Your front fence is about more than just keeping your home and family safe. It’s also the first thing someone will see when walking by your house, meaning aesthetics and kerb appeal play a huge role too.
We’ve put together a list of some front fence ideas that might have you looking at your front fence a little differently. Whether you’re planning on replacing an older fence, adding a new one to your home, or just considering your options, you’ll definitely find some inspiration here!
But before we jump in, let’s take a quick look at some of the things you’ll need to consider when planning for a project like this.
Planning your perfect front fence
What is my end goal?
Think carefully about what you’re hoping to achieve with a new front fence. Perhaps you’re looking to increase security. Maybe you have dogs that keep getting out. You may be looking to sell and are considering ways to increase value or street appeal. It might just simply be time for an upgrade.
Whatever your reasons for installing a new fence, once you’ve got a clear goal in mind, you’ll be able to plan appropriately.
How much can I afford to spend?
This is, for most of us, going to be the big question. Your budget will likely dictate the materials available to you, your installation options, and the time it will take to complete the fence, so you’ll need to think carefully about this one.
Can I DIY?
Some people may prefer to take the DIY route, giving them greater control over the design, materials, installation, and costs. At FenceCorp, we have the best of both worlds on offer, with do-it-yourself solutions as well as contractor installations. This means you’ll get all the advantages of our carefully designed fences but with the option to install it yourself. The instructions are easy to follow and, while it’s still a big project, it’s certainly possible to DIY your front fence!
Where do I live?
Where you live can heavily influence your fencing options. You might be in an area that calls for more security, for example, or on a large plot that will, naturally, cost more to fence. Here are a few other local considerations you might need to make.
Local rules and regulations
All states have their own regulations when it comes to fences, so it’s important to be well aware of them in the early stages of planning. You certainly don’t want to invest a lot of time and money into something you’re going to be asked to tear down!
Check your local rules carefully, reach out to experts for advice, and don’t be afraid to chat to your neighbours – they might have some experience in that capacity, and since they’ll be living next door to a building project, starting off on the right foot with them is a great idea. As the old saying goes, good fences make good neighbours!
Weather, climate, and environmental factors
Australia experiences a lot of different weather patterns and events, so it’s important you’re prepared to face them – this includes when it comes to your front fence! Think carefully about the materials you’re choosing and where you’re placing them. For example, metal fencing might not do too well in coastal areas due to the risk of rust, while natural options such as brushwood or hedgerows can be a hazard in a bushfire-prone area.
Will I need to remove an older fence?
You might need to factor removing the previous fence into your plans. If that’s the case, you’ve probably already considered the cost and time implications of this, but if you’re living in an older property, you might also need to be wary of asbestos.
Used in building materials from the 1930s, it was eventually entirely banned in 2003, after a gradual fade out beginning in the 1980s. If your fences were installed or renovated pre-1990, it’s certainly worth looking into. We’ve put together a basic guide to identifying an asbestos fence, to give you an idea of what to look for before you start tearing things down. And if you think there might be asbestos in your existing fence, reach out to an expert – this is NOT a DIY job.
With all that out of the way, it’s finally time to take a look at some front-fence ideas!
Wooden fences
Wooden fences are a versatile and exciting option for any home. Covering just about anything from a classic white picket fence to sturdy boundary fences, there’s a reason wood remains a popular choice. With myriad types of wood to choose from, offering plenty of options in terms of colour, grain, and suitability, there’s something for everyone.
Large wooden panels can offer privacy and security, while smaller, individual fencing poles can be joined together by lattices, sturdy wires, and other decorative planks.
Generally considered to be among the most cost-effective options, wooden front fences lend themselves well to DIY projects, but will require ongoing maintenance. You’ll need to pick the right wood for the job and ensure it is properly treated and protected from things like rot, termites, and wet weather. It’s also not a great choice for bushfire zones.
Metal
Metal fences, usually made from aluminium or steel, are very popular in Australia. Generally quite durable and available in a variety of colours, they’re a great choice for drier climates and areas prone to bushfires.
Aluminium and Colorbond are very popular options, as they’re lightweight, fairly cost-effective, and easy to install. Metal fences come in a variety of styles, from purely functional to quite aesthetically beautiful.
While they’re generally long-lasting, especially when well maintained, coastal homes or areas prone to rain might want to think carefully about installing a metal fence, due to the risk of rust and general degradation.
Wrought iron
There’s something timeless about a wrought iron fence. Long-lasting, detailed, and often quite imposing, it’s an elegant and interesting choice, perfect for older homes with grand visages.
As visually striking as they are, wrought iron fences can be quite expensive to design and install, especially if you’re looking for something bespoke or unique. They’ll also need consistent maintenance, making this impressive fence choice not for everyone.
That said, wrought iron can be incorporated as part of another fencing option. It’s more than just decorative too – it’s a great way to add height to an existing structure or design, making your fence even more secure.
Brick
Long-lasting, beautiful, and adaptable to match most aesthetics, brick walls make for great fences. Larger builds will likely come with some planning permissions, and anything taller than a couple of feet should only be handled by professionals, to ensure the safest, strongest fence possible.
Greenery
It’s hard to deny the beauty of natural materials. As well as being lovely to look at, they’re often a very sustainable option, though if you’re leaning towards using plants as fencing, there’s going to be consistent upkeep required to keep them at their best. You’ll also need to be aware of root systems, and make sure there’s enough room for them to take hold without impacting any other structures.
Hedgerows are a traditional form of fencing, offering wonderful greenery and fantastic privacy. They’ll need maintenance to keep them in good shape, but if you love lots of foliage and potentially want to provide a home for some local wildlife, they’re a great option.
You can also use natural panels, such as brushwood or bamboo, as a fence. You might also like to use trellis panels and fill them with climbing plants, and gradually build a living fence.
Stone
Classically beautiful and long-lasting when properly put together, stone walls make for wonderful front fences. Stone fencing can be integrated seamlessly into garden designs too, and can come in a variety of colours, shapes, and textures.
Choose from a traditional stone and mortar wall, or go for something a little more modern and unusual, with a collection of stones placed and held together within a wire frame.
Glass
Perhaps more traditionally thought of as a pool fencing material, glass can also make a stunning addition to a front fence. Glass lets a lot of light in, can make spaces feel bigger, and is a great option if you’ve got a lovely front garden to show off or an impressive view to enjoy. Consider combining glass panels with a concrete base for a blend of sturdy security and beautiful aesthetics.
The downside to this modern, clean look is a slight loss of privacy, as well as consistent cleaning and maintenance required to keep the glass looking it’s very best.
Privacy focused
A glass fence certainly won’t tick your boxes if you’re looking to bump up the privacy or security of your home. Luckily many other materials can be used to create private, enclosed spaces that keep nosey neighbours at bay while still maintaining plenty of visual appeal.
Look for designs with plenty of height and minimal gaps between panels and planks. If you’re after a plant or tree-based solution, aim for thick hedgerows, tall trees, or something like bamboo panels, and pack them close together. Just make sure you have room for any roots to spread out!
Tech-driven
Many front fences can have helpful gadgets and new technologies added to them to suit our modern sensibilities. Whether that’s a gate opening upon arrival or a video doorbell, there are plenty of add-ons available that can make your home both more secure and better suited to your specific needs.
For example, automated gates aren’t just great for parking the car and boosting security. They’re also great for anyone with a physical impairment, allowing them to get closer to the house and garage without the repetitive movement of getting in and out of the car while they open the gate, drive through, and close the gate behind them.
Fence coverings
If your budget doesn’t stretch to a whole new front fence, you might want to consider simply covering what you already have. From well-placed plants to privacy screens to a simple coat of paint you can spruce up an existing fence and give it a whole new lease of life at a fraction of the cost of a full rebuild. We’ve got a great guide to fence cover-ups for you to explore – and even if you’re still set on a new fence, you might find some décor inspiration here too!
Mixed materials
Mixing your materials is a great way to get the best of both worlds when it comes to your front fence. A concrete, brick, or stone base can be teamed with many of the options we’ve already talked about, creating a sturdy, secure foundation for more decorative elements to be placed upon.
Ready to take the next step?
Whatever your fencing needs, the team at FenceCorp can help. Our range includes aluminium fencing, pool fencing and more. For Australian-made fencing solutions at the best prices, get in touch with us, or explore our gallery for inspiration.