Category: Fences

“Don’t ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up.”  –  Gilbert K. Chesterton

You want to enjoy your backyard and take part in the outdoor living lifestyle. There’s just one problem. Your backyard lacks privacy, so any time you head out there, your neighbors’ spying eyes are curiously peering into your yard.

What you need is a privacy fence. It’s a not-so-subtle way of blocking the view onto your property so that you can enjoy your backyard in peace. You don’t have to build a standard wood fence, though.

Check out these privacy fence ideas and start enjoying your backyard in peace.

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1. Gabion Wall Privacy

The hallmark of modern construction is gabion walls. You see them as a part of the landscaping design for new neighborhood entrances.

Gabion walls also happen to make great backyard privacy walls. However, this isn’t the type of wall that you’ll want to tackle as a DIY fence. While you can, it will be a lot of backbreaking work that just isn’t worth the minimal savings you’ll get from taking the DIY approach.

Instead, hire a professional to install your gabion wall. Your finished wall will have a wire exterior frame that either uses a mesh or chicken wire style of weave. Stones are then tightly stacked to fill the wireframe.

2. Green Natural Fence

Instead of building a fence, you could grow one. Add a green fence to your property by planting large trees. Trim them once or twice a year, and you have a fence that adds to the natural appeal of your home.

Instead of trees, you can plant evergreen shrubs. Keep the shrubs neatly trimmed, and they will give your home an elegant feel. A greenery fence is a growable DIY privacy fence that can last for years to come. As long as you keep the plants alive, you have a solid fence.

3. Decorative Lattice Style

A lattice backyard fence doesn’t create a solid wall as the nature of the fence has holes throughout. This style of fencing is ideal for your outdoor space if you want to maintain airflow.

If you’re concerned about people being able to see through the lattice, you could encourage a vine plant to grow onto the fence. It will weave its way through the lattice to fill in the holes but not create a solid wall.

Traditional lattice yard fencing has a slanted design with the cross slats angled at 45 degrees. Modern versions of lattice position the slats vertically and horizontally at 90-degree angles.

4. Metal Fencing Upgrade

If you already have a chain link fence, you may not want to take it out just to install another fence. You can create an increased sense of privacy by adding fabric to the fence or weaving slats through the chain links.

If you’re building a new fence, then consider solid metal fencing. Corrugated metal will give your fence a rustic or industrial feel. However, a stamped iron fence panel will elevate the look of your fence and give it a modern feel. The metal fence panels get mounted between the wood posts and have a wood top rail for an upscale feel.

5. Modern Sustainable Design

Modern privacy fence designs use environmentally friendly and sustainable fence materials. Bamboo fencing is a popular choice. It’s durable, sustainable, and looks elegant. Accent your bamboo fence with a metal fence gate that coordinates with the metal frame around the bamboo.

Aluminum fence panels are also popular. You can find translucent panels that allow for light to filter through. You could also use panels that have outdoor fabric stretched over them. You could also use a combination of materials to create a custom design, such as blending lattice inserts with horizontal planks.

6. Rustic Wood Charm

A rustic privacy wall will look like a natural barrier of plants growing around the perimeter of your property. You could do this with a vertical garden. Build a framework that has shelves for pots or rails for hanging pots from. The end result is a living fence. 

This approach is more affordable than purchasing large plants to settle in the ground. Garden fence ideas will show you how to turn your fence into a gardening opportunity. You could have decorative blooms, herbs, or anything else that grows best in a small pot.

7. Sturdy Stone Privacy

Building your privacy fencing out of stones will give you a solid wall that will last for decades. You could build it out of stacked stones or pavers for a uniform and contemporary look. Bricks will create a traditional fence style.

Natural stones stacked together create a wall with a more natural feel that can blend into the surrounding nature. When building your stone privacy wall, think about the size of the stones. Too big, and your wall will look awkward and lumpy. Too small, and it will be too complicated and time-consuming to build.

8. DIY Unique Fences

You can build your fence out of anything that’s stable and strong enough to stay standing. A trending option among DIY enthusiasts is to use shipping pallets. You could stand them up on end and add wood to fill in the holes. Or you can disassemble the pallets and use the wood to build a solid fence.

Instead of using wood for your fence posts, you could replace them with metal or concrete posts. This gives your fence a unique design. Another option is to use fence panels made of bamboo shoots for a tropical feel to your backyard.

9. Vinyl Low Maintenance

The contemporary fence material is vinyl. It’s popular among suburban homeowners because it’s durable, low maintenance, and comes in attractive designs.

When building a vinyl privacy fence, it should be solid for the lower portion of the fence. Then add a decorative top that has a lattice design.

You could just have plain vinyl fencing that is solid with no decorative elements. Your vinyl fence will be white, as this is the standard color. However, manufacturers are developing innovative designs that mimic the look and texture of real wood.

10. Classic Wood Elegance

The original building material for any kind of fence is wood. Instead of building a split rail or white picket fence, you’ll use a design that creates more privacy. A vertical plank fence or a sleek horizontal fence is a better option. 

These wood fence ideas create solid fencing that prevents people from peering onto your property. It could have a traditional straight top line, arched, or scalloped design.

Elevate the look of your wooden fence by accenting the wood panels with metal panels that have decorative cutouts. Another option is to use horizontal slats of varying widths for your wood fencing. This gives your fencing a modern feel.

There are countless reasons to construct a garden fence. Whether you’re trying to keep hungry critters away from your hard-earned produce or add a bit of privacy to your backyard, the right fence can have a huge impact on your property’s form and function.

Selecting a garden fence design isn’t just about what looks best. Factors like height, panel style, material, and general purpose will all play a role in whether a specific type of fence will work for your garden.

Check out the garden fence ideas below for the best ways to define your own property.

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1. Enclosed Screen Fence For Functional Purpose

If you’re looking for traditional garden fence ideas, a traditional picket fence or wrought iron fence is the way to go. Both of these will a offer timeless and classic look throughout your garden that will be sure to last. Alternatively, if you’re after a more modern feel then look into wire mesh fencing. These fences are easy to install and are great for keeping away unwanted animals or pests from wandering through your yard.

Alternatively, you can use wood for your garden fence. Different shades and styles can be applied in order to suit the aesthetic of your home and garden, making this an extremely popular option for many homeowners.

2. Utilize Local Wood

Adding a fence to your garden is a great way to inject character and bring focus to outdoor living spaces. If you want your fence to be truly unique and create a custom design, utilize local wood. For example, a stained wood pallet creates an attractive backdrop for seasonal accents like flowering plants or delicate vines.

You may even find some free wood from reclaiming a project or taking apart an old wooden structure like an old doorframe. Or perhaps utilize wood from a tree in your own yard!

Utilizing DIY projects such as these make your garden fence ideas special and personal while also creating a visually impressive space.

3. Opt For A Lattice Fence For More Coverage

For creative homeowners looking to spruce up their garden, adding a lattice fence is an ideal solution. Lattice fences are classic and timeless, able to be both subtle and stylish while also providing more coverage than a traditional picket fence.

To further bring some pizzazz to this style of fencing, homeowners can plant trailing plants such as ivy or clematis alongside them for maximum impact. As lattice fences come in a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes – from bamboo to metal – there’s sure to be one perfect for any landscape.

4. Grow A Living Fence

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, living garden fence idea, consider creating a living fence using a wire base. This option is perfect for those with a green thumb as it allows resilient native plants such as poison ivy and Virginia creeper to grow up naturally from the base of the metal mesh.

Of course, keeping these living fences will require regular trimming to ensure that they stay neat and healthy. If managed correctly, living fences can make for great additions to any garden as not only do they add privacy but also provide a natural shade, seasonal color, and texture; plus they are 100% recyclable!

5. Get A Stylish Metal Fence

If you’re looking for stylish garden fence ideas, stylish metal fences are a great choice. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing but provide an effective and secure barrier for your home.

From Victorian-style accents to contemporary designs, there is a wide range of stylish metal fences to choose from that fit any look.

Whether you’re looking for enhanced security or just to enhance the look of your outdoor space, stylish metal fence options offer both aesthetic and function.

6. Stick With The Conventional Picket Fence

If you’re looking for classic garden fence ideas to spruce up your suburban home, then look no further than a picket fence. Whether you go American with that classic white picket fence or opt for the slightly more conventional picket fences in colors such as brown, grey, or even black – picket fencing is sure to give your garden that timeless charm it deserves!

These fences perfectly frame any front yard, adding a hint of nostalgia and allowing you to explore your creative side when choosing a picket style. With picket fencing, the options truly are endless.

7. Leave No Gaps To Keep It Private

While many homeowners opt for basic fences made of stock materials, there are plenty of creative options for garden fences. You can opt for a heightened fence, with or without decorative features like latticework or trellises, for an even greater sense of enclosing your outdoor space.

When it comes to garden fence ideas, think outside the box and get creative in how you best secure your backyard paradise.

