After last summer’s project, your back garden now boasts a magnificent run of fencing; six-foot fence panels, gravel boards, matching fence posts and even finials that beautifully frame your lawn, flower beds and vegetable patch. How about your front garden fencing though? A threadbare garden hedge that’s been there for as long as you can remember? Clearly, it is time for an upgrade – wooden fence panels are the solution. Below we discuss inspirational front garden fence ideas.
Editor’s Note [22.03.2024]:
Our article about fencing ideas for your front garden was originally published on February 28, 2018. Today we have provided a major upgrade to the article. New sections have been added about front garden aesthetics and how first impressions count. Additionally, we have added new sections for overlap fencing, slatted fencing, and trellis/lattice fencing. We have also added a table comparing a front garden fence vs hedging, so you can make the right choice. The final thoughts section also now concludes the article.
Exploring front garden fence ideas that enhance garden aesthetics
If you live in the UK and are thinking about a garden makeover, do not forget the fencing. Optimal fencing can “make or break” your outdoor space.
Front garden fencing - first impressions count
When welcoming visitors to your home, they see the garden first. Therefore, your garden (including your fencing) is the chance to make a first impression. Owning an impressive fencing run will raise your home’s curb appeal, irrespective of whether you opt for a modern or traditional fencing design and style.
Remember, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” so choose a fence that delivers!
Traditional fencing styles
When it comes to giving your garden that classic touch, you cannot go wrong with traditional fencing styles like closeboard, overlap, and picket. Each style has its own charm, whether you are opting for the solid privacy of closeboard, the cosy feel of overlap, or the quaint, picture-perfect look of picket fences.
Closeboard fencing
Perhaps you live on a main road and have children or pets to look after? The best fence panels for your front garden could well be featheredge or closeboard. Choose either five or six-foot fence panels to keep pets and small children safe, secure, and away from busy roads. Sturdy and robust, featheredge or closeboard panels are also more resistant to vandals than standard panels.
Overlap fencing
Are you living by a busy street with your pets or little ones running around? Overlap fencing could be your go-to option for the front garden. Opting for 5’ or 6’ high overlap fencing offers a safe zone, keeping your pets and children away from the traffic hustle and the peering eyes of the local neighbourhood. These panels are not just about safety; they are tough too, standing up to the occasional mischievous act way better than your average fence. Plus, overlap fencing has a laid-back, effortlessly cool appeal that is still on-trend.
Picket fencing
If instead, you live in a quiet village in the countryside, picket fencing might be the best option for you. There can be no doubt that picket fence panels add a rustic charm to any property, especially when situated adjacent to a flower bed or vegetable patch. Though perhaps owning a cottage with a white picket fence is somewhat of a cliché, this classic look is nonetheless bound to impress.
Contemporary fencing styles
Are you ready to give your garden a modern makeover? Explore the world of contemporary fencing styles such as decorative, slatted, and hit & miss. These are not just fences; they are statement pieces that add a sleek, trendy, and modern edge to your outdoor space.
Decorative fencing
Decorative fence panels are wonderful ways of increasing your home’s kerb appeal. In a street full of tired hedges, broken panels and dilapidated walls, a new run of splendid fencing can transform the whole appearance of your front garden.
Slatted fencing
Slatted fencing is another option. Amid a sea of worn-out hedges and crumbling walls, a sleek row of slatted fencing can totally revamp your front garden's appeal. Slatted fencing panels are not just about standing out; they are about bringing a modern, chic look that screams “stylish” from the sidewalk. They are perfect for making your place the trendiest on the block!
Hit and miss fencing
If you want to add a touch of modern style and class whilst retaining some privacy, horizontal hit and miss panels are superb as are wave panels with their undulating curves. Standing four feet or more, and with many designs featuring an in-built trellis, onlookers will see your front garden in a whole new light.
