People walking by can see through the fencing slightly, more so than they would with a complete privacy fence. One picket goes on one side and the other goes on the next.

These are considered “semi-private fences” because there is a small gap between the pickets.

Some fence styles do not have a good or bad side. You just need to think about the security threat it may create. If the back of your home faces an alley, having the railings on the other side won’t take away from your home’s aesthetics. At that point, it would look more cohesive to connect them with a smooth wall of fencing. For instance, if the two neighbors next to you have already installed privacy fences, you may have the finished sides of both their fences facing you. Exceptions to the RuleĪs with anything, there are some exceptions to the rule. This creates a durable, sturdy frame that adds protection and value to your property. The list goes on and on, but the simplest answer is to put the railings facing your yard. On the railed side, you could pop a picket out if you pushed hard enough with an outward force. They will also have a hard time pushing the fence posts. If you have dogs or children in the yard next to you, they will not be able to climb over the fence with the smooth side.If your fence gets damaged in the future, you will be able to see the evidence better with the railed side facing in.Gate latches are easier to install on the railed side of the fence.It’s a compromise – I’m putting up a barrier that connects to your property, but you get the good side to look at. Giving your neighbors the pretty side of the fence is considered good etiquette.Putting the rails on the outside of the fence would make it easy for people to climb up and over.If your fence faces a street, it will look much better with the smooth side out.The side with the rails and posts will be visible inside your yard, and the smooth side will face your neighbors, the street or the alley. Which side of the fence should face your yard? Here’s the answer… Which side of the fence should face your yard? – The Good Side Faces OutĪs a general rule of thumb, the “pretty” side of the fence faces outward. The side of the fence with flat pickets is considered the good side, and the one with the support beams is considered the bad side. In most fence setups, there is a “good” side and a “bad” side. Before the fence installation process begins, you need to consider fence placement.

Installing Fence Inside Property Line