How do I make my front yard fence look nice?

Having an attractive front yard fence can really enhance the curb appeal and value of your home. Whether you have a brand new fence that needs some style, or an older fence that could use some freshening up, there are lots of easy and affordable ways to make your front yard fence look great.

Should I paint or stain my front yard fence?

One of the best ways to improve the look of your front yard fence is to apply some color. You have two main options for adding color – paint or stain. Here are some of the differences between fence paint and stain:

Paint	Stain
Sits on top of the wood surface	Penetrates into the wood
Provides opaque, solid color	Allows some wood grain to show through
Needed to be scraped/sanded before recoating	Can be reapplied over itself
Lasts 1-3 years typically	Lasts 3-5 years typically

As you can see, stains tend to last longer than paints because they penetrate the wood surface rather than sit on top. But paints provide a more uniform, opaque color. So consider whether you want the natural wood grain to show through or not when choosing paint vs. stain.

What color should I choose?

When selecting a color for your front yard fence, consider colors and palettes that complement your home’s exterior. Here are some popular fence color ideas:

• White or light gray – Provides a clean, classic look
• Black or dark gray – Very modern and sleek
• Earth tones like tan, brown, sage – Coordinate well with natural elements
• Red, yellow, blue – Bright pops of color for a fun look
• Match your home’s siding color – For a cohesive scheme

You’ll also want to consider how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Darker colors show dirt and wear more easily than lighter colors. And solid stains cover better than semi-transparent ones after many years in the sun.

What type of paint/stain should I use?

For best results, use high quality exterior paints or stains that are specially formulated for wood fences. Here are some things to look for:

• Exterior-grade – Made to withstand sun, rain, snow and temperature swings
• Wood finish – Specifically designed for use on wood fences and other exterior wood
• Anti-mildew properties – Helps resist mildew and fungal growth
• UV protection – Filters out ultraviolet rays to prevent fading

Some good brand options include Behr Premium Exterior Wood Stains and Paints, Sherwin-Williams Exterior Wood Finishes, Cabot Exterior Wood Care Products, and Ready Seal Exterior Wood Stains and Sealer.

Stain, paint or sealer?

You’ll also need to decide whether you want to use a stain, paint, or sealer product for your fence:

• Stain – Recommended to showcase the wood grain. Requires more frequent recoating.
• Paint – Provides a solid, consistent opaque color. Lasts longer before needing to be redone.
• Sealer – A clear finish that protects the wood without color. Needs reapplying every 1-2 years.

How do I prepare my fence before painting or staining?

Proper prep work is extremely important for getting great results from painting or staining. Here are the key steps:

1. Clean the fence using a pressure washer or wood cleaner to remove dirt, mildew stains, etc.
2. Make any necessary repairs – replace rotten boards, tighten loose boards, fix gaps or holes.
3. Sand the wood lightly to roughen the surface so the paint or stain can adhere.
4. Prime bare wood if needed with an oil-based primer or wood conditioner.
5. Allow fence to dry completely before applying your topcoat.

Taking the time to properly clean and prep your fence will allow the paint or stain to adhere and protect better for longer-lasting results.

How do I clean my fence before painting or staining?

Cleaning is one of the most important prep steps before painting or staining. Use these steps for proper fence cleaning:

• Hose down the fence with water to dampen the boards.
• Use a pressure washer to remove loose dirt, mildew and flaky paint/stain.
• Apply wood cleaner with a brush and gently scrub entire fence surface.
• Rinse thoroughly with a pressure washer or hose.
• Allow the fence to dry completely before moving on to sanding and painting/staining.

Pressure washing is ideal for deeper cleaning vs. just hosing down. But avoid using too high pressure as it can damage the wood. Test in an inconspicuous spot first.

What’s the best way to apply paint or stain?

These tips will help you get the most even, uniform application when painting or staining your fence:

• Use a paintbrush or paint roller on a pole for easiest application on vertical boards.
• Apply an even coat across all boards, keeping a wet edge to prevent lap marks.
• Work section-by-section starting at the top and moving down methodically.
• Allow each section to dry before moving on to prevent drips or smears.
• Apply two coats for best coverage and protection, allowing proper dry time between coats.
• Backbrush as you go to spread paint into the wood grain for a smooth look.
• Maintain a consistent application thickness – don’t try to stretch too far.

Taking your time leads to the most professional looking results. Applying paint or stain on a relatively calm, dry day is best to allow proper drying between coats.

How long should I wait between coats when painting a fence?

