Building Your Own Fence? See It in Your Yard Before You Commit

Fence Styles Available in the Visualizer

These are the six fence styles you can render on a photo of your actual yard. Each one has different trade-offs around privacy, cost, lifespan, and look — here's how to pick the right one before you upload your photo.

Wood Privacy

• Horizontal cedar boards: Modern take on classic privacy — cedar grain keeps it warm, horizontal orientation reads contemporary.
• Full privacy: Tight-fitted boards block sightlines from every angle. The default pick for backyards with close neighbors.
• Stain options: Natural, cedar-tone, dark walnut, or solid black. Stain every 2–3 years to keep the color.
• Lifespan: 15–20 years with cedar and regular staining.

White Vinyl

• Low maintenance: Hose it off twice a year. No painting, no staining, no rot.
• Full privacy panels: Solid tongue-and-groove boards block everything. Bright white keeps the yard feeling open.
• Durable: Won't warp, crack, or fade. Holds up in sun, rain, and coastal air.
• Lifespan: 25–30 years. Higher upfront cost, lowest lifetime cost.

Classic Picket

• Traditional charm: The storybook front yard look — defines the property without closing it off.
• 3–4 ft height: Short enough to chat over, tall enough to keep small pets and kids in.
• Paint or stain: Classic white, natural cedar, or any solid color. Pairs well with cottage and craftsman homes.
• Dog and kid friendly: Rounded tops and spaced pickets — no climbing surface.

White Vinyl Picket

• Classic look, zero upkeep: Picket charm without the repainting. Color is molded in.
• Consistent bright white: Holds the exact factory white for decades — no yellowing, no chipping.
• Won't rot or warp: Great for wet climates where wood pickets break down fast.
• Lifespan: 25–30 years. Install it and forget it.

Chain Link

• Affordable & secure: Cheapest per linear foot by a wide margin. Fast install, long lifespan.
• Galvanized or vinyl-coated: Galvanized is raw silver; black vinyl-coated reads far more intentional for residential yards.
• Privacy slats: Woven PVC slats thread through the mesh to add partial privacy without swapping fences.
• Pet containment: Reliable for most dogs. Add a dig guard at the base if your dog tunnels.

Black Aluminum

• Sleek & durable: Powder-coated black finish reads modern and estate-level at once.
• Pool code ready: Meets standard pool code (48"+ height, no footholds, self-closing gate). The default pool fence.
• Rust-free: Aluminum doesn't rust — works in coastal and humid climates where steel fails.
• Security + visibility: Hard to climb, still lets you see through — good for corner lots and gardens you want visible.

Backyard Fence Design Trends in 2026

Fence design has changed more in the last 5 years than in the 50 before that. Horizontal slats, black metal, mixed materials, and living fences are replacing the traditional white vinyl stockade. Homeowners are building fences that look intentional, not just functional.

We've put together a full breakdown of what's trending and why — plus how to see these styles on your actual yard before committing.

Frequently Asked Questions