Three Decorative Garden Fence Ideas

There are many reasons why a homeowner might decide to install a decorative garden fence on their lawn. For some, it is a purely aesthetic reason, while others want to clarify the boundaries of their property. Many families feel safer if their children are fenced in while playing in the yard and others want to ensure that curious pets aren't at risk of running into the road. Whatever the reason for your decorative garden fence, there is certainly plenty of choice when it comes material, color, shape and size. 

Wooden Picket Fence

Typically American, wooden picket fences remain popular throughout the US, particularly in suburban areas. Ranging in height from one to five feet, a picket fence is a great way to border your front lawn and is easy to install. 

Fence posts need to be buried around two feet in the ground but shouldn't need any extra support, such as concrete. You will also need to pre-treat as much of the lumber as possible to protect it from the elements. Winding tendrils around the spokes or placing hanging baskets along the visible side can also enhance the visual appeal of your decorative garden fence.                                                                             

Vinyl Fence

Vinyl fences are solid, durable and can be made to resemble real wood. They are a good option if you are looking for a low-maintenance fence that is built to last. Although they can be more expensive than other fences, there are a wide range of colors available. Composite wood is a wildly popular version of wood-like vinyl fencing and is noted for the amazing levels of durability that it possesses.

When it comes to installation, there is very little room to maneuver because most come preassembled. It is recommended that only homeowners who are confident in DIY practices attempt to put up a vinyl fence.  Post center to center dimensions must be incredibly accurate, while expansion and contraction needs to be accounted for. Always leave room for the vinyl to move.

Iron Garden Fence

An iron garden fence is usually made of steel but is designed to look like authentic wrought iron. It is an ideal way to integrate plants into your decorative garden fence as creepers can loop their tendrils through the various holes, creating an attractive visual feature. 

In general, an iron garden fence will be supplied in panels, about 3 feet square, with a spear post at one end that is driven into the ground. In terms of installation, this kind of fence is quick to put up, often without any concrete work or digging necessary. Once erected, it can be effectively left to stand with very little maintenance. 

Indeed, leaving it unmaintained often creates an attractive rusty look, thus adding to the authenticity of the fence. The popular hoop and spear design is also very unobtrusive as it allows viewers to see straight through it. Unlike a wooden or vinyl decorative garden fence, it won't block the view of your flowers or lawn and instead, it actually tends to blend in naturally with its surroundings.