I'll complete the final fence design idea, focusing on creating a garden-friendly cedar fence that enhances landscaping and provides a natural boundary. This style will integrate seamlessly with outdoor spaces, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal for garden enthusiasts.Cedar fencing offers homeowners an exceptional combination of natural beauty, durability, and versatility for their outdoor spaces. Western Red Cedar's natural resistance to decay, rot, and insects makes it an ideal choice for long-lasting fences, while its rich coloring adds instant curb appeal to any property. From classic picket designs to modern horizontal styles, cedar fences can be customized to complement various architectural styles and personal preferences. Whether you're seeking complete privacy, decorative boundaries, or functional containment solutions, these twenty cedar fence ideas provide inspiration for creating the perfect outdoor barrier that enhances both security and aesthetic appeal.
1. Traditional Cedar Fence Picket Design

The classic cedar picket fence remains one of America's most beloved fencing styles, featuring vertical posts with pointed tops and horizontal rails. This timeless design creates an inviting front yard boundary while maintaining an open, welcoming appearance. Cedar pickets naturally resist rot and insects, requiring minimal maintenance while developing a beautiful silvery patina over time. The fence can be customized with various picket spacing for different levels of visibility and security. Homeowners can choose to stain or seal the cedar to preserve its natural color, or allow it to weather naturally. Traditional cedar picket fences typically stand 3-4 feet high, making them perfect for defining property lines without creating visual barriers between neighbors.
2. Cedar Fence Board-on-Board Privacy Style

A cedar board-on-board fence utilizes overlapping vertical boards to create a solid privacy barrier with no gaps for visibility. This design places boards alternately on each side of the horizontal rails, ensuring complete coverage even as the wood naturally shrinks over time. Available in 6-foot or 8-foot heights, board-on-board cedar fences provide maximum security and privacy for backyards and pool areas. The overlapping construction also adds structural strength and wind resistance. Many homeowners choose to add trim rails for an estate-like appearance that elevates the fence's aesthetic appeal. This style works particularly well for urban and suburban properties where privacy is a primary concern while maintaining the natural beauty of cedar wood.
3. Horizontal Cedar Fence Contemporary Design

Horizontal cedar fences offer a sleek, modern aesthetic that makes outdoor spaces feel more expansive while providing customizable privacy levels. This contemporary style features evenly spaced horizontal boards attached to vertical posts, creating clean lines that complement modern architectural styles. The design can incorporate varying plank widths to create unique patterns and visual interest. Horizontal cedar fencing is particularly popular with homeowners seeking style without complete isolation from their surroundings. The boards can be placed close together for privacy or spaced apart for airflow and partial visibility. This style harmonizes beautifully with modern home features like railings, shutters, and contemporary decking materials. Installation typically requires fewer materials than vertical designs, making it cost-effective.
4. Cedar Fence Shadowbox Semi-Privacy Style

The shadowbox cedar fence alternates vertical boards on either side of horizontal rails, creating an attractive design that looks good from both sides. This semi-private style allows filtered light to pass through while still providing substantial privacy and security. The alternating board placement creates interesting shadow patterns throughout the day, adding visual depth and dimension. Pet owners particularly appreciate this design because it allows animals to see out safely without escape opportunities. Shadowbox pickets can be adjusted closer together for increased privacy, and caps can be finished with different decorative edges for customization. This versatile style offers an appealing compromise between complete privacy and open visibility, making it suitable for both front and backyard applications.
5. Cedar Fence with Lattice Top Design

Cedar lattice top fences blend traditional aesthetics with functional elegance, offering privacy while allowing natural light to filter through the decorative upper section. The solid lower portion provides security and privacy, while the lattice topper adds visual interest and architectural detail. Available in various patterns including diagonal, square, or catalina designs, lattice tops can be customized to match your home's architecture. This style is particularly popular in Pacific Northwest homes, where cedar's natural resistance to damp climates ensures longevity. The lattice section can also serve as support for climbing plants and vines, creating a living fence element. Installation typically involves a standard privacy fence base with a separate lattice panel mounted on top.
6. Scalloped Cedar Fence Decorative Style

