[ghosthunter79]

I am building a 6' privacy fence and wanted some feedback. I know everyone butts their 2x4 joints in the middle of the post. I was thinking of installing the rails in an alternating pattern so that each 2x4 rail covers the entire post instead of just half of the post width; rails over/under each other all the way down the fence line. I am just not sure if it will look strange, normally when you look down a fence line, the rails are all straight the whole length. Seems easier to build (not having to measure and cut between each post, can cut ends off after with a sawsall) and stronger and more of the 2x4 is in contact with each post. Thoughts, Ideas? Thanks.

 

[Nealtw]

I am building a 6' privacy fence and wanted some feedback. I know everyone butts their 2x4 joints in the middle of the post. I was thinking of installing the rails in an alternating pattern so that each 2x4 rail covers the entire post instead of just half of the post width; rails over/under each other all the way down the fence line. I am just not sure if it will look strange, normally when you look down a fence line, the rails are all straight the whole length. Seems easier to build (not having to measure and cut between each post, can cut ends off after with a sawsall) and stronger and more of the 2x4 is in contact with each post. Thoughts, Ideas? Thanks.

It's your fence, the only problem I can think of if you want to change one out years from now, if you care about years from now.
I think overlapping even longer would help keep a fence straighter over time like the second plate on a house wall.

 

[Brian Famous]

That would drive me insane... But its really up to you.
If you put your posts 6' on center, and use 12' boards, you're not cutting them at all and the boards are only covering 1/2 a post every other post. And if you do a staggered seam, each post is going to have at least 1, if not 2, rails that go completely over it. This method also helps to ensure the 3 posts are in a straight line.

 

[Mike Milam]

I stick built my 6 foot privacy fence. Set posts 8 feet on center and used 16 foot 2 X 4's for stringers. Makes the fence stronger and I think it helps keep it straight. If a post bows a little, it's not as noticeable.