Hi Della,

OK, I live in an area without fences, so just an opinion here. But from what I've seen, most people call the "good side" the one WITHOUT all the supports.

In other words, if someone is paying for the fence without neighbors' help, they typically build the "smooth side in". And make the uncontributing neighbor look at the "ugly" side with all the bracing.

As for security....I've heard that "privacy" fences really aren't all that secure...presumably because neighbors can't see what's going on next door. And a nosy neighbor is one of the best security measures there is.

i agree with k2. privacy fences are more for privacy that security. if a thief wants to get thru or over a fence it wont matter what side is facing out. i would put the attractive side in unless you are too concerned about it. doesnt really matter accept if you ever need to replace pickets you will have to go into the nieghbors yard if you put the pickets outwards.

You're supposed to put the nice side on the outside facing away from your yard. Drive by others and you'll notice they all have the nice sides facing out.. Hope that helps!

Tamara

If you use the type of privacy fence that has one board on the outside staggered with one on the inside, there is less of a "good" side vs. "bad" side. But I agree with the poster above. You almost always see the "good" side out.

The facing of your fence depends on the city you live in. What they require is what you have to do.

:)