The scalloped cedar fence features a gracefully curved top edge that adds formal elegance and architectural interest to standard privacy fencing. This decorative variation creates flowing, wave-like patterns that soften the fence line and provide visual appeal from both sides. Available in sloping, reverse scalloped, or traditional curved configurations, this style can be customized with various board top treatments including pointed, dog-eared, or rounded options. The scalloped design works particularly well for formal landscapes and traditional home styles. All boards are typically 3/4-inch thick and fastened with aluminum or stainless steel ring shank nails for durability. This eye-catching design transforms a functional boundary into an attractive landscape feature that enhances curb appeal and property value.
7. Cedar Fence Basket Weave Pattern

The cedar basket weave fence creates a unique rustic design that resembles a woven basket, offering an attractive alternative to solid privacy fencing. This intricate pattern weaves horizontal boards between vertical supports, creating texture and visual interest while maintaining structural integrity. The basket weave style allows air and light to pass through while providing substantial privacy, creating a softer finish than solid panel designs. Despite its complex appearance, basket weave cedar fences require no additional maintenance compared to other cedar fence styles. Double basket weave variations feature two weaves between each post instead of one, creating even more dimensional texture. This distinctive style works exceptionally well for homeowners seeking a unique, artisanal appearance that stands out from conventional fencing options.
8. Cedar Fence Good Neighbor Design

The good neighbor cedar fence ensures both sides appear identical and attractive, making it the ideal choice when fence lines face neighboring properties. This thoughtful design eliminates the typical "ugly side" by placing framework and supports so they're hidden from view on both sides. Instead of showing posts and panels to neighbors, the good neighbor fence creates a harmonious appearance that maintains positive relationships. The Lewis Cedar Semi-Privacy version offers a stylish upgrade to this classic design with matching sides and quality construction. This style demonstrates consideration for neighbors while providing the same privacy and security benefits as traditional fencing. Installation requires careful planning to ensure structural integrity while maintaining the attractive appearance on both sides. The design works well in suburban neighborhoods where fence aesthetics matter to multiple property owners.
9. Cedar Fence with Steel Post Combination

A cedar fence with steel posts creates a striking modern design that combines cedar's natural warmth with the durability and strength of metal framing. Heavy gauge galvanized steel posts provide superior structural support and can extend fence lifespan significantly beyond all-wood construction. Black steel posts create dramatic contrast with cedar's natural red tones, while maintaining weather resistance and requiring minimal maintenance. This hybrid approach allows for wider panel spans and increased wind resistance. The combination offers enhanced security and durability while maintaining cedar's aesthetic appeal and natural insect resistance. Professional installation typically uses galvanized steel or black aluminum posts for lasting strength and a clean, polished finish. This modern approach appeals to homeowners wanting cutting-edge design with traditional materials.
10. Split Rail Cedar Fence Rustic Style

The split rail cedar fence offers a rustic, ranch-style design perfect for marking boundaries without blocking views. Available in 2-rail, 3-rail, or 4-rail configurations, this style provides flexibility for different height and containment needs. Optional wire mesh inserts can be added for containing pets or livestock while maintaining the open, rural aesthetic. Western Red Cedar split rail fences are particularly popular for their durability and traditional farm fence appearance. The rustic design complements country and rural settings beautifully, providing definition without creating visual barriers. Ranch rail construction typically uses 4×4, 4×6, or 4×8 cedar posts with 2×6 and 2×8 cedar boards for the horizontal rails. This economical option offers charm and functionality for larger properties, agricultural applications, and casual boundary marking.
11. Cedar Fence Vertical Slat Modern Design

