Do you need to leave a gap between fence boards?

Gaps between fence boards may be necessary if the boards are anticipated to swell or expand. With wood fences, boards will actually shrink as they weather because moisture evaporates out of the boards. So, gaps typically aren't necessary for wood fences, but if gaps aren't desirable in the first place, the consumer may not have a choice since gaps will inevitably appear overtime on a wood fence. Composite fence boards act differently because they are dense and won't dry out as they age. That's why composite fence boards that are butted together tend to bulge and warp when the fence material heats up in the sun. If you prefer a composite fence system, choose Trex. The fence boards are specifically designed to avoid the need for gaps while still maintaining full privacy as the boards expand and contract. Trex is also a better option for wood fence boards if you want to avoid gaps altogether.

Visit our article about Trex's Smart Design to learn more about the benefits of our Trex pickets.