The front of your home is as important as the back. While the backyard is often filled with veggies, herbs, and fruiting trees, the front of the house tells its own story. It’s typically the first thing people see, setting the tone and influencing how they perceive your home – and even you and your family. Real estate agents often tout a well-appointed front yard as having “curb appeal”, signifying a favorable first impression of the home. Installing a front yard fence is one way to significantly enhance this appeal.
Of course, the primary question becomes: “What kind of fence is right for you?” Will it be a living fence or one constructed from traditional materials? And will you be hiring professionals, or is this a DIY project? If so, you might want to look into easy fence landscaping ideas. The myriad fencing options available mean your choice will depend on your personal preference, your fencing goals, budget, and desired aesthetics.
Below, we’ll explore front yard fencing ideas to inspire you, but first, let’s consider some key factors.
Front Yard Fence Considerations
Before you spend a lot of time and money on a new fence, consider the following:
- What are your primary goals for the fence? Is it for privacy, to delineate your property line, to accent plantings, or for security?"
- Consider the size of the front yard. For example, if you have a smaller yard, don’t opt for a fence that is tall and grand, as it will overpower the landscape. Instead, choose a shorter or more delicate option that is cohesive.
- A new fence should always complement your home's architectural style and the existing landscape. Think of it as an extension of your home's personality.
- Consider how the fence will impact views, both from inside your home looking out and from your neighbors' perspectives. A solid, tall fence might block desirable scenery, while a more open design could preserve views.
- Think about the best type of materials to use. A fence can be made from a mix of materials, from man-made to natural or even plants. In fact, a fence incorporating more than one medium is often of great interest and more unique.
- How much upkeep will the fence need? Beyond the initial cost, consider the long-term maintenance commitment. Will you need to regularly paint, stain, or repair a wooden fence, or would a low-maintenance option like metal or vinyl be more suitable for your lifestyle?
- Does your municipality or homeowners' association (HOA) allow the type of fence you want to build? Thoroughly research local zoning laws and HOA regulations, as these may dictate fence height, materials, and other design requirements.
- If a primary goal is to keep pets safely within the yard, ensure the fence's height, spacing between pickets or slats, and gate security features are suitable.
Front Yard Fence Ideas
There are many fences and alternative boundary options that will set the right tone for your home. Unless your goal is total privacy, it's usually best to opt for a shorter version of one of these designs, to maintain curb appeal and visibility.
1. Picket Fence
An enduring classic, the little white picket fence is an iconic choice. For certain smaller period homes, it remains the quintessential option. It is also adorable and conducive to the cottage core trend, combined with vintage perennial flowers.
While this is a simple-looking fence, its construction involves individual posts, stringers, and pickets, making it slightly more complex than some other fencing options. It is also not as cost-effective as building a fence using pre-made fence panels. However, it is a very sturdy option that will last for years, particularly if you choose vinyl over wooden pickets, such as WamBam Fence's easy-to-install Newport white privacy vinyl picket universal fence panels, available at Lowe's.
2. Stone Walls
Remarkable for their longevity, these types of boundaries are built to outlast your ownership of the home, provided they are installed correctly. Stone walls project an air of both permanence and strength.
The stones can be set in one of two ways: dry stone or mortar. Dry stone relies on friction and placement for stability, while mortar essentially cements the stone together. Here, you begin with a shallow trench and lay your largest stones at the base, then work your way up with a combination of large and small stones that ensure stability.
While attractive, stone is not always the cheapest option, so to keep costs down, consider high-quality stone-look concrete blocks, such as these Ashland blocks from Lowe's.
3. Reclaimed Wood Pallets
You have no doubt seen this type of fencing as it has grown in popularity over the last decade or more. Wood pallets can often be obtained for free, making this one of the best cheap fence ideas. Because the pallets are already constructed, a fence made from them is quite simple to assemble, as you are essentially working with pre-made fence panels.
You will also need treated lumber posts or metal stakes to secure the fence to the ground, such as these from Amazon, and 4 x 4s or the like to elevate the bottom pallet, keeping it off the ground, which will extend the fence's lifespan.
4. Chain Link
While perhaps not the most aesthetically pleasing option, chain link fencing does offer practical advantages. It is a lower-cost alternative, especially when compared to wood split-rail or post-and-rail fences. While it doesn't inherently provide much privacy, privacy slats can be woven through the mesh to mitigate this. Although often perceived as utilitarian, chain link can be softened and adorned with flowering vines and other perennials to conceal its stark appearance.
Buy vinyl-coated chain link fencing wire from Walmart.
5. Hog Wire
A significant step up from both chain link and chicken wire fencing, hog wire is typically combined with wood posts, lending the structure a more rustic aesthetic. It is generally more affordable than traditional wood fencing and offers greater longevity with reduced maintenance. Buy hog wire from Amazon to make your own custom fence.
6. Bamboo
Bamboo fencing offers the benefit of being a natural material that integrates seamlessly with the landscape. It is available in either rolls or panels that can be attached to posts. Strong and resilient, bamboo introduces a touch of tropical flair and is an environmentally friendly option. While the initial cost may be comparable to wood fencing, its minimal maintenance makes it a more economical choice in the long run.
This bamboo fencing from Walmart is 4 feet high, making it an ideal choice for front yards.
7. Corrugated Metal
Corrugated metal offers a modern aesthetic for fencing. As a low-maintenance option, it is typically made from aluminum, galvanized steel, or other metal alloys. Metal fences are resistant to pests, rot, and rust, thus requiring minimal upkeep. They provide excellent privacy and security, and can also be quite decorative. Cost-wise, they may be less expensive than wood, depending on the specific metal. Copper or Corten steel, for instance, are more expensive.
This Sleekfence aluminum privacy fence panel from Amazon offers a stylish, modern look.
8. Living Fence
A living fence offers a dynamic and environmentally friendly fencing option. Numerous plant varieties are suitable for providing privacy and delineating property lines, all while offering significant aesthetic appeal. Simultaneously, they create habitat for wildlife, reduce soil erosion, and can act as effective windbreaks.
Of course, living fences do require ongoing maintenance, generally including pruning, irrigation, and feeding. Suitable options encompass vines, evergreens, shrubs like arborvitae or privet, and flowering perennials such as serviceberry or viburnum. Furthermore, this can be a highly accessible DIY option, particularly for those new to more traditional construction.
FastGrowingTrees.com sells a fantastic range of evergreen plants that will quickly provide a green barrier for your front yard.
