Upgrade the style and privacy of your outdoor space with one of these DIY fence ideas.
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10 Unique DIY Fence Ideas
Updated on Jul. 29, 2025
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DIY Hurdle Fence Panels
You can buy willow hurdle fence panels (also called wattle fencing), but @mill_workers_cottage decided to make his own with materials sourced from his backyard. The results are gorgeous!
Thicker branches form the uprights, with thinner branches woven in between to create a solid fence. Here’s a tip from @mill_workers_cottage: Lay a ladder on its side to hold the vertical branches in place while you weave the horizontal branches.
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Salvage Yard Fence
To make this fence, @chasinghazelandnola went to a local antique shop and asked for all their cuts of barn wood, which came in a variety of colors. At the same shop they also found antique windows and decided to incorporate them into the fence design as well. The result is a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind patchwork fence.
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Faux Hedge
To give their plain wood fence a makeover, @natalie_jane painted it a beautiful blue, and then attached a UV-protected faux green hedge directly to the fence. The hedge, a lightweight screen, can be installed with nails or zip ties. It’s an easy way to add privacy, lush greenery and a custom look without waiting for a real hedge to grow.
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Paint Makeover
Think of your fence as a blank canvas and transform it into art! That’s what @megsj1art did with this plain black fence. The bold red flowers tie in with the red accents on the house. If your artistic skills are lacking, a large scale stencil provides the same effect.
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Mesh Wire Fence
Build a wood and wire mesh fence with these DIY plans. The PDF download includes step-by-step instructions, materials and tools lists, plus helpful links and 3D illustrations. The wire panels in the plans, made from 6-gauge powder coated wire, provide durable security without blocking your view.
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Install a Vinyl Fence
A board-and-rail vinyl fence is fairly easy to install, and the average vinyl fence can last about 20 years. (The length of your fence manufacturer’s warranty should give an idea of what to expect.) Vinyl fencing requires practically zero maintenance and, unlike wood, you’ll never worry about rotting or termites.
The key to correct installation: Ensuring the posts are plumb and in a straight line.
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Door Fence
Here’s a truly one-of-a-kind fence idea made entirely of salvaged doors! Created by @centricoct with doors supplied by @stewartscarpentryllc, the variety of colors and distressed finishes add to the vintage charm.
To create your own, go on a treasure hunt for affordable doors at thrift shops and salvage yards, then install them in a row around your yard. To protect their finish from the outdoor elements, apply your favorite waterproof sealer.
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Deck Privacy Fence
A privacy fence on your deck can help block the occasional nosy neighbor, as well as wind and sun. Here are the step-by-step directions for building one with construction-grade cedar, available at most home improvement stores.
The project involves carefully dismantling existing parts of the deck railing, then attaching cedar posts directly to the deck. The finished product looks great from all angles and turns your deck into a cozy getaway. In case you’re looking for some affordable options, check out these cheap fence ideas.
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DIY Fence Topper
To make her dreamy garden feel a little more secluded, @fennyflowergirl attached a fence topper to her existing wood fence. This DIY project is an easy and affordable way to make your outdoor space more private without replacing your whole fence.
Before installing wood trellis toppers like these, be sure to stain the wood (or use a clear varnish) to protect it from the elements.
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DIY Lattice Fence
Traditional lattice panels feature a classic diamond pattern, but @lehmanlane aimed for something a little more custom for their backyard lattice fencing. So they made their own with pressure-treated wood.
After leveling the ground and securing the posts, they attached horizontal wood boards every three inches, attaching the boards with a nail gun. Then they did the same with vertical boards. The resulting square-shape lattice looks more modern and will only improve as their hydrangea vine grows.
FAQ
What type of paint or stain is best for outdoor fences?
Oil-based paints or stains tend to work better for outdoor fences due to their long-term durability and protection compared to water-based paints or stains. Although they are harder to use, have higher levels of VOCs, and require take more time to dry, oil-based paints and stains penetrate wood deeply and help protect wood against damage, extending its life. They also penetrate deeply, offering protection against UV and moisture damage.
How should I choose the right material for my fence?
Choosing the right material for your fence involves considering your practical and aesthetic goals, along with your budget. Dave Brown, owner at Reliable Tree Service and fencing expert, breaks down a few options. “Wood gives you that classic look, vinyl is low-maintenance, and chain link is affordable and secure,” he says.
How can I make sure my DIY fence is secure and level?
Making sure your DIY fence is secure and level is critical for a good outcome. It involves surveying the terrain where the fence will be built, making plans for slopes, obstacles, and drainage, digging holes of adequate depth, leveling the posts, and attaching and reinforcing the panels correctly.
How do I tell if it’s time to replace my fence?
Your fence may need to be replaced when it shows signs of leaning, warping, sagging, rotting or rusting. Regular maintenance can prolong the life of your fence. Brown says, “Keep an eye on it, clean it once a year, and reapply stain or sealant every one to two years.”
About the expert
Dave Brown is the owner and lead arborist at Reliable Tree Service, a trusted name in residential and commercial tree care across north Orange County for over 30 years. Brown specializes in safe tree removal, expert pruning, stump grinding, brush clearance, and eco-conscious landscaping solutions and is frequently called upon for his insight into urban canopy management, drought-resistant tree planning, and best practices for fire safety around homes and businesses. When he’s not in the field, Brown advises homeowners on maintaining healthy, beautiful trees year-round. In addition to tree service, Brown and Reliable Tree Service help homeowners find the perfect fences that fit their style and budget.
