Are you tired of boring and bland fences that do nothing to spice up your backyard? Do you want to add some flair and style to your outdoor space with a modern and sleek horizontal fence design? We’ll share with you 37 amazing horizontal fence ideas that will make your neighbors jealous and your guests impressed.
Whether you’re looking for wood, metal, vinyl, or composite materials, there are horizontal fence designs that are sure to suit your taste and budget. So, without further ado, let’s dive into these stunning horizontal fence ideas that will transform your backyard into a paradise.
What Is a Horizontal Fence?
While the traditional front or backyard barriers are usually vertical fences with panels placed vertically, a horizontal fence has its boards placed horizontally. They are beautiful and classic and can add curb appeal to your home. This type of fence can be made using various materials, including wood, metal, bamboo, and vinyl.
a) Materials
1. Vinyl Fence
Image Credits: Vinyl-craft.com
Vinyl is one of the most popular fencing materials because it is long-lasting and requires little maintenance. A vinyl horizontal fence uses horizontal vinyl boards. These boards can be placed in various styles. One attractive style is a patio fence with small spaces between the boards.
2. Aluminum Fence
Image Credits: Aluminumhorizontalslatfence.com
If you want to add some sleekness and shine to your backyard, consider a horizontal aluminum fence. Aluminum fences are durable, low-maintenance, and easy to install. They come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find the perfect match for your home. Plus, they are resistant to rust, corrosion, and fading, making them ideal for any climate. Whether you want a simple or ornate design, this modern horizontal fence can give your yard a modern and elegant look.
3. Cedar Fence
Image Credits: Houzz.com
A Cedar horizontal fence is great for installing in your front yard. These fences are usually lower than the backyard, aiming to keep small children and pets inside the home. They also mark the front property line rather than for privacy. They are easy to construct. You only need to fix posts lying horizontally on each other and fasten them using cedar screws.
4. Wooden Pallet Fence
Image Credits: Offgridworld.com
Wooden pallets are versatile materials that can be used in various construction ideas. They are a great material for a garden fence, especially if you want to prevent your dogs and pets from wandering outside your compound. They are also low-cost and very durable.
5. Reed Fence
Image Credits: Bamboo-concept.com
This style of horizontal board fences has a simple and rustic look. Instead of placing wide horizontal boards closely together or spaced out, it is made of narrow horizontal panels. The narrow reeds are spaced out evenly, and you can see through the fence to the other side.
A reed fence mostly covers an existing fence to provide more privacy or an improved aesthetic feel to your property. Reeds are a good fencing option because they are inexpensive, easy to install, and quite robust. They also come in thick and thin widths enabling you to choose the width matching your style and needs.
6. Slat Fence
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The horizontal slat fence preserves your privacy without stifling your yard. It looks great next to a lush green lawn, matches modern architecture, and is quite functional. The slat horizontal fence is robust, easy to construct, and requires low maintenance.
To construct it, place several black horizontal wood slats next to each other to create a privacy and protection fence. It also allows you to see outside the fence if you want to. You can use different materials for horizontal slat fences, but wood is the best. Replacing a slat once it is broken without interfering with your fence is also easy.
7. Wrought Iron Horizontal Fence
Image Credits: Capitolcityironworks.com
Wrought iron is a great material for creating a low-maintenance fence. While this metal can add a timeless look to your yard, it may also add value to your property. You can pair the fence with bushes and climbers to create privacy.
8. Bamboo Horizontal Fences
Image Credits: Bamboo-concept.com
A bamboo fence is an environmentally friendly, neat fence that can add a tropical touch to your backyard. It gives your backyard a more natural look than most other fences. It is also cheaper than hardwood and incredibly strong. Plus, they are flexible and easy to fix.
9. Stone Veneer Fence
Image Credits: Landscapingnetwork.com
Stone fences have been a staple for high-end luxury homes over the decades. They are beautiful, and their construction creates a piece of artwork. Stone fences are made from natural materials which are easy to find. They are resistant to destruction by natural forces such as rain, wind, snow, and heat. However, adding stone fencing to the backyard of your home may require professional help.
10. Composite Planks Horizontal Fence
Image Credits: Fenceanddecksupply.com
A composite horizontal fence is manufactured from recycled hardwood fibers and plastics. It combines the best wood and PVC/vinyl fencing to create a stronger, longer-lasting, environmentally friendly fence. It can also withstand harsh weather conditions and is rot, splinter, and insect-resistant. Plus, you can choose from a range of colors to suit any outdoor project.
11. Faux Brick Fences
Image Credits: Vinylfenceanddeck.com
A faux stone horizontal fence lends a rustic look and gives your backyard a unique appeal. These fences can add a high-class feel to your yard while providing the same privacy as a stone fence. Faux brick fences come in several colors and you can choose a traditional red brick, a retro white brick, or a classy sand color brick.
