Horizontal Fence in Norman, OK
Ironclad Fence Norman builds horizontal slat fences across Norman, OK and Cleveland County in cedar and pressure-treated pine, with tight boards for privacy or small, even gaps for a modern screened look, plus caps, trim and matching gates. A horizontal fence only looks good if every line stays straight, so as a Norman, OK fence contractor we set galvanized steel posts closer together, use thicker boards and add a center support in each section so nothing sags. For vertical styles, see wood fence installation.
Why us
Why Choose Us for Horizontal Fences in Norman, OK
Horizontal fences show every mistake: one sagging board or uneven gap stands out down the whole run. We build to avoid both.
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Built Not to Sag
Closer post spacing, thicker boards and a center support in each bay keep long boards straight for years.
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Gaps You Could Check With a Gauge
We space every board with spacers, so the gaps run perfectly even from one end of the fence to the other.
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Screwed, Not Just Nailed
Each board is fastened at every post with exterior screws that hold as the wood moves.
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Clean Finishing
Caps, trim boards over the posts and level tops give the fence the crisp lines the style is known for.
Services
Horizontal Fence Services in Norman, OK
From a full backyard to a single screen wall, here’s what we build with horizontal boards.
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Cedar Horizontal Fences
Select or tight-knot cedar for the cleanest lines. More on cedar fences.
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Pine Horizontal Fences
Thicker pressure-treated pine with a solid or semi-transparent stain.
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Tight Privacy Horizontal
Boards set tight for full privacy. Compare other privacy fence styles.
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Gapped Modern Horizontal
Small, even gaps for a lighter, screened look with airflow.
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Horizontal Shadowbox
Boards alternated on each side, finished both ways. More on shadowbox fences.
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Patio & Equipment Screens
Short horizontal screen walls around patios, hot tubs, AC units and trash cans.
Choose
Tight or Gapped Horizontal Boards?
The gap between boards changes the whole character of a horizontal fence.
Tight Boards
Full privacy
Boards set edge to edge, like a standard privacy fence turned sideways. Blocks the view completely; small gaps may open as the wood dries, less with cedar.
Gapped Boards
Modern screen
Small, even gaps between boards for a lighter look, airflow and stripes of light. Screens most of the view, especially from an angle.
How We Build a Horizontal Fence
- Posts
- Galvanized steel posts in concrete, set closer together than on a vertical fence, typically about 4–6 feet apart.
- Boards
- Thicker boards than standard pickets, cedar or pine, with the grade chosen for flatness.
- Center support
- A vertical support in the middle of each bay so long boards can’t bow.
- Fasteners
- Exterior screws at every post and support, galvanized or stainless.
- Finishing
- Trim boards over the posts, a cap along the top and a penetrating stain.
Cost
What Affects the Cost of a Horizontal Fence?
A horizontal fence uses more posts and better boards than a vertical one. Your written quote lists each of these as its own line.
Get a free horizontal fence estimate- Length and height
- Total footage, and how tall the fence or screen is.
- Wood and grade
- Pine, standard cedar or select and tight-knot cedar.
- More posts
- Closer post spacing and center supports than a vertical fence.
- Gaps and finishing
- Tight or gapped boards, trim, caps and stain.
- Slope and site
- Stepped sections on slopes, access and old fence removal.
Timeline
How Long Does a Horizontal Fence Take?
Horizontal fences take a little more care to hang, but most are still finished in a few days.
- From your call to the on-site estimate, typically
- 1–3 days
- For in-stock boards and steel posts; select cedar can take longer
- 0–5 days
- To build a typical 100–250 foot horizontal fence
- 1–3 days
- From request to finished fence for most homes
- 1–3 weeks
Permits or HOA approval can add 3–14 days. Check your HOA first: some neighborhoods limit modern styles on street-facing fences.
Process
Our 4-Step Horizontal Fence Process
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1. Estimate & Design
We measure, choose post spacing, board size, gap and finish with you, then send a written, itemized quote.
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2. Locates & Approvals
We call OKIE811, check City of Norman and HOA rules, and pull any permit the fence needs.
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3. Posts & Supports
Steel posts go in concrete at close spacing, perfectly in line, with a center support planned for each bay.
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4. Boards, Trim & Walkthrough
We hang boards level with spacers, add trim, cap and gates, then walk the fence with you.
Questions
Horizontal Fence FAQ — Norman, OK
Why do some horizontal fences sag?
Because the boards span too far between posts. A vertical fence board only spans from rail to rail, but a horizontal board spans from post to post, and thin boards bow over long spans, especially pine as it dries. We prevent it with closer post spacing, thicker boards and a center support in each section.
How far apart are the posts on a horizontal fence?
Closer than on a vertical fence. Where a standard privacy fence has posts about 6 to 8 feet apart, a horizontal fence typically has them about 4 to 6 feet apart, or uses a center support in each bay, depending on the board thickness. We set the spacing at the estimate.
What's the best wood for a horizontal fence?
Cedar, especially select or tight-knot grades. It stays flatter than pine, which matters when every board is on display as a long straight line, and it looks clean with a clear or semi-transparent stain. Pine works with thicker boards and a solid stain.
Can a horizontal fence be private?
Yes. With the boards set tight, a horizontal fence is as private as a standard privacy fence. Many people choose small even gaps instead, which give a lighter, modern look and let air through while still screening most of the view. We can also build it shadowbox-style, alternating boards on each side.
Can a horizontal fence go on a sloped yard?
Yes, but the boards stay level, so on a slope the sections step down from post to post. On gentle slopes the steps are small. On steeper ground we'll show you how the steps will look and how we fill the gaps at the bottom.
Does a horizontal fence cost more than a vertical one?
Usually. It needs more posts, thicker or higher-grade boards and more careful labor to keep every line straight. Your written quote can show a horizontal and a vertical option side by side.
Do horizontal boards hold water?
The top edge of each board can hold a little water, so we use a slight gap between boards or a cap and trim that sheds rain, and recommend a penetrating stain that protects the edges. Keeping the bottom board off the soil matters most.
Free estimate
Get a Free Horizontal Fence Estimate
Tell us roughly how much fence you need, the height and whether you want tight boards or gaps. We’ll call to set a time to measure, then send a written, itemized quote.