{"id":1316,"date":"2018-01-09T13:36:53","date_gmt":"2018-01-09T18:36:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smuckerfence.com\/?p=1316"},"modified":"2024-04-11T13:57:09","modified_gmt":"2024-04-11T17:57:09","slug":"fence-facing-neighbor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smuckerfence.com\/blog\/fence-etiquette\/fence-facing-neighbor","title":{"rendered":"Which Side of My Fence Should Face the Neighbor?"},"content":{"rendered":"
When it comes to a wooden privacy fence or a picket fence<\/a>, the finished or \u201cnice\u201d side of the fence should face your neighbors. Not only is this common courtesy, this is a rule enforced by the vast majority of townships and boroughs.<\/p>\n Facing the wrong side of the fence towards your neighbor, either when installing your fence on your own or working with a contractor, can lead to you being legally forced to switch the fence\u2014at your own expense. This rule applies for all manner of wooden privacy fences, whether or not you paint or stain either or both sides of the fence. The nice side of the fence needs to face outwards for almost every type of common wooden privacy fence, including:<\/p>\n While there\u2019s a good reason for this rule, we understand if you don\u2019t want to see an unfinished fence when you look out over your picturesque backyard. We may have the best solution, too. Check out some of our fences that get around this rule\u2014by looking gorgeous on both sides!<\/p>\n <\/div> The finished side of a fence is often called the \u201cface\u201d while the unfinished side is called the \u201cback.\u201d Regardless of whether you paint it or dress it up, the back of the fence is the one that contains the horizontal fence supports (also called stringers) and the in-ground fence posts. The fence posts and stringers are the supports that keep your fence sturdy, but they aren\u2019t as aesthetically appealing as the clean face of a fence.<\/p>\n To ensure that everyone else can enjoy their view, most townships and boroughs mandate that all supports stay on the inside of the fence. To find out the specific regulations in your community, contact your township\u2019s Building\/Zoning and Property Maintenance office.<\/p>\n Frustrated? We\u2019re on your side 100%. After all, you\u2019re paying to turn your yard into a backyard oasis for you and your family\u2014not your neighbors. So why should they get to see the clean, attractive side of your fence?<\/p>\n But we understand the need for the rule, too. Privacy fences can be a contentious issue between neighbors. Forcing a new neighbor to look at the back of a fence can raise tensions\u2014something nobody wants.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why at Smucker Fencing, we say install a fence that both you and your neighbor will love.<\/p>\n Any fence that is identical or finished on both sides gets around the rule. You don\u2019t need to worry about which side of the fence should face your neighbor because both sides look the same\u2014and absolutely stunning!<\/p>\n\n
Why Does the Finished Side of the Fence Need to Face the Neighbors?<\/h2>\n
\n<\/div><\/div>\nFencing Options That Look Great on Both Sides<\/h2>\n
Vinyl Privacy Fence<\/h3>\n