Finding the Right Fence for Your Home
Making a thoughtful fencing choice now can create happiness at home for years to come
When I was growing up, rusty chain-link or split-rail fences lined with galvanised wire ruled the neighbourhood, and choosing a fence was all about keeping the dog in or keeping other dogs out. The alternative was the big house on the hill, which had a fortress feel as it was surrounded by a solid brick wall. Functionality aside, I never wanted to surround my garden with something like that.
Today’s fences can be kinder, gentler and much more aesthetically appropriate. You really can choose a fence that meets your functional needs, expresses your personality and makes your house feel at home in your landscape. And as the old saying goes, good fences really do make good neighbours, so it’s a good idea to pick one that everyone’s happy with.
Today’s fences can be kinder, gentler and much more aesthetically appropriate. You really can choose a fence that meets your functional needs, expresses your personality and makes your house feel at home in your landscape. And as the old saying goes, good fences really do make good neighbours, so it’s a good idea to pick one that everyone’s happy with.
Vertical metal fence
This traditional style of fence, whether made of old-style iron or updated aluminium, is a go-to choice for many conservative-style homes. It creates a polite and proper boundary, keeps most creatures in or out, and allows for passersby to view the home and garden.
The wrought iron fence is the perfect choice for the landscape shown here. The fence’s shape pays homage to the home’s height, while its black hue contrasts sharply and cleanly with the white exterior. While not everyone has a black and white tiled pathway, this one certainly creates a link between home and fence, and grounds the space in a grand way.
WHEN TO USE: A vertical metal fence is appropriate in front of a multi-storey home, as it raises the eye to see the entire dwelling. When painted a dark or vibrant colour, it then pulls the eye back down and grounds the vignette. A lush green planting palette with perhaps just a hint of colour finishes the elegant scheme, without detracting from each architectural element.
WHEN NOT TO USE: This type of fence would fight against a low, single-storey home, especially if the dwelling had pronounced horizontal lines in the facade.
POINTS TO CONSIDER: Metal fencing comes in many different styles, from Victorian to contemporary, so be sure to match the fencing to the style of your home.
This traditional style of fence, whether made of old-style iron or updated aluminium, is a go-to choice for many conservative-style homes. It creates a polite and proper boundary, keeps most creatures in or out, and allows for passersby to view the home and garden.
The wrought iron fence is the perfect choice for the landscape shown here. The fence’s shape pays homage to the home’s height, while its black hue contrasts sharply and cleanly with the white exterior. While not everyone has a black and white tiled pathway, this one certainly creates a link between home and fence, and grounds the space in a grand way.
WHEN TO USE: A vertical metal fence is appropriate in front of a multi-storey home, as it raises the eye to see the entire dwelling. When painted a dark or vibrant colour, it then pulls the eye back down and grounds the vignette. A lush green planting palette with perhaps just a hint of colour finishes the elegant scheme, without detracting from each architectural element.
WHEN NOT TO USE: This type of fence would fight against a low, single-storey home, especially if the dwelling had pronounced horizontal lines in the facade.
POINTS TO CONSIDER: Metal fencing comes in many different styles, from Victorian to contemporary, so be sure to match the fencing to the style of your home.
Corrugated metal fence
This fence has an industrial or agricultural vibe. It’s a budget-conscious choice and can be constructed by homeowners who have moderate to high DIY skills. Check your council’s building codes before constructing any fence, as these can vary widely.
WHEN TO USE: When privacy and economy are prime considerations, this style could be the right choice for fencing. Some metal can rust or discolour over time, so take this into consideration before choosing this option.
WHEN NOT TO USE: This type of fence is style-specific, so consider the style of your home before choosing it. The style lends itself well to contemporary, farmhouse and industrial architecture, but not to traditional styles. Like all vertical fences, it will pull the eye upward; for single-storey houses, you should consider another style of fencing, unless there’s a tree canopy you would like to highlight as a focal point.
POINTS TO CONSIDER: When planting along a corrugated metal fence, consider certain ornamental grasses or plants with a vertical growth habit. These will not compete with the lines of your fencing.
