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Good fences make good neighbors, as Robert Frost once wrote in his poem "Mending Wall." Fences provide both a visual and physical barrier between you and the rest of the world. There are so many wonderful decorative fence ideas out there to inspire you, no matter your goal. You may want a fence to give you some privacy so you can sit on your patio and enjoy a cup of coffee without feeling the gaze of onlookers. Or, maybe you're looking for something to highlight your gorgeous landscaping ideas, contain your pets, or keep those cute-but-pesky bunnies out of your lettuce patch.
When choosing a fence, consider the style of your house and garden. For example, a traditional picket fence looks great with a cottage-style house. One with horizontal pickets would complement an Arts and Crafts-style home. That being said, picking out a fence is truly all about what you like, because it's a personal style statement as well as a functional part of your yard. Many of these fence ideas also fall under the DIY category, so you can save money if you can construct it yourself. You'll also find inspiring ideas to dress up your existing fence, like DIY picture frame planters or a nature-inspired "bug hotel."
To help you get started, take a look at these awesome garden fence ideas, perfect for any outdoor space.
Garden Therapy
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Woven Bamboo Trellis Fence
Weave tall bamboo poles together to create this trellis fence that's both decorative and functional. You can use it to grow peas, cucumbers, and other vine vegetables!
See more at Garden Therapy.
Remodelaholic
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DIY Wood Slat Planter Wall
Transform an unsightly concrete wall into this gorgeous wood slat fence with hanging planters. The greenery and wood tones will breathe new life into your patio area.
See more at Remodaloholic.
Centsational Style
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Mesh Fence with Summer Roses
A mesh wire fence will give you a sense of privacy while leaving the proverbial door open for a friendly chat with your neighbor. Grow some summer roses along your fence to beautify your border.
See more at Centsational Style.
Garden Therapy
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DIY Espalier Privacy Screen
Bring some privacy to your garden oasis with this tall, freestanding cedar trellis. Dress it up with some flowering vines that'll look beautiful through all four seasons.
See more at Garden Therapy.
Vintage Revivals
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Horizontal Slatted Wood Fence
A horizontal wood fence feels timeless and modern all at once. This one is built using cedar fence posts that you can buy at your local Home Depot.
See more at Vintage Revivals.
Woodshop Diaries
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Lattice Privacy Wall with Hanging Flowers
This simple privacy fence features a solid bottom half and lattice screened top half. Add cute plant pot hangers with flowers to the fence to give it a little pop of color.
See more at Woodshop Diaries.
Garden Therapy
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DIY Bug Hotel Fence Art
Add an unexpected touch with this DIY fence art featuring natural and found elements such as branches, seed heads, bamboo, and moss set in a wooden frame. It doubles as a home for beneficial insects that you actually want to have in your garden, like bees and ladybugs.
See more at Garden Therapy.
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DIY Tin Can Garden Fence
A chain link fence doesn't have to be an eyesore. Dress it up with colorful tin can flower pots in a cheerful polka dot print.
See more at I Should Be Mopping the Floors.
H20 Bungalow
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DIY Coastal Rope Garden Border
Give your garden a coastal feel with this easy DIY rope fence. Add a shell border and a decorative anchor for added flair.
See more at H20 Bungalow.
Garden Therapy
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Wood Fence with Picture Frame Planters
A simple wood fence is the backdrop for these unique picture frame planters. You can make them with cedar, metal fencing wire, and ornate plastic frames.
See more at Garden Therapy.
Remodelaholic
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DIY Suspended Vertical Garden
This simple vertical garden was made with 4×4 posts, some pipe, and galvanized wire. When you're done, hang metal planter buckets with different herbs in them and feast on the fruits of your labor!
See more at Remodelaholic.
Garden Therapy
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Pallet Planter Fence
A tall pallet planter can make a unique and colorful fence for your garden. This one features a stunning array of coleus, succulents, pansies, and begonias.
See more at Garden Therapy.
Kitchen Garten
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Raised Bed Fence
A roll of inexpensive wire fencing is dressed up with 1' x 4' wood trim to create this attractive fence around a raised bed garden. It's perfect for keeping those cute-but-pesky bunnies out of your veggies! This fence can be adapted to various heights.
Get the tutorial at The Kitchen Garten.
Sand Dollar Lane
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Privacy Fence Planter
Is your backyard or deck wide open to everyone's view? Provide some much-needed privacy with this beautiful fence and planter combo.
Get the tutorial at Sand Dollar Lane.
