Have you ever built a fence? That’s a rather odd question, isn’t it? Not all properties have fences and not all fences serve the same purpose or have the same structure or design. But what do you do when you need a fence, anyway? Who do you call and how much does it cost anyway?

Well, if you build the fence yourself the cost will be quite low and you won’t have to rely on someone else to do things exactly the way you want them. You’d be your own contractor and your own client. That’s pretty cool even if the project is as simple as a DIY fence.

DIY Fence Ideas to Transform Your Yard and Home

1. Recycled Fencing

Here’s a tip: it’s easier to put up a fence if you don’t build it from scratch. How is that possible? It’s easy: use an old fence that someone else decided to get rid of. It would be nice if you could get it in large sections and not individual boards. All you’d have to do is install some posts and then fill the gaps between them with sections from the old fence. Don’t forget to add your finishing touches at the end. You can find some cool suggestions on instructables.

2. Bamboo Fence

Various different materials can be used when building a fence. The most common one of all would probably have to be wood. Of course, even so, there are all sorts of variations to consider. For example, how would a bamboo DIY fence look like around your back yard? Looking at the description offered on instructables I’d it would be pretty good-looking.

3. Basic Wooden Fence

Not in the mood to complicate the project with unnecessary design features or materials that you’re not familiar with? Then how about a basic wooden fence with a simple gate, just like the one featured on instructables? Even though it has a very basic and simple design, it doesn’t lack charm. In fact, you can customize this fence in all sorts of cool ways. Try some paint for example.

4. Horizontal Board Fence

There’s one particular detail that can change the entire look of your wooden fence: the orientation of the boards. In other words, you can place the boards vertically or horizontally. Vertical fences are the most common and they might also be easier to build but horizontal fences like the one featured on houseunderconstruction tend to have a more modern look so keep that in mind.

5. Lattice Fence

A lattice fence is quite different than the ones we showed you so far. It’s not exactly what you’d use to delineate your property with since it’s not particularly sturdy. It’s the type of fence you use as a decorative feature. You can train plants to climb on it and you can use it as a sort of privacy screen in the backyard. Check out lehmanlane to find out what it takes to build one.

6. Dark Stained Fence

Another useful tip is to stain the boards before you start putting the fence together. Once the fence is in place it will be difficult to get into all the cracks and corners so it’s more practical to stain the wood in advance. This also applies if you want to paint your fence. Sure, you’ll have to add some finishing touches at the end anyway but still, it helps. Find out more on diy.dunnlumber.

7. Tin Fence

Check out this tin fence that was featured on craftytexasgirls. It’s pretty different from all the wood fences we’ve seen so far. So how do you build such a fence anyway? First, you need to find the required materials. You can find tin in hardware shops. It’s used as a roofing material so look in that section.

8. DIY Garden Fence

As we already mentioned, not all fences serve the same purpose. Some fences are meant to keep intruders out and to delineate a property. Others serve a similar purpose but on a smaller scale, like this cute DIY fence for the garden. You can find out all about it on twotwentyone. It’s very cute but also practical and pretty easy to build which is always nice to hear.

9. DIY Privacy Screens

Some fences serve as privacy screens. Remember that lattice fence we showed you a bit earlier? That’s what we’re talking about. You can find step-by-step instructions on how to build such privacy screens on lindsaystephenson. start by gathering your materials, then dig some holes for the posts, put the posts in, and secure them with cement, then fill in the frame.

10. Combination Fence

What if you were to combine some of the designs and strategies we’ve shown you so far? That’s entirely possible and the results can be pretty cool and interesting. A nice example is this DIY fence project featured on codycakes. The fence has two parts. There’s the main fence which is pretty simple and straightforward and there’s also the lattice at the top. They complement each other beautifully.

11. Modern Slatted Fence

The projects on this list can be useful and inspiring not only if you’re building a fence from scratch for a new property that didn’t have a fence before but also if you’re thinking of giving your old fence a makeover or replacing it with something more modern and more suitable to your own style or the look and ambiance you have in mind for your backyard or garden. In that sense, check out this cool fence transformation shared on imgur.