8. Choose A Rustic Fence For Vegetable Garden

Create a classic barn-style fence to enclose your garden for a classic, rustic look. Distressed wood fencing not only adds charm but also offers protection from unwanted critters invading your traditional vegetable garden. Adding well-placed foliage around the fence can add privacy and greenery to your outdoor space.

Consider layering fence panels of different heights or incorporating lattice for an airy, creative look. Lastly, install lighting around the perimeter for an inviting ambiance during nighttime hours. All these elements will combine to create a sturdy stylish fence that will be the envy of your adoring neighbors!

9. Install An Alternative Vinyl Fence

For a creative and low-maintenance garden fence idea, try wood-like vinyl fencing! Vinyl fences bring the look of wood without any of the maintenance hassle – no need to worry about having to paint or seal your wood fence.

You get a little extra privacy with vinyl too since they are choicely constructed in such a way that allows light to filter through while still providing a secluded area.

Best of all, you don’t have to break the bank if you’re looking for something durable and beautiful: wood-like vinyl fencing is an economical option that will stand up over time.

10. Utilize Fences With Hanging Plants

When designing a fence for your garden, think outside the box and get creative! Instead of using store-bought fence panels, why not build your own fence with hanging plants? Just attach some planters to the fence posts and use trailing ornamental plants to provide both privacy and aesthetic appeal. An interesting alternative is to construct a fence with a built-in plant box.

This allows you to add a unique layer of texture and color, plus you can grow something edible in it for added benefit. Get out there and find the perfect fence idea that will add visual interest to your outdoor space!

11. Add Zen Into Your Garden With Woven Fencing

Woven fencing made of bamboo is a popular choice in Asian countries and can be used to create an authentic Japanese garden. If you prefer something more rustic, why not try weaving branches and reeds together to create a low-maintenance fence choice?

For those who are looking for some extra privacy, a tall wooden hedge or an opaque lattice panel can be used to enhance your outdoor oasis. Incorporating these creative garden fence ideas will give your outdoor area a unique and elegant look that is sure to impress your family and friends.

“Don’t ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up.”  –  Robert Frost

They say that great fences make great neighbors. But what is a great fence? Is it a low picket fence that simply marks your property line? Is it a tall privacy fence that completely blocks the view?

How about choosing a fence that does both of these and looks good? That is what a horizontal wood fence can do for you and your property.

This style of wood fence creates privacy, something that a chain link and standard post and rail fence can’t do. Horizontal fencing also looks beautiful and modern.

Check out these horizontal fence ideas and find the perfect fencing for your property.

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1. Enhancing Backyard Privacy with a Horizontal Fence

Adding a backyard fence gives you more privacy so that you can enjoy your property in peace without interruption or observation.

You don’t even have to build a full-height privacy fence. However, this is a smart idea if you plan to try out some outdoor bathtub ideas. A horizontal fence can give your outdoor bathroom a spa-like feel.

A garden fence is also a smart idea for preventing unwanted guests from “sampling” your crop. It doesn’t have to be a tall privacy fence, but it could be just high enough to make it difficult for someone to enter your yard.

2. Choosing Cedar for Long-Lasting Beauty

If you want a fence that can easily last 15-20 years, choosing cedar is smart. This type of wood is a beautiful light honey color. However, you’ll need to treat the wood and perform regular maintenance to keep that color. Otherwise, it will weather and turn grey. The grey isn’t an ugly color, though, so you may enjoy this patina.

What’s nice about a horizontal cedar fence is that it’s more durable than other types of treated lumber. It won’t crack, warp, splinter, or fall apart on you. However, cedar is susceptible to dents and scratches, so you’ll want to be careful about not bumping or banging your fence.

3. Elevate Your Property with a Contemporary Horizontal Fence

A contemporary horizontal fence to your property can transform your property from a boring backyard to a cool and chic place to hang out. The horizontal boards mirror the modern, clean lines of contemporary interior design.

For an easy DIY fence, use premade panels that have horizontal rails and a black metal frame. You can then mount them on posts, and you’re done. Add a decorative cut-out metal panel to create some visual interest and give your fence a custom design.

4. Creating a Unique Custom Design with Mix-and-Match Elements

Don’t be afraid to get several ideas and put them together for a custom design. Perhaps you want a wall privacy fence, but you don’t want a plain fence around your entire yard.

You could use a horizontal fence design but break it up with panels of plants or stone. A dense, slow-growing hedge the same width as your fence panels or a vine that covers the panel are both great options for adding some greenery.

You could also build a chicken wire cage and fill it with river rocks or small natural stones. This adds texture and upgrades the look of your fence.

Adding custom touches can be as simple as painting the rails. They could be all one color or a combination of colors. Another option is to add shelving. Then you can arrange small decorate potted plants like succulents or herbs.

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5. Tailoring Your Horizontal Fence Design to Your Property

The design of your horizontal fence will depend on your property size and shape. It should also complement the design of your home. A more traditional ranch-style house will look better with an all-wood design.

A contemporary home can look beautiful with a metal frame. While an ultra-modern home can support more metal, such as metal posts in addition to the metal frames.

Sometimes, you may want to be able to see out but also want to maintain your privacy. Angle the rails so that you can easily see out, but they still provide privacy.

Adding more shelves or flower boxes can give you more space for growing plants. This is a good idea if you have one section of your backyard that you use as a garden.

6. Modernizing Your Front Yard with a Horizontal Fence

Skip the white picket fence and build a horizontal fence in your front yard. This creates a uniform look from the front to the back of the house. It also upgrades your home’s curb appeal and gives it a modern feel.

You can mirror this look with the raised plant beds or flower boxes on the front of your property. Use the same horizontal rails design for your retaining walls. Build the functional wall out of concrete blocks or pavers. Then create a decorative front with the rails.

7. Gate Design Options for a Seamless or Bold Look

You need to add a gate to your horizontal fence design. For both convenience and safety reasons, your fence should have two gates on opposite sides of the fenced-in enclosure. This enables you to exit the property through the gate without having to walk to one specific spot.

When designing your fence gate, you have two options. The first is to make the gate look like another panel in the fence. This camouflages the gate and creates a continuous fence design.

The other option is to go bold with your gate design. Choose an ornamental metal gate that complements the metal framework around the horizontal panels.

8. Achieving Modern Elegance with a Horizontal Plank Fence

If you want a modern fence, then you are on the right track by considering a horizontal plank fence. The sleek straight lines and minimal ornamentation help them to create a modern aesthetic in your backyard.

Choose a black metal frame to accent the wood, and you have a mixed media fence that looks chic and modern.

Choose the right wood for your modern wood fence. It should either be light or very dark wood. Skip the cherry and reddish colors. You’ll also want to use treated wood. Otherwise, it will grow mold and look gross, which is not what you want.

9. Maximizing Privacy with Horizontal Fence Panels

Be careful with privacy fence ideas. The first step is knowing how high you can build your privacy fence. Check your local laws, ordinances, and HOA rules.

Once you have this information, you choose fence panels that are the maximum height allowed. What’s nice about horizontal privacy fences is that they give you more privacy than a vertical fence.

They typically have less space between the rails. This limits how much someone can easily see when looking through the fence. The horizontal design limits how much someone can see while standing.

10. Building a Horizontal Slat Fence on a Sloped Property

People assume that they can’t build a horizontal slat fence on a sloped piece of property. However, this isn’t the case. There are two ways you can go about achieving this fence design.

The first is a simple method that can be achieved relatively easily. Start with horizontal fence panels. Step them down the hill as you build the fence. You’ll need to account for the width of the panels and the angle of the slope.

The other method is to custom-build your horizontal fence. This lets you custom arrange your rails to have continuous horizontal lines. You could then add and remove rails from the top and bottom as you build your fence up or down the slope.

11. Preserving Longevity and Aesthetic Appeal with Treated Wood

The most common material used when building a horizontal slat fence is wood. This is because wooden fences are affordable, low maintenance, and last for a long time.

Always use treated wood for your fence board. This wood is designed for exposure to the elements and will stay looking nicer for longer.

When looking at DIY backyard fence ideas, pay attention to the creative designs. Use rails that are different widths for a subtle pattern to your fence. Thinner rails give your fence a more modern look.

Using standard 2×4 planks gives your fence a traditional look. Have a more solid design with small gaps on the lower portion and a decorative line across the top with wider spaces.

They say that good fences make good neighbors. A fence gives you the right amount of privacy that’s required for enjoying your property in peace.

However, you don’t want to put up just any fence. A chain-link fence won’t give you any peace as anyone can look right through it.

What you need is a solid wood privacy fence. You can build your own wood fence from pallets. The pieces of wood are all the same size and cut.

You’ll be reusing wood for a new purpose, making it environmentally friendly. So check out these wooden pallet fence ideas and get inspired to build your own fence.

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1. Build a Backyard Pallet Fence

Build a DIY pallet fence around your backyard and create a barrier around your property. A backyard fence is perfect for keeping people off of your property. It’ll also keep your pets or other animals on your property.

You can build a simple fence with posts and pallets. Space the posts out and bury them in the ground.

They should be just far enough apart that you can slide a pallet down between them and get held in place with the pallet planks overlapping the posts. Then you can secure everything together by nailing or bolting the pallet into place.

