Component Fencing and Preassembled Panels
Component fences are sometimes called stick-built fences. You assemble the fence from individual pieces such as boards and rails. These fences take longer to build, but can follow the contours of the landscape, a technique called racking. Some types of wood fencing are available as components.
Preassembled panel fences can be easier to assemble but may not be able to follow the landscape like a component fence. You can rack some adjustable panels, but you have tostair-step others to accommodate slopes. Metal, vinyl and some wood fences are available as panels.
Wood fences have a traditional look but require ongoing maintenance. You may need to paint or stain them every few years.
Wood panel fencing — sometimes called stockade fencing — improves privacy and security and is a good choice for setting boundaries for children and pets. Individual components — boards and rails — and prebuilt panels come in sections 4 to 6 feet tall and 6 or 8 feet long.
