Stepped vs. Contoured Cedar Fencing - Which One is Right for Your Yard?

One question we get a lot is whether to go stepped or contoured with a fence. And honestly, it depends on your yard. Both styles have their strengths - it just comes down to the lay of your land, what you're going for visually, and how much privacy you need.

A stepped fence moves in flat, level sections that drop down in increments as the grade changes. It's clean. Structured. Great for yards where you want that sharp, defined look. A contoured fence, on the other hand, follows the natural slope of the ground - the bottom rail tracks the terrain while the top stays level. That gives you tighter coverage along the ground line, which matters a lot if privacy is the main goal.

Cedar is our go-to material for both styles, and for good reason. It holds up well, it looks sharp fresh off the saw, and it weathers beautifully over time. That warm, honey-toned grain you see in fresh cedar boards is hard to beat. It also naturally resists moisture and insects, which means less maintenance on your end down the road.

Every yard is a little different. Slopes, trees, existing landscaping, neighbor sight lines - all of it plays into which fence style actually makes sense for your space. That's why we always take the time to walk through the options before anything gets built. No two installs are exactly the same, and a fence that works with your yard always looks better than one that fights it.