What fence looks best in front yard?

When it comes to choosing the right fence for your front yard, there are a lot of factors to consider. The type of fence you choose can significantly impact the look and feel of your home’s exterior. A good looking front yard fence can increase curb appeal and potentially even property value. On the other hand, a fence that clashes with your home’s architecture or the neighborhood aesthetic can have the opposite effect. There are pros and cons to different fence materials, styles, and designs. Evaluating all of these elements will help you select the best front yard fence for your specific needs.

What is the purpose of your front yard fence?

Before deciding on a particular type of fencing, think about the main reasons you want to install a front yard fence in the first place. Here are some of the most common purposes for front yard fences:

– Define the boundary between your front yard and the street/sidewalk
– Create privacy from pedestrians
– Keep pets safely confined in the yard
– Provide security and protection
– Enhance curb appeal
– Complement your home’s exterior design
– Establish a property line between homes
– Hide unsightly views
– Showcase gardens and landscaping

Once you determine your primary motivation for adding a front yard fence, you can zero in on options that will best fulfill that goal.

What material looks best for your home’s style?

The overall architectural style and exterior materials of your home should play a big role in choosing fencing materials. You’ll want the fence to complement the existing look, not detract from it. Here are some typical fencing materials that pair well with popular home design styles:

– Wrought iron or aluminum – Craftsman, Spanish Eclectic, Tuscan
– Wood picket – Farmhouse, Cottage, Traditional
– Vinyl – Ranch, Modern Farmhouse, Contemporary
– Brick or stone columns with black aluminum infill – French Provincial, English Tudor, Mediterranean
– Mixed materials like brick/stone with wrought iron – Victorian, Queen Anne

Take a look around your neighborhood as well. Having fence materials that blend with nearby homes can help the look flow nicely on the street.

How much privacy do you need?

If privacy is a main goal with your front yard fence, look for materials, sizes and designs that offer more of an opaque barrier. Some of the most private options include:

– Solid wood privacy fences at least 6 feet tall
– Overlapping wood planks or inserts to close gaps
– Masonry walls like brick, stone or concrete block
– Tall bamboo grown along a fence line
– Fast-growing evergreen trees as natural barriers

Wrought iron, aluminum, vinyl, chain link or wire mesh don’t provide much privacy on their own. You’ll need to incorporate solid panels or plantings to increase the screening ability if total seclusion is what you’re after.

How much maintenance are you willing to do?

Some types of fences demand more ongoing maintenance than others. If you want a low maintenance option, go with these materials:

– Vinyl – Never needs painting, occasionally hose down to clean
– Aluminum – Doesn’t rust, occasional hosing to clean
– Composite wood – Won’t rot, stain when needed
– Brick, block, stone, concrete – Basically no maintenance except repairs if damaged
– Chain link – Vinyl-coated is best since it won’t rust

Higher maintenance fences include:

– Unfinished wood – Needs staining/sealing every 1-3 years
– Bamboo – Quickly grows and spreads, requires frequent trimming
– Wrought iron – Prone to rusting without consistent repainting
– Living plantings – Need pruning, trimming all year long

Keep maintenance needs in mind when selecting materials to avoid taking on time-consuming upkeep.

How concerned are you about security?

For homeowners wanting to boost security and deter crime, the most protective types of fences include:

– Tall privacy fences over 6 feet high
– Masonry walls made of brick, block or stone
– Wrought iron or aluminum with small, close-set pickets
– Electric fencing (more common in rural areas)
– Thorny hedges like roses, holly, cactus or barberry

Chain link, vinyl, mesh and other see-through fences can be climbed over more easily. But adding materials like slats, tarps or plantings can upgrade security and remove footholds.

Monitoring, lighting and cameras along with driveway and gate alarms also increase safety. Dogs left outside can also deter intruders with warning barks.

What’s your budget for a new front yard fence?

Fencing costs can vary tremendously based on the length, height, materials and installation. On average, budget about $25-50 per linear foot for basic installation. Here’s an approximate price range for common front yard fencing:

Fence Material Cost Per Linear Foot
Chain link $20-30
Vinyl $25-40
Wood $15-100
Aluminum $40-60
Wrought iron $45-100
Electric $15-25
Brick/stone $50-100+

More intricate designs, automation, increased height and specialty materials quickly increase costs. Get quotes from several fencing contractors to compare pricing.

Factor in long-term savings on reduced maintenance costs if you invest more initially in durable, low-upkeep vinyl, composite, metal or masonry.

Do you need gates for access?

Determine if you’ll need gates for driveway access or to reach your backyard from the front. Double driveway gates should be a minimum 12 feet wide centered across the opening.

Walk gates can be 3-4 feet wide to allow easy pedestrian passage. They may be part of larger fence sections or stand alone between posts.

