A "good neighbor fence" is a fence that looks the same from both sides. With a standard privacy fence, one yard gets the smooth side and the other gets the posts and rails. A good neighbor fence fixes that, so nobody ends up with the "back" of the fence.
Common good neighbor styles
- Shadowbox (alternating boards). Boards are attached on alternating sides of the rails, so each side sees the same pattern. It lets a little air and light through, which helps in Colorado wind, and you still get good privacy from most angles.
- Board-on-board. Two overlapping layers of boards, one on each side of the rails. It's fully private, even as the wood shrinks in dry weather, and looks finished from both sides.
- Centered rails. Boards are set into the middle of the posts, so the posts show equally on both sides. This one is common with horizontal fences.
- Cap and trim. Any of these can get a top cap and trim board for a cleaner, more custom look.
Why HOAs ask for it
Many HOAs in Erie, Superior, Broomfield and across the Denver suburbs require good neighbor fences on shared lot lines, or require the finished side to face out toward the street or open space. If you have an HOA, check the rules and get written approval before you build. See fence permits, HOA rules and 811.
Is it more expensive?
A little. Shadowbox and board-on-board styles use more boards per foot than a standard privacy fence, so materials cost more, and they take a bit longer to build. Many neighbors split the cost, which can make a good neighbor fence cost each of you less than building a standard fence alone. Get a range for your yard with the fence cost calculator.
Who pays for a fence between neighbors?
In most Colorado neighborhoods, splitting the cost of a boundary fence is a friendly agreement, not a legal requirement. The neighbors who share a fence usually share the bill. Put the agreement in writing, including the style, the height and who maintains it. Our guide to shared fences and neighbors walks through it.
Good neighbor fence in wind
A solid fence acts like a sail in a Front Range windstorm. A shadowbox fence lets some wind pass between the boards, which takes pressure off the posts. Either way, strong posts set the right way matter more than the style. See wind-resistant fences.
We build good neighbor fences in cedar and vinyl. Ask for a free estimate, and if your neighbor is splitting the cost, we're happy to walk the line with both of you.