Fencing can bring about the much needed privacy and security we want in our homes. Not only that, wood fencing in particular, can also give the house and its surrounding landscape the right touch of rustic charm to complete its look.

There are many designs and materials that can be used when choosing a wood fence. The best design for one person is not the same for another. There are a couple of things that you need to keep in mind when choosing your wood fence. These things are the aesthetic appeal of the fence and the function that it is designed to serve. The function and purpose of the fence should always be the first thought in your mind.

A wood fence can give you the security and the appearance that you are looking for, depending on the degree of security that you need. If you need a nice looking design in your garden that also gives you some extra privacy from the neighbours then there are many wooden fences to choose from.

For others, the choice is not so clear-cut. When endeavoring to provide as much security as possible to one’s property, a metal or stone fencing would be more appropriate under the circumstances, disregarding the fact that wooden fencing may be a better fit for the style of your house.

However, when the form of the fence is the main concern, you need to look at the wood fence designs.

The first consideration here is to find the fence that compliments your garden and landscaping arrangement. There are a number of basic wooden fence designs that take into account the style of your house. Here they are:

Picket-style fence. These types of fences are best for homes that have a cottage style look. If you have an English styled garden, then this fence will fit in perfectly. You can choose from a number of different designs such the dog-ear spaced picket, French gothic spaced picket, and the pointed top spaced picket.

Split-rail wood fence. Perfect for a country feel, ranch-style homes and those with landscaping inspired by the Southwestern US design should find a good fit with the split-rail wood fencing. The best material for the split-rail style is the Western red cedar wood.

Log wood fence. This style showcases the true beauty of wood and best matches houses designed with a rustic theme. While most are installed as vertical panels, horizontals log panels are also not uncommon.

If the functionality is the top priority of the fence then you need to consider the following wooden fences.

While wood fencing is great in creating a look that complements your house and property, they also give you a couple of great functional benefits. These are the privacy and durability these fences offer. If these are the most important factors to you, then consider the following options.

Stockade fence. This type of wood fence uses vertically aligned slats with spaces in between them. The tops are pointed out which gives this fence a good degree of privacy from the outside.

Solid board fence. Solid board fencing is also a good design alternative to provide a complete visual barrier from onlookers. It also serves as a good noise barrier and adds some degree of security as well. For a more decorative finish, a solid board fence can be combined with lattice work on top.

Lattice fencing. Lattice fences are a popular choice for fences that give a semblance of privacy and yet allow for some air and sunlight at the same time. Lattice slats may be laid out diagonally for diamond-shaped spaces, but can also be placed vertically and horizontally to create square-shaped openings.