Wood Fence Trends

Just as interior design trends change over the years, exterior design style elements change as well. Though updates may not occur as often, there are several ways to improve the curb appeal and overall aesthetic of a home or business, starting from the outside. One of the most common approaches is by updating fencing styles.

According to the team of lumber professionals at J&W Lumber, there is a range of variations that remain in demand year after year, and others that find new life after years on hiatus. Regardless of the style requested, finding the right fit means taking the trend and customizing for your customers. Here are five current fencing trends that are becoming increasingly popular.

HORIZONTAL FENCE INSTALLATION

Though not a new design, there’s been a resurgence of horizontal fencing in recent years. The traditional setup for board fencing is vertical installation to ensure both privacy and design needs. However, this literal shift in direction, combined with sleek hardwoods and modern designs, make this long-admired fencing trend feel fresh and new again. Turning the boards sideways opens up the design to different species of wood, which isn’t as common vertically, where the goal is more about logistics and less about design. This trend also allows room for creativity with symmetry, textures, width and combining dark with light fencing to create a semi-customized look for an outdoor space.

CEDAR SPLIT RAIL FENCES

When it comes to fencing design trends, hardwoods and redwoods are always on-trend when it comes to the type of wood to work with. However, cedar is the most common, and a cedar split rail fence, in particular, is a preferable option for large properties that need to divide property lines. Because of the space between boards, it’s not a design known for its privacy appeal, but rather its beautiful, rustic aesthetic. Though often favored in rural areas, where homes have more land between them, this design option is also popular when a homeowner wants to add a design element for a backyard garden or other enhanced aesthetics.

STAINING UPGRADES

Rather than investing in new fence, another fencing trend is staining instead. It immediately adds new life to a fence and can completely change the appearance, depending on the color and sheen of the stain used. When the fence boards are structurally sound but the design calls for revitalization, staining is an optimal solution. There are many new stain options to choose from, including a wide range of colors. More and more stain products also provide mildew and/or UV resistance.

GOOD NEIGHBOR FENCES

A good neighbor fence is a trend people choose so the fence looks good on both sides. There’s a focus on creating a design that’s desirable from all angles. This neighbor-friendly style works well on both vertical and horizontal installations and can withstand wind better than the traditional privacy fence.

METAL FENCE POSTS

Using metal versus wood fence posts for a wood fence project has been a steady trend for the past several years but has recently become more prominent. When improving the exterior of a home, design is always top of mind, but it’s equally important to choose durable materials that are built to last. Metal posts won’t rot, allowing for a longer life. Creating this structurally sound foundation doesn’t compromise the actual design, as wood boards can cover the posts and achieve the desired look.

Family-owned J&W Lumber company has been serving the greater San Diego area since 1957. Learn more at www.jwlumber.com.