If you’ve ever looked out across a row of backyards, you’ve probably seen the same thing I have: that tried-and-true dog eared fence. It’s the workhorse of American neighborhoods, standing guard with those little clipped corners that keep it from looking too plain. But it’s not the only way to top off a wood fence. Flat, gothic, and scalloped styles are out there too, each with their own charms. If you’ve been scratching your head about which style to pick, let’s talk through the pros, cons, and character of each one.
The Dog Eared Fence: Everybody’s Favorite Neighbor
This is the wood or vinyl fence you know—the style that shows up everywhere from starter homes to big suburban spreads. A dog eared fence gets its name from those angled cuts on each picket, like the corner of a page folded down in a book. It’s simple, affordable, and pleasing to the eye.
Why so popular? Well, for starters, it doesn’t try too hard. The clipped corners give just enough detail to keep the fence line from looking harsh, but they don’t scream for attention either. It’s the “good pair of jeans” of fencing: works almost anywhere, with almost anything. On top of that, it’s a nice middle-ground between budget-friendly and more expensive design detail. That’s why builders, homeowners, and even HOAs lean on it so often.
If you want solid privacy without breaking the bank, a dog ear fence is hard to beat. It’ll keep the dog in, keep nosy passersby out, and look right at home while doing it. Check out Superior Fence & Rail’s selection of dog ear privacy fence in stockade, board on board, and shadowbox styles—and if you can picture one of these fences at your home, reach out for a free fence financing consultation today.
Flat-Top: Clean, Straightforward, No Frills
Now let’s say you’re the type who likes clean lines in a modern look. A flat-top wood fence might be more your speed. Each picket just runs straight across the top with no cut at all. It’s neat and tidy—like a fresh haircut with no fancy styling.
Flat-tops give you options, too. You can dress them up with post caps or trims if you want more polish, or leave them plain for a minimalist vibe. They work especially well with contemporary homes where straight lines are the name of the game. The trade off is that flat-tops can look a little severe if they’re not softened with landscaping or accents. Consider accenting your flat-top wood fence with a bold paint color, one of the hottest design trends this season.
French Gothic: A Pointed Classic
Ever notice those pointy picket tops on some older fences? That’s the gothic style. Each board is cut into a little spearhead shape, a nod to colonial and Victorian designs. They can make a fence feel more formal, even stately, but there’s no denying they’ve got a little bit of an edge—literally.
The good news is that french gothic tops can add character and a touch of security. They’re not for everyone, though—some folks think they look too ornamental or dated. But if you’re after tradition or want your place to stand out from some of the plainer fences on the block, gothic just might do the trick. Let your fence make a statement!
Like all of Superior Fence & Rail’s products, their wood fences are backed with exceptional warranties—including limited lifetime warranties on posts and rails. Contact them today for information on products, warranties, and installation.
Scalloped and Other Decorative Cuts
For homeowners who like curves, scalloped fences offer a gentle dip between posts, giving the whole line a softer, decorative feel. There are also arch-top and chalet styles, which push even further into ornamental territory. These cuts can be beautiful, no doubt about it, but they take more work to build and often come with a higher price tag.
Fences like these also require a bit more upkeep. If one board gets damaged, matching the curve or arch perfectly can be tricky. That’s not to say you shouldn’t go for it—just know what you’re signing up for. Some styles of ornate home architecture—like a Queen Anne or Victorian—demand an equally exciting fence. Superior Fence & Rail’s expertly trained staff is ready to assist you in finding the perfect fence for your home and budget.
Where Fence Dog Ears Come Out On Top
Here’s the thing: flat, gothic, and scalloped all have their place. They each bring a certain personality to a yard. But when you line up cost, durability, and neighborly curb appeal, fence dog ears have a way of winning the long game.
They’re approachable but not boring, uniform without being stark. And because the design has been around forever, you won’t have to explain to anyone what you were going for. If you want a fence that works as hard as you do without stealing the show, dog ears are a safe bet.
But whatever fence style you choose, rest assured that Superior Fence & Rail’s products and service will keep you happy for years to come. With over 20,000 five-star reviews from customers across the country, nobody works harder to satisfy their customers than Superior Fence & Rail. Read some of our latest testimonials, like this one from Raymond C.:
“We just had our fence installed by Superior Fence & Rail. We couldn’t be happier with the price, product and installation! Logan was a great salesperson to work with, the office was great with communication and the installers, Bernardo and crew were awesome! They did a great job with the install, removal of old fence and cleanup at the end of the job! Highly Recommended!”
Let Your Fence Tell a Story
At the end of the day, the best wood fence style is the one that makes you feel at home when you walk out back with your morning coffee or toss a ball with your pet. Some folks like the crisp lines of a flat-top. Others go for the tradition of french gothic or the flare of a scallop. But if you ask me there’s a reason the dog eared fence still rules the neighborhood—it’s simple, sturdy, and has just enough personality to keep things interesting.
So when you’re ready to build, think about what story you want your fence to tell. You can’t go wrong with any of Superior Fence & Rail’s expertly crafted and professionally installed fences. Click Here today for a free estimate and to learn more about all of their built-to-last fence styles.
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