This fence has an industrial or agricultural vibe. It’s a budget-conscious choice and can be constructed by homeowners who have moderate to high DIY skills. Check your council’s building codes before constructing any fence, as these can vary widely.
WHEN TO USE: When privacy and economy are prime considerations, this style could be the right choice for fencing. Some metal can rust or discolour over time, so take this into consideration before choosing this option.
WHEN NOT TO USE: This type of fence is style-specific, so consider the style of your home before choosing it. The style lends itself well to contemporary, farmhouse and industrial architecture, but not to traditional styles. Like all vertical fences, it will pull the eye upward; for single-storey houses, you should consider another style of fencing, unless there’s a tree canopy you would like to highlight as a focal point.
POINTS TO CONSIDER: When planting along a corrugated metal fence, consider certain ornamental grasses or plants with a vertical growth habit. These will not compete with the lines of your fencing.
Vertical wooden fence
This fence type has a much more organic feel than either of the previous materials. It’s one of the less expensive materials, and the fact that it can be sealed, stained or painted gives it excellent versatility. When the timbers are tightly spaced, it provides excellent privacy, while spacing it out more will provide air circulation and reduce the initial cost.
WHEN TO USE: A good option when privacy and functionality are prime considerations. Many homeowners’ associations prefer this commonplace fencing material, as it blends in better with the landscape than some of the other more unusual styles.
WHEN NOT TO USE: As with the previous styles, the verticality of this fence pulls the eye upward, so use it thoughtfully with regard to dwelling height.
POINTS TO CONSIDER: This type of fence will need to be resealed, painted or stained at regular intervals to preserve its appearance and durability.
When planting in front of a solid vertical wooden fence, consider a contorted tree or vine as a focal point.
This fence type has a much more organic feel than either of the previous materials. It’s one of the less expensive materials, and the fact that it can be sealed, stained or painted gives it excellent versatility. When the timbers are tightly spaced, it provides excellent privacy, while spacing it out more will provide air circulation and reduce the initial cost.
WHEN TO USE: A good option when privacy and functionality are prime considerations. Many homeowners’ associations prefer this commonplace fencing material, as it blends in better with the landscape than some of the other more unusual styles.
WHEN NOT TO USE: As with the previous styles, the verticality of this fence pulls the eye upward, so use it thoughtfully with regard to dwelling height.
POINTS TO CONSIDER: This type of fence will need to be resealed, painted or stained at regular intervals to preserve its appearance and durability.
When planting in front of a solid vertical wooden fence, consider a contorted tree or vine as a focal point.
Horizontal wooden fence
This style of wooden fence has all the benefits of the vertical fence, but brings a more customised style to the landscape. The timber widths can be varied to create a plethora of unique patterns, which is possible with the vertical wooden fence but often more successful with horizontal slats.
WHEN TO USE: This fence is a great choice for a low building, as it keeps the eye low and moving around the space. It also feels warm and soothing to the garden visitor, and is very inviting. The degree of privacy can be manipulated by the spacing of the timber. Notice how the lines of the fence shown here mimic the lines of the home’s siding, producing an undeniably homogenous connection between house and garden.
WHEN NOT TO USE: Although this style is adaptable, be mindful of the fact that it may not work well with very tall or very traditional buildings. Additionally, it would fight against vertical siding.
POINTS TO CONSIDER: As with all wooden fences, ongoing maintenance is a consideration. For plantings with a horizontal fence, consider espaliered trees or shrubs with a distinct horizontal growth habit.
This style of wooden fence has all the benefits of the vertical fence, but brings a more customised style to the landscape. The timber widths can be varied to create a plethora of unique patterns, which is possible with the vertical wooden fence but often more successful with horizontal slats.
WHEN TO USE: This fence is a great choice for a low building, as it keeps the eye low and moving around the space. It also feels warm and soothing to the garden visitor, and is very inviting. The degree of privacy can be manipulated by the spacing of the timber. Notice how the lines of the fence shown here mimic the lines of the home’s siding, producing an undeniably homogenous connection between house and garden.
