Wood panel fencing — sometimes called stockade fencing — improves privacy and security and is a good choice for setting boundaries for children and pets. Individual components — boards and rails — and prebuilt panels come in sections 4 to 6 feet tall and 6 or 8 feet long. There are two basic types of panels: 1  The boards on a solid panel fence butt against each other. 2  Shadowbox panels, right, use alternating boards on each side of the fence rail to give the fence the same look on both sides, allow air circulation and provide partial views.