10 Unique Wood Fence Ideas to Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal
A classic white picket fence isn't the only option.
As a homeowner, it's natural to obsess over your property's curb appeal and potential resale value. There are plenty of things you can do to improve both, like planting large trees, putting certain plants by the front door, and even converting your lawn to a grass alternative, like clover. And while we don't recommend letting the numbers dictate what you do, indoors or out, a move that'll increase your home's worth and make it more beautiful and private in the bargain is installing a fence. There are many different types of fences to consider, but arguably the most classic and appealing is a wooden fence. If you love the look and are intrigued by the landscaping and safety benefits, the wood fence ideas below will help you narrow down what you want.
The best thing about a wood fence is the variety of design styles. A tall, solid privacy fence with vertical boards is just one option. You can go with a wood fence that's more rustic or less expensive—or even one you can plant climbing vines along so the greenery will eventually cover the whole thing anyway. In addition to wood picket fences, there are country-style split-rail fences, slightly more refined post-and-rail fences, lattice fences, and all kinds of ornamental wood fences.
Wood fences vary in cost depending on the design and type of wood you use. Redwood and teak are the most expensive types of wood for fences, but cypress and cedar are good, resilient choices too. Treated pine is typically the cheapest option—although some people do opt to go the DIY route and use oak or pine wooden pallets. Generally speaking, a wood fence will cost you less than wrought iron, vinyl, or composite fence.
No matter what aesthetic you decide to go with, a wood fence will always look timeless. Even one that looks a bit rundown can add to the vibe of your home if you style it right. Read on to find the best wood fence ideas to enhance your yard.
Combine Form and Function
If you want to enclose a garden or flowerbed with a wood fence, you need an idea that's pretty and practical. Consider pairing wooden fence posts and structures with adaptable wire fencing, which can be much easier for vines and blooms to climb (and difficult for curious critters to bypass).
Add a Rustic Touch
If your quest for fencing is more about aesthetics and less about actual security, a rustic palette fence could be a charming option. Here, Emily Janak added a casual wooden fence design that suits to the log cabin it encircles, enhancing the rustic mountain appeal.
Camouflage It With Greenery
Wooden fencing can look beautiful all on its own, but it takes on a whole new level of secret garden appeal when it's overgrown with greenery. Instead of letting your wood fence stay bare, plant climbing vines at the base (English ivy and clematis are great options), and watch it transform into a verdant wall.
Section Off Outdoor "Rooms"
Think of a wood fence as the outdoor equivalent of an interior wall. Not only is it a great way to add privacy and security, but it can also help you make sense of a snug backyard. One of the best wood fence ideas is to section off areas of your patio or designate different uses for your lawn with them. Here, Kate Abt used a tall wood fence to separate a brick patio and fire pit from the nearby dining area.
Add an Arbor
Indulge in the cottagecore aesthetic by pairing a traditional wood picket fence with an equally charming arbor. Traditionally, this combination looks most natural when enclosing a garden, but it can also be used as a means of formalizing a walkway or beckoning guests into the backyard.
Team Two Styles
If a basic wood fence just doesn't do it for you, we have good news: There are ample ways to upgrade it into something special. Try mixing together a traditional fence base with an ornamental lattice top, which will add visual interest and height while allowing light (and plants) to peek through.
Dial Up the Drama
A black wood fence can bring drama to your backyard or fade into the background, depending on how you style it. In this instance, it acts as a dramatic backdrop for a casual fire pit and seating area. Love the look? Coat your wood fence in a dynamic black paint color, like Onyx by Benjamin Moore, or employ a traditional charring technique like shou sugi ban.
Get Graphic
Who says fence slats have to run horizontally or vertically? Not us. Add some visual interest to your landscaping by turning the traditional on its head—literally—and installing a wood fence with graphic, geometric angles. In this Southampton garden, a playful, oversized lattice pattern looks fresh and timeless all at once.
Maximize the View
It's always good to consider the shape of your wood fence—especially when a view this epic is at stake. Instead of opting for a solid run, look for a streamlined and semi-see-through option, like the sleek metal-and-wood combination that lines the perimeter of the deck at this rustic lake house by Jen Samson.
Start With a Blank Slate
If you're not looking to have your wood fencing stand out in your landscape design, wash the whole thing in creamy white paint as Aamir Khandwala did at this home in Bellport, New York. The calm, neutral backdrop will allow bolder choices—like a funky outdoor couch or prized patch of dahlias—to take center stage.
Alyssa Longobucco is a freelance writer, editor, and stylist with a background in interior and lifestyle content. Her work helps readers digest design trends and provides actionable expert advice for creating a home they love. She has over a decade of experience in the media industry, and her work has appeared in Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, SELF, Apartment Therapy, The Knot, Domino, HGTV Magazine, Country Living, and more. Alyssa holds a BA in Journalism and Public Relations from Marist College and interior design certifications from NYIAD and RIDQC.
Meghan Shouse is House Beautiful's Assistant Editor, a role she has held since September 2023. On top of being the magazine's go-to Waco expert, Meghan also touches on quite a few other verticals in the digital space, like hot news content featuring your favorite HGTV stars, home design inspiration, and the latest interior TikTok trends. However, her favorite pieces are the ones that start conversations, such as stories about resale value and whether or not the Solo cup is chic. Before becoming a home writer, Meghan worked in the fashion industry for two years, writing for Harper's Bazaar after graduating from Iowa State University with a bachelor's degree in apparel merchandising. When she's not interviewing interior designers about home trends, you can find Meghan reading a fictional thriller with her cat in her lap, planning themed parties, or strolling through flea markets searching for chunky candle holders and vintage bookends.
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