Hey Wanderer
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Boho-Style Fence
Update an old fence by attaching rolls of whitewashed bamboo for a beautiful, serene boho-style fence. Add lighting and other white accessories, and it's heaven! If you can't find bamboo, willow twig fence rolls will also work.
Get the tutorial at Hey Wanderer.
Gert Tabak The NetherlandsGetty Images
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Living Fence
Why not use live plantings as a fence? Here, boxwoods are trimmed to create an aesthetically-pleasing border along a walkway. It's only about a foot tall, but the design naturally keeps traffic out of the planting beds. Plantings can be trimmed to a formal hedge or left to naturalize.
Camelot Art Creations
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Pallet Fence
This little painted fence, built from an old pallet, is more of a divider than a privacy screen. However, it provides an attractive transition from walk to garden. The planter, also made from scrap pallet wood, finishes the look.
Get the tutorial at Camelot Art Creations.
Pretty Handy Girl
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Lattice Privacy Fence
Pre-fab sheets of square lattice are attached to pressure-treated posts to create this gorgeous fence. The design affords privacy without a feeling of being hemmed in. Create an entire row, or erect a few strategically-placed panels.
Get the tutorial at Pretty Handy Girl.
Bower Power
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Horizontal Slat Fence
This beautiful fence has a secret: It's hiding an ugly, old chain link fence! The pre-fab panels are attached with metal brackets and cable ties. Genius!
Get the tutorial at Bower Power.
Grandma's House DIY
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Steel Conduit Fence
This clever fence uses inexpensive steel conduit, which gives a country-modern feel. It's attached to a deck here but would work just as well as an interesting boundary fence too.
Get the tutorial at Grandma's House DIY.
RiverNorthPhotographyGetty Images
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Vinyl Fence
This attractive fence is constructed from low-maintenance vinyl. While the initial cost may be higher than wood, it lasts for a long time and cleans up with a power washer. No painting required!
Susan Handler/ Saw, Nail & Paint
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Vintage Wire Fence
A roll of vintage wire fencing, found at an architectural salvage shop, created this charming fence. It does the job of keeping the hens out of the planting beds and looks great.
Get the tutorial at Saw, Nail & Paint.
Robert George YoungGetty Images
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Traditional Picket Fence
This charming wooden fence works in a variety of garden settings, such as colonial or cottage. It provides some privacy, especially with plants placed very close on either side.
I Heart Budgets
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Simple Wooden Fence
A simple design of 1' x 6' boards topped by 2' x 4's creates privacy with clean lines. Building it yourself will save you a bundle!
Get the tutorial at I Heart Budgets.
Blue Fox Farm
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Twig Palisade Fence
It doesn't get any thriftier than DIY-ing a palisade fence from found materials. This rustic fence would look amazing in a cottage-style garden. The fence is constructed by attaching vertical twigs to two wires strung parallel to the ground between posts. You can place the upright posts closer together if you want to use it as a barrier.
Get the tutorial at Blue Fox Farm.
Creating Really Awesome Fun Things
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Fence with Marble Accents
Dress up a plain fence with colorful marbles. As the sun shines through, you get this pretty glowing effect that takes a fence from boring to brilliant!
Get the tutorial at Creating Really Awesome Fun Things.
Esteban Navia / EyeEmGetty Images
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Alternating Slat Fence
Alternating sections of vertical and horizontal slats give this fence a an interesting visual effect. A light whitewash is finished with climbing vines to further soften its appearance.
Walking on Sunshine Recipes
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Chicken Wire Fence
Chicken wire never looked so good! Attaching inexpensive chicken wire to 2' x 4's creates this sturdy enclosure to keep varmints out of your planting beds.
Get the tutorial at Walking on Sunshine Recipes.
Blue Fox Farm
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Classic Twig Fence
Have a large area you need to border? This beautiful, rustic fence is made completely of found materials.
Get the tutorial at Blue Fox Farm.
Aaron Schoolmeesters / EyeEmGetty Images
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Bamboo Fence
Rolls of bamboo create this sturdy and inexpensive fence, great for a tropical or Zen garden. Alternately, you can hammer individual pieces of bamboo into the ground and wire it together for a DIY fence.
FAQs
How do I add privacy to my backyard fence? ›
- Hanging baskets. Add an extra pop to your wooden fence by including hanging planters or pots. ...
- A low garden. Dress up a dull wood fence by planting a garden right along the fence line. ...
- Add a wreath. ...
- Light up your fence. ...
