If you ask me for a trend that works for any space, both indoor and outdoor, I’d say slatted wood. Slatted wood instantly gives a contemporary feel to the space and whether you use it inside as an accent or outside as a fence, for example, it will elevate the style of your space, besides, a slatted fence will definitely add curb appeal to your home. Let’s find out all the pros and cons of such a piece to decide whether you need it or not.
A Horizontal Or A Vertical Slat Fence?
Style
A slat fence is a great way to bring a contemporary look to your home and garden: a vertical fence will look a bit more classic, while a lightweight vertical ones instantly brings a contemporary feel. The horizontal lines can also make your garden appear wider than it actually is. The vertical ones will add height and will expand the space if there’s enough distance between the slats This can increase the curb appeal of your home and make it a more attractive prospect to potential buyers.
Rich stain slats match the facade, and tropical plants look bolder in such a backdrop.
The stained vertical fence is made vivacious and fresh with green vines on top.
Keep the garden private choosing a horizontal fence and keep the distance between the slats not large.
This horizontal slat fence is lined up with greenery and grasses, all the rest of the space is done with lawn.
The classic tall slatted fence is always a good idea, and plants and trees add interest to the garden space.
A rich-stained vertical fence is paired with tropical plants, and a matching slatted bench echoes with it.
This rich-stained horizontal fence adds color and interest to the space, and bold blooms help with that, too.
Installation
Some slat fencing can be difficult to install. If the materials you use are low-quality ones, then your fence may start to sag in the middle over time. This means it’s vital that you purchase high-quality slatted fence boards.
Horizontal panels are very heavy which makes them difficult to carry and manoeuvre into place during installation. This makes it very hard to install them by yourself and you will either have to ask someone to help you or hire a contractor.
Privacy
Slat fences act as a good privacy screen for your home and garden. The slats sit snugly on top of each other which blocks any external view of your garden, and if you need a more lightweight-looking version, you can vary the distance between the slats choosing panels you like. The upside of this is that more light will penetrate through vertical fences which can give your garden a more open and expansive feel.
The neutral slatted fence is classics for a modern or Scandinavian yard. It doesn't distract attention from the landscape design.
The modern horizontal fence is lined up with a narrow garden bed with topiaries and mini trees.
This not tall light-stained vertical fence is a pretty addition to the contemporary garden and it matches the look of the facade.
A super tall vertical fence will bring a lot of security to your garden as it's tall and hard to climb. Still, there's enough light going through.
The light-stained fence is a contemporary and sleek solution that won't distract attention from decor and furniture.
Slatted fences look perfect with greenery and hedges, just look at this poolside area.
This light-stained fence is a lovely privacy screen, and greenery and flowers along it add interest.
Security
Vertical panels are much harder to climb than horizontal boards as there are no footholds. This can increase the security of your home by making it harder for intruders to access your garden.
Longevity
If you’re installing a timber fence then whether it’s horizontal or vertical could affect how long it lasts. Vertical boards will be more likely to absorb moisture as their ends will be exposed. This will lead to rotting and may result in them needing to be replaced. Horizontal wooden boards won’t be as exposed to the elements and should last longer.
This vertical fence is a perfect backdrop for modern potted plants and modern garden furniture.
The light-stained fence is a backdrop for a whole garden with grasses, trees and topiaries plus some rocks and pebbles.
This light-stained horizontal fence looks very sleek, clean and minimal.
This stained horizontal slat fence is accented with green vines, and lush blooms and grasses make it look all-natural.
The fence is composed of horizontal slats and blooms along it give it a natural feel.
The stained horizontal fence is a lovely and very organic solution for a modern garden, potted plants add a natural feel.
The grey stained vertical fence is accented with green vines and greenery along it.
The poolside space is lined up with a dark vertical fence, which elevates the look of the nook. The garden bed is styled with greenery to make it look cooler.
Maintenance
Horizontal wooden slat fencing will be easier to maintain and repair than vertical fencing. As vertical fence panels come pre-built it means that they are much harder to repair than horizontal slats. Often, if the damage is substantial the entire panel will have to be replaced. It will take you much time, effort and money and it’s more difficult than carrying out repairs on a single fence board.
Garden Peculiarities
A horizontal fence needs to be constructed in mostly straight lines but a vertical fence can be built to follow the twists and turns of your border, so it’s better suited to gardens with curved borders.
The dark horizontal fence is a bold and modern solution for the garden, and a garden bed with blooms and greenery along it make it look fresh.
This dark weathered fence is horizontal, it's a perfect fir for a Scandinavian space and a lovely backdrop for a white chair and a potted tree.
This dark-stained fence perfectly matches the look of the facades, and green vines refresh its look.
This bold rich-stained fence with vertical slats is a lovely idea for a contemporary space, it supports the look of the facade.
A black horizontal slat fence is a great solution for privacy, enough light and it will be a great backdrop for your plants.
The black horizontal fence allows light and air inside making the garden feel larger.
Horizontal slats can look minimal and contemporary if you live more space between the slats. (via monjardinmamaison).
This light-stained tall vertical fence does not only provide privacy but also becomes a nice backdrop for the tropical plants. (via homestolove).
Vertical fences are also often the best option for gardens with uneven surfaces. It is relatively easy to adjust vertical boards to different heights to accommodate bumps and dips in the ground. This is much more difficult with a horizontal fence as the slat fencing boards lie flat on top of each other.
The grey slatted fence matches the facade with grey slats and greenery around help to support the Nordic feel here. (via thedesignfiles).
Slatted fences are perfect around pools: they provide enough privacy and become a lovely backdrop for furniture and the pool itself. (via homestolove).
This is how you can spruce up the basic look of the vertical slat fence: shrubs and cacti will stand out in its neutral backdrop. (via gardenfine).
This light-stained vertical fence is perfect for a contemporary backyard, and plants around it make it eye-catchy.
A white slatted fence instantly gives a coastal or beach feel to the garden, add tropical plants and voila.
A weathered slat fence can be accented with bright blooming vines and greenery to give it interest.
A dark horizontal slatted fence is a lovely solution for a Scandinavian garden. Greenery will refresh the fence and contrast the dark color of the stain.
The light-stained slatted fence is a warm addition to the garden and it cheers up the restraint facade.
The light-stained vertical slat fence is always a good idea: it looks contemporary and keeps the garden safe.
The fence is composed of both slats and usual boards, to get more privacy where needed and enjoy light and air.
This tall slatted fence is private and safe enough, and plants and blooms along the fence make it look catchy.