12. Staggered Wooden Fence

The posts are the most important part of a fence so you have to make sure they’re sturdy and that you install them properly. You have to do this step properly because everything else depends on it. Once the posts are in place you just have to fill in the gaps. This part is not exactly easy either but it helps a lot to have a good foundation, a good frame to build your DIY fence on. You can find some tips and instructions related to this on imgur.

13. White Picket Fence

There was a time when everyone’s dream home would have a white picket fence. Today a picket fence can look quite nostalgic and you can take advantage of its retro look if you want to highlight the quirky character of your home and backyard. Such a fence would most likely stand out and that can be a pretty cool thing. Also, a picket fence is pretty easy to build. Find out all you need to know from blackanddecker.

14. Portable Screened Fence

Fences and privacy screens are quite similar to one another. In a way, a privacy screen is just a mobile fence section that is not fixed in place and which you can reposition and move around as you please. That means building a privacy screen should be pretty easy too. That’s actually true. Check out this great tutorial on buildsomething to find out all you need to know about the project.

15. Shutter Fence

Building a fence out of repurposed materials can either make the project a lot easier or a lot harder. If, for example, you choose to build a repurposed shutter fence, then you don’t have anything to worry about. It should all be easy and straightforward but in case you need some help or some suggestions regarding the structure or the design of the DIY fence, check out cottageintheoaks.

16. Horizontal Plank Fence

Horizontal fences look more modern compared to the vertical kind and we actually mentioned this before. We’ll reinforce this idea with one more project. This one is featured on thecavenderdiary. It’s not just the fact that the boards are placed horizontally that makes this fence look modern but also the simplicity of the design as a whole.

17. Recycled Pallet Fence

Want to save some money with your DIY fence? Build it out of recycled pallets. Wooden pallets are actually incredibly versatile and can be used for lots and lots of projects and cool crafts. As you’ll see in the DIY pallet fence tutorial offered on fairywingsanddinosaurs you don’t even have to make too many modifications to the pallets in order to turn them into sections of a fence.

18. Wire Mesh Fence

If privacy is not a concern, you can save time and money by building a fence such as the one featured on simplyorganized. You’ll only need wood for the frame (including the posts). Once this is in place you can fill in the gaps with wire mesh. It will be effective at keeping most animals out of your yard plus you’ll be able to see everything that’s going on on the other side which is great if you have a nice view.

19. Planter Pallet Fence

We also found a really cool DIY fence project on naturallyloriel and we just have to share it with you. The fence is made of reclaimed pallets which are pretty great on their own but in addition to that, you can actually grow plants on it. That’s right, the fence has built-in planter boxes at the top. Isn’t that very clever? You could have plants that cascade down on the fence. That would look amazing.

20. Trellis Fence

Speaking of fences and plants that grow on them, it can also be an interesting idea to have a fence with a built-in trellis for climbing rose bushes or other such plants. You could make some adjustments to your existing fence or, if that’s not possible, you can build a new fence or a new section. In any case, you should check out reluctantentertainer for some inspiration.

21. Marble Fence

See those colorful dots in this fence? Those are marbles. Inserting marbles into a fence is a super cool and creative idea which we find most adorable. In order to do that you need marbles that let the light shine through, a rubber mallet, and a drill with different-sized bits. If all your marbles are the same size then you only need one drill bit. By now you can probably guess how this is done but be sure to check out creatingreallyawesomefunthings for some tips before you get started.

22. Cinder Block Fence

A cinder block wall is not really a fence but can act as one. Of course, it won’t look good if you don’t cover it and give it a smooth and less rough appearance so how do you do that exactly? It’s all described on thefuntimesguide. The idea here is to use cement, but of course, other options are available too. So before you do anything, take some time to decide what you think would look best in relation to your home and the landscape surrounding it.

