However, while building a fence, it is always preferable to choose heartwood instead of sapwood. The most popular woods used to construct this form of fence are redwood, spruce, fir, cypress, white cedar, red cedar, or pine. Constructing a durable and long-lasting shadow box fence requires a scrupulous wood selection. Shadow fences are typically 6 feet tall, although they can be as short as 4 feet and as tall as 8 feet. The holes between the pickets make it possible for a fair amount of ventilation. Unless you stand very near to the fence, a shadow box fence will obstruct most views. Every picket bridges the space between the pickets on the opposite side of the fence. The pickets are normally attached to both sides of the fencing rails in staggered patterns.

The name “shadow box” comes from the way the fence is built, which casts a shadow. A shadow box fence is a common style of semi-private residential fence.