Fence Panels: Types, Sizes, Materials & Buying Guide

Fence panels are pre-assembled fence sections that simplify installation compared to building a fence board by board. Whether you choose pre-built panels from a home center or have custom panels built by a lumber yard, understanding your options helps you get the right fence for your property and budget.

Types of Fence Panels

Privacy Fence Panels

Privacy panels are the most popular residential fence panel type. Standing 6 to 8 feet tall with tightly spaced boards, they block views and reduce noise. Common styles include dog-ear (pointed board tops), flat-top (squared board tops), and lattice-top (solid bottom with decorative lattice on top).

Standard privacy fence panels measure 6 feet tall by 8 feet wide and use either 1x6 or 1x4 fence boards attached to two or three horizontal rails.

Picket Fence Panels

Picket panels feature evenly spaced boards (typically 1.5 to 3.5 inches wide) standing 3 to 4 feet tall. Picket tops come in pointed, dog-ear, french gothic, and rounded profiles. See our picket fence guide for detailed style comparisons.

Stockade Fence Panels

Stockade panels use tightly packed pointed pickets for full privacy at an economical price. The pointed tops discourage climbing. Standard panels are 6 feet tall by 8 feet wide.

Shadowbox Fence Panels

Shadowbox (also called board-on-board) panels alternate boards on front and back of the rails. This creates semi-privacy with airflow and looks attractive from both sides.

Horizontal Fence Panels

Modern horizontal panels feature boards running horizontally rather than vertically. These require more structural support than vertical panel designs since each board spans the full panel width. Cedar, redwood, and Ipe are the best species for horizontal panels due to their dimensional stability.

Decorative Fence Panels

Lattice panels, trellis panels, and ornamental designs serve as garden screens, privacy accents, and architectural features. They are often used to top solid fence sections or as standalone garden elements.

Fence Panel Sizes

| Panel Type | Standard Height | Standard Width | Board Thickness |

|-----------|----------------|---------------|----------------|

| Privacy | 6 ft or 8 ft | 6 ft or 8 ft | 5/8 in or 3/4 in |

| Picket | 3 ft, 3.5 ft, or 4 ft | 8 ft | 5/8 in or 3/4 in |

| Stockade | 6 ft | 8 ft | 5/8 in |

| Shadowbox | 6 ft | 8 ft | 5/8 in or 3/4 in |

| Lattice | 4 ft or 8 ft | 8 ft | Varies |

Visit our Lumber Sizes Guide for detailed dimensional lumber specifications used in fence construction.

Fence Panel Materials

Pressure-Treated Pine Panels

The most affordable and widely available option. Pressure-treated pine resists rot and insects for 15 to 20 years. The green tint fades to gray over time unless stained. Most pre-built panels at home centers are pressure-treated pine.

Cost: $40 to $80 per 6x8 panel.

Cedar Fence Panels

Western Red Cedar panels are the premium standard for residential fencing. Cedar naturally resists rot, insects, and moisture without chemical treatment. It accepts stain beautifully and weathers to an attractive silver-gray if left unfinished.

Cost: $80 to $160 per 6x8 panel.

Redwood Fence Panels

Redwood offers beautiful color and excellent natural durability. Redwood fence panels are most popular in the western United States where the species grows locally. Like cedar, redwood resists rot naturally.

Cost: $100 to $200 per 6x8 panel.

Composite Fence Panels

Composite panels combine wood fibers and plastic polymers for a low-maintenance alternative to natural wood. They resist rot, insects, and fading but cost significantly more upfront. See our composite decking guide for more on composite materials.

Cost: $120 to $250 per panel.

Vinyl/PVC Fence Panels

Vinyl panels are maintenance-free and available in white, tan, and gray. They do not rot, warp, or need painting, but they become brittle in extreme cold and can crack from impact. Most vinyl fencing has a hollow construction.

Cost: $80 to $200 per panel depending on style.

Pre-Built vs Custom Fence Panels

Pre-Built Panels (Home Centers)

Pre-built panels from stores like Home Depot and Lowes (see our guide on does Home Depot cut wood) offer convenience and immediate availability. They come in standard sizes and use standard-grade lumber. Good for straightforward flat-terrain installations.

Custom Panels (Lumber Yards)

Custom panels built by a lumber yard or fence company can be made to exact dimensions, specific wood species, and unique designs. Custom panels are worth the premium for uneven terrain (where panels need to step or rack), specific height requirements, premium wood species, and unusual design requirements.

How Many Fence Panels Do You Need

Measure your total fence line length in feet, then divide by the panel width (typically 8 feet). Round up to the nearest whole number. Add one extra panel for waste and cuts.

For example, a 150-foot fence line divided by 8-foot panels equals 18.75, so you need 19 panels. Order 20 to be safe.

Use our Fence Cost Calculator to estimate your total fence project cost including panels, posts, hardware, and installation.

Installation Tips

Set fence posts first, spacing them to match your panel width (6 or 8 feet on center). Posts should be 4x4 for panels up to 6 feet tall and 6x6 for 8-foot panels. Set posts in concrete at least 24 inches deep.

Attach panels to posts with galvanized bracket hardware or by screwing through the panel rails directly into the posts. Use galvanized or stainless steel fasteners to prevent rust staining.

On sloped terrain, you can either step the panels (each panel drops down by a set amount) or rack the panels (boards angle to follow the slope). Stepping is easier with pre-built panels; racking requires custom construction.

For more installation details, see our fence installation guide and fence gate guide. Browse our fence ideas for design inspiration, and get a free quote on fence panels from lumber suppliers near you.