Lines That Shape the Land
By Smithery Post & Plank 8/03/2025
Good afternoon, neighbors. You might think fence direction is just an aesthetic detail. But the truth is? Horizontal vs. vertical fencing changes everything.
Let’s break down the practical side of what your fence lines are doing, whether you realize it or not.
And—yep—even how your home is perceived from the street.
- How your space feels.
- How your layout flows.
- How your eye moves across a property.
But it’s not just about appearance.
- Airflow: Horizontal spacing allows for ventilated panels.
- Material versatility: From cedar and thermally modified wood to composite slats, the build can be warm, modern, or maintenance-free.
- Flow: These fences often pair beautifully with linear hardscaping like stepping stones, retaining walls, or low benches.
Best paired with:
Contemporary homes, small backyards, patios, mid-century modern or coastal homes, and anything that needs a visual “stretch.”
Horizontal Fencing: Built to Widen
Horizontal fences create the illusion of breadth. It’s a trick of the eye that architects and designers have used for decades—when the lines move laterally, the space feels more expansive and grounded. That’s especially useful if your backyard feels narrow or if your lot is tucked between other homes.
Contemporary Black Metal and Wood Slat Fence with Uplighting
Sleek black framing and soft uplighting make this modern fence a standout feature for any nighttime landscape.
Decorative Privacy Fence with Detailed Laser-Cut Panels
Decorative panels add an artistic flourish to your fence, delivering both privacy and curb appeal with a custom touch.
Luxury Horizontal Wood Slat Fence with Integrated Lighting
A premium fence design that combines natural wood warmth with architectural lighting for a polished modern finish.
Vertical Fencing: Timeless, Tall, and Trusty
Vertical lines draw the eye upward, making even a modest fence feel substantial. It’s a great move if you’re trying to emphasize privacy, divide space more distinctly, or install fencing on terrain that’s sloped or uneven (because the boards naturally step with the grade).
Vertical fences are often more traditional in appearance, but with the right material and finish, they can still look high-end and intentional.
Why choose vertical?
- Simplicity: Fewer structural joints, often quicker to install.
- Adaptability: Handles elevation changes and curves better than horizontal.
- Strength: The vertical orientation can support taller builds more easily.
Best paired with:
Sloped yards, larger rural properties, craftsman or cottage-style homes, and any project where a classic look with max height is the goal.
Blended Builds: The New Frontier
Here in Sebastian, Florida, we’re seeing more homeowners take a hybrid approach. Framing a horizontal run with vertical posts or mixing board directions across different zones of a property can create eye-catching contrast—and it lets your fence support multiple functions.
Think: solid vertical runs for privacy + horizontal slats for social spaces.
Or: modern horizontal in the front yard, classic vertical in the back.
It’s about shaping your space with intent—not just enclosing it.
How to Choose What Works for Your Yard:
| Yard Scenario | Best Fit |
|---|---|
| Narrow or boxy yard | Horizontal slats |
| Uneven terrain or hill | Vertical boards |
| Want airflow but privacy? | Spaced horizontals |
| HOA guidelines lean traditional | Vertical fencing |
| Want to be the standout on the block? | Blend it up |
📍 We’ve been walking fence lines across Sebastian, Micco, and Fellsmere for years—and the biggest surprise for most homeowners is how much layout impacts the feel of their entire property.
📲 If you’re rethinking your fence, we’ll help you choose a direction that fits your space—and makes it shine.
About SMITHERY
We sustain our company on reliability, great communication, integrity and attention to detail. We are American owned and operated, and strongly believe in giving our absolute best on all of our projects. With over 25 years experience, we are experts in our trade, and will always keep you educated on your particular task or project. Large to small, we do it all! Call today!
What We Do
SMITHERY provides: Chain link, Aluminum, Wood, Vinyl and PVC fence install and repair services. We also specialize in deck, porch, gazebo, and free-standing porch build and repair.
Service Areas
We provide service to the following cities in Florida: Melbourne, Vero Beach, Palm Bay, Cocoa, Titusville, Merritt Island, Sebastian, Orlando, Rockledge, Cocoa Beach, Fellsmere, Roseland, Winter Beach, Melbourne Beach, Satellite Beach, Scottsmoor, Mims, Sharpes, Patrick AFB, Indialantic, Wabasso, Cape Canaveral, Malabar
Contact SMITHERY
772-918-8468
9512 Honeysuckle Dr
Sebastian Fl 32976
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