When selecting a vinyl fence for your property, the details matter. Beyond height, color, and texture, one design choice that often gets overlooked — and yet has a big visual and functional impact — is whether to choose an overscallop or an underscallop vinyl fence. These two scalloped styles add aesthetic appeal and character to any yard, but they serve slightly different purposes and create distinct looks. Understanding the differences between overscallop and underscallop vinyl fencing can help you make a choice that enhances your home’s style, fits your functionality needs, and maximizes property value.
Table of contents:
- Introduction to Scalloped Vinyl Fencing
- Overscallop Vinyl Fencing: Elegant and Open
- Underscallop Vinyl Fencing: Subtle and Grounded
- Side-by-Side Comparison
- Functionality Beyond Aesthetics
- Installation Considerations
- Maintenance and Longevity
- Conclusion
Introduction to Scalloped Vinyl Fencing
Scalloped vinyl fencing is a fence style where the pickets are cut to form a wave-like pattern. Scalloped designs create a gradual rise and fall, adding artistic flair and softening the visual impact of a long fence line.
There are two popular approaches to scalloped fencing, both sold here at American Vinyl Works:
- Overscallop vinyl fencing
- Underscallop vinyl fencing
Both create a slope in the pickets, but they differ in which posts stay tall and which dip down.
Overscallop Vinyl Fencing: Elegant and Open
An overscallop vinyl fence features taller pickets at the posts and shorter pickets in the infill space between. This gives the fence the appearance of a series of rolling hills — perfect for homes located in or or near hilly terrain. It’s especially attractive when viewed from a distance, such as along a street or sidewalk.
Advantages of Overscallop Vinyl Fencing
- Visual Flow: The curve accentuates horizontal lines, creating a pleasing rhythm along the fence.
- Height Where It Matters: Taller posts help create a more secure feeling while allowing the pickets to dip in the middle for artistic appeal.
- Balance of Privacy + Artistry: The overall height remains substantial near posts (often where visibility is highest), while the curved shape softens the rigidity.
- Great for Sloping Yards: In some landscapes, overscallop lines complement natural hills better than straight-top fences.
Best Use Cases
Overscallop fencing tends to work excellently:
- Along street frontages or public facing sides of a property
- For yards where aesthetic appeal is a priority
- In gardens with layered landscaping
- Around patios where you want defined space but not a monotonous line
Underscallop Vinyl Fencing: Subtle and Grounded
What It Is?
An underscallop fence is the opposite: the tallest picket is at the center, and the boards slope downward toward the posts. The lowest points are at the posts.
How It Looks:
This creates an inward “bowl” shape within each section. The design feels grounded and can give a property a more cohesive, centralized emphasis, especially in backyards or internal yard lines.
Advantages of Underscallop Vinyl Fencing
- Sense of Stability: The highest point in middle creates a natural visual centerline, making the fence feel grounded.
- Privacy in Centered Areas: Often, the center is where visibility matters most — and underscallop design keeps it slightly taller.
- Great for Yard Entrances and Gates: Placing this style near entrances can frame walkways and patios beautifully.
- Harmonizes With Landscaping: Works well when you want the eye drawn inward — toward gardens, lawns, or focal features.
Best Use Cases:
Underscallop fencing is ideal:
- Around private backyard perimeters
- Near seating areas, pools, or outdoor kitchens
- Where you want a slightly understated look
- With symmetrical landscaping designs
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Overscallop | Underscallop |
|---|---|---|
| Highest point | Over posts | In middle of panels |
| Visual effect | Open and flowing | Grounded and centered |
| Best for | Street view, curb appeal | Privacy backyard, patios |
| Feel | Light & artistic | Stable & subtle |
| Landscaping complement | Hills, layered design | Gardens and symmetrical layouts |
Ready to shop materials for scalloped vinyl fencing? Contact our sales team today!
Functionality Beyond Aesthetics
While aesthetics are a major reason people choose scalloped fencing, the design can also influence light, sightlines, and even airflow in your yard.
- Light Access: Scalloped designs can allow more sunlight into lower areas — helpful if you have plants near the fence line.
- Sightlines: If you want to maintain a visual connection between front and back yards or a scenic view, the varied heights can help soften the visual barrier without sacrificing privacy.
- Perceived Height: Even fences of the same maximum height can feel different depending on whether they use an overscallop or underscallop profile.
Installation Considerations
Installing scalloped vinyl fencing requires:
- Careful measuring and leveling: To maintain smooth curves.
- Precision cutting: So panels align perfectly from high to low points.
- Proper support at posts: Since slopes can introduce slight tension in rails.
Most professional installers will use a staking and string line method to ensure consistent radius curves. Attempting to install these without experience can lead to uneven lines or gaps.
Maintenance and Longevity
Like all vinyl fencing, both overscallop and underscallop styles offer:
- Low maintenance — no painting, staining, or sealing.
- Durable materials — resistant to rot, rust, and insect damage.
- Easy cleaning — usually just soap and water.
The curved shapes don’t require extra maintenance versus flat-top styles — but they do benefit from annual checks to ensure caps and rails remain secure.
Choosing the Right Style for Your Property
Ask yourself:
- What’s my primary goal? Curb appeal, privacy, or backyard serenity?
- How does sunlight move through my yard?
- Where are the sightlines most important?
- Is my landscape flat or sloped?
An overscallop might be perfect if you want to elevate curb appeal and add visual flow. An underscallop could be ideal if your focus is backyard privacy and symmetry.
Conclusion
Choosing between overscallop and underscallop vinyl fencing isn’t just a matter of looks — it’s about matching function, style, and the unique personality of your property. Both designs offer impressive versatility, durability, and charm that vinyl fencing is known for, while giving you a customized aesthetic that highlights your space.
Whether you want an inviting entrance, more visual interest, or a peaceful backyard retreat, understanding the difference between these scalloped styles ensures your fence becomes a beautiful — and practical — part of your home.
👉 Ready to shop? Visit https://americanvinylworks.com/ and explore our vinyl fencing options today!