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Home › Which Way Should My Fence Face?

Which Way Should My Fence Face?

Read More: Fence Resources
Shop: Chain Link Fence | Wood Fence | Vinyl Fence | Ornamental Fence


Many customers are concerned about 'Which side of the fence do the posts go on?' or 'What side of my fence should face the neighbor?', and understandably so. The 'quick' answer is that the finished, or good side of the fence faces the outside of your property, visible to neighbors and the outside world. That being said, the fence posts (or poles), rails, and other hardware are installed on the inside of the fence line and face you.

Finished 'Neightbor-Friendly' Side of Wood Privacy Fence - Faces Out

Finished Side

Un-Finished Side of Wood Privacy Fence - Faces In

Un-Finished Side

Please note that some building codes stipulate that your fence must be installed in this fashion, and that it isn't optional. As always, we suggest to check with your local code requirements before purchasing or installing a fence.

Even if your code doesn't require your fence to be installed in this way, we still recommend doing so for most applications. It may seem odd but your property will look better from the outside, thus increasing your curb appeal. The finished side of the fence is also harder to climb. This is especially true if you have a wooden fence because the 2x4's make a ladder of sorts for someone to climb.

The finished side of the fence is also the strongest side. The reason for this is that if force is exerted from the outside, whoever or whatever is pushing, is not only pushing agains the fence panels, but the rails, and posts. This is especially true with chain link fence which can easily be forced away from the posts, thus breaking the tie wires. Nuts and bolts also are on the non-finished side, so someone could just unhook the fence from the post and walk right in.

If you still can't get over the idea of paying money for a fence and not seeing the 'finished side', then we have you covered. Many of our fences are considered to be 'neighbor friendly', meaning that they look the same viewed from either side.

    Some Neighbor Friendly Fence Options:
  • Ornamental Metal - Both Picket Fence and Privacy Fence Styles
  • Wood Fence - All Split Rail, Stack Rail, and Lap Rail Fence Styles
  • Wood Fence - All Shadowbox or 'Board-on-Board' Styles
  • Vinyl Fence - All Privacy Fence Styles - New Lexington, Chesterfield, Breezewood, and more
  • Vinyl Fence - Some Picket Fence Styles - Baron, Imperial, Danbury, and more
  • Vinyl Fence - All Post and Rail Fence Styles

As the old saying goes, there is an exception to every rule, and this is no different. Here are some reasons to put the fencing on the inside of the property:

  • Chain Link Dog Kennels and Kennel Enclosures - typically stretched with the chain link fabric facing the direction of the contained animals. As discussed this is the strongest side, and there are no sharp or exposed fasteners which could potentially injure a pet.
  • High Security Prison Fences - typically installed with the chain link fabric facing the secure side, providing maximum security, with no access to the fasteners which hold the fence together.
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HOOVER FENCE CO.
4521 Warren Ravenna Rd.
Newton Falls, Ohio 44444
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