23. Louvered Door Fence

Shutters and pallets aren’t the only things that can be repurposed into fences. Check out this DIY fence made out of repurposed louvered doors. We found it on interiorfrugalista and we think it’s a pretty clever project. Of course, you’ll need a few doors to start with so make sure you have all the supplies you need before you start the project.

24. Painted Cinder Block Fence

Cinder clock fences are very strong and sturdy and also quite common in certain areas but they’re not exactly good-looking, at least not in their most bare and simple form. You can change that by giving your fence a makeover. You should start by moving some soil away from the fence and then giving the fence a good cleaning. After that, patch the damaged area. You can then start painting the fence. We suggest waterproof paint, like the one also suggested on remodelaholic.

25. Stained Wooden Fence

Chances are that you’ll be building a DIY wooden fence because the material is accessible, affordable and easy to work with plus wood fences can suit any style. That being said, you’ll probably want to stain your fence and while that’s not a very difficult task there are a few things you should know. You can find out everything in the tutorial offered on tarynwhiteaker.

26. Cedar Fence

Cedar is a popular fencing material because it manages to hold up well and maintain its durability even in cold or damp climates. Unlike other types of wooden fencing, which might swell or become discolored, cedar can maintain its good looks year after year. Cedar is significantly more expensive than other fencing materials such as pine, but it can have a durability of up to ten years longer than other wooden fencing types. Check out this DIY project at DIY Pete to put up your own cedar fence.

27. Utility Panel Fence

Panel fencing using wire such as the fencing used in sheep or hog pens may not be the fanciest material to build your fence, but these wire panels offer excellent sight-lines and visibility across your landscaping design. They are also affordable and easy to install, even for fence-building beginners. The utility panel fencing shown here at Instructables uses wooden posts to provide support and a clean look.

28. Wattle Fence

A wattle fence is definitely one of the more labor-intensive fence installations you can do as a DIY project, but the end result is a rustic and stunning addition to the yard that will have your whole neighborhood talking. Wattle fences have migrated across the Atlantic from the United Kingdom, where they have been used for centuries to pen in livestock. Check out this step-by-step tutorial at Forgotten Way Farms to figure out how to put up your own wattle fencing.

29. Chevron Privacy Fence

If you don’t want your slatted fence to run either vertically or horizontally, another option that you have to consider is chevron. The word “chevron” has been around since the 14th century. This pattern is based on the Italian word caprio meaning “rafters” to illustrate how the slanted slats of the fence come together at an angle like the interior beams of a roof. Building a fence in a chevron pattern might take a bit more planning and carpentry than a standard wooden plank fence, but the end result can add a sophisticated and refined touch to your landscaping. Learn to build a DIY chevron privacy fence here at DIY Passion.

30. Painted Mural Fence

Not everybody has the artistic skills to pull this DIY fence idea off, but if you have the ability to paint or at least stencil, you can paint a mural on your wooden fence that will add whimsy and visual interest to your property. If you’re not that artistic, you don’t have to come up with the design yourself. Check out this decorative fence mural at HGTV and print out the downloadable design template for a painted fence that will come together in no time.

31. Faux Wrought Iron Fence

Wrought iron fencing is a classy choice for any outdoor design, but the real stuff can be extremely expensive. There is a lot of aluminum and steel fencing available cast to look like traditional wrought iron for a much cheaper price tag. Aluminum and steel fencing is also lighter than wrought iron, which makes it much easier to install yourself. To learn how to put in a faux wrought iron fence and learn more about this fencing style in general, see this guide at This Old House.

32. Chainlink Fence

Installing a chainlink fence yourself is a lot cheaper than hiring someone else to do it. Luckily, a chainlink fence isn’t that hard to install even if you’re not experienced as long as you have the proper tools and knowledge to do it right the first time. Before setting up a chainlink fence, it’s important to know where your property lines are and if there any height restrictions for fencing in your neighborhood. Learn more about installing chainlink fencing from The Home Depot.

