Shadowbox fence calculator
Calculate materials for a shadowbox fence, which alternates pickets on both sides of the rails for a semi-private, two-sided look.
Fence calculator
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Overview
Shadowbox fencing alternates pickets on opposite sides of the rails, so both sides of the fence show a similar finished look, and small gaps let some air and light through while still screening a direct sightline. Material quantities follow the same post and rail formulas as any other wood style here.
Picket count for shadowbox uses the same width-plus-gap formula as a classic picket fence, since shadowbox boards are typically spaced with a small gap on each side rather than butted tight.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting that shadowbox uses pickets on both sides of the rail, roughly doubling board count compared to a single-sided privacy fence of the same run, even though this calculator's picket-pitch formula is per side and needs adjusting for that if you are hand-checking a quote.
- Using a zero gap, which removes the alternating-slat look that defines this style.
- Ordering boards per side but only budgeting for one side when pricing the job.
Related calculators
- Wood fence calculator Calculate posts, rails, pickets and concrete for a pressure-treated pine, cedar or redwood fence. Every formula shown, cost optional.
- Board on board fence calculator Calculate pickets for a board-on-board fence, which overlaps boards for full privacy from both sides, with the overlap built into the formula.
- Privacy fence calculator Calculate posts, rails and pickets for a solid privacy fence in any material, with a zero-gap board layout by default.
Related reading
In-depth guides
Frequently asked questions
What is different about a shadowbox fence compared to privacy?
Shadowbox alternates pickets on both faces of the rail rather than all on one side, so it looks similar from both yards and lets in some light and airflow, while a privacy fence butts boards tight on one side only.
How many boards does a shadowbox fence need?
Roughly twice the count of a single-sided fence over the same run, because each face is covered. Use the picket calculator per side, then double the boards for the full fence.
What gap is typical for shadowbox spacing?
A smaller gap than a classic picket fence, commonly around 0.5 to 1 inch, keeps the semi-private look without closing the fence completely. The exact gap is a design choice and changes the per-side count.
Is shadowbox more expensive than a privacy fence?
Generally yes on materials, because a two-sided layout uses more boards over the same run. Posts and rails cost the same; the difference is in the infill boards.
Does shadowbox provide full privacy?
No, it screens a direct sightline but lets in light and air through the staggered gaps. If total visual privacy from every angle is the goal, a board-on-board or butted privacy layout blocks more.
Can shadowbox be built in vinyl or composite?
Vinyl panel systems are usually sold as pre-assembled privacy panels rather than alternating slats, so the true asset-for-asset shadowbox look is most practical in wood. If a vinyl or composite alternative is chosen, count panels rather than boards.
Do I need more posts for a shadowbox fence?
No. Posts and rails follow the same spacing rules as other wood styles. The extra boards sit on the same rails, so post count is unaffected.
Which rail count fits shadowbox best?
The same height-based suggestion as other wooden styles: 2 rails at 4 feet and under, 3 for 5 to 7 feet, 4 at 8 feet and taller. Shadowbox boards are attached to the rails on both sides, so rail spacing does the holding.