Cedar vertical slatted fences, also known as Venetian or slat fence panels, offer a contemporary design popular for modern garden applications. This style features evenly spaced vertical boards that can be positioned closely for privacy or further apart for an open, airy appearance. Using thinner cedar pickets made from durable wood and spacing them equally creates a sleek, minimalist look that emphasizes clean lines. The horizontal support rails are typically placed on the neighbor's side, creating an uncluttered appearance from the homeowner's perspective. This modern interpretation of traditional vertical fencing works particularly well with contemporary architecture and landscape design. Gates can be designed to match the fence panels, offering functional access while maintaining the cohesive aesthetic throughout the installation.
12. Cedar Fence with Wire Mesh Addition

Cedar fences with wire mesh provide safety and visibility while combining the durability of cedar with the functionality of metal screening. This practical design creates secure enclosures for children and pets without compromising yard views or airflow. The Deschutes decorative hog wire style combines Western Red Cedar with steel panels for a modern, open design perfect for front yards and gardens. Wire mesh installations can use various grades of metal screening depending on containment needs. Box wire cedar fences frame wire mesh with cedar posts in rectangular sections, creating durable and cost-effective solutions for gardens and backyards. Weld wire attachment to cedar rails helps fences contain smaller animals while keeping predators out. This versatile combination offers maximum functionality for diverse property needs.
13. Cedar Fence Ranch Rail Style

Cedar ranch rail fencing provides a popular equestrian and agricultural solution that combines durability with rustic charm. Typically constructed as 2, 3, or 4-rail systems using 4×4, 4×6, or 4×8 cedar posts with 2×6 and 2×8 cedar boards for rails. This style is ideal for containing livestock, horses, and large pets while maintaining an open, welcoming appearance. Ranch rail systems are popular among ranchers and farmers for keeping animals within property boundaries. The design allows for excellent visibility across properties while providing effective containment. Cedar's natural resistance to rot and insects makes it particularly suitable for outdoor ranch applications where fencing must withstand various weather conditions. Installation is typically straightforward, making this an economical choice for covering extensive property perimeters.
14. Cedar Fence with Decorative Post Caps

Cedar fence post caps serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, protecting posts from moisture and debris while adding stylistic flair to boundary installations. Beautiful cedar post fence designs allow for creative expression through various decorative end pieces shaped in any desired form. Options range from classic wooden caps to copper, metal, or even solar-powered light fixtures that transform simple fences into statement pieces. Gothic-top posts, cedar post caps, and other finishing options can be customized to match home architecture and personal taste. Traditional wooden post caps offer understated beauty and timeless elegance, creating seamless connections between fence posts and surrounding environments. The natural variations in wood grain and color make each cap unique, enhancing the overall visual appeal while extending fence lifespan through weather protection.
15. Cedar Fence Picture Frame Design

The cedar picture frame fence offers premium privacy with a refined, classic look featuring distinctive trim that creates clean, polished borders around each fence section. This sophisticated style adds finishing touches that elevate standard privacy fencing to a more formal, estate-like appearance. The decorative variation layers trim, boards, and cap rails for a refined finish that complements traditional and upscale architectural styles. The picture frame trim creates visual definition and structure while maintaining the natural beauty of cedar wood. This design works particularly well for front yard applications and formal landscape settings where enhanced aesthetics are important. Professional installation ensures the trim work is properly aligned and weather-sealed for longevity. The picture frame style demonstrates attention to detail and craftsmanship that significantly enhances property curb appeal.
16. Cedar Fence Minimal Gap Horizontal Style

The minimal gap horizontal cedar fence design balances privacy with openness, featuring horizontal panels with small spaces that allow air circulation and partial visibility. This contemporary style provides security and definition without completely isolating yards from surrounding environments. The spacing between boards can be customized based on privacy needs while maintaining the modern horizontal aesthetic. This design is ideal for homeowners seeking privacy without feeling completely separated from their neighborhood or outdoor surroundings. The horizontal orientation creates visual continuity and can make smaller spaces appear larger. Various plank widths can be incorporated to create unique patterns and visual interest while maintaining the clean, contemporary appearance. This versatile design works well for both front and backyard applications where moderate privacy is desired.
17. Cedar Fence with Metal Accent Posts

