A backyard fence should never feel like an afterthought. It can completely change the way your outdoor space looks, feels, and works for your lifestyle. Privacy, security, style — all of it starts with the right fence.
With nearly 100 years of fencing experience, our residential fencing company has helped countless homeowners pick fences that suit their style and add value to their property. This guide will give you fresh backyard fence ideas — whether you want backyard privacy fence ideas, modern designs, or something a little different.
Privacy Fences: Create Your Own Secluded Retreat
Privacy fences generally come in two popular options: natural wood, often cedar, or durable vinyl. Both are great choices to reduce outside noise, block unwanted views, and give you the peaceful, private space you want for relaxing or entertaining. Heights typically range from 6 to 8 feet, though local rules may affect this.
#1. Cedar Privacy Fences
Cedar fences bring a natural warmth to your landscape. Their rustic aesthetic and ability to blend with natural greenery and trailing plants make them a favorite for those wanting a more organic, country feel. Available in various natural wood tones, these fences can be stained or sealed to enhance their appearance or left natural to weather to a distinguished silver-gray patina over time.
Average cost: $25-$65 per linear foot installed
- Board-on-board: Overlapping boards offer full privacy with a dimensional look on both sides.
- Shadow box: Allows some light and air through while keeping privacy from direct views.
- Solid panel: Boards placed side by side for full privacy.
- Cap and trim: Traditional design with added top and bottom rails for extra style.
#2. Vinyl Privacy Fences
Vinyl fences are a great choice if you want a low-maintenance option. They provide full privacy and keep their appearance without the need for staining, painting, or sealing. Vinyl styles come in classic white, tan, or textured finishes that look like wood and stay looking new for decades.
Average cost: $25-$60 per linear foot installed
- Estate style: Traditional tongue-and-groove panels with clean lines and complete privacy.
- Hampton estate: Features decorative post caps and elegant panel design.
- Manor: Sophisticated design with subtle texture for added visual interest.
- Cottage: Classic American style with picket tops.
For additional design enhancement, consider adding decorative post caps, solar lighting fixtures, or lattice toppers to either cedar or vinyl privacy fences to create a more personalized look.
Semi-Privacy Designs: Balance Openness and Seclusion
Semi-privacy fences maintain a level of privacy while allowing light, airflow, and visual openness. They're perfect for homeowners who love an outdoor space that feels open yet protected. Typically standing 4 to 6 feet tall, these fences allow for some airflow and light while still providing a sense of separation and moderate privacy from neighbors.
#3. Decorative Cedar Fences
Cedar semi-privacy fences bring natural beauty and create a welcoming atmosphere. They come in a wide range of wood fence designs to suit every homeowner’s style. Their partial openness creates interesting shadows and allows gentle breezes to pass through while still offering a sense of enclosure.
Average cost: $15-$75 per linear foot installed
- Spaced picket: Traditional vertical boards spaced apart for a classic, open look.
- Good neighbor: Boards alternate on opposite sides of the rails for equal appearance from both sides.
- Scalloped top: Curved design adds visual interest while maintaining partial privacy.
- Lattice top: Solid lower section with a decorative lattice upper portion for an elegant, airy style.
Cedar fences age beautifully over time, developing a distinguished silver-gray patina if left unstained. Their natural resistance to insects and decay makes them a practical long-term investment that continues to enhance your property for years.
#4. Vinyl Fences
Vinyl semi-privacy fences offer the perfect balance of seclusion and openness without maintenance concerns. These fences maintain their appearance for decades with just occasional washing, never requiring painting or staining.
Average cost: $24-$60 per linear foot installed
- Spaced picket: Clean, evenly spaced pickets for a tidy, traditional look.
- Semi-privacy panel: Partial spacing between boards allows both light and air to pass through.
- Arched design: A curved top that adds character and visual appeal.
- Classic style: Timeless design with consistent spacing and clean lines.
High-quality vinyl fences often come with long warranties, sometimes even lifetime guarantees. While they may have a higher initial cost, their durability and minimal maintenance needs can result in long-term savings compared to other materials.
#5. Practical Chain Link Solutions
Modern chain link fencing has evolved far beyond the utilitarian look many associate with it, but continues to be one of the cheapest fences. Today's options offer practical, affordable boundary solutions with enhanced aesthetics and numerous style variations.
Average cost: $25-$45 per linear foot installed
- Galvanized: Traditional silver appearance with excellent durability and the lowest cost.
- Vinyl coated: Available in black, green, or brown coating for a more attractive, finished look.
- Tight mesh: Smaller diamond pattern providing enhanced security and a more refined appearance.
Privacy can also be improved by adding fence slats — thin vinyl or aluminum strips woven into the chain link. These reduce visibility while keeping the strength and function of the fence.
#6. Aluminum Fences: Security and Style for Backyard
Aluminum fences bring the timeless beauty of wrought iron without the hassle of constant maintenance. They offer strong security and a stylish look that complements nearly any landscape design. These fences resist rust and require little upkeep, providing long-lasting beauty and durability.
Average cost: $20-$40 per linear foot installed
- Covington style: Traditional design with spear-topped pickets for classic elegance.
- Wellington: Clean lines with flat-topped pickets for a more contemporary look.
- Brookshire: Decorative elements with gentle arches for enhanced visual interest.
- Carolina: Refined design with sophisticated detailing for an upscale appearance.
Picket spacing options:
- Standard spacing: Traditional spacing offering security while maintaining visibility.
- Tight spaced: Closer picket placement for enhanced security and privacy.
- Puppy Picket: Extra bars at the bottom to prevent small pets from squeezing through.
- Extra picket: Maximum security with minimal spacing between vertical bars.
Special Considerations for Backyard Fence Design
Beyond selecting the basic fence style and material, several additional elements can enhance both the functionality and appearance of your backyard fence. These thoughtful additions can transform a simple boundary into a standout landscape feature that truly complements your outdoor living space.
- Gates that make a statement: Create a focal point at your entry with an arbor, pergola, or decorative hardware. You can choose a modern or classic look, depending on your style.
- Lighting your fence: Built-in lighting increases security and adds ambiance at night. Soft light fixtures can also highlight your plants, flowers, or climbing vines.
- Mixed material approaches: Combining materials creates custom looks that stand out. Consider cedar panels with aluminum posts, metal accents on wood fencing, or stone columns supporting vinyl sections.
- Pool-safe fencing: Pool fences should usually be at least 4 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates and designs that prevent climbing.
These special considerations can elevate your backyard fence from a simple boundary to a distinctive feature that enhances your entire landscape design, adding both functionality and visual appeal to your outdoor living environment.
