Wouldn’t it be nice to have a beautiful cedar fence?
Are you thinking about a cedar fence? You’re in good company. Cedar’s a homeowner’s-favorite for a reason—it’s beautiful, durable, and budget-friendly (just to name a few). Sure, it’s not perfect, but with a little TLC, it can be the sturdy, stylish fence your yard needs. We’re diving into 11 cedar fence ideas to help you take your outdoor space to the next level… and maybe make your neighbors a little jealous—no need to knock on wood.
Choosing which type of wood to use in your fencing project can be difficult due to factors such as climate, aesthetics, and budget. Consider contacting a pro for advice on which is best for your home.
A cedar picket fence is an obvious choice for homeowners who want that perfect mix of style and practicality. With spaced-out slats and standing at about three to four feet tall, it creates an open, airy feeling and welcoming atmosphere around your yard. If you’re after a little more privacy or added security, tighten the space between the pickets or go for taller slats. Thanks to cedar’s natural durability—combined with the appeal of a picket fence—your fence will look great for years, enhancing both your curb appeal and your property’s value.
For a fence that gives you more privacy, look into a board-on-board cedar fence. Unlike the traditional picket fence, these fences feature closely spaced vertical slats that create a solid barrier. The boards overlap and alternate sides with each row, which creates an intricate patchwork look. Not only does this design close off any gaps, but it also blocks out light and keeps nosy neighbors from peeking in. It’s perfect for homeowners who live on busy streets or near neighbors. On average, the cost to install a board-on-board fence is $6,750—a solid investment in both privacy and curb appeal for your yard.
A shadowbox fence style is similar to a board-on-board fence but with a little extra flair and space—the pickets alternate on each side of the rail with small gaps in between. This design gives you just enough visibility and light from an angle while still offering solid privacy when you’re looking straight at it. As a homeowner, it can help you block the view from the outside and keep your yard bright and welcoming on the inside. Plus, it offers excellent curb appeal from both sides, so your fence looks just as good from the street as it does in your backyard.
Shadowbox fences are built to last and hold up well against rough weather. That said, installing one isn’t the easiest DIY project so consider professional installation. Shadowbox fence costs are on par with other privacy fences, averaging around $4,300. You could save about $10 per linear foot doing the job yourself, but again, hiring a professional means the job is done safely and correctly the first time. With their professional help, you can easily personalize your fence and dabble into some popular designs, whether it’s a graceful arched pattern or classic dog-eared panels.
If you love the balance of privacy and light that a shadowbox fence gives you, but want something a little different, consider an alternative—a horizontal louvered cedar fence. Instead of the typical vertical pickets, these horizontal slats are positioned on a slant. They let air and light filter through while still keeping the view blocked from most angles. It’s similar to the way you can peek outside through blinds if you look from below. Louvered cedar fences are a popular pick for modern homes, but getting those angled slats just right takes some precision. That’s why it’s best to skip the DIY and hire a professional fence installer for a job well done.
A stockade cedar fence is one of the simplest ways to create a private, enclosed space around your property. The pickets are placed tightly together, with no overlapping or angling. You get full privacy—perfect for pool areas or patios where you don’t want any outside eyes peeking in. Most homeowners choose between rounded or pointed tops, but if you want an added layer of security, the pointed tops can help discourage any would-be intruders. Stockade cedar fences are reasonably priced and relatively easy to install. However, it’s worth noting that these fences can warp and gap over time—especially with exposure to the elements—but regular maintenance goes a long way in extending their life.
Imagine you have that classic cedar fence with vertical slats, kind of like the old-school stockade style. Here’s an alternative—instead of leaving the top bare, finish it off with a horizontal cap piece. Not only does this give the fence a cleaner, more polished look, but it also helps protect it from moisture. That means your fence will stay in better shape for longer, saving you from any unnecessary repairs down the line. And if you want a fence that stands out from every other cap-and-trim cedar fence, top your posts with decorative caps or finials. They’re a small touch, but they can break up the look of the fence and give it a unique, custom feel.
A cedar trellis fence typically features a diamond-patterned lattice panel that gives it a light, open feel and offers a bit of privacy without feeling too closed off. It’s not the best option if you’re looking for heavy-duty security. Instead, it’s perfect for protecting your garden from wildlife—like deer—who love to nibble on plants. The thin slats make it super easy to install around fruit and vegetable beds without making your yard feel crowded. You can also take advantage of the vertical space by planting climbing vines, like ivy, clematis, or grapes. Not only will they dress up the fence and enhance its look, but their height and coverage will also provide extra privacy as they grow.
If you like the look of lattice but the security of a structured fence, you can have the best of both worlds. Add a cedar trellis detail to the top of your fence. This will give you more height without completely changing your existing fence. The extra layer will also give you some added privacy, making it more difficult for anyone looking to peek or climb over the top.
Post-and-rail cedar fences work well on larger properties, especially if you’ve got tons of land to work with. With three horizontal rails between each post and the posts spaced a few feet apart, it creates that rustic, classic look you often see on ranches or farms. It’s not really about privacy. It’s more about marking boundaries and keeping livestock in check. Post-and-rail fences are an incredibly sturdy and low-maintenance option, which makes them a fantastic choice for big spaces—especially if you want to avoid spending a fortune on traditional fencing. Plus, cedar is one of the more affordable wood choices out there, with the cost of a cedar fence averaging about $2 to $3 per foot to install. And that’s way cheaper than pricier woods like redwood or white oak.
For many, a horizontal fence is still considered a “fresh take” on the traditional fence, with the slats running parallel to the ground for a modern look. If you want your fence to pop even more, try staining and sealing the cedar slats a different color than the posts. For example, darker slats with lighter posts add depth and dimension to an otherwise ordinary fence.
Instead of the traditional wood posts, you can use metal posts to build your fence. Think galvanized steel, aluminum, or even iron—they’re not just sturdy but add a sleek, modern vibe to your fence. Metal posts won’t rot or warp like wood, so your fence will last longer with less maintenance. And the best part? The exposed metal posts break up the smooth, clean lines of the cedar slats, giving the fence a cool, layered look with extra depth.
