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Wood fences add natural beauty and security to any property. They come in many styles, from simple privacy panels to decorative designs with unique patterns and curves that can transform the look of your yard.
I believe a well-designed wood fence can increase your home’s curb appeal while serving practical purposes like privacy, security, and property boundaries.
When choosing a fence design, I consider factors like maintenance needs, local building codes, and how the style will complement the existing architecture.
1. Horizontal Slat Wood Fence
I recommend horizontal slat fences for a modern, clean look. The wooden boards run parallel to the ground instead of vertically, creating a sleek appearance.
I find this style works well with both traditional and contemporary homes. The horizontal boards can be spaced tightly together or with small gaps between them for a semi-private design.
2. Lattice Top Wood Fence
A lattice top wood fence adds decorative flair to a standard privacy fence. I like how the diagonal pattern creates visual interest while maintaining security.
The lattice section sits on top of solid wood panels and lets in filtered light and air. I recommend spacing the lattice pieces about 2-3 inches apart for the best look.
Paint or stain helps protect the wood and creates a polished appearance. I find that regular cleaning with soap and water keeps the lattice looking fresh.
3. Picket Wood Fence
I recommend picket fences as a classic choice for front yards and gardens. They create an open, welcoming feel while marking clear property boundaries.
A basic picket fence uses evenly spaced vertical boards with pointed or rounded tops. I find that white paint gives it that timeless charm, though natural wood stains work nicely too.
Installation costs range from $1,000 to $8,000 for a 100-foot section, depending on materials and labor in your area.
4. Split Rail Wood Fence
Split rail fences bring a rustic, country feel to any property. I love how they create boundaries while maintaining an open, natural look.
These fences use simple horizontal rails that fit into vertical posts, usually spaced 8 to 10 feet apart. I find they work best for large properties and farms.
The most common designs use two or three rails, and they’re perfect for marking property lines without blocking views.
5. Shadow Box Wood Fence
I recommend shadow box fences for homeowners who want privacy while maintaining airflow. This design places wooden boards on alternating sides of the fence rails, creating an elegant pattern visible from both sides.
The gaps between boards allow breezes to pass through while still blocking most views. I find this style particularly appealing since it looks identical on both sides, making it neighbor-friendly.
These fences typically cost more than basic privacy fences due to the extra lumber needed. The good news is they often last longer since air circulation helps prevent wood rot.
6. Dog Ear Wood Fence
I find dog ear wood fences perfect for homes that want a clean, classic look. The top corners of each board are cut at an angle, creating a gentle curve that softens the fence’s appearance.
This style works well with both pine and cedar boards. The angled tops also help water run off more easily, which makes the fence last longer.
These fences give good privacy while still looking friendly and welcoming. They’re one of the most common wooden fence styles I see in residential areas.
7. Board on Board Wood Fence
Board-on-board fences create privacy through overlapping wooden boards. I find this style particularly appealing because it looks great from both sides of the fence.
The design features vertical boards mounted on alternating sides of horizontal rails. This overlap prevents gaps and blocks the view completely.
I recommend this style for anyone wanting both security and style. The overlapping boards add depth to the fence’s appearance while making it extra sturdy.
8. Horizontal Plank Fence
A horizontal plank fence brings a modern look to any yard. The boards run parallel to the ground instead of vertically, creating clean lines that catch the eye.
This style works great with cedar or pine boards mounted between sturdy posts. I recommend leaving small gaps between planks to allow some airflow while maintaining privacy.
The simple design makes it perfect for both traditional and contemporary homes. Many of my clients find it makes their yards look wider and more spacious.
9. French Gothic Wood Fence
I love French Gothic wood fences for their eye-catching pointed arch design that adds a touch of elegance to any yard. These fences gained popularity in France and bring a classic European look to modern homes.
The fence posts feature distinctive pointed tops that create a beautiful rhythm along the fence line. I find that French Gothic designs work well in both tall privacy fences and shorter decorative picket styles.
These fences cost more than basic picket styles, but their unique appearance makes them worth considering. I recommend them for front yards where you want to make a striking first impression.
10. Stockade Wood Fence
I recommend stockade fences for maximum privacy. These fences use tightly placed vertical wooden boards that stand side by side without gaps.
Stockade fences create a solid wall of wood that blocks views completely. The boards are typically 6 feet tall and feature pointed or rounded tops.
11. Post and Rail Wood Fence
Post and rail wood fences give my yard a classic countryside look. I love how they create boundaries while keeping an open, airy feel.
These fences use vertical posts with horizontal rails that fit into pre-cut slots. I can choose between uniform, milled rails for a polished look or natural split rails for rustic charm.
I find post and rail fences work great for marking property lines or containing large animals. The simple design makes them one of the most affordable wood fence options.
12. Privacy Wood Fence
A tall privacy wood fence adds security and seclusion to any yard. I recommend a 6-foot height with tightly spaced vertical boards to block views completely.
Simple vertical boards create a clean, modern look. I like leaving small gaps between slats to allow gentle breezes while maintaining privacy.
13. Concave Wood Fence
A concave wood fence curves inward at the top, creating a gentle dip between posts. I find this design adds visual interest to any yard while maintaining privacy.
The curved top edge can be achieved by cutting standard fence boards at varying heights in a smooth arc pattern. I recommend using cedar or pressure-treated pine for this style.
14. Convex Wood Fence
A convex wood fence curves outward at the top, creating an elegant arch between posts. I love how this design adds visual interest while maintaining privacy.
The gentle upward curve softens the look of a standard privacy fence and gives my yard a more welcoming feel. The curved top also helps shed rainwater effectively.
15. Cedar Wood Fence
I recommend cedar wood for fencing because it naturally resists decay and insects. Cedar has a beautiful reddish-brown color that ages nicely over time.
Cedar fences work well in both traditional and modern designs. You can install the boards vertically or horizontally, depending on your style preference.
16. Redwood Fence Accent
A redwood accent panel adds natural beauty to any fence design. I recommend using redwood boards as decorative elements within a standard fence to create visual interest.
The rich color and straight grain of redwood make it perfect for eye-catching accent pieces. I like to incorporate these panels near gates or entry points where they’ll get noticed.
17. Whitewash Wooden Fence
I love how whitewashing gives wood fences a charming rustic look without completely hiding the natural grain. The process is simple – just mix white paint with water to create a thin wash.
To get the perfect aged appearance, I recommend applying thin coats and letting each one dry before adding more. The more coats you add, the more opaque the white finish becomes.