12. Horizontal Solid Concrete Fence
Image Credits: Boundaryline.co.nz
If you prefer a super-modern horizontal fence, consider a solid pure concrete one. They are used for both safety and beauty. In most cases, the concrete is smooth and grey, with geometric gaps and lines for interest. Vertical stone pillars support them for added strength, but these fences mainly require professional expertise to construct. If you’re looking for privacy fence ideas, this is an excellent option.
13. Wood and Corrugated Metal Fence
Image Credits: Fencespecialists.com
Corrugated metal is not a popular fencing or landscaping material. However, if you combine it with wood, it can give you a beautiful fence for your backyard. The corrugated metal is usually high quality and often covered with a protective coating to make it look more luxurious. Combine this metal with wood panels that are rich and dark to help create a more modern fence design.
14. Gabion Wall Fence
Image Credits: Globfence.pl
A Gabion wall is created using a retaining wire filled with stones. Most property owners combine it with wood posts or panels to create striking effects. Choose beautiful stones like large cobblestones or use the local rocks to complement the landscape to make it more attractive. This fence idea is quite sturdy and will take a long time before needing repair.
15. Horizontal Fence With Brick Posts
Image Credits: Franklinfenceanddeck.com
This horizontal fence is made of natural wood nested between brick pillars. The bricks add an interesting contrast against the fence’s natural wood and provide extra support, creating a more secure structure. They are perfect for patios and your backyard. Plus, this design creates a tremendous visual impact and texture in your outdoor space.
16. Contemporary and Minimalist Wood and Metal Fence
Image Credits: Ergeon.com
A contemporary, minimalist wood and metal fence design comprises clean lines and geometric shapes. This type of fence has a modern aesthetic focusing on sleekness and simplicity. The fence is made of wood slats and metal. In the image above, the metal has an attractive ladder-like design which adds modernity to your fence.
17. Horizontal Recycled Fence
Image Credits: Funkyjunkinteriors.net
Used materials make great fences as well. To create a recycled fence, consider unused metal or wall sheet paneling to salvage. Other materials that you can recycle to make this fence include plastic from various sources, paper towel overwraps, dry cleaner bags, sandwich bags, and grocery and shopping bags. If well constructed, this fence can be long-lasting.
18. Horizontal Oak Wood Fence
Image Credits: Mossyoakfences.com
Oakwood gives you simple fencing options, especially if you are not looking for something complex. To construct it, place oak wood posts on each other horizontally while leaving some space between the posts. This creates a beautiful fence with a rustic natural look.
19. Bricked Security Fence
Image Credits: Homeguide.com
The bricked horizontal security fence is a great deviation from the usual wood and metal fences which are usually cheaper. It offers full privacy and security, keeping you from the wondering eyes of any nosy neighbors. Although expensive compared to the rest of the fences, it is beautiful and permanent and can last for decades.
20. Frosted Glass Horizontal Fence
Image Credits: Homedit.com
The frosted glass fence is unique and durable, giving your property a modern, sleek look. It’s a bit costly, but the classy and tempered glass design is quite durable. It also makes your property stand out while still offering enough security to keep trespassers out. Plus, ensure it is not clear or reflective, as birds might fly into it.
b) Design
21. Horizontal Fence With Shelving
Image Credits: Houzz.com
The built-in shelving fence is a cheap landscaping idea that can add beautiful art to your backyard. You create shelves instead of adding containers in the slats to create a herb garden or other container garden ideas. You can also add bird feeders, fairy houses, and many other things to make it more functional.
22. Stepped Design Horizontal Wood Fence
Image Credits: Bowerpowerblog.com
This is the best fencing solution if your property is on a hill. It is a stylish fence that uses the same length of timber stacked on each other to create the same height. But because the ground is uneven due to the hill, it creates a step effect that looks beautiful.
23. Woven Wood Fence
Image Credits: Withamtimber.co.uk
Another interesting style of creating horizontal fences is weaving. Popularly known as a basket weave fence, the woven wood fence gives your property a rustic look. This is done by weaving the fence boards around spacers, creating a lovely aesthetic effect.
You can weave the horizontal wood slats behind and in front of the evenly spaced fence posts to make a woven wood fence. Ensure that the wood you use for this fence design has enough flexibility. Also, ensure that the fence boards are longer than the distance between the posts.
Although it is a creative fence, it does not offer complete privacy because it leaves some gaps. Additionally, this horizontal design might be more challenging to implement, especially as a DIY project.
24. Louvered Horizontal Fence
Image Credits: Theamericanfencecompany.com
The louvered horizontal fence looks like a beautiful wooden window shade. It resembles typical window blinds, and it allows you to see outside, but it’s difficult for people to see in your compound. Since it is possible to see through the fence, it is not considered a privacy fence.
25. Shadow Box Horizontal Fence
Image Credits: Thefencesolutions.com
A shadow box horizontal fence design will give you some privacy while still allowing you to see through it. It is designed to cast a shadow and is made to look good on both sides. It resembles a standard picket and features the standard posts with rails spanning in between.