- Consider curtains. ...
- Pair a privacy planter box with curtains.
Turn your backyard into a private retreat with strategically placed focal points, partitions, and cover. Thwart nosy neighbors by cleverly situating fast-growing plants, privacy trees, and cascading flowers. Mask unappealing sites with tall plants, airy upright structures, fences, and hedges.
What is the cheapest privacy fence? ›What is the least expensive fencing? Chicken wire and hog wire with wooden supports are among the cheapest.
How much does it cost to put a privacy fence around your yard? ›Privacy fence installation can cost between $12 to $50 per linear foot depending on materials and the height of the fence. Privacy fences offer backyards protection from the wandering eyes of neighboring properties.
How do I hide my neighbors messy in my yard? ›Although fences and brick walls can do the trick, adding an extra divider, screen or plant barrier can block your neighbor's two-story view for good. To create your secret retreat, freestanding privacy screens, wood slat partitions and partially enclosed pergolas are effective (and nice to look at).
How do you build a private area in your backyard? ›- Construct a Hanging Screen. ...
- Or, Hang Outdoor Drapery Panels. ...
- Incorporate Vintage Signage. ...
- Freshen Up a Faded Fence. ...
- Go Green for City Living. ...
- Or, Give Your Deck a Single Wall. ...
- Or, Incorporate Decorative Panels. ...
- Or, Make a Retractable Canopy.
Vinyl fence is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for homeowners looking for a maintenance-free fence option. A long-lasting, easy-care alternative to wood, vinyl fence won't rot, warp, peel or splinter. Plus, you won't waste time and money on sanding, staining or painting every few years.
What is the most affordable fence to install? ›Treated pine tends to be the most affordable, and also durable wood option. Cedar tends to be a pricier wood for fencing, and redwood and teak are at the top end. Vinyl, wrought iron, brick or stone fences are the most expensive.
What type of privacy fence lasts the longest? ›It's Vinyl. Long story short: Vinyl is hands down the material that is going to give you the most bang for your buck in terms of longevity. Vinyl fences can last over 30 years if they are properly maintained. And that maintenance doesn't actually require that much.
What type of fence adds the most value? ›Wood fences are most likely to increase a home's value, but they need regular sealing or staining to preserve their structural integrity. With regular care, homeowners can prevent wooden fences from being destroyed by rot or termite infestation.
What is the easiest privacy fence to install? ›
But, a chain link fence is one of the easiest fencing materials to install yourself. Similar to the wrought iron fencing, chain link fences come in pre-made panels and you simply need to hook them up to the posts once they're installed.
What is the best fencing for rural property? ›Woven wire fences are the preferred design in rural areas, perfect for animal containment without making the farm look shabby. Horse owners also prefer to install woven wire fences as opposed to barbed wire as the big animals won't get tangled up and fall, resulting in injury.
Do I need a permit to put a fence around my yard? ›Fence Laws In California: A Quick Overview
Under California's Building Code, you must obtain a permit before building a fence that will be over 6 feet tall unless the top 2 feet of the fence will be barbed wire. For a front yard fence, the maximum height is 42 inches.
Installing a Privacy Fence Can Protect You From the Elements. Besides protecting you from prying eyes of neighbors and passersby, a privacy fence can also shield you from the elements. Privacy fencing acts as a great windshield and can turn your yard into a sheltered oasis in gusty weather.
Do I need planning permission to put a fence around my property? ›Erecting or adding to a fence, gate or wall
If your property is a flat you must apply for full planning permission. If your property is a house you must apply for householder planning permission. That is if any of the below apply: it would be over 1m high and next to a highway used by vehicles.
Another good way to blind your neighbor's security cameras is to plant a grouping of shrubs or grown trees that are tall enough to block off where the camera is aimed. Also, you can close the curtain or shade on the window to block security cameras.
How can I block my neighbors view? ›- Staggered Wooden Boards. Photo by Andrew Drake. ...
- Hedges for Privacy. Photo by Nancy Andrews. ...
- Layered Privacy Plantings. ...
- Container Gardens for Deck Privacy. ...
- Fences and Walls. ...
- Stone Wall Topped with Fencing. ...
- Masonry Walls with Ornamental Ironwork. ...
- Panels and Pergolas.
Fencing for Privacy
The most simple solution and the start of any garden boundary is to install a fence for the surround. Not only will it protect your property from intruders, but you will also block out your neighbours' view directly from their garden into yours.
- Display your style.
- Add lots of seating.
