Shadow Box Fence: The Backyard Fence at Coral Breeze

A shadow box fence is a wood fence with boards set on both sides of the rails, with small gaps between them. It looks the same from your yard and your neighbor's yard. At Coral Breeze, Lennar's features list for the Solea twin homes includes a "6' high wood shadowbox privacy fence in rear yard". This guide explains how a shadow box fence works, how much privacy it gives, and how to care for it.

What Is a Shadow Box Fence?

Trex, a fence maker, explains it this way: "A shadow box fence alternates pickets on both sides of a rail with gaps between the pickets."

Picture a fence rail running sideways. One board goes on the front of the rail. The next board goes on the back. Then the front again. From an angle, the boards overlap. Straight on, you can see small gaps.

Trex also says the design gives "a wood fence the same look on each side". That is the big plus. Neither neighbor gets the back side of the fence.

Sunlit Cedar Fence in a Tropical Backyard.png

How Much Privacy Does It Give?

Here is where sources do not agree.

Lennar's features list calls the Coral Breeze fence a "privacy fence".
Trex says shadow box styles "would not be considered privacy fencing."
Long Fence, a fence company, says "shadowbox fences only offer partial privacy."

So which is right? It depends on what privacy means to you. Because of the gaps, you may see light and shapes through the fence, especially from an angle. Stand in the model's backyard and judge for yourself.

Why Shadow Box Fences Make Sense in Florida

Trex says, "A shadow box fence requires airflow to help reduce pressure on the fence and compensate for the relative weakness of a standard 4x4 wood post."

In plain words, the gaps let some wind pass through. Trex is a fence maker, so read this as its view, not a building code.

Shadow Box vs Stockade Fence

A stockade fence is the classic solid wood fence. Long Fence describes it as "made of wooden boards constructed tightly against each other for maximum privacy". Trex says the shadow box is "a modification of the traditional stockade privacy style."

	Shadow box	Stockade
Board layout	Alternating sides of the rail	Boards tight together on one side
Look from each side	The same	Different, with framing showing on one side
Privacy	Partial, with small gaps	More, with no gaps
Wind	Gaps let some air through, Trex says	Solid face

The Fence at Coral Breeze

Lennar's features list for the Sonora and Marin says:

"6' high wood shadowbox privacy fence in rear yard"

A few other backyard items on the same list:

"Brick paver driveway, walkway, entry and rear patio areas"
A covered patio on the Sonora floor plan, and a covered terrace on the Marin floor plan

In a twin home, the fence does an extra job. It marks your yard from your neighbor's yard next door. Read how Coral Breeze twin homes are set up to see why that matters.

The fence is one of many standard items. See the full list of Coral Breeze standard features.

Shadow Box vs Stockade Fence Comparison.png

How to Care for a Wood Fence

Wood outdoors takes a beating. The U.S. General Services Administration lists the threats: "Natural causes of wood deterioration include decay, ultraviolet degradation, insect infestation and excess moisture."

Stain or seal helps. The GSA says a stain coating "will prolong the service life of wood and provide some protection against agents of deterioration." It also says, "The addition of the pigment protects the wood against ultraviolet degradation and increases the durability of the finish."

How often do you redo it? A University of California guide on exterior finishes says reapplication may be needed as soon as one year or as late as seven to ten years, depending on the finish you choose.

Simple fence care steps

Look it over each season. Check for loose boards, cracks and leaning posts.
Keep sprinklers off the fence. Constant water speeds up wear.
Trim plants back. Keep leaves and vines from rubbing against the wood.
Clean off dirt and mildew. A soft brush and water often do the job.
Ask before you stain or change it. Ask the sales team what colors or changes are allowed for your home.

Sharing a Fence Line With a Neighbor

In a twin home, your neighbor is close. The fence between your yards is something you both see every day. A few good habits help:

Talk with your neighbor before you hang things on the fence.
Agree on who trims plants along the shared line.
Report storm damage to the right people quickly.
Ask the sales team who is in charge of repairs to the fence between two lots.

Storm Season Tips

Before a storm, walk the fence. Move loose items away from it, like grills, chairs and pots, so they do not hit the boards in high wind. After the storm, check posts and boards and write down any damage. Take photos for your records.

Plants Along the Fence

A fence line is a good spot for plants, as long as they do not touch the wood. For ideas on where to buy plants locally, see our list of plant nurseries in Homestead.

Know Your Yard Before You Plant

Water is part of yard life in South Florida. Learn how flood zones work and how to look up an address in our Homestead flood zone guide.

Check the Fence Before You Close

Walk the full fence line before closing. Look for:

Boards that are split or missing
Posts that lean
Any gate that drags or does not latch
Gaps at the bottom where the ground dips

Many buyers bring their own inspector to this walk. Read why some buyers hire an inspector for a new home.

Life Beyond the Fence

The backyard is your own space. For a bigger outdoor day, South Dade Park is a county park northeast of Coral Breeze with a pool and splash pad. See our South Dade Park visitor guide.

The Bottom Line on the Fence

The Coral Breeze fence is 6 feet tall, wood and built in the shadow box style. It looks the same on both sides and lets some air through. It gives you a clear yard line with a neighbor, but expect some see-through gaps. Plan on regular care to keep the wood in good shape.

Price

Lennar's starting prices put the Solea twin homes at Coral Breeze in the high $400,000s. Call 561-704-0091 for today's numbers.

Common Questions

What is a shadow box fence?

It is a wood fence with boards placed on alternating sides of the rails, with gaps between them. It looks the same from both sides.

Is a shadow box fence a privacy fence?

Sources differ. Lennar calls the Coral Breeze fence a privacy fence. Trex and Long Fence say shadow box styles give partial privacy because of the gaps.

How tall is the fence at Coral Breeze?

Lennar lists a 6-foot-high wood shadowbox fence in the rear yard of the Solea twin homes.

Why do shadow box fences have gaps?

Trex says the design needs airflow to help reduce pressure on the fence from wind.

How often should I stain a wood fence?

It depends on the finish. A University of California guide says exterior finishes may need redoing in as soon as one year or as late as seven to ten years.

Can I change or paint the fence?

Ask the sales team what is allowed for your home before you make any changes.

Stand in the Backyard

The best way to judge the fence is to stand next to it. Call 561-704-0091 or pick a time to see a Coral Breeze backyard. You can also find Coral Breeze yard and plan details.