Acoustic front garden fencing
Should the majority of your garden space be at the front of your property, noise can be an issue. It is difficult to relax on a sun lounger when all you can hear is the roar of the traffic. Acoustic fence panels can help with this. These innovative panels help to reduce noise thanks to their clever design; you can read more about them here.
Trellis and lattice front garden fencing
Do you have a front garden and are looking to spruce it up with something that is both snazzy and a bit different? Trellis and lattice fencing might just be your ticket to a garden that is not only eye-catching but also has that extra bit of pizzazz. These are not your average fences; they are cool and artistic fencing that also support climbing plants, which enhance a garden with their foliage, and colour depending on what you grow, which maybe even fruits or vegetables.
Front garden fence vs hedging comparison
As two popular choices in the UK, we have compared front garden fences against hedges in a head-to-head comparison. This table provides the pros and cons of each, feature by feature, so you can figure out which side you are on in this garden showdown.
|
Feature |
Front Garden Fence |
Hedging |
|
Installation speed |
Quick and easy |
Slow, needs time to grow |
|
Privacy level |
Instant coverage |
Gradual, grows over time |
|
Style options |
Wide variety |
Limited to plant types |
|
Maintenance |
Regular upkeep needed |
Seasonal pruning required |
|
Durability |
Sturdy, long-lasting |
Needs care, can be long-lived |
|
Cost |
Can be expensive |
Economical overall |
|
Value addition |
Boosts property value |
Increases ecological appeal |
|
Replacement ease |
Easy to replace |
Time-consuming to regrow |
|
Height control |
Easy to control |
Depends on plant growth |
|
Boundary definition |
Clear, strong boundary |
Soft, natural divider |
|
Wildlife friendly |
Not particularly |
Great for attracting wildlife |
|
Security |
Offers more security |
Less secure than fences |
|
Aesthetic adaptability |
Customisable appearance |
Natural aesthetic changes |
|
Weather dependence |
Weather-resistant |
Can be damaged by weather |
|
Immediate impact |
Immediate visual effect |
Grows into its beauty |
|
Design flexibility |
Highly customisable |
Limited shaping options |
|
Soil impact |
No effect on soil |
Improves soil health |
|
Noise reduction |
Good sound barrier |
Natural sound absorption |
Related articles
For more guidance on garden fencing ideas and similar subjects, we recommend reading these articles on the Buy Fencing Direct blog:
- Fifteen upcycle ideas for your garden
- Best garden fencing ideas
- Designing a garden on a budget
- How high can my fence be? – important legal and local authority advice about fence heights in the UK
- Fencing ideas for your front garden
- Simple garden ideas
- The best trellis ideas
You might also get inspired if you read articles within the garden design category of our blog!
Final thoughts - choosing the right fence for your front garden
When it comes to jazzing up your front garden, the right fence is like the cherry on top of your outdoor style sundae. From the traditional charm of closeboard and picket to the extremely cool vibes of slatted and hit & miss, your fence can totally make or break your garden's first impression.
Whether you are looking for the cosy privacy of overlap fencing or the sleek, modern feel of decorative panels, there is a style for every décor need. Let us not forget about those clever acoustic fences, which are perfect for turning down the dial on street noise. So, whether you need a classic look or something to make the neighbours go 'wow', the right fence can transform your garden into a real head-turner.
So, there’s a few front garden fence ideas to think about when considering wooden fence panels for a front garden; which option would you choose? Let us know in the comments section below.
If your front garden could do with a bit of enhancement, have a browse of our full range of garden fence panels for some inspiration.
Contact and guidance
From classic picket fences to modern slatted designs, our front garden fence ideas UK-wide offer a range of options to suit any home's aesthetic.
For further advice and guidance about front garden fence ideas speak to our team at Buy Fencing Direct. We can advise about styles, sizes, and aspects of legalities for front garden fencing.
Contact methods to choose from are:
- Phone calls – by calling 0333 003 0515
- E-mails – send using our contact form
- Text chat - our live chat app allows you to message us and chat in real-time