10 Creative Fence Designs
Unique materials and imaginative applications turn this yard staple into a powerful outdoor accessory
Shawn Gauthier
January 1, 2000
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected,... More
Chalkboard walls, bubbled acrylic and perforated copper may not be the first fencing materials homeowners consider, but these bold choices add distinct curb appeal and style to this outdoor necessity. If updating your fence is on your summer to-do list, consider a unique approach. Beyond picket fences and simple wooden slats lies an array of interesting choices and unexpected applications.
Get inspired by the next 10 photos to start reimagining your backyard fence.
Get inspired by the next 10 photos to start reimagining your backyard fence.
Accent your fence with interesting materials. A chalkboard incorporated into the fence will make the yard all the more imaginative and engaging for the kids. And water is all it takes to keep it clean.
OK, so this fence doesn’t provide much privacy, but it does create a protective barrier around the pool from curious little ones. Made from bubbled acrylic balls, the fence lends an unexpected sophisticated appeal.
Outdoor stone surrounds are nothing new, but this fence — created from piles of stone corralled with metal baskets called gabions — feels sculptural and industrial.
Think about mixing elements instead of creating a fence from one material. The perforated copper in this fence catches the eye with its metallic hue, while the wood keeps it from feeling over the top.
In this example, a wall fence is split with several vertical rods. This solution is ideal if you want to have some privacy without blocking a view.
A fence can be much more than simple wooden slats. Go glam with a stone fence and metal gate combination, like this modern, statement-making example.
More great gates
More great gates
Instead of building the entire fence at one uniform height, consider different heights in different spots. Go higher where you want to block a neighbor’s view, but go lower where you might catch a better glimpse of an evening sunset.
Change up your wooden fence by reversing the direction of the planks. It’s an easy preinstallation design switch that lends a fresh look.
Are you bored with your wooden fence, but don’t necessarily want to start from scratch? Dress it up with metal panels to make your fence an interesting focal point instead of just a functional asset.
More: Types of fences and what they do for the landscape
More: Types of fences and what they do for the landscape
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I really like perforated copper in a fence. It offers enough privacy and it's aesthetically pleasing. We want to replace our fence, and I'm looking for the ideas and inspiration. I will have to show this photo to my husband and see what he thinks. http://www.hahnaafencing.com/services
I love the chalkboard on the fence! Definitely something Breed Fence can do. www.breedfence.com
Bamboo can look beautiful but beware! It quickly overtook my planters. Crossed into neighbor's yards. Made it impossible to dig in the flower beds. Took 4-5 years to finally get rid of it.
It was back breaking work digging it up. Might as well have been rebar growing. Choaked out other plants. Couldn't dig a shovel in the dirt more than 3" without hitting rebar like roots. Planters sat vacant for 2 years since any watering caused it to start growing again.
Pure nightmare. Don't do it. I was told the bamboo I planted was clumping not running!