Consider how often you’ll use gates and if they’ll be manually operated or electrified for remote opening. This affects the cost and installation requirements.

Matched designs and materials are ideal for a cohesive look between gates and fencing. Allow sufficient budget for accessories like latch hardware and lighting too.

Have you checked local regulations?

Most municipalities have rules in place that dictate acceptable locations, sizes, materials and other specifications for front yard fencing. Some common guidelines include:

– Height limits (often 4 feet average and 6 feet maximum)
– Distance from the street and sidewalks
– Finished vs unfinished side facing out
– Allowed materials and banned hazardous options
– Boundary lines with neighbors
– Placement of gates for access
– Sight triangle visibility at intersections

Review fencing codes for your city or HOA thoroughly before finalizing plans. Getting the proper permits may also be required before installing certain fence types.

How can you boost curb appeal?

Beyond choosing a material that fits your home’s look, consider these tips for making a fence enhance curb appeal:

– Add planters, trellises or shrubbery along the base
– Incorporate paths, patios or water features inside the fence
– Use decorative posts, finials and caps
– Mix materials like brick pillars with black metal infill sections
– Add a front gate with attractive architectural details
– Use gentle curves or stagger sections to break up long lengths
– Plant colorful gardens, flowering vines or privacy trees on the inside
– Accent with post lighting, lanterns or solar pathway lights

Avoid creating an imposing, fortress-like feel. Keep the fence style relatively open and inviting overall.

What are the best fence styles for front yards?

Now that we’ve covered the factors that impact your fence choice, here is an overview of some of the most popular options:

Picket Fences

Classic wood picket fences remain a timeless choice for front yards. The vertical board design offers a balance of quaint charm and enclosure. They work with many home styles from cottages to colonials. Varying the picket top shapes and widths adds interest. Wood requires sealing maintenance but composite and vinyl versions reduce upkeep.

Ranch Rail Fences

A ranch rail fence made from split wood rails offers a rustic, laidback feel. The open gaps between rails reduce privacy but contain pets and delineate boundaries. Mixing staggered and straight rails adds interest. They suit farmhouse, country and desert southwestern style homes well. Keep wood protected with sealants and allow gaps for expansion.

Wrought Iron & Aluminum

Ornate metal fences with detailed scrollwork offer an elegant accent for homes from Italianate Victorians to Spanish Mission styles. Iron requires diligent rust prevention but durable aluminum is nearly maintenance-free. Black finishes disguise dirt and allow visibility. But adding privacy slats upgrades seclusion. Metal conducts heat so avoid bare hands on hot, sunny days.

Vinyl Fencing

For a low-maintenance option, vinyl offers durability at an affordable price point. The modular construction allows for custom designs and quick DIY assembly. Drawbacks include susceptibility to high winds and an artificial appearance. But technology keeps improving realism. Pair with greenery to increase curb appeal.

Brick, Block or Stone Walls

Masonry walls offer outstanding privacy and protection with great architectural presence. Matching the style of your home is crucial to get the right visual fit. Walls require professional engineering and masonry skills to construct properly. But the result is a dramatic accent able to withstand decades of use when properly maintained.

Living Fences

Hedges, shrubs and bamboo grown into a dense screen create natural fences with eco-friendly appeal. Evergreens like arborvitae establish quickly for faster privacy. Deciduous plants save energy costs by allowing winter sun. Mixing plantings enhances biodiversity. But living fences require frequent pruning and care for impenetrable coverage. Use irrigation and amendments to keep plants healthy.

Invisible Fences

For wide open visibility, invisible fence systems use underground wires and pet collars to establish a perimeter. Mild shocks contain animals without affecting aesthetics. Professional installation is recommended to configure the systems properly. Some training is needed to acclimate pets. Invisible fences won’t deter people or offer true privacy. But they maximize views.

Key Considerations

– Determine your needs – boundary definition, privacy, aesthetics, security, pet containment
– Research what permits and regulations apply for your municipality
– Select durable, low-maintenance materials that complement your home’s architecture
– Include special features like gates, lighting, plantings and accent details
– Review contractor qualifications, experience, examples and reviews
– Get quotes to compare pricing from multiple vendors
– Consider long-term costs, not just initial purchase price
– Plan added features like automated gates, surveillance or landscaping
– Balance desired opacity with maintaining an inviting curb appeal

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect front yard fence involves evaluating your priorities for privacy, security, aesthetics, maintenance and costs. Do your homework to understand local codes that apply. Select durable, weather-resistant materials that highlight your home’s beauty. Include special touches like decorative posts, greenery and compatible gates. With careful planning and design, you can install an attractive front yard fence that enhances your exterior while meeting practical needs for years to come.