Place a horizontal panel on one side of the rails, then another panel on the other, with a slight overlap to obscure the view. Each horizontal panel alternates from the front and behind the fence posts. When you look at it straight on, it offers complete privacy.
26. DIY Intertwined Branches Fence
Image Credits: Morningchores.com
Although this fence gives your property a natural look, it is not especially sturdy and is hard to construct. They blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. To create this fence, you will need a lot of branches and some good handyman skills. To craft it, intertwine branches or twigs together over wooden posts.
27. Matching Horizontal Fence
Image Credits: Makinghomebase.com
This horizontal fence idea is created to match your house with the surroundings. From the house to the front yard, paint your wooden fence the same color as your shutters. It’s an easy way and ensure the landscaping matches your home.
To create a seamless transition and maintain continuity, use various matching colors. Also, strive to match the horizontal planks to the colors of your outdoor structures to create a cohesive look overall.
28. Extra High Horizontal Fence
Image Credits: Jacksons-fencing.co.uk
The extra-high horizontal fence is perfect for creating privacy and protection for your property. It is also an interesting feature that you can add to your yard or garden to add curb appeal. If you love including plants on structures, this fence will look great with climbing plants such as ivy to enhance your landscape.
29. Varying Width Horizontal Wood Fence
Image Credits: Dunnlumber.com
The varying-width horizontal fences draw the eye and add variation to your backyard. The wood planks used are of different lengths, and they are joined together using a varying-width pattern design where you alternate a wider plank with a thin plank resulting in a visually appealing fence.
30. Container Garden Horizontal Fence
Image Credits: Houzz.com
These horizontal fences add containers in the fence slats to create an accessible herb garden or other container garden ideas. You place containers along the horizontal planks to create an attractive fence. You can change the containers each season to create a different look in your backyard. However, ensure that you do not add too many containers in one fence area to avoid pulling the fence and destroying it.
31. Horizontal Privacy Fence
Image Credits: Perimtec.com
A horizontal privacy fence is a great way to seal up your backyard and avoid unwanted or prying eyes. It will create a more private space for you and your family.
It is made up of horizontal boards that leave no spaces in between them. These fence boards can be wood, vinyl, or metal.
c) Colors
32. Dark Painted Fence
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A dark-painted fence can be classy and work well in a well-designed backyard living space with garden beds, toy structures, and outdoor furniture. Once you install the fence, paint it black or a dark color of your choice to achieve this look.
33. Stained Planks Fence
Image Credits: Perimtec.com
Horizontal stained planks are great fence options to erect in your backyard. Stains come in different colors, so you would want to purchase one that suits your preferences and choices. Also, choose an outdoor stain and not an indoor one.
If you prefer the bare look of your wooden fence and want to highlight its grain, apply a clear coat. It will keep your wood looking new while preserving the desired look. You can also use a dark stain if you want to achieve a different color.
d) Living Fences
34. Climbers Wall Fence
Image Credits: Thetimes.co.uk
Climbers can create an attractive fence bringing a “wow” factor. After all, adding plants to a horizontal fence gives it a feeling of life. Plus, this wall gives your property a modern look.
A beautiful climbers-wall fence looks amazing both during the growing season and off-season. Thanks to the well-positioned latticework, this fence is perfect for supporting climbing flowers and vegetables. However, climbing plants can get heavy, so ensure the fence boards of your wall are strong enough to support them. You can use climbing plants such as arches, star jasmine, honeysuckle, ivy, Chinese creeper, etc.
35. Shrub Fence
Image Credits: Lovetoknow.com
Growing shrubs as a fence idea can create beautiful scenery in your backyard. They add natural beauty to your home while protecting it against wind and unwanted eyes. They also prevent soil erosion while being light on your pocket. You can use several shrubs to create this fence, which may include Arborvitae, English Laurel, weeping willow, bamboo, boxwood, etc.
36. Pergola Fence
Image Credits: Jacksons-fencing.co.uk
A garden pergola fence fuses style and practicality to provide a natural focal point for your front yard. It makes an attractive fence and can be fused with climbing plants or other evergreens to provide an airy fence. These plants can form a canopy over the pergola and offer shade during summer. It can also be used to create a shaded area in your garden.
You can purchase treated softwood with a great finish to create this fence. Create a structure with verticle wood slates, then weave the pergola horizontally or according to your desired design.
37. Trellis Fence
Image Credits: bhg.com
Trellis, combined with ornamental plants and climbers, make for a lovely fencing option. They are easy to grow and low-maintenance, especially if you only need privacy in a small area. If you mix different elements, like trellis and lattice, you will create visual interest. They will produce shadow lines, which always change during the day and the seasons.
Conclusion
These horizontal fencing ideas will keep your property looking great, and if you use strong and permanent materials, they will serve you for years. The most important thing is ensuring you finish your fence well. One of the best ways to finish your fence is using paint.
However, remember that some paints will do better outdoors than others. Still, while white is a great color, it easily stains. Therefore, choose a paint specifically made for outdoor use and employ a paint sprayer or paintbrush to apply the paint.
