Cedar Fence Styles
Cedar fencing is one of the most popular choices for homeowners in the greater Portland area. Western red cedar is naturally resistant to rot and moisture, making it an excellent material for fences in the Pacific Northwest climate.
Whether you want privacy, security, noise reduction or a clean architectural look for your yard, cedar fencing offers a variety of styles to match the character of your home. Below are some of the most popular cedar fence styles we install for Portland homeowners.
Popular Cedar Fence Styles for Portland Homeowners
Cedar Fence Style Options
Classic Vertical Privacy Fence
A classic vertical board cedar fence combines natural beauty, durability, and cost-effective privacy, making it a popular choice for residential properties. This style of cedar fence uses vertical boards installed side-by-side with small spaces between them, allowing the wood to naturally expand and contract with changing weather conditions. Cedar’s natural oils help resist rot, decay, and insects, allowing these fences to last 15–30 years or more with proper care. The timeless vertical design complements many architectural styles and can be stained to maintain its color or allowed to weather into a natural gray patina. Vertical boards also shed water effectively, provide solid privacy, and require relatively simple maintenance compared to many other fencing materials.
Modern Style Horizontal Privacy Fence
A modern horizontal fence features clean, horizontal boards that create a sleek and contemporary look for residential properties. This fencing style is popular among Portland homeowners because it complements modern architecture and adds strong curb appeal. When installed with minimal gaps, horizontal fencing provides excellent privacy while still maintaining a stylish design. The horizontal lines can also make yards appear wider and more open, especially in smaller outdoor spaces. Built with durable materials like cedar, composite, or metal, modern horizontal fences offer long-lasting performance with relatively low maintenance.
Classic Vertical “Board on Board” Style with Cap and Trim
Board-on-board privacy fences provide maximum, gap-free privacy by overlapping vertical boards so there are no visible openings, even as the wood naturally shrinks over time. The design looks the same on both sides, creating a clean “good neighbor” fence that appears finished from every angle. Their double-layer construction increases durability and stability, helping the fence withstand harsh weather. The dense design also helps reduce noise while creating a safer, more private space for pets and children.
Good Neighbor “Shadowbox” Style Fence
A shadowbox cedar fence, often called a “good neighbor fence”, provides the same finished appearance on both sides, making it ideal for shared property lines. The alternating picket design creates semi-private fencing that allows airflow and natural light while still offering security. This style is highly durable because the evenly spaced boards distribute weight and help prevent sagging over time. Shadowbox fences are also a neighbor-friendly option since installation costs are often shared between adjacent homeowners. With its attractive layered design and practical functionality, a shadowbox fence is a popular choice for Portland homeowners seeking privacy, durability, and curb appeal.
Classic Vertical “Picture Frame” Style Fence
A picture frame cedar fence is an excellent choice for Portland homeowners who want a clean, high-end privacy fence that looks beautiful from both sides. This can be acheived with both the classic vertical board and “board on board” style fence, by surrounding the cedar boards with 1x4 trim on the top, bottom, creating a polished frame.
Because of its refined design, picture frame cedar fencing also allows for many custom upgrades, including decorative post caps, custom stain colors, or a wider top cap for a finished architectural detail. The result is a durable, neighbor-friendly cedar fence that enhances curb appeal while providing long-lasting privacy for homes throughout the Portland area.
Cedar Frame with Welded “Hog Wire” Mesh Panels
A welded “hog wire” fence with a cedar frame combines modern durability with the natural beauty of cedar, creating a stylish and long-lasting boundary fence. The open wire design maintains visibility and airflow while still providing a secure enclosure for pets, gardens, or livestock. Galvanized steel panels are rust-resistant and paired with naturally rot-resistant cedar for excellent durability in the Pacific Northwest climate. This style of fencing requires minimal maintenance while offering a clean, modern look that complements both rural and suburban properties. With its strong structure, scenic openness, and versatile design, cedar-framed hog wire fencing is a popular choice for Portland homeowners.
Classic “Dog-Ear” Cedar Fence
Dog-ear cedar fence boards offer a classic, attractive design that creates a softer and more traditional look than flat-top fence boards. The angled corners help shed rainwater more effectively, reducing moisture buildup and helping extend the lifespan of the fence. Dog-ear pickets also perform well on sloped or uneven yards because their shape helps visually follow the grade of the landscape. The design can hide small height inconsistencies between boards, creating a cleaner and more professional appearance. Because dog-ear cedar fencing is a widely used and trusted style, it is often easy to source and provides excellent value for homeowners seeking durable, affordable and attractive privacy fencing.
Vintage Cedar Picket Fence
A classic picket fence adds timeless curb appeal and creates a charming, welcoming look for front yards and gardens. It clearly defines property boundaries while providing a safe enclosure for children and pets. The open design allows sunlight, airflow, and neighborhood views while still creating a defined outdoor space. Picket fences are also cost-effective to install because they require less material than full privacy fences. With customizable styles, heights, cedar picket fencing offers a versatile and attractive solution for many homes.
Custom Cedar Fence Design
Every home in the Portland area has its own character, and the right outdoor features can highlight what makes your property unique. From thoughtfully designed decks and patio structures to beautifully crafted cedar fences, the details around your home play a big role in curb appeal and everyday functionality. A custom fence is one of the most affordable ways to upgrade your outdoor space while adding privacy, security, and long-lasting value.
At Portland Home Services & Fencing, custom means building a fence that fits your property, style, and goals. Whether you’re envisioning a modern horizontal cedar fence, a classic dog-ear privacy fence, or a decorative front-yard picket fence, we work with you to design a solution that complements your home. We’ll listen to your ideas, evaluate your property, and create a design and budget that works for your needs.
Ready to upgrade your property with a custom cedar fence? Contact us today to schedule your free custom fence design consultation.
Contact us for a free, no pressure estimate on your fencing project.
About Portland Home Services
Portland Home Services is owned, managed and operated by Lee Barbara. Lee is a fully licensed, bonded and insured general contractor providing handyman, home repair and remodel services in the greater Portland area. Lee is dedicated to providing clear communication, quality craftsmanship, and dependable customer service.
