The Official Blog of The Fence Authority

Are you daydreaming about redesigning your yard and maybe adding a fence that will be the envy of neighbors? Now is the perfect time to revamp your yard. Homeowners everywhere are embracing their outdoor properties and turning them into functional and beautiful outdoor living spaces. So, what’s hot in the world of exterior design? There are countless fence designs that could be the perfect complement to your home, a few design classics that are here to stay, and many refreshing new ideas. These suggestions can serve as a guide in inspiring your brand new yard and its brand new fence.

The Black Fence: Dark and Alluring

Black fences are a bit of a divisive trend. Some people simply find them to be too gloomy for a bright garden, but others are embracing the unique look of a dark fence.

Dark Wood Fences

There’s something about a black wooden fence that is both classic and modern. Plus, it can provide amazing contrast as a backdrop to the greenery and flowers in your yard. White flowers against a black fence are particularly striking. You can also go dark without going pitch black. A cedar fence stained with a dark color can create a natural but dramatic look. While high-quality paint goes a long way, a stain soaks into the wood and will not chip or peel over time the same way paint does.

Aluminum Fences

For those who want black but don’t want to paint or stain wood, aluminum fences provide a virtually maintenance-free option. While most people may not think of aluminum when they think of picket fences, all aluminum fences are technically picket fences. The term “picket” refers simply to a stick in the ground, and aluminum fences all consist of vertical spokes connected by rails—with spaces in between. This type of fence, therefore, won’t give you any privacy, but it won’t obstruct your view the way a privacy fence would.

Picket Fences: Updating the Great American Classic

When we discussed aluminum picket fences, you were probably wondering,  “But what about a real picket fence?” If you aren’t ready for a dramatic black fence, there’s always its antithesis—the classic white picket fence, which will likely never be out of style—and it’s as coveted as ever in 2015. With this staple, you really can’t go wrong. If you want to fuse classic with contemporary, there are many ways to update the white picket fence without making it out of aluminum—including getting a picket fence in a neutral color other than white, like sand or ivory.

Though a wood fence creates a beautiful and natural look, the classic picket fence doesn’t have to be made out of wood. Vinyl fences are great if you’re looking for a low-maintenance fence, and they look just like a traditional wood fence.

Edible Gardens—and the Fences to Protect Them

Edible gardens are all the rage—planting a rainbow of fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, and eggplants not only makes your yard look beautiful but also fills your kitchen with delicious fresh produce. However, with this tasty trend comes the need for a fence to protect your garden and all the produce from the critters that enjoy fresh food just as much as you. Deer especially can be a threat to your garden, making a high fence a necessity. Luckily, incorporating a fence into your garden design only adds to its aesthetics and serves as a lovely backdrop for your new home-grown food source.

Going Greener than the Foliage: Eco-Friendly Fences

Is your edible garden an attempt to be part of the popular “green” movement? You may consider a recycled and eco-friendly fence to go along with it. Recycled fences don’t necessarily need to “look” recycled—unless, of course, you want a truly eclectic design for your yard. Sure, some people may make DIY fences that look like they’re made out of recycled bottles, but there are also recycled fences that look perfectly ordinary.

Like vinyl, many recycled materials can be made to imitate real wood—not to mention fences can be built out of reclaimed wood. If you haven’t already heard, there’s a major trend right now of salvaging materials and repurposing them for new projects.  Is your new fence project going to replace an old wood fence? You may think it’s trash, but to a salvager, it has limitless potential. Maybe you’ve been in need of some flower boxes and birdhouses. You can recycle that wood and transform it into functional decorations for your new yard.

Ultimately, redesigning your yard and choosing a fence for it comes down to what you want, not what everyone else is getting. That said, many trends are popular for a reason. Close your eyes and try to envision the yard you wish you had. When you’re ready to start your exterior design project, you’ll feel it.

Check out our 2015 Fence Trends board on Pinterest for more ideas: