Explore Some Picket Fence Styles
The look of your fences will transform based on the picket fence styles you prefer. This will also impact which picket fence idea you might like. Explore some of these styles to understand which one is more your type.
Dog Ear
This classic picket fence style resembles a dog’s ears with pickets that curve outwards at the top. This style adds more depth to your pickets and enhances your home’s curb appeal as it stands out from other flat-top picket fences that are seen so often.
French Gothic
A French Gothic fence offers an ornate and intricate look, making your picket fences grab attention and stand out. This picket fence style is characterized by pointed arches and vertical pickets. French Gothic fences are usually painted in dark hues and made from wood or wrought iron, making them ideal for a contemporary look.
Flat-Top
Flat-top fences are made with a simple design of pickets cut straight across the top. Due to their minimalist design, they’re versatile and can complement a variety of home styles. They can be painted in any color and are made from wood, vinyl or metal.
Do-It-Yourself Fence Ideas
If you’re looking for a new DIY project, upgrading your picket fences might just be what you need. While some of these do-it-yourself fence ideas are easy and can be done with no help, others might require professional help. Here are a few picket fence ideas to get you started.
Arched Picket Fences
Arched picket fences are an elegant way to increase curb appeal. This picket fence idea creates a gradual, undulating line between posts. The pickets are arranged at varying heights that culminate in tall post finials, creating a dramatic effect. Both vinyl and wood are can be good choices for this design since they’re versatile and durable.
Scallop Picket Fences
This gentle and eye-catching picket fence idea is perfect for modern and traditional homes. Scallop fences feature a gradual curve between posts that soften their appearance while retaining their purpose.
Irregular Heights Picket Fences
Picket fences with irregular heights offer a unique and playful touch to your regular picket fences. You can achieve this look by alternating tall and short pickets to create a rhythmic picket fence design. You can try different patterns with this picket fence idea based on your creativity and preferences. It looks even better when contrasted against a rock wall or other solid structures.
Painted Picket Fences
Another whimsical do-it-yourself fence idea is to paint your picket fences in different pastel colors or shades of the same color. This can create an attractive and bold design that makes your home appear bright and vibrant. This picket fence design reflects your personality and allows you to have fun while doing this DIY project.
Flowers for Picket Fences
Another great picket fence idea is to plant a variety of flowers along your picket fences. This adds color and fragrance to your outdoor space to make it appear fresh and inviting. Consider flowers like roses, clematis or honeysuckle to highlight your picket fences. Some other options include hydrangeas to add height and privacy to your garden borders, especially if you have shorter fences. Marigolds have pest-repelling and drought-resistant properties, making them a good choice for planting along your fences.
Picket Fence Post Toppers
If your picket fences are in perfectly good condition, you can add to their appeal by topping the posts with post toppers. This do-it-yourself fence idea is a simple way to add a decorative touch to your picket fences. Some popular fence post toppers include finials, birdhouses and lanterns. A shallow, beveled cap sheds water effectively, while bead-and-cove molding can beautify your space. Ball-topped posts are perfect for Victorian-style homes and draw attention to your picket fences.
Additional Factors to Consider
Now that you have your picket fence idea ready, you can focus on other factors that need to be considered. Factors like materials, hardware and installation play an important role in completing your picket fence design.
Materials
Vinyl, wood and metal are some of the most popular materials for picket fences owing to their versatility and durability.
- Wood is the most classic choice despite requiring more maintenance than other options. This material is durable and can be painted or stained, making it versatile.
- Vinyl, comparatively, is low maintenance and durable. Vinyl fences are available in pre-fabricated panels, making them easy to install. They’re lightweight and offer a glossy finish that makes it attractive.
- Metal fences are durable, easy to clean and often available with decorative finials. They come with powder-coated finishes that resist rust and scratches. This long-lasting option uses metals like wrought iron, aluminum or steel. But, they can be an expensive material compared to other options.
Hardware
If you’re upgrading your picket fence gates, don’t forget the hardware to complete the look. This can include latches, hinges and closures that provide both aesthetics and security to your home. Invest in decorative latches and hinges that elevate the look of your fences. Also, consider an automatic gate closer to ensure the door shuts securely every time.
Installing
Installation of various picket fence designs can vary greatly depending on how you buy the materials. You can buy pickets, posts and rails in bare wood or pre-primed options to assemble yourself or call a professional. To make it easier to DIY, you can purchase pre-made panels in standard sizes. These pre-fabricated kits come with clear instruction manuals that make your work easy. Some vinyl and metal fencing may be available as ready-to-assemble kits that just need to be snapped into place.