- Convert your area into an outdoor dining space.
- Add lots of lighting.
- Incorporate a heating element.
- Make the space seem larger.
- Add a focal element.
- Use plants.
Steel screen
Steel is also a popular choice for fencing and cladding. This material is non-porous and water-resistant, thus making it an excellent choice for ensuring your privacy.
What can I put around my patio for privacy? ›
Build an Enclosure with a Pergola or Gazebo
Enclose your small patio, deck, or outdoor kitchen with durable backyard structures like a pergola or gazebo. Pergolas covered with climbing vines, outdoor curtains, or lattice panels can create privacy from your neighbors—in addition to being a backyard shade idea.
- Check your local regulations. ...
- Draw your fence designs. ...
- Set up the perimeter. ...
- Dig your post holes. ...
- Install your fence posts. ...
- Attach your fence rails. ...
- Attach your pickets. ...
- Allow the lumber to dry.
What are the fastest-growing trees for privacy? Hybrid poplar tops the list. It can grow upwards of five feet per year. The Leyland cypress, green giant arborvitae, and silver maple are all close seconds because they add about two feet to their height each year.
What is a neighbor friendly fence? ›What is a neighbor-friendly fence? A neighbor-friendly fence, sometimes called a good neighbor fence, describes a fence style that looks the same on both sides. While traditional fences have a “good side” and a back side, a good neighbor fence provides both neighbors with an equal view.
How much does it cost to install an 80 foot fence? ›Fence Installation Costs
Depending on the material you choose, fences cost $15 to $60 per linear foot installed — or $10 to $35 per linear foot for materials and $5 to $20 per linear foot for labor. If you're installing the fence in a particularly rocky or hilly area, labor costs may be higher.
PVC fencing. The cheapest way to create a fence for your home is by getting one made from PVC. Such fences substitute wooden pickets and stakes to offer your protection from the outside world. PVC sleeves improve the stability of wooden posts used as a fence, reducing the cost of material and the labor used.
Do fences lower property value? ›A fence can increase value to your home by adding curb appeal if it enhances the visual appeal or some other aspect of your home, such as adding privacy. Significantly improving security may also add more value where break-ins are common.
What is the most popular type of fence? ›Wood Fence
Wood fencing is by far the most popular of all fences. You can do so many fabulous looks, from traditional to modern, and the price is nice too. On the downside, wooden fences require maintenance.
Although fences and brick walls can do the trick, adding an extra divider, screen or plant barrier can block your neighbor's two-story view for good. To create your secret retreat, freestanding privacy screens, wood slat partitions and partially enclosed pergolas are effective (and nice to look at).
How can I make my neighbors fence more private? ›- Install A Fence. By erecting a fence around your patio or backyard, you may increase the sense of privacy. ...
- Make A Garden Slat Wall. ...
- Grow Trees And Shrubs. ...
- Add Vines. ...
- Use Lattice Screens. ...
- Hang Outdoor Curtains.
Can your neighbors watch you? ›
For the most part, your neighbor is legally allowed to have security cameras installed on their property, even if those cameras are aimed at your property. However, your neighbor does not have the right to record you or anyone else without consent in areas with reasonable expectation of privacy.
What to plant to block neighbors? ›- Clematis. Vines make great screens. ...
- Climbing Roses. Train climbing roses over fences, walls, pergolas and gazebos. ...
- Cherry Laurel. Cherry laurel is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States. ...
- Ivy. ...
- Boxwood. ...
- Privet. ...
- Japanese Holly. ...
- Buckthorn.
- Add a privacy fence or side awning. A privacy fence is a tall fence that can be constructed from any materials. ...
- Cover your fence with a privacy screen. ...
- Incorporate shades in your garden. ...
- Use blackout curtains. ...
- Talk with your neighbour.
The simple answer is: yes, as long as you receive their express permission. Without your neighbour's permission, hanging plants, painting, or leaning something against their fence that causes damage can land you in trouble.
How do I stop my Neighbours from being Nosey? ›- Block their view. A sturdy, tall fence or a line of trees can go a long way in helping keep busybodies out of your hair. ...
- Change your curtains. ...
- Add an electronic privacy film. ...
- Install security cameras. ...
- Place signs around the house.
- Maximise your fence height. ...
- Consider other garden screening options. ...
- Shield your garden from above with a pergola. ...
- Add an awning or parasol. ...
- Construct a summer house. ...
- Use low seating options. ...
- Make the most of climbing plants. ...
- Add screening trees or hedging.