WHEN NOT TO USE: Although this style is adaptable, be mindful of the fact that it may not work well with very tall or very traditional buildings. Additionally, it would fight against vertical siding.
POINTS TO CONSIDER: As with all wooden fences, ongoing maintenance is a consideration. For plantings with a horizontal fence, consider espaliered trees or shrubs with a distinct horizontal growth habit.
Stone wall
Stone walls are chameleons; they can adapt to so many styles and play well with so many other materials. They can be built low for seating walls or mortared and built high enough to provide privacy in a backyard. Stone can also be caged inside fabricated metal to produce a modern or industrial gabion wall. Add interest to the hardscape by juxtaposing rough stone walls with cut stone, as shown here.
WHEN TO USE: Stone walls are pricey, both from a materials and a labour standpoint, but outpace the competition in the right situation. Properly chosen stone can pull grey, blue, tan, orange or copper accents from the house to create home and garden continuity.
WHEN NOT TO USE: Using stone and brick in close proximity can be tricky. In tight spaces, the thickness of a stone wall can take up precious space.
POINTS TO CONSIDER: It’s recommended that a professional install a stone wall. Some commonly available stone can crumble, so be sure your stone is dense and that it’s rated for your area.
When planting around a stone wall, don’t overlook the opportunity to incorporate hues from the stone in foliage colour. Grey stone contains blue tints and works well with blue-needled conifers.
Tan and orange stone works well with ‘Tamukeyama’ Japanese maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Tamukeyama’). The fact that blue and orange are complementary hues on the colour wheel means that you can mix these plants up with great results.
Stone walls are chameleons; they can adapt to so many styles and play well with so many other materials. They can be built low for seating walls or mortared and built high enough to provide privacy in a backyard. Stone can also be caged inside fabricated metal to produce a modern or industrial gabion wall. Add interest to the hardscape by juxtaposing rough stone walls with cut stone, as shown here.
WHEN TO USE: Stone walls are pricey, both from a materials and a labour standpoint, but outpace the competition in the right situation. Properly chosen stone can pull grey, blue, tan, orange or copper accents from the house to create home and garden continuity.
WHEN NOT TO USE: Using stone and brick in close proximity can be tricky. In tight spaces, the thickness of a stone wall can take up precious space.
POINTS TO CONSIDER: It’s recommended that a professional install a stone wall. Some commonly available stone can crumble, so be sure your stone is dense and that it’s rated for your area.
When planting around a stone wall, don’t overlook the opportunity to incorporate hues from the stone in foliage colour. Grey stone contains blue tints and works well with blue-needled conifers.
Tan and orange stone works well with ‘Tamukeyama’ Japanese maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Tamukeyama’). The fact that blue and orange are complementary hues on the colour wheel means that you can mix these plants up with great results.
Poured-concrete wall
Poured concrete has recently come into style. Once used for foundations and industrial applications only, these walls are now used in landscape design as focal points.
WHEN TO USE: Poured-concrete walls should be installed only by qualified professionals. They can be expensive, but will look quite impressive when in place. These walls are at home with contemporary and industrial homes and can be placed in close proximity to grey stone with interesting textural results.
WHEN NOT TO USE: These walls do not play well with traditional homes or those with timber siding. They are, however, spectacular when combined with steel and glass.
POINTS TO CONSIDER: Grey concrete walls can be planted using the same palette as grey stone. If you want a more unusual concrete colour, talk with your contractor about tinting your concrete.
Poured concrete has recently come into style. Once used for foundations and industrial applications only, these walls are now used in landscape design as focal points.
WHEN TO USE: Poured-concrete walls should be installed only by qualified professionals. They can be expensive, but will look quite impressive when in place. These walls are at home with contemporary and industrial homes and can be placed in close proximity to grey stone with interesting textural results.
WHEN NOT TO USE: These walls do not play well with traditional homes or those with timber siding. They are, however, spectacular when combined with steel and glass.
POINTS TO CONSIDER: Grey concrete walls can be planted using the same palette as grey stone. If you want a more unusual concrete colour, talk with your contractor about tinting your concrete.
