20 Incredible Wood Fence Ideas & Styles

From traditional picket fences to modern designs, these 20 great wood fence ideas will help you make the right choice for your landscaping needs.
Veda Yalamanchili
Veda Yalamanchili
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Last Update:
January 26, 2023

When it comes to adding character and charm to a home, nothing beats a new fence. With so many different types of fences available, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. Fortunately, there are some great wood fence ideas out there that can give your yard the perfect amount of privacy and beauty. From traditional picket fences to more modern designs, these 20 great wood fence ideas and fence styles will help you make the right choice for your landscaping needs.

Why choose a wood fence?

Wood fences provide a classic and timeless look to any home. There are several benefits to installing a wooden fence. For starters, wood fences are incredibly durable and can provide excellent protection for your property. They're also cost-effective compared to other fencing solutions, making them great for budget-conscious homeowners. Additionally, wooden fences come in various styles, designs and colors that can be customized based on your specific needs and tastes. This means you can create the perfect fence to add aesthetic appeal to your home or yard while also providing extra security.

Before starting a fence project, either through a DIY project or by hiring fence contractors, check out these 20 popular wood fence options and privacy fence styles that will help you create a unique look for your property.

Privacy wood fence ideas

With a variety of options available, there is sure to be a fence style that suits you and your needs. Here are 3 common wood privacy fence ideas. For even more, discover our blog post on 22 privacy fence ideas.

1. Shadow Box Fence: Enhanced Curb Appeal

The shadow box wooden fence is a popular choice in fencing due to its aesthetically pleasing and efficient design. Essentially, it consists of two parallel pickets placed on both sides of the fence with a gap in between them. This creates a 'shadow box' effect, as the pickets are visible from either side, creating visual interest for observers.

2. Board-on-Board Fence: Maximum Privacy

The board-on-board fence is a type of fencing system which utilizes interlocking vertical boards placed side by side, in order to create a barrier or edge. The boards are typically composed of wood, such as pine or cedar, and feature an alternating pattern with the boards overlapping each other at the edges to form a secure and aesthetically pleasing boundary.

3. Good Neighbor Board-on-Board Fence: Unique

The Good Neighbor Board-on-Board Fence is a type of fencing system that utilizes overlapping pickets to create a strong, aesthetically pleasing perimeter for residential properties. Its architectural design is characterized by two layers of overlapping pickets, with the top layer covering all or part of the bottom layer. This type of fencing is often used for shared property lines because the fence looks the same from both sides due to the alternating panels.

Backyard wood fence ideas

Here are some inspiring backyard fence ideas for wooden fence designs that you can use in your own fence that will amp up your curb appeal. 

4. White Picket Fence: A Classic Look

A white picket fence is a type of fencing typically used to define boundaries and create a visual barrier between outdoor spaces. It is comprised of wooden fence posts, typically arranged in a vertical orientation, with horizontal rails secured between them. This garden fence design helps give your yard an approachable and beautiful look! 

5. Slope Wood Fence: Privacy in Style

Slope Wood Fence is a type of fencing structure designed to provide a nice looking and practical solution to boundary delineation. The construction of this style of fence involves the installation of vertical posts and then slat boards are affixed at an angle in order to provide a gradual upward gradient that follows the natural contours of the ground on either side of the fence line.

6. Lock Board Fence: Added Security

Lock board wood fences are a type of fencing that is constructed out of interlocking wooden fence panels. These fence panels, which are typically made of red cedar wood, redwood, or pressure-treated lumber, are connected in such a way as to form a continuous barrier that is both attractive and highly functional. Once constructed, your yard gets completely blocked from the outside world.

Horizontal wood fence ideas

Horizontal wood fences are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners and here are our top 3 fence ideas.

7. Split-Rail Fencing: Timeless

Split-Rail fencing is a type of fencing constructed from timber that has been split lengthwise into rails, typically with three to four pieces in each fence section. This type of horizontal fence is most often used in rural settings and is renowned for its rustic qualities, simplicity, and relatively low cost. The use of split-rail fencing dates back to 17th century England, where it was initially created as a form of enclosure for livestock.

8. Post and Rail Fence: Casual Elegance

This type of fencing is composed of wooden posts and rails connected to each other with the purpose of providing containment. The posts are typically round, square, or rectangular and may be made from timber, steel, or plastic. The rails are usually two or three in number and can be either horizontal or vertical. This won't provide too much privacy, but will add an effective barrier around your property.