Cedar fencing with exposed metal accent posts creates a sharp, modern design that enhances curb appeal while providing privacy and durability. Black iron or steel posts create striking contrast with cedar's rich red tones, and can be enhanced with ornamental metal details for gates and posts. This contemporary approach combines traditional cedar warmth with industrial strength and modern aesthetics. The metal framework provides superior structural support while allowing cedar panels to showcase their natural beauty. Innovative touches like metal frames combined with traditional cedar planks create distinctive contemporary looks that set properties apart. The contrast between organic wood and geometric metal appeals to homeowners wanting unique, cutting-edge fence designs. Professional installation ensures proper attachment methods and weather sealing for long-term performance and visual appeal.
18. Cedar Fence Dog Ear Privacy Design

The cedar dog ear fence represents a traditional backyard privacy design featuring vertical boards with distinctive rounded or angled tops. This classic style uses dog ear pickets that are naturally resistant to rot and decay, creating charming privacy barriers for outdoor spaces. The rounded or angled top design adds visual interest while maintaining the fence's functional privacy capabilities. Dog ear fences group vertical posts tightly together to ensure maximum privacy and security. Cedar's natural resistance makes dog ear fences ideal for long-term outdoor use, and they can be left unfinished for natural weathering or customized with paint or stain. This time-tested design works well for backyards, pool areas, and any application where traditional privacy fencing is needed. The familiar style complements most home architectures while providing reliable containment and privacy.
19. Cedar Fence with Curved Arched Tops

Cedar fences with curved or arched tops create elegant wave patterns that add softness and sophistication to privacy panels. Decorative curved fence lines provide visual interest while maintaining boundary security and privacy functions. These graceful designs can feature sloping scallops, reverse curves, or flowing arched patterns that enhance the fence's aesthetic appeal. The curved elements soften harsh straight lines and create more inviting, artistic boundary treatments. This style works particularly well for formal gardens, front yard applications, and properties where enhanced curb appeal is important. The curved top finish adds charm and distinctive character that sets the fence apart from standard rectangular panel designs. Professional installation ensures proper curve alignment and structural integrity. The elegant appearance justifies the additional cost for homeowners seeking unique, upscale fencing solutions.
20. Cedar Fence Garden Border Style

Cedar garden fences serve as decorative barriers that protect plants, flowers, and young trees while adding structure to landscape designs. These specialized fences are typically lower in height and designed more for definition than complete privacy or security. Like other cedar fence styles, garden borders benefit from cedar's natural ability to repel insects and resist decay while withstanding outdoor weather conditions. Garden cedar fences effectively keep out wildlife that might eat plants while maintaining an attractive, natural appearance that complements landscaping. The design can incorporate decorative elements like lattice work, scalloped tops, or picket details that enhance garden aesthetics. Stand-alone trellis sections can provide "soft privacy" and gentle area definition without creating closed-off feelings in garden spaces. This versatile application demonstrates cedar's adaptability for specialized landscape and garden applications.
Conclusion:
Cedar fencing represents an ideal investment for homeowners seeking durability, beauty, and versatility in their outdoor boundaries. With natural resistance to rot and insects, cedar fences typically last 20-30 years, making them worthwhile despite higher initial costs. From traditional picket designs to contemporary horizontal styles, these twenty cedar fence ideas demonstrate the remarkable range of possibilities available. Whether prioritizing privacy, aesthetics, or specialized functionality, cedar's natural properties and design flexibility ensure there's a perfect solution for every property and preference, creating outdoor spaces that enhance both security and curb appeal for decades.
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