Brick wall
In shady locations, brick walls can be left to age and grow moss, or can be painted for a more updated look to form a connection with more contemporary architecture.
WHEN TO USE: Brick walls are at the upper end of the cost spectrum but, when properly installed, can last for many generations. They are easily cleaned and maintained, and can be installed as a solid wall or contain patterns formed by negative space.
WHEN NOT TO USE: Brick walls generally do not play well with with stone houses or very contemporary homes.
POINTS TO CONSIDER: A proper footing is vital to the longevity of a brick wall. Without this, the wall can crack and crumble. When choosing a planting scheme to complement an unpainted brick wall, consider the predominant hues of the brick, or go with dark green for a more traditional look.
In shady locations, brick walls can be left to age and grow moss, or can be painted for a more updated look to form a connection with more contemporary architecture.
WHEN TO USE: Brick walls are at the upper end of the cost spectrum but, when properly installed, can last for many generations. They are easily cleaned and maintained, and can be installed as a solid wall or contain patterns formed by negative space.
WHEN NOT TO USE: Brick walls generally do not play well with with stone houses or very contemporary homes.
POINTS TO CONSIDER: A proper footing is vital to the longevity of a brick wall. Without this, the wall can crack and crumble. When choosing a planting scheme to complement an unpainted brick wall, consider the predominant hues of the brick, or go with dark green for a more traditional look.
Panelled fence
Let your imagination run wild with this type of fence. Panels can be made of wood, polycarbonate, steel, concrete board, bamboo, willow and more. Hide the framework or use it as an architectural accent. Set panels with or without gaps, so you can plan for the amount of privacy you prefer.
WHEN TO USE: Use a panelled fence to set the mood in your garden if your outdoor space reflects the architectural style of your home. Bamboo or translucent polycarbonate panels can evoke the look and feel of a Zen-inspired garden, while rusted steel can create a more industrial tone.
WHEN NOT TO USE: If your garden has a style that is antithetical to your home’s architectural style, you may want to go with a more neutral-style fence. If you choose to live large and express yourself, be prepared to find out that some homeowners’ associations and neighbours may not share your enthusiasm for your creativity.
POINTS TO CONSIDER: Think about the life expectancy and future maintenance of whatever panel material you choose. Create a planting scheme reflecting the colour, texture and style of your chosen panels.
Let your imagination run wild with this type of fence. Panels can be made of wood, polycarbonate, steel, concrete board, bamboo, willow and more. Hide the framework or use it as an architectural accent. Set panels with or without gaps, so you can plan for the amount of privacy you prefer.
WHEN TO USE: Use a panelled fence to set the mood in your garden if your outdoor space reflects the architectural style of your home. Bamboo or translucent polycarbonate panels can evoke the look and feel of a Zen-inspired garden, while rusted steel can create a more industrial tone.
WHEN NOT TO USE: If your garden has a style that is antithetical to your home’s architectural style, you may want to go with a more neutral-style fence. If you choose to live large and express yourself, be prepared to find out that some homeowners’ associations and neighbours may not share your enthusiasm for your creativity.
POINTS TO CONSIDER: Think about the life expectancy and future maintenance of whatever panel material you choose. Create a planting scheme reflecting the colour, texture and style of your chosen panels.
First off, it’s important to determine exactly what you need your fence to do: keep things in, keep other things out, provide privacy or security, screen views or provide walls for your garden room. Next, study both the style of your home and the topography of your land to determine the best style of fence for your particular situation – don’t skip this step, it will have a big impact on your decision.
This photo shows a thoughtful marriage between home, fence and land. While the wooden panels and seams on the home’s exterior run vertically and horizontally, the graduated horizontal roofline pulls the eye down. Because of this, the horizontal wooden slat fence, stained to match the home’s siding, is a thoughtful choice.
The topography is terraced from front to back, which creates a level surface to build the fence on. If the land undulated significantly across the grade, this fence would read as too busy and rather like it imposed itself upon the land, rather than forging a peaceful relationship with it. Let’s look at different styles of fences and how to thoughtfully choose the right one for you and your home.