pet enclosures
- Side yards
- Equipment storage
- Commercial or mixed-use properties
- Areas where wood maintenance is not preferred
Options may include
- Galvanized chain link
- Black-coated chain link
- Different fence heights
- Privacy slats
- Custom gates
- Heavier framework
Privacy slats increase the wind load on a chain link fence. The posts and framework should be selected with that added load in mind.
Privacy alone does not make a fence code-compliant
A privacy fence can help separate a pool area from nearby properties, but privacy alone does not make a fence code-compliant.
Pool fencing may need to meet requirements related to
- Fence height
- Openings and spacing
- Gate swing direction
- Self-closing gates
- Self-latching gates
- Latch placement
- Climbable surfaces
- Distance from structures
- Local building rules
The applicable rules depend on the property and municipality. Homeowners should confirm the requirements before approving the final design. Ornamental iron may also be considered when visibility into the pool area is important.
Containment is about the gaps, not the height
A fence built for children or pets must be planned around more than height.
Pet size and behavior matter. A fence that works for a large dog may not contain a small dog that can fit under gates or through openings. Tell us how the yard will be used so we can help identify possible problem areas.
The layout may need to address
- Gaps under the fence
- Spaces between boards
- Gate latches
- Gate swing
- Digging
- Climbing
- Nearby furniture or equipment
- Drainage openings
- Sloped ground
- Access during installation
Our privacy fence installation process
1
Initial contact
Call our office or complete the estimate request form. Tell us where the property is, why you need privacy, the approximate length, preferred material, desired height, gate needs and schedule.
2
Property visit
A salesperson reviews the fence line, nearby views, slope, access, gate locations, existing fence, visible utilities, drainage and material options.
3
Design and material review
We discuss fence height, privacy level, board layout, posts, rails, gates, staining and decorative upgrades.
4
Written proposal
We prepare a proposal based on the selected project scope and specifications.
5
Approval and deposit
After the proposal and required deposit are received, the project is prepared for scheduling.
6
Materials and gate fabrication
Materials are ordered, and custom gates are planned through our fabrication shop.
7
Installation
Our crew lays out the fence, sets corner and gate posts, installs line posts, and completes the fence sections.
8
Gate installation and finishing
Custom gates, hardware, trim, caps, and other selected features are installed.
9
Cleanup and review
Project debris is removed and the work area is left lawn-mower ready. A crew supervisor or salesperson reviews the completed project and addresses customer concerns.
Every privacy fence project is different
Modern Fence Company does not publish one price range for every privacy fence.
A useful estimate should clearly explain the materials, post system, gate construction, and work included.
The final scope may be affected by
- Total fence length
- Fence height
- Wood species
- Board layout
- Post material
- Number of rails
- Post depth
- Rock or difficult soil
- Drainage
- Slope
- Existing fence removal
- Number and size of gates
- Steel gate frames
- Staining
- Decorative details
- Property access
- Travel distance
- HOA requirements
- Permit requirements
What comes with the fence
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01
Serving the region since 1950
Modern Fence Company has more than 75 years of fence installation experience.
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02
Employee installation crews
Our fence installations are completed by Modern Fence Company employees rather than unknown subcontracted crews.
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03
Custom gate fabrication
We fabricate custom gates in our own shop for better control over fit, framing, hardware, and final operation.
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04
Property-specific planning
We review the property’s grade, soil, drainage, wind exposure, gates, and intended use before finalizing the project.
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05
Premium material options
We focus on proven materials rather than box-store products selected only to create the lowest bid.
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06
Clean project completion
Our crews remove project debris and leave the work area lawn-mower ready.
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07
Workmanship warranty
Privacy fence installations include a one-year workmanship warranty for qualifying labor issues caused by our work. Natural wood movement, cracking, twisting, shrinking, and warping are not automatically considered workmanship failures. Review our warranty information.
Privacy fence installation across
Western Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma
Modern Fence Company installs privacy fencing throughout:
We also serve communities throughout Sebastian, Crawford, Franklin, Logan, Scott, Le Flore, Sequoyah and Haskell counties. Travel charges may apply outside our primary service area.
Solid board, board-on-board, horizontal and steel-post fences
Visit our project gallery to see completed solid-board fences, board-on-board designs, horizontal fencing, steel-post fences, custom gates, and stained privacy fences. You can also read customer reviews from homeowners who have worked with Modern Fence Company.
Privacy fence installation questions
Visit our fencing and access control FAQ for more answers.
What type of fence provides the most privacy?
Solid-board and board-on-board wood fences generally provide the greatest visual privacy. The final result depends on board spacing, fence height, slope, and viewing angle.
What is the difference between solid-board and board-on-board fencing?
Solid-board fencing places boards close together on one side of the rails. Board-on-board fencing overlaps the boards to reduce visible gaps as the wood changes over time.
Is shadowbox fencing completely private?
No. Shadowbox fencing provides partial privacy but can be seen through when viewed from an angle.
Can you build a horizontal privacy fence?
Yes. We install horizontal wood fencing for modern homes, patios, pools, and custom outdoor living spaces.
Can a privacy fence be built with steel posts?
Yes. Wood-on-steel construction is available for selected projects.
Can you install a privacy fence on a slope?
Yes. The fence may follow the grade or use stepped sections. The best method depends on the slope and selected style.
Can you build custom gates?
Yes. We fabricate wood, steel-frame wood, and metal gates in our own shop.
Do you install automatic driveway gates?
Yes. We install automatic gates and access-control systems for residential properties.
Do you stain privacy fences?
Yes. We provide fence staining and cleaning using Wood Defender products, including staining after installation and dip-stained materials.
A backyard that is more secure, comfortable and useful
A properly planned privacy fence can make your backyard more secure, comfortable, and useful. Our team will help you compare the available designs and plan a privacy fence that fits the property.
Tell us
- Where the property is located
- The approximate fence length
- How much privacy you want
- The fence height you are considering
- Whether the yard is sloped
- How many gates are needed
- Whether steel posts are preferred
- Whether staining is requested
- Whether children or pets use the yard
- Whether HOA approval is required
- Your preferred project timing