All Fenced In: Find the Right Style for Your Backyard
Whether you're seeking privacy, noise-reduction or a safe and stylish barrier to the pool, there is an ideal fence for you
Jessica Prince-Montague
31 July 2014
By Jessica Prince-Montague. Houzz Contributor. Sydney-based freelance editor and journalist with 10 years experience working in the fashion and lifestyle domain. Passionate about beautiful design and unique interiors (especially if wallpaper and chandeliers are involved). Finds inspiration from travel, particularly the rooms of beautiful boutique hotels.
By Jessica Prince-Montague. Houzz Contributor. Sydney-based freelance editor and... More
The fence of your backyard should be far from an afterthought. As they (quite literally) frame the entire space, they help set the tone of your backyard.
To choose the right fence, you must first consider the overall atmosphere you want to create. But there are also factors like privacy, noise, safety and security to add to the equation. Seeking expert advice on the best materials for your desired look is also key, because the last thing you want to do is erect a beautiful barrier, only to realise you’re at risk of damage or erosion over time from termites or salty sea air. Finally, upkeep is another important consideration – are you happy maintaining hedges and keeping glass clean or would you prefer an option that won’t require any further thought or effort once it’s up?
To get you on your way, it can be helpful to start by considering the needs you wish your fence to fulfil. Here is some inspiration to get you started.
To choose the right fence, you must first consider the overall atmosphere you want to create. But there are also factors like privacy, noise, safety and security to add to the equation. Seeking expert advice on the best materials for your desired look is also key, because the last thing you want to do is erect a beautiful barrier, only to realise you’re at risk of damage or erosion over time from termites or salty sea air. Finally, upkeep is another important consideration – are you happy maintaining hedges and keeping glass clean or would you prefer an option that won’t require any further thought or effort once it’s up?
To get you on your way, it can be helpful to start by considering the needs you wish your fence to fulfil. Here is some inspiration to get you started.
If you want: creativity
Banish the idea that a fence needs to be one tone only. Remember: you can make your own rules, so why not inject a pop of your favourite colour on some palings? Notice how this red ties in with an equally bright panel on the exterior of the home. The effect is fresh and eye-catching. A simple way to animate your entire outdoor space.
Banish the idea that a fence needs to be one tone only. Remember: you can make your own rules, so why not inject a pop of your favourite colour on some palings? Notice how this red ties in with an equally bright panel on the exterior of the home. The effect is fresh and eye-catching. A simple way to animate your entire outdoor space.
If you want: something contemporary
Similarly, if you think a fence is merely a few wooden palings, reprimand yourself immediately! These carefully crafted glass slats look more like a sculpture than a boundary line. This home is also right by Sydney Harbour, so the transparent nature of the fence means the view is unobstructed.
Similarly, if you think a fence is merely a few wooden palings, reprimand yourself immediately! These carefully crafted glass slats look more like a sculpture than a boundary line. This home is also right by Sydney Harbour, so the transparent nature of the fence means the view is unobstructed.
If you want: a noise barrier
Okay, so this isn’t technically a fence, it’s more like a wall. But that’s exactly the point. If the main goal of your barrier is to minimise noise, go as high and thick as you can, with a sturdy structure. If this isn’t possible, take your cue from the next photo…
Okay, so this isn’t technically a fence, it’s more like a wall. But that’s exactly the point. If the main goal of your barrier is to minimise noise, go as high and thick as you can, with a sturdy structure. If this isn’t possible, take your cue from the next photo…
If you want: privacy
A fence lined with tall trees and shrubbery works best when you want to obscure your backyard from prying eyes. As an added bonus, it has a noise-cancelling effect. Obviously, if your fence is going to be obscured like this, you need to worry more about the durability than the way it looks.
A fence lined with tall trees and shrubbery works best when you want to obscure your backyard from prying eyes. As an added bonus, it has a noise-cancelling effect. Obviously, if your fence is going to be obscured like this, you need to worry more about the durability than the way it looks.
