Thoughtful design makes a hardwood fence more than just a boundary—it turns it into an architectural feature. Species selection, layout, fastening methods, and structural planning all play a role in how the finished fence looks, performs, and ages over time.
Choosing the Right Species
Different Brazilian hardwood species offer different visual and design possibilities.
Some species, like Ipe, are available in multiple widths (such as 3.5″, 5.5″, and wider profiles), making them ideal for modern or contemporary fence designs that use alternating board widths for visual interest. Other species, like Garapa, are typically offered in a single width but provide a more consistent color palette, resulting in a cleaner, more understated appearance.
Beyond aesthetics, species choice also affects project cost. Garapa, Tigerwood, Cumaru, Massaranduba, Brown Balau and Purpleheart are more affordable than Ipe, while still offering excellent durability and performance.
Vertical, Horizontal, or Beyond
Hardwood fence pickets can be installed vertically, horizontally, or even diagonally depending on the desired look and site conditions.
- Horizontal fencing works best on flatter terrain and delivers a clean, modern aesthetic.
- Vertical fencing adapts better to sloped ground and traditional layouts and can benefit from horizontal trim pieces at the top and bottom.
- Diagonal or chevron patterns create a bold, custom look for statement projects.
- Varying Board Widths provides a modern, attractive appearance and can be easily implemented by ripping certain boards in half.
Each orientation has its strengths, and the right choice often depends on both the property’s topography and the overall design goal.
To See the Fasteners—or Not
Fastening strategy has a major impact on the finished appearance of a fence.
Some customers are perfectly comfortable with exposed stainless steel fasteners, especially when using discrete brown-headed screws that blend naturally with hardwoods. Others prefer a completely concealed look, which can be achieved in several ways:
- Plug systems
- CAMO edge fastening
- Hidden clips
- Trim boards applied over fastener lines
In many designs, trim boards are used strategically to hide fasteners altogether, delivering a clean, uninterrupted surface without complex hardware systems.
Designing for Beauty on Both Sides
By default, many fences look clean from the outside but expose structural elements on the inside. If a fence needs to look equally good from both sides, this can be accomplished with thoughtful planning.
One approach is to use a post-and-track system, where boards are captured in routed grooves or metal channels. When posts are spaced up to about 8 feet apart, hardwood boards can span the distance without sagging. However, adding a mid-span vertical support—which does not need to touch the ground—helps keep boards perfectly aligned and prevents subtle movement over time.
This intermediate support can be:
- Ripped from standard fence planks
- Installed after the fence is built if needed
- Matched visually so it blends into the design
Similar results can also be achieved using aluminum or steel U-channel or J-channel track systems.
Managing Cost Without Sacrificing Design
Fence design choices can significantly affect material cost.
In general, longer boards cost less per linear foot than shorter lengths. Designing fence layouts that efficiently use 6′, 7′, 8′, 9′, or 10′ boards—rather than relying heavily on specialty lengths—can help control overall project cost.
Species selection also plays a role. As a general guideline:
- Ipe is the most premium option
- Cumaru and Massaranduba typically fall below Ipe
- Tigerwood, Garapa, Brown Balau and Purpleheart are often the most cost-effective
Smart design can balance aesthetics, performance, and budget without compromising longevity.
Pro Tip: Let the Material Do the Work
Brazilian hardwoods are exceptionally strong and stable. In many cases, simpler designs outperform over-engineered ones. Clean lines, proper spacing, and thoughtful support placement allow the natural strength and beauty of the wood to shine—without unnecessary complexity.
