I want to put up a wood fence but dont want space between the boards.....?

Question

i am going to put up a wood fence but would like to keep the space in between the boards to a minimum for privacy, i know the wood shrinks a bit once dried out but is there any way to get the boards butted together better with no spaces?

Answer 1

you have to have space like as much as a thin ruler no more than that because it will expand. If you don't have space it will warp out and look really bad  

Answer 2

you can put ''lap'' boards on at the seams. Now U only seure the lap board on one side,,,the other side is left free,, to move with the weather.

Answer 3

THIS MAY BE A SUGGESTION,INSTEAD OF RUNNING THE BOARDS ALL ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE FENCE,STAGGER THEM ON EACH SIDE OF THE FENCE,THAT WAY YOU RETAIN YOUR PRIVACY,BUT ELIMINATE THE SHRINKAGE PROBLEM AT THE SAME TIME.

Answer 4

Well, wood expands and contracts due to moisture and temperature fluctuations, so unless you're planning to use tongue-and-groove boards I don't think you'll eliminate gaps 100%. How much gapping you get depends on the type of wood you're using, how wide the boards are, and any  finish on the fence. For example, cedar is a more stable wood than standard pine, wide boards expand and contract more than narrow boards, and some finishes will keep wood from absorbing water and thus reduce expansion and contraction somewhat.

A solid-board fence blocks the view completely but it cuts out light and breezes.   Open fences, such as those with louvers and lattice panels combine beautifully with plants, serving double duty as privacy screen and vine support.  One variation is to alternate the boards on each side of the fence so that you get ventilation with some privacy. Here are some other fence ideas:

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0...

Also, you might not need to surround your entire yard to gain privacy. Fence sections placed in the yard may be all that's needed to screen a sitting area, patio or deck.  For lots more on wood fences, check the link below.