I think you should paint the whole length since you also have a different height/more weathered length of fence shown in final pic. IMO it will look even more unfinished if you stop part way. Unless you are planning to have dense plants to screen the part with mulched ground? Even then the charcoal paint is a nice back drop to greenery

I don't think what you are proposing to do will change the 'unfinished' look at all - unless you paint ALL the fences it will still look unfinished.

I think you should paint the whole fence it will look great especially if some nice green planting infront of the section you have mulch, the charcoal colour is always a nice background for lush planting.

NO - it will age to a soft hue. And once you paint you have ongoing maintenance forever.

I think you should paint it and the older fence at the other end of your deck and court yard. I think at the moment it just looks unfinished and it will really make a feature especially if you plant against it around the court yard the darker tone will make the plants really stand out.

Im of the Paint-it-all brigade. Looks unfinished now and will look even more so if you paint part. And you need some planting around the courtyard end of the garden! Looks bare at the moment.

I see what you mean - painting the plinths would create the area but I suggest paint the whole lot.... if you use good quality outdoor paint - you don't have a lot of maintenance... if you buy cheap paint then yes you have more maintenance. Painting it will make it clean and finished look for your whole garden. My kids would love that basketball area - it looks fabulous - great job.

Yes paint it.

I'd grow vines on it.

If you have teenagers I'd suggest a hoop based mural on fence behind Hoop. something cool about maybe 3m wide. Done in greys to black silhouettes. I would have done it for my kids when they were growing up.

absolutely paint the whole fence - looks unfinished otherwise

Yes, painting it all a dark colour will really improve the way your garden feels. A paint finish will protect the fence so yes you will have to repaint it every 10-20 years, but that is much better than having to replace the fence. Pay particular attention to the top where the paling is cut as that is where most of the water gets in. Spend money on good quality paint too - it will require much less of your valuable time to get good coverage, and will last longer.

Love the basketball court! Can you tell me how you did the court base?

Man, I totally get your fence dilemma – overthinking small details drives me crazy too. Reminds me of when I was stressing about which online platform to trust for a bit of fun. My buddy finally told me about a solid site where every game runs smooth and he actually makes decent profit without any hidden tricks. I’ve been using golden crown casino for months now, and it just works. No regrets, unlike painting something you can’t undo. Sometimes you just gotta commit and see. Their interface is clean, payouts are fast, way less stressful than fence decisions honestly.