A post and rail fence, or split rail fence, is another simple design that feels natural in the countryside or the suburbs. While it’s not effective for keeping small pets or busy children enclosed, it can provide an attractive, rustic boundary around a large piece of land. A two-rail post fence is less expensive to build, while a three-rail post fence provides a better barrier.

Many traditional fence designs are now available in durable vinyl instead of wood or metal. From a distance, you cannot tell the difference between a painted wood fence and a vinyl version. Vinyl fences require almost no maintenance besides occasional cleaning, which is easy to do. If you are considering a traditional fence style, don’t be afraid to include vinyl fencing as an option when you compare estimates.

4. Modern Front Yard Fence Ideas

A modern yard fence idea makes use of sleek lines, angular profiles, and smooth finishes that replicate the design features of your modern home. Warm, natural, or stained wood surfaces pair well with the Zen-like simplicity of modern and mid-century architecture. Galvanized metal panels enhance industrial architecture and are helpful when a wind or sound barrier is needed around a home.

As with traditional fences, you can mix metal with wood to achieve a modern look all of your own. A thick, black metal framework with lighter wooden slats adds an interesting warmth to a monochromatic brick façade. Consider a casual nod toward hog panel fencing by stringing 6-gauge wires between wooden posts instead of nailing up solid, wide planks. You can also use wood at the bottom of your fence and wire near the top. This allows passersby to enjoy the beauty of your home’s exterior.

Installing planks horizontally instead of vertically is a popular way to add a modern slant to an ordinary fence. Even the most basic wooden planks take on a contemporary appearance when arranged horizontally. Offsetting the planks between the posts can make a wood fence take on a brick-like pattern, which is quite attractive in front of a modern brick façade. Vary the width of your slats to create more visual interest and base the gap size on how visible you want the front of your house to be from the street.