33. Simple Split Rail Fence

For homesteaders or those living on rural properties, a split rail horse fence can help define the boundary of your property while maintaining a proper rustic or Western aesthetic. Split rail fencing can also be used in suburban settings to add a more natural element to your landscaping design. You can find a step-by-step tutorial on how to install a split rail fence here at Popular Mechanics.

34. Log Fence

A DIY log fence has a similar aesthetic to a split rail fence, but it often looks more natural since it incorporates raw wood logs rather than cut lumber. These fences are also known as zigzag fences or snake rail fences. A major benefit of installing a log fence, especially if you live in a forested or rural area, is that you can take advantage of cleared timber or fallen logs to help build up your fence. See more about how to build a log fence here at Home Steady.

35. Corrugated Metal Fence

Most people don’t like the look of rust on their metal design elements, but if you’re upcycling used materials for fencing, a good patina of rust can be a good thing. The rust on this corrugated metal fencing from Home, Garden, and Homestead helps it to match against the medium wood posts and toppers without sticking out as too modern or industrial. If you don’t have access to corrugated metal fencing that is already rusted, you can create a rust coating on the fencing material yourself for an instant distressed look.

36. Chicken Wire Garden Fence

A chicken wire fence isn’t the fanciest DIY fence on this list, but it’s certainly one of the most useful if you want to keep your backyard livestock in or you want to keep wildlife out of your garden plots. Chicken wire is both affordable and very easy to put up even for beginners. From far away, chicken wire is only minimally visible and will leave the posts and runners of your fence much more prominent to any viewer. See this tutorial at Cloud Media News for the step-by-step process you need to take to set up a chicken wire fence.

37. Barbed Wire Fence

Barbed wire fences aren’t the fencing type for everyone. In fact, this fencing material is restricted in most urban or suburban areas, so check on the legality of barbed wire in your area before using it. But for areas in the countryside outside city limits, barbed wire fencing can serve the double duty of keeping livestock contained while also adding a Western or rustic flair to your farmhouse or rural homestead. Since barbed wire can be dangerous to work with, be sure to read this article at Canadian Cattlemen for some professional tips on how to install it right the first time.

38. DIY Electric Animal Fence

Sometimes when you’re setting up a fence, you’re more worried about keeping things in or out than you are about how the fence looks. Enter the do-it-yourself electric animal fence. This fence may not bring sophisticated aesthetics to your landscaping design because it’s constructed of simple materials, but it’s an affordable option when you have a dog or livestock that you’re having a hard time keeping contained in your yard. Escaped dogs can get hurt wandering into danger or traffic, while escaped livestock may wander into traffic and hurt someone else. Check out this DIY tutorial on setting up electric fencing at Tee Diddly Dee to keep your animals safely contained.

39. Dog-Ear Fence

Wooden fencing comes in all different kinds of decorative types, and one popular style of DIY wooden fencing for suburban homes is dog-ear fencing. This fencing style is especially popular with Colonial Revival architectural designs, but provides a versatile look for many different kinds of landscaping. The name “dog-ear” is in reference to the shape of the fence posts at the top, which are sawed to form a semi-hexagonal shape rather than being squared or rounded off. Learn more about dog-ear fences at Home Steady.

40. Privet Hedge Fence

For those who want to fence off part of their yard but don’t want to install a literal fence, sentinel hedges are the way to go. While these green fences might be a bit more difficult to maintain than a traditional wooden or metal fence, they’re much nicer-looking and help the environment by filtering the air and providing a place to live for small animals. Keep in mind that private hedges may take a few years to grow to full size. Learn more about these living fences at This Old House.

Conclusion

People may not put much thought into the type of fencing that goes around their house either in the front or the back of the yard, but in reality, the fencing materials you choose and the height of the fence you construct say a lot about your design aesthetics as well as your sense of privacy. Whether you’re looking for a more practical fence for the back garden or you want a contemporary show-stopper for your front entry, you’ll be sure to find a DIY fence that fits your house and lifestyle to a tee.