If you want: something industrial
Embrace metal materials if you’re into an industrial look. And as you can see from this image, it doesn’t have to come in straight sheets either. Stages of wear (read: rust) also look really effective when deliberately juxtaposed with fresh greenery and it ties in with the entire look.
Embrace metal materials if you’re into an industrial look. And as you can see from this image, it doesn’t have to come in straight sheets either. Stages of wear (read: rust) also look really effective when deliberately juxtaposed with fresh greenery and it ties in with the entire look.
If you want: a great pool fence
Australian law dictates that pools must be fenced off by a barrier at least 1.2 metres high. To avoid cutting your backyard in half, go for glass. Otherwise, you risk it looking closed-in and slightly claustrophobic. If you squint your eyes at this image, the glass fence is practically invisible.
Australian law dictates that pools must be fenced off by a barrier at least 1.2 metres high. To avoid cutting your backyard in half, go for glass. Otherwise, you risk it looking closed-in and slightly claustrophobic. If you squint your eyes at this image, the glass fence is practically invisible.
If you want: a take on the traditional
For those who love a classic wooden fence, this is a great example of it done well. Resist the urge to paint it in stark white, though. Yes, they look great in magazines, but in reality? Remember that backyards are dirty places, people. Instead, opt for a worn, off-white look (like this image) or a light grey.
For those who love a classic wooden fence, this is a great example of it done well. Resist the urge to paint it in stark white, though. Yes, they look great in magazines, but in reality? Remember that backyards are dirty places, people. Instead, opt for a worn, off-white look (like this image) or a light grey.
If you want: a vintage look
The great thing about fences is you can construct them using recycled pieces if you’re feeling particularly handy. This is perfect if you want to create a vintage or eclectic look in your backyard. I love how these owners have sourced mixed materials and colours and stacked them horizontally (rather than the standard vertical set-up). 10/10 for creativity.
The great thing about fences is you can construct them using recycled pieces if you’re feeling particularly handy. This is perfect if you want to create a vintage or eclectic look in your backyard. I love how these owners have sourced mixed materials and colours and stacked them horizontally (rather than the standard vertical set-up). 10/10 for creativity.
If you want: to frame a garden
If you’re after a fence for a garden or veggie patch, go for country charm. Keep the height lower than the wider fence line, but still high enough to keep kids and pets out. The chicken wire is also a great (and practical) accessory for this installation.
If you’re after a fence for a garden or veggie patch, go for country charm. Keep the height lower than the wider fence line, but still high enough to keep kids and pets out. The chicken wire is also a great (and practical) accessory for this installation.
If you want: something rustic
Give a nod to the outback with a corrugated metal fence. You don’t want people to think you live on a cattle station though, so opt for a chic border to give it a modern update.
Give a nod to the outback with a corrugated metal fence. You don’t want people to think you live on a cattle station though, so opt for a chic border to give it a modern update.
If you want: a zen fence
And finally, natural materials (like bamboo, pictured) ooze Asian ambiance and can make your backyard feel more like a resort than a residence. Keep the look contained and compact though, otherwise it can look a little unkempt.
SHOW US
Do you have a beautiful fence in your own backyard? Send us a photo in the comments section below.
And finally, natural materials (like bamboo, pictured) ooze Asian ambiance and can make your backyard feel more like a resort than a residence. Keep the look contained and compact though, otherwise it can look a little unkempt.
SHOW US
Do you have a beautiful fence in your own backyard? Send us a photo in the comments section below.
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I've been troubled with lack of privacy on my backyard. My backyard is surrounded by the backyard of 3 properties. Being on land that is sliding down from the 2 double storeys properties on the right hand size of my property, no more privacy anymore with just the current 1.8m fences. Do I need council approval to raise the fences to an extra 50cm ? My land is about 50m long so I think too costly to add extra fences for the whole length. My thinking is just adding the extras on the backyard section only, which is about 20m long. The fences are currently the boring colorbond type. Does anyone has better ideas for my problem? Thanks much in advance.