# Planning a Spaced Picket Fence in Austin September 15, 2026 · BigDecks A spaced picket fence uses repeated vertical boards with visible openings between them. It can define the edge of a yard while keeping views through the fence. That openness is the main design choice: a spaced fence offers partial screening, not the visual separation of a solid privacy fence. ## Decide which views you want to keep Start from the places where you spend time: the kitchen window, a seating area, the front walk or a deck. Note which views should stay open and which should be screened. Check from both seated and standing positions, and consider how the view changes when someone walks along the fence. Photos can communicate a preferred look, but a gap that appears private in a straight-on photograph may be open at another angle. Ask to compare a small layout sample before committing to the repeating pattern. The board width, opening, height and viewing angle work together. ## Plan access along with the fence line A fence should leave useful routes through the yard. List what needs to pass through each gate: people carrying furniture, lawn equipment, bins or future project materials. Consider where an open gate will sit and whether the route connects comfortably with steps and paths. Also identify the parts of the site that need access for maintenance. Bring these needs to the design conversation before setting the gate locations or ordering hardware. ## Choose a wood and steel composition BigDecks builds wood and steel fencing, with welding and metalwork in house. A fence can use a consistent wood rhythm or combine wood with visible steel elements. Compare the proposed wood, finish and metal details with the house, deck and nearby landscape rather than assuming everything must match exactly. Ask how the proposed assembly will handle the site's slope and how the pattern will continue through gates and corners. Post sizes, support, connections and hardware belong in the project design; choosing steel or a particular wood does not establish a universal structural specification. ## Separate appearance from barrier requirements An attractive spaced fence is not automatically a suitable pool barrier or a containment solution for a particular child or animal. If the fence has a safety or containment role, describe that role explicitly and have the complete design checked against the applicable requirements. Do not select a gap from a style photo and assume it meets those requirements. Check the relevant jurisdiction and any private restrictions before construction. For City of Austin properties, the city's [Fencing Regulations](https://www.austintexas.gov/development-services/fencing-regulations) provide the official starting point. ## Bring a clear brief to BigDecks Send photos, approximate fence lengths, gate needs and a few examples of the look you like through [BigDecks](https://bigdecks.co/). Explain where privacy matters and where an open view is welcome. Ask for the chosen materials, finish, gate hardware and responsibilities to be reflected in the written quote. If the fence is part of a larger deck, bathing or landscape project, Design Assist can bring the components into a paid 3D design and plan. The fee is credited toward the build if you proceed. Straightforward builds have no design fee. Planning a project? [Explore real-wood deck building in Austin](https://bigdecks.co/real-wood-deck-builders-austin/), [estimate your deck](https://bigdecks.co/price/), or work through your layout with [Design Assist](https://bigdecks.co/#design-assist). Material availability, pricing, and site requirements are confirmed for your project. ## More from the journal - [Budgeting for a Fence Replacement in Austin](https://bigdecks.co/blog/how-to-budget-for-a-fence-replacement-project-in-austin/) - [Planning a Fence Replacement in Austin](https://bigdecks.co/blog/fence-replacement-for-aging-austin-properties/) - [Planning a Deck for an Austin ADU](https://bigdecks.co/blog/deck-additions-for-austin-accessory-dwelling-units/) ![Broad wood decking and exposed board ends on a BigDecks project](https://bigdecks.co/images/projects/Forrest-127-web.webp)A BigDecks project. Real wood. Size matters. ## Start with the original. Our signature OG 4×12 boards set the scale. Explore the materials and get an estimate for your space. [Price your deck →](https://bigdecks.co/price/?wood=og-df) [Talk through your project](https://bigdecks.co/#hero-quote) --- [View this page](https://bigdecks.co/blog/spaced-picket-fences-for-modern-austin-yards/) · [Contact BigDecks](https://bigdecks.co/contact/) · [Agent guide](https://bigdecks.co/llms.txt)