Front Fence Ideas Australia: 6 Fence Styles for Australian Homes
Your front fence is one of the first architectural elements people see when approaching your home. It can complement the house, frame the garden, define the entrance and create separation between your home and the street.
If you are exploring front fence ideas in Australia, start by thinking about the architecture of the home rather than choosing a fence in isolation.
Here are six directions to consider.
1. Traditional Picket Fence
There is a reason the picket fence remains an Australian favourite. Traditional picket fencing works particularly well with period homes where the fence can reference existing architectural details. Different picket profiles, posts and capitals allow the design to be tailored to the character of the property.
2. Natural Timber Picket Fence
A picket fence does not necessarily need to be painted white. Allowing the character of the timber to become part of the front fence design can create a warmer and more natural appearance. A wooden fence can work particularly well alongside established gardens, brickwork and other natural materials.
3. Rise and Fall Picket Fence
For homeowners wanting something more distinctive, a rise and fall arrangement introduces shape into the fence line.
Rather than every picket finishing at exactly the same height, the pickets create a considered rise and fall pattern between the posts.It is a small design decision that can create considerable visual character.
4. Contemporary Timber Fence
Timber is not limited to heritage homes. Simpler profiles, straighter lines and restrained detailing can transform a traditional material into a contemporary wood fence. The key is reducing unnecessary decoration and allowing proportion, timber and repetition to create the visual impact.
5. Picket Fence and Gate Combination
A beautiful fence can lose its impact if the gate feels disconnected from it.
Consider the fence and entrance together. Using complementary materials, profiles and proportions across the picket fence gate creates a much more resolved frontage.
6. Feature Sliding Gate
Driveway gates are increasingly becoming a major part of the front elevation.
A timber feature sliding gate can provide functionality and security while continuing the visual language of the fence.Rather than hiding the gate, make it part of the design.
Which Fence Style Is Right for Your Home?
With so many fence types available, the answer starts with your property.
Consider:
- The architectural period of your home
- The level of privacy required
- Pedestrian and driveway access
- Existing landscaping
- Preferred timber and finish
- The relationship between the fence and gate
- The right front fence design should complement the home rather than compete with it.
Old Malvern Pickets has been crafting fencing and gates since 1973, with options ranging from traditional picket fencing to contemporary timber solutions, gates and custom components.
Start with the home. Then build the boundary around it.