Dog Ear Shadow Box Wood Fence | Fenceworks Chicago Skip to content
Free Estimate
Dog Ear Shadow Box wood fence

Wood Fence Style

Who a shadow box fence suits

Shadow box is often called the good neighbor fence. Because the boards alternate from one side of the rails to the other, neither side gets the back of the fence. That makes it an easy choice on a shared lot line.

The overlap blocks the view when you look at the fence straight on, while the gaps let wind and light through. That helps in open yards where a solid fence would catch a lot of wind. Good fit for:

  • Shared property lines where both sides see the fence
  • Windy, open yards
  • Homeowners who want privacy without a solid wall
Get a free estimate

Premium Materials

Western Red Cedar, Michigan White Cedar and Redwood, chosen for fences built to last.

Customizable

All wood fences are custom built at your home. This allows us to tailor the fence to your home's needs

Renewable Resource

As a natural material, wood is a sustainable choice, especially when sourced responsibly.

Sound Absorption

Wood's natural properties help in dampening and reducing ambient noise.

Wood fence with the key features marked

Wood Fencing

Key Features

We prioritize quality, using cedar and careful installation to build the strongest, longest-lasting wood fences we can.

Our wood fences are custom-built with the features that make them some of the best in the Chicagoland area. Whichever style you choose, every fence comes with the following as standard.

Wood Fencing

Choose Your Wood

  • Western Red Cedar

    Western Red Cedar

    Naturally resists decay and insects, with a rich reddish-brown grain that stands up to hard winters.
  • Redwood

    Redwood

    Natural oils resist rot and warping. Stain it to keep the warm red tone, or let it weather to silver-grey.
  • Michigan White Cedar

    Michigan White Cedar

    A pale, native cedar that resists rot and insects and needs very little upkeep.

Wood Fencing

More Wood Fence Styles

Compare this style with the rest of our wood fence line. Every style is built to order at your home.

Request YourFree Quote

Get called by Fenceworks

Takes less than 30 seconds — our local team will call you back shortly.

Available products update automatically based on the ZIP code you enter.

Which Products? (select all that apply)

Don't see your ZIP code? Feel free to call our office 847-432-0900 and we can let you know what services we provide in your area.

Optional — helps us prepare a more accurate quote.

Tell us about your project

The more you share, the faster and more accurate your quote will be.

Add photos or videos (optional)

By continuing you agree to our Terms & Privacy Policy.

Opinions about fence installation by THE GUY ON 41

When it comes to a Fence instillation.. there is no better company in the north shore/chicago that I would recommend more than Fenceworks. They truly care about each customer like their family. I was informed every step of the way, true transparency throughout. Pricing was fair and competitive, and the craftsmanship was truly amazing. I look forward to buying a playground, trampoline, and basketball hoop this spring to wrap up all my home improvement projects in the future!

Adrish Saha

Google Reviews

I am so happy with the work that was completed. Fast, friendly, courteous, and honest. I had a beautiful fence built in my backyard and they worked so hard and quickly. I could not be happier and I will use them for any future projects.

Brad Rooks

Google Reviews

Great experience shopping at Fenceworks. The whole team (family!) was super accommodating & incredibly knowledgable. Pricing was honest & fair. If you're looking for fencing or backyard essentials in the Chicagoland area, look no further.

Addison Jacoby

Google Reviews

Dog ear shadow box fence installation near you

Learn More Show Less

The dog ear shadow box is one of the most requested wood fence styles in the Chicago suburbs, and it's easy to see why. The clipped corners on each board give it a familiar, friendly top line, and the alternating boards give it depth. From an angle, the fence looks layered rather than flat.

A shadow box fence has more boards than a single-sided fence, so how it's built matters. Fenceworks crews build every fence on site, one board at a time, and keep the spacing even across the whole run, including where the yard slopes.

We have installed fences across the North Shore and northwest suburbs since 1967. If you want to compare shadow box with a solid dog ear before you decide, book a free on-site estimate or stop by our Northbrook showroom.

Is a shadow box fence private?

From straight on, yes. The boards overlap, so you can't see through. From a sharp angle you'll see some light between the boards.

Does a shadow box fence look the same on both sides?

Yes. The boards alternate sides of the rails, so both you and your neighbor get the same finished look.

What's the difference between shadow box and solid dog ear?

Solid dog ear boards sit edge to edge on one side of the rails. Shadow box boards alternate sides, so the fence lets air through and looks the same from both yards.

Can I add a lattice top to a shadow box fence?

Yes. Shadow box with a diagonal lattice top is one of our standard styles. Ask about it during your estimate.

Back to top