Front Fence Ideas

Why would you want a front fence?

Front fences can make or break your kerb appeal and garden. They are no longer just to secure space and mark boundaries, fence walls are now widely used as the edging to frame your garden, the highlight to your landscape design or as the focal point of your frontage as well as gates. Choosing the right front fence designs amongst hundreds of front fence ideas and designs is vital. The best fence matches the homeowner’s style and its surroundings and provides solution the fencing needs.

What do you need to consider when putting up a fence?

Depending on the state you’re in, you might have to consider your local council’s permits including building application forms alongside site plan copies and fence construction details. You might also need to discuss with your neighbours and get their approval on where and how your fence is going to impede on them, including a mandatory ‘sign off’ from all parties.

Another thing to take into consideration is the fence height and whether it’s within the maximum height restrictions.

Decorative vs Security

Depending on whether you’re simply looking to create a sense of separation from the street to your home, or you’re trying to keep children and pets in, and strangers out, styles of fencing can either encapsulate both aesthetic needs and security purposes or can simply be a subtle statement. The purpose for fencing will distinguish the type of material and fencing you choose, whether it be timber or corrugated iron, these factors will further distinguish the type of fencing you choose and its purpose.

Are fences common in Australia or overseas?

Depending on where you are in Australia, fences can be either incredibly popular or not so much. Take for instance, Barton, Canberra—there are reportedly little to no fences there as opposed to suburban parts of Brisbane and Sydney, where every home on every block has fencing.

Depending again on which country you refer to, America’s suburbia which has one of the highest rates of fencing in the world whereas somewhere like London, it’s less common.

1. Wooden front fence

Natural wood is a beautiful material for front yard fences, is inexpensive and one of the most popular types of fencing available. It can do so much for your home’s curb appeal and is possible to DIY install it. Whether you want to broadcast achieving that classic American dream of a white picket fence, or you long for a privacy enclosure, wood is a flexible fencing option. It can be designed and finished to look fantastic in front of any type of home.

Pros: Traditional, homely fencing that is relatively cheap and can be installed yourself if you’re handy.
Cons: Provides no security nor privacy.

2. Black Horizontal Slats

Elegant and minimalist. You can never go wrong with this black steel and white concrete combo. The easy-to-maintain and tough fence also comes in a simple yet tasteful style.

Pros: Concrete and steel will cost twice the amount regarding materials.
Cons: Tough and secure fencing, great for security.

3. Metal front yard fence

Metal front yard fence design ideas can mimic the grace of a European estate or match the angles of a sleek, contemporary condo. A steel fence by Colorbond or a formal wrought iron fence’s narrow fence posts and decorative finials make it an openly welcome accent along many front yards. Screening your neighbourhoods fences can also help you decide if this bold fencing idea is for you. You can even pair a wrought iron front yard fence with a backyard enclosure made from another material.

Pros: A cheap option, easy to install and aesthetically pleasing. Can be both ideal for privacy and security.
Cons: None.

4. Masonry and Stone fences

If you already have stone or masonry features on your home, your front yard fence is a good place to replicate these colours and textures. But even if your home’s exterior is devoid of stone or brick, you can introduce the beauty of these natural elements in your front yard fence design. Concrete columns can be fashioned to look like carved stone and make a solid, classic statement.
While a low, solid stone fence takes you directly to the English countryside, topping a low stone or brick wall with wrought-iron fencing elevates the elegance. Custom scrollwork between iron slats softens the appearance of metal and stone, and pointed finials not only look great but serve a security purpose as well. Antique light globes atop solid masonry columns look elegant and guide guests directly to your gate.

Modern or mid-century homes can also carry the weight of a masonry front fence. Choose smooth concrete blocks for the base and posts and run long metal rails horizontally between them. Mixed textures can also work if the color scheme is united. Reflect a range of natural brown shades by mixing a low stone wall with brick columns and stained wooden slat.

Pro: Provides both privacy and security.
Cons: Time consuming and expensive.

5. Landscaped front fence

Virtually any trellis-climbing vine or tall-standing flower looks wonderful planted along a fence. Roses and lavender are classic blooms to plant along fences and add a lovely swath of colour all summer long. Irises, tulips and other bulbs return each spring and some varieties’ tall leaves remain standing throughout the warmer months. Even a scale-appropriate tree can be a wonderful choice.
Hostas are a good choice in shady areas and add low-lying pools of green foliage in colours ranging from seafoam to dark teal. Tufts of ornamental grass soften modern edges and look good along any type of fence. Flowering shrubs including hydrangeas, azaleas, and gardenias look stunning in front of picket fences.
If you’re limited on yard space between your fence and the road or sidewalk, consider installing planters along your fence’s top perimeter. Fill them with low-maintenance flowers and greenery and change the plantings with the seasons. This is a brilliant way to brighten up a boring fence without the back-straining efforts required to plant flowers in the ground.

Con: High maintenance, requires a lot of patience and time, and the cost is high. Provides no security.
Pro: Greenery helps mental health, aesthetics and provides privacy.

Sarah Buckley

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