Having an attractive wooden fence in your yard can really enhance the curb appeal and value of your home. While wood is a beautiful natural material, it does require some maintenance and decorating tricks to keep a fence looking its best. Here are some tips on how to make a wooden fence look pretty.
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Prep and Paint the Wood
The first step to decorating a wood fence is proper preparation. Make sure to:
- Power wash the fence to remove any dirty, flaking paint or wood stain.
- Sand rough areas to smooth and even out the surface.
- Seal any cracks or holes with appropriate wood filler and let dry completely.
- Apply 1-2 coats of high quality exterior primer to protect the wood.
Once the fence is prepped, choose an attractive, weather-resistant paint or stain for the finish coat. Solid stains tend to last longer than semi-transparent ones. Make sure to apply the finish evenly across all boards and posts for a cohesive look. Use a paint sprayer for the fastest, most consistent coverage. Allow proper dry time between coats.
Add Decorative Touches
Painting or staining the fence a beautiful color is just the beginning. You can add various decorative touches to make it even more eye-catching:
- Flower boxes: Hang charming flower boxes along the fence filled with bright blooms. Opt for cascading flowers to soften the edges.
- Planter boxes: Affix wooden planter boxes to posts or fence boards. Display potted plants, small trees, or bushes in them.
- Vinyl decals: Stick fun, decorative vinyls like flowers, butterflies or scrollwork onto fence boards.
- Lighting: Line the fence top with solar-powered spotlights or string lights for dreamy ambiance.
- Window boxes: Mount shuttered window boxes to create the look of cottage windows.
Mix and match these decorations to create your own unique look. Change them seasonally to keep the fence looking fresh.
Add Interest with Varied Boards
For a more custom, handcrafted aesthetic, use boards of varying widths, textures and colors when building or replacing sections of the fence. Consider:
- Mixing standard boards with wider boards
- Alternating vertical and horizontal boards
- Blending natural wood with painted or stained boards
- Combining smooth planks with rough-sawn ones
This type of variation adds visual interest and dimension. Stagger the boards attractively for more charm. Use your most unique boards on gateway fences or as accents.
Incorporate Greenery
Plants can help soften and enhance a wooden fence. Consider incorporating climbers like:
- Clematis
- Climbing roses
- Honeysuckle
- Jasmine
- Grape vines
- Trumpet vines
Plant them at the base of the fence in beds or pots. As they grow, gently train the vines to cover the boards. This living screen blocks unsightly views while adding texture, color and fragrance.
For quicker coverage, attach trellises flat against the fence then grow out vines or screening plants on them. You can also hang potted vining plants along the top edge of the fence.
Add an Arbor or Pergola
An arbor or pergola attached to a fence adds striking vertical interest. It also provides the perfect support for climbing plants. Position a garden arbor over a gate or path to create a focal point. Use repeating pergolas along stretches of fencing to craft an inviting green tunnel.
Paint or Stain Planter Boxes
Any planter boxes affixed to the fencing should be painted or stained to match. This creates a cohesive, well put-together look. Use the same color as the fence or a coordinating, contrasting color.
Include Architectural Elements
Incorporate architectural elements into the fence for elegance. Possibilities include:
- Decorative top caps on posts
- Attractive post finials
- Ornamental ironwork on gates
- Fence latticework
- Spaced fence pickets
Wrought iron inserts, arches, treillage panels or finials on wood posts add flair. Let your personality shine through with fun, unique touches.
Use Appropriate Landscaping
Your overall landscaping should complement a decorative fence. Place attractive plants, flowers, trees and hardscaping elements near the fence to tie it all together. For example:
- Plant rows of matching trees or bushes along the fence line.
- Build planter boxes on either side of the fence.
- Extend paving from a patio right up to the fence.
- Train vines on the fence to overlap adjacent beds.
A seamless transition between fence and landscape makes everything look cohesive. Repeat plants or materials from the fence in the nearby beds or paths.
Keep It Clean
Once your fence is beautifully decorated, be sure to keep it looking its best. Quickly clean off any stains or scribbles. Prune back overgrown vines and plants. Re-paint areas that are faded or peeling. Repair any damage from weather or wear. A well-maintained, freshly painted wood fence always looks attractive.
Conclusion
With some simple decor techniques, you can easily transform the look of a basic wood fence. Paint, lighting, vines, pergolas and decorative accents customize it to match your personal style. Proper prep, maintenance and coordinating landscaping keep it looking pristine. Get creative with these tips to craft a beautiful, inviting wood fence that enhances your whole yard.