The British front garden has been in a state of decline for almost a decade, with homeowners cutting back on greenery in favour of parking space. Whether you’re following this trend by introducing a drive to the font of your property or you’re hoping to preserve its natural charm, these front garden fence ideas are sure to help the design go the extra mile in turning the heads of neighbours and passers-by.
Early considerations to mull over
With the font garden doing so much of the heavy lifting when it comes to a home’s curb appeal, it’s a good idea to delineate your boundaries not just neatly but stylistically. This means you can enjoy the views out of your front windows knowing that, in the event that you do sell up, people’s interest will instantly be sparked on their approach to the property.
Fences for the front garden have a multi-faceted function, so there’s much to consider before running through the ideas we share below. For instance, are there any limitations that put certain options off-limits? This might be height restrictions due to planning permission, structural issues say if you’re working in a windy area or perhaps you want it to succinctly blend into the rest of your exterior décor. Whatever the case, make sure you think about each of the following carefully:
- Cost: Make sure you pick a garden fence that falls within your budget – you can do this by using our fencing calculator.
- Size: Don’t forget to measure up properly before you settle on any one option as you don’t want a cramped front garden.
- Design: Different designs boast varying advantages; for example, composite fencing is a great option if you need a fence to withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Material: Similar to the above, the material can have an effect on durability as well as the sustainability of the fence.
- Aesthetic: While perhaps not as important as strength and rot resistance, aesthetics are still key to a well-put-together front garden.
15 fence ideas for your front garden
With the major considerations out the way, without further ado, here are our top 15 front garden fence ideas. We’ve conveniently separated them by their
Best for: durability
1) Stay strong yet classic with picket fencing
They say picket fencing is timeless for a reason and we have to agree. Not only does this favourite have a classic charm, but you’d be surprised at how well it performs in high winds. Thanks to the gaps in the design, it allows air to pass through, keeping the strain on the overall structure much lower.
2) Keep out the wind with double-sided paling
Another good example of a wind-proof fence is double-sided paling. Cleverly made, it allows air to pass through but maintains limited visibility, so your front garden remains a private spot for relaxation without passers-by peering in.
3) Try a cutting-edge composite system
Composite fencing has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, and the Durapost system is the best of the best. Combining trendy aesthetics with sophisticated design, these fences are made to last, beating timber, concrete and steel hands down.
Best for: privacy
4) Hide your front garden from the road
If your front garden backs onto the road, we understand why you might want to conceal the view. Fortunately, there are plenty of fencing options that will help you do it stylishly. From decorative lattice top panels to these V arch panels with their geometric pattern, you can turn what was a downside into one of your garden’s stand-out features.
5) Compromise between privacy and sunlight
Sometimes you don’t want to put in a 100% opaque boundary, particularly when it blocks out the sunlight. If you’re working with a shady plot, the next best option is to go for slatted privacy panels as these beauties will help you create the seclusion you were after without draining the space of natural light.
6) Create an acoustic barrier with tanalised overlap panels
When your home is situated near a bustling high street or a busy road, the right fence can offer a good deal of noise reduction. One such option is fencing with overlap panels, the additional layers of wood providing acoustic protection against whatever the outside world might throw at it.
Best for: a modern look
7) Go ultra-minimalist with sleek composite panels
We’ve already spoken about the strength benefits of composite fencing, but what about its visual appeal? Well, you’re in for a treat because they fit in wonderfully with minimalist schemes, whatever the colour. It’s perhaps the easiest way to signal sophistication and modern coolness – the main difficulty is picking between horizontal or vertical panels!
8) Implement contrasting colours
Just because it’s not the norm, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with colours. In fact, two adjoining fence lines of different colours can look strikingly editorial, and cause neighbours to do a double take due to its inherent style.
9) Juxtapose slatted panels with soft-scaped elements
Slatted panels are trendy on their own, but now imagine adding soft-scaped elements alongside your fence and driveway. A line of flowerbeds with perennial blooms can look knock-out gorgeous and add a new level of conviviality to the entranceway of your home.
Best for: large front gardens
10) Create an acoustic barrier
If noise reduction is in your best interest because you live beside a bus route, school run or next to another high-traffic hotspot, you can fight against the sound with the right fence. From our EZI composite fencing to our feathered edge panels, there are plenty of options, just make sure to pick something very solid.
11) Show off your plot with a low-level fence
If you have a front garden you’re proud of, there’s no point in hiding it. Low-level fences are definitely in order; these shorter fences neatly mark the boundary lines whilst providing a welcoming approach for guests.
12) Lean into the rural look
When you have an abundance of space or a long drive running up to your front garden, you’ve got a great excuse to go all-out with the countryside look. Here post and rail fences can transport you to a rural past, introducing a new dimension of warmth and hospitality into your home.
Best for: traditional aesthetics
13) Combine classic wooden fencing with ornamental shrubs
To help your design blow the socks off of your guests without creating too imposing an approach, you can combine the simplicity of timber tongue and groove fences with a selection of garden shrubs. This low maintenance border will be easy to look after, staying pristine all year round.
14) Match your period home with rustic fencing
Lucky enough to own a period home? Then why not preserve its old-time charm with an equally appealing front garden fence? Here we’re talking rustic timber fencing, hazel hurdle for the cosy cottage appeal or perhaps even lattices draped in climbing roses. The options are endless, you just need to find the design and colours that match your home.
15) Add charming lighting to your fence
You can strike an impressive balance between modern and traditional by affixing lights such as lanterns to your fence. Light up the walk up to your home whilst enhancing the appeal of your boundary between pavement and garden, parking and green space.
Maintaining your fence for a tidy front garden
To maintain the structural integrity of your front garden fence and keep your plot looking spic and span, a bit of semi-regular maintenance is in order.
This entails cleaning the fence when you see algae and moss begin to take it over, retreating it with an appropriate product (Ronseal is our go-to) and then replacing any rot-damaged boards if necessary. If you look after your fence well, though, it shouldn’t come to this.
By protecting your fence posts from rot with measures such as Postsaver sleeves, opting for pressure-treated timber and inspecting the wood every now and then, you can circumvent the worst damage. And if you opt for a composite fence, you can side-step the issues of mould and warping altogether.
Say hello to your new fence
With all the nitty gritty details covered and all of your worries dispelled, picking your new fence for the front garden will be a doddle. From trellis-topped fencing dressed in vibrant climbing flowers to the sleek Venetian panels that are currently in vogue, we have a broad range of products for you to peruse.
With the right style matched to your property, installing the fence won’t simply be a chore, but something exciting to look forward to. Have fun!