When applying multiple coats of exterior paint or stain to a fence, it’s important to wait the manufacturer’s recommended drying time between coats. This allows each layer to fully dry and bond to the wood.

Typical drying times between coats are:

• 2-4 hours for stains
• 4-6 hours for paints

However, check your specific product information, as dry times can vary based on temperature, humidity and other factors. Your first coat may also take a bit longer to dry since it’s absorbing into untreated wood.

Rushing the recoat time can lead to adhesion problems down the road. Be patient for best results. The end outcome is worth the extra wait!

How can I decorate my front yard fence?

Beyond just paint and stain, there are lots of easy ways to decorate and accessorize your front yard fence to add extra personality. Here are some fun ideas:

Add planter boxes

Hang charming planter boxes along the fence filled with flowers, herbs or trailing greenery. Go for a cohesive theme with your plant choices. This adds great curb appeal.

Attach wall art or signage

Personalize your fence with wall art, your address numbers, family name sign or other decorative signage. Fence decals and metal cut-outs are also options.

Drape climbing vines

Plant climbing vines at the base of your fence like jasmine, honeysuckle or morning glory and they’ll cover the fence with gorgeous greenery in no time.

Install decorative pickets or lattice

Swapping out simple pickets for more decorative options like arched or curved wood can elevate your fence’s look instantly. Adding lattice inserts also adds interest.

Add lighting

Line your front fence with solar-powered LED spotlights or lantern-style lights to create a magical glow at night. Uplighting from the ground also looks great.

Paint a fun pattern

Jazz up a basic wood fence with a fun painted pattern like stripes, diamonds or scallops using exterior paint. Get the whole family involved!

What are some good front yard fence landscaping ideas?

The area around your front yard fence provides great opportunity to enhance the fence’s beauty even further. Here are some landscaping ideas that complement a fence wonderfully:

Plant flowering shrubs

Place flowering shrubs like hydrangeas, azaleas or camellias right in front of your fence for gorgeous bursts of color. Leave some fence peeking through for balance.

Add trees

Trees displayed near your front fence – like Japanese maples, cherry blossoms or crape myrtles – add year-round interest with their flowers, foliage and structure.

Build planter boxes on fence posts

Construct simple wooden planter boxes that attach to the tops of your fence posts. Fill with bright flowers or trailing greenery.

Plant vines along the base

Let vines like clematis, honeysuckle or passionflower vine grow up your fence for a romantic, cottage look.

Add mulch beds

Bordering your fence line with fresh wood mulch beds edged with stones creates a polished, intentional look for your landscape.

What maintenance does a front yard fence need?

To keep your front yard fence looking its best for years to come, plan to do regular maintenance:

• Inspect for damage after major storms and make repairs right away.
• Reapply exterior stain or paint when fading/peeling occurs – usually every 3-5 years.
• Power wash periodically to remove dirt, mildew, etc.
• Trim back encroaching vegetation to prevent damage.
• Check for rotting or insecure boards and replace as needed.
• Touch up paint/stain nicks and scratches to prevent moisture getting in.
• Rehang or replace any loose decorative hardware like lights.

Also monitor your fence after heavy snowfalls and remove excess accumulation to avoid collapse under the weight.

How do I remove mildew from my fence?

Mildew is a common problem on wood fences, appearing as black or gray spots. To remove it:

1. Mix 1 part bleach with 3 parts water in a bucket.
2. Use a scrub brush dipped in the bleach solution to scrub affected areas of the fence.
3. Let the solution sit briefly before rinsing thoroughly with a hose.
4. Allow fence to dry completely before applying any new finish.

For a non-bleach option, use a commercial mildew remover made for exterior wood finishes. Wear gloves and follow product directions closely.

How do I get rid of weeds along my fence line?

Prevent weeds from taking root along your fence line using these organic, non-toxic methods:

• Spread a 2-3 inch thick layer of mulch to block light needed for weeds.
• Pour boiling water carefully along the fence line to scald weeds.
• Use a torch or flame weeder to burn off any small weed growth.
• Apply corn gluten meal in spring to prevent new seeds from sprouting.
• Pull weeds by hand frequently before they get established.

Avoid using harsh chemical weedkillers near your fence as they can damage the structure and finish over time.

Conclusion

Enhancing your front yard fence can be an easy weekend project that pays off with amazing curb appeal. Proper prep work and using quality paints, stains or sealers suited for exterior wood will ensure your new fence finish lasts beautifully. Add decorative accents and plants to take the look to the next level. And don’t forget regular maintenance to keep your fence looking flawless for many years of beautifying your home’s exterior!