10/14/2026
I'm seeing an increase in inquiries about which way a fence should face when it's being installed. I thought this was common knowledge, but apparently not! So here you go: The finished side (the smooth/good side) is supposed to face the neighbors. Standard practice: Finished side (flat pickets/boards with no visible posts or rails) → faces the neighbor’s property (and usually the street).
Post/rail side (the structural side with posts and horizontal rails showing) → faces your yard.
This is the long-standing “good neighbor” etiquette in most of the U.S. It’s considered polite, improves curb appeal, and is often required by HOAs or local building codes. It also makes the fence harder to climb from the outside.
Quick tip: Always double-check your local ordinances and any HOA rules before installing, because some areas make the “finished side out” a formal requirement. If both you and your neighbor want a nice view, consider a “good neighbor” style (like shadowbox or board-on-board) that looks finished from both sides.