2. Create a Patio Privacy Pallet Fence

Creating a pallet fence around your patio can provide both privacy and a rustic aesthetic.

Use uniformly sized pallets for a cohesive look and ensure they’re securely fastened together for stability.

Consider staining the wood to match your patio’s theme and add weatherproofing for durability.

3. Combine Pallet and Living Fence

Blend the organic feel of a living fence with the structured appearance of pallets.

Intersperse pallet sections with areas of dense, climbing plants like ivy or jasmine. This creates a dynamic, eco-friendly barrier that combines solid wood sections with lush greenery.

Ensure the plants receive ample sunlight and train them to intertwine with the pallets for a natural, integrated look.

4. Hang String Lights

Transform your pallet fence into a whimsical nighttime feature by draping string lights along its top.

Choose warm, soft lights for a cozy ambiance or brighter LEDs for a festive touch. Secure the lights with small hooks or ties, ensuring they’re evenly spaced for a balanced look.

This simple addition brings life to your fence, especially during evening gatherings.

5. Design a Deck-Enclosing Pallet Fence

Surround your deck with a pallet fence to create a defined, private outdoor space.

Align the pallets closely for privacy or space them out for a breezier feel. Paint the pallets in a color that complements your deck, and consider adding a horizontal top board for a finished look.

6. Encircle Your Garden with a Pallet Fence

A pallet fence around your garden can protect it while adding a rustic charm.

Arrange the pallets vertically for a traditional fence look, or horizontally for a more modern approach. Leave gaps between the slats for a semi-transparent effect, or close them for full privacy.

This fence keeps animals out and can be adorned with hanging planters for extra greenery.

7. Enhance with Pallet Fence Planters

Create a multi-functional fence by attaching planters to your pallets.

Use the slats to hold boxed planters, or attach pots directly to the pallets. This approach allows for additional planting space and brings a burst of color to your fence line.

Choose a variety of plants to create a lively, ever-changing border.

8. Erect a High Pallet Fence for Privacy

For heightened privacy and security, consider building a tall pallet fence. Stack pallets to reach the desired height, ensuring they’re well-supported and stable.

A taller fence provides more seclusion and can be softened with climbing plants or decorative elements.

Make sure to check local height regulations before constructing.

9. Install a Pallet Fence Gate

Integrate a gate into your pallet fence for easy access and functionality.

Use hinges to attach a pallet section that matches the rest of the fence. Add a latch or lock for security.

A well-designed gate can be both a practical entry point and an aesthetically pleasing addition to your fence.

10. Customize with Colorful Painted Pallets

While you could leave your pallet fence as raw wood, this isn’t the best idea. Pallets are designed to be durable, but that doesn’t mean the wood is durable enough to be a fence. If you want to have a wooden fence, you should seal or treat the wood to preserve it.

Another option is to paint the fence. The right kind of outdoor paint will seal the wood and protect it. You don’t have to worry about bugs making their home in the wood or moisture causing the wood to rot. Both of these will deteriorate the integrity of your fence.

11. Create a Pallet Wood Picket Fence

You can build a decorative picket fence with your pallet wood. Create a decorative look with your fence design by cutting the top of the planks.

You could create a scallop shape on the top or give each plank a point. This DIY pallet fence idea is perfect for giving your yard a decorative border.

You can also build a simple fence gate for your walkways. This gives the fence a finished look and makes it easy to walk in and out of your yard.

Add a gate at your walkway at the front of your home. Then add another gate somewhere else in the fence. You should always have two entry points for safety purposes.

12. Secure Backyard Borders Against Shrubs

Use pallets to create a sturdy border around your backyard, safeguarding against encroaching shrubs and trees.

Place the pallets deep enough in the ground to ensure stability and align them to follow the natural contours of your yard.

This fence serves as a clear boundary and can be decorated to blend with the natural landscape.

13. Style a Café with a Blue Pallet Fence

Give a unique touch to an outdoor café by painting a pallet fence in a vibrant blue.

This adds a pop of color and creates a distinct, inviting boundary for the café. Ensure the paint is outdoor-friendly and complements the café’s overall theme.

A brightly colored fence can serve as a visual landmark and enhance the café’s ambiance.

14. Protect a Chicken Coop with a Pallet Fence

Construct a sturdy and functional fence around your chicken coop using pallets. The natural wood look fits well in a farm setting, and the pallets provide sufficient protection from predators.

Space the pallets close enough to prevent chickens from escaping and predators from entering. This cost-effective solution keeps your poultry safe while maintaining a rustic aesthetic.