The Most Popular Backyard Fence in Ocala

Wood privacy fencing is the most installed residential fence type in Marion County. It provides full privacy, blocks wind and noise, and costs less than vinyl or aluminum for the same height.

A 6-foot pressure treated wood privacy fence gives a backyard a finished, enclosed feel. No other fence type matches it at the same price. Posts go in the ground in concrete. Boards are face-nailed or screwed to horizontal rails between the posts.

Fences R Us has installed wood privacy fencing across Marion County since 2003. Manny specs the style, post spacing, and rail configuration at the site visit based on yard layout and local code.

Dog-Ear

The most common residential privacy fence style in Marion County. Each board has the top two corners cut at 45 degrees, giving the fence line a uniform scalloped top profile. Dog-ear fencing looks traditional and suits most residential properties. It is available in 6-foot and 8-foot heights.

Flat-Top (Board on Board)

Boards are installed with a slight overlap and all cut to the same height. The result is a flat, even top line with no gaps. Board-on-board uses more material than dog-ear because boards overlap. It provides better privacy and looks good from both sides.

Lattice-Top

A 4-foot solid privacy section topped with a 2-foot diagonal lattice panel. The lattice adds visual interest and allows some light and airflow through the top of the fence. Common in front-facing fence applications where the full 6-foot solid look is too heavy for the streetscape.

Shadowbox

Boards are alternated on opposite sides of the rail, with a slight gap between each board. The shadowbox pattern gives privacy while allowing airflow through the fence. It looks the same from both sides, which makes it a good choice for property lines shared with neighbors.

Fence Boards

Pressure treated pine is the standard board material for privacy fencing in Marion County. It resists rot and insect damage better than untreated wood. Treated boards are available in standard 6-foot lengths at 5.5-inch and 3.5-inch widths. Cedar boards are available as an upgrade for a better natural appearance and higher natural rot resistance.

Posts

4x4 pressure treated posts for 6-foot privacy fence. 6x6 posts at gate openings and corners. Posts are set a minimum of 2 feet deep in concrete. Deeper post setting adds stability in windy locations. All posts go in concrete on every Fences R Us job.

Rails

Two horizontal rails for 6-foot privacy fence. Three rails are used on 8-foot fence and on fence lines in exposed locations with higher wind load. Rails are 2x4 pressure treated lumber. They connect to posts with rail brackets or are notched into the post face.

Fasteners

Ring-shank hot-dipped galvanized nails or structural screws. Smooth nails pull loose within a few years in Florida's temperature swings as wood expands and contracts seasonally. Ring-shank nails and screws hold much longer. Fences R Us uses galvanized fasteners on every wood fence installation.

Humidity and Moisture

Marion County averages 54 inches of rain per year. Wood absorbs moisture and swells, then dries and contracts. This seasonal movement loosens fasteners and cracks boards over time. Pressure treated material is more resistant to this cycle than untreated wood. Painting or staining reduces moisture absorption and extends board life.

UV Fading

Florida sun bleaches untreated wood to gray within one season. A UV-blocking stain or exterior paint keeps the wood looking fresh and reduces surface checking. Dark stains absorb more heat and dry the wood faster. Light stains reflect more UV and extend surface life.

Termites and Insects

Marion County has active subterranean termite populations. Pressure treated posts are resistant but not immune to termite attack over time. Posts in concrete with no direct soil contact below the concrete line last significantly longer. Fences R Us sets all posts in concrete for this reason.

Wind

Ocala sits in a Florida wind zone that requires fence construction to account for wind uplift and lateral load. A solid 6-foot privacy fence acts like a sail in high wind. Proper post depth, concrete footings, and two or three rails distribute wind load across the fence structure. Fences R Us builds to Florida residential wind code on every privacy fence job.