9. Wood with Metal Accents: Best of Both Worlds

Wood fences with metal accents are a great way to add both rustic charm and modern sophistication to your property. Metal fence accents, such as decorative pickets along the top of the fence or ornamental post caps, can bring a unique look that enhances any landscape. As an added bonus, metal accents require far less maintenance than wooden ones.

Vertical wood fence ideas

Check out these two Vertical wood fences which add style, personality, and charm to any outdoor space.

10. Wood Dog-Ear Fence: Lasting Character

The wood dog-ear fence is a type of wooden fencing that is commonly seen in both residential and commercial settings. It is characterized by the fact that its vertical slats are cut so that its tops come to a point, which gives them an ear-like shape. This pointed top serves to promote air circulation and direct water away from the fence as well as give it a decorative look.

11. Louver Fence: Perfect Blend of Design & Function

A Louver Fence is a type of fencing that features panels with horizontal or vertical slats that are typically adjustable. It is used primarily for privacy and protection, as the angle of the slats can be adjusted to allow light and air through, while simultaneously limiting visibility. In addition to its practical applications, it has also become a popular aesthetic choice due to its decorative qualities.

Garden Fence Ideas

While chain link fences or vinyl fences can be used to build a garden fence, here are three other fence ideas to consider.

12. Trellis Garden Fence: Vibrant Display

A full trellis fence is a type of garden fencing which is composed of an interconnected structure of posts and panels, generally made from wood or metal. It is typically used for decorative purposes due to its attractive appearance and ability to help vegetation grow along it! 

13. Living Fence / Wattle Fence: Eco-friendly

Living fences, such as the wattle fence, have been used for centuries to provide protection or a border around properties. The wattle fence is made from twigs and branches woven together in a lattice pattern. This type of fence offers not only a physical barrier but also allows the homeowner to use natural materials that blend into their landscape.

14. Basket Weave Fence: Whiff of Sophistication

The rustic beauty of a basket weave wood fence can add a classic charm to any outdoor living space. Whether it's used as a decorative border around a garden or a functional front yard fence, this type of fencing offers plenty of benefits. It's also incredibly durable due to its construction with strong wood fence planks and sturdy wood posts.

Modern wood fence designs

Check out these three aesthetically pleasing, yet highly functional modern wood fences that will enhance your curb appeal.

15. Herringbone Wood Fence: Puzzle Pieces

These unique and eye-catching fence design ideas bring character to any property, while also providing a certain level of sophistication and elegance. The fence design is intricate and with different pieces of lumber used, it can also have different color hues as part of the appeal!

16. Wood Lattice Fence: Timeless Charm

The wood lattice fence is a type of fencing which consists of a wooden framework formed by crisscrossed strips of wood. The lattice pattern creates an attractive, open-air look that can enhance the landscape. In addition, the construction method allows for greater flexibility in design, with panels being easily cut to fit any size or shape desired.

17. Picture Frame Fence: Touch of Beauty

This type of fence is comprised of vertical posts connected by horizontal rails, which form the "picture frame" shape that gives this style of fencing its name. Picture frame fences offer a variety of benefits, including superior strength and durability. They are also an attractive option for yards, as they can be customized in a wide range of sizes, heights, and materials to suit any aesthetic.

Other wood fence ideas

With your creativity being the limit on how you build your fence, here are three other fence ideas to keep your imagination flowing.

18. Bamboo Fencing: Endless Possibilities

Bamboo's strength, lightweight build, and flexibility make it an ideal fencing material for certain residential applications. Bamboo has been utilized for centuries in many different cultures around the world. Its ability to be cut into various shapes and sizes allows for creative designs that can provide privacy or security while complementing any landscape design.

19. Pallet Fence: Easily Tailored

A pallet fence is a great way to add a rustic, eco-friendly touch to any property. Pallets are light and easy to work with, making them an ideal material for fencing. They can be arranged horizontally or vertically, depending on the desired effect, and can also be repurposed in various ways such as upcycling old furniture.

20. Pressure Treated Fence: Aesthetically Appealing

Pressure-treated wood fences are a great option for homeowners who want to build an attractive and long-lasting fence around their property. Pressure-treating is the process of infusing wood with preservatives, making it resistant to rot, decay, and insects. The end result is a sturdy, durable, and low-maintenance fence that looks beautiful and will last for years to come. Another great way to make any fence look great and last longer is by applying fence stain.

Want to check out more project photos for fence inspiration? Browse our online gallery.

 

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