Been thinking about putting up a fence around my backyard, mostly to keep my dog from wandering off and to get a bit more privacy. I'm stuck between doing a classic wood picket fence or going with a wire mesh fence with wooden posts. The picket fence looks nicer, you know, kinda charming and all, but it seems like a lot more maintenance (painting, staining, replacing boards eventually). Wire mesh seems easier to handle, cheaper, and probably quicker to put up, but I'm worried it'll look too industrial or farm-like.
Anyone here done either of these? Curious if the wire mesh ends up looking decent once plants and stuff grow around it, or if the picket fence is worth the extra hassle. Would appreciate hearing your experiences or thoughts on this.
- Honestly, I'd reconsider the wire mesh idea if you're worried about aesthetics. I tried it once thinking vines and shrubs would soften the look, but it took forever for plants to fill in properly.
- Wood picket fences aren't as high-maintenance as people think—use a good quality stain every few years and it's manageable.
- Another option might be cedar privacy panels; pricier upfront, but they age beautifully and hold up well with minimal fuss.
I've been down the wood picket fence route myself—it's honestly not as scary as people make it sound. Here's my quick rundown: First, invest in a decent stain or sealant (trust me, cheaping out here doesn't pay off). Apply it generously every 3-4 years, and you're good. Wire mesh can be charming in a rustic setting, but if you're anywhere near neighbors who care about appearances, you might get some side-eye... Learned that one the hard way, ha. Cedar panels do look great, but yeah, budget accordingly.
"Wire mesh can be charming in a rustic setting, but if you're anywhere near neighbors who care about appearances, you might get some side-eye..."
Haha, yeah, been there myself. Thought wire mesh would be this cool, minimalist look... neighbors didn't exactly agree. Ended up switching to cedar pickets after a year or two. Honestly though, wood fencing isn't bad at all if you stay on top of maintenance. Ever thought about mixing materials? Wood panels with mesh accents maybe? Could be a nice compromise if you're still unsure.
I agree about the neighbors—some communities or neighborhoods have pretty specific expectations about fencing types. I've installed both kinds myself, and while wire mesh is indeed easier to maintain, it really depends on your landscaping. If you have shrubs, vines, or hedges planned, the mesh fence can actually blend in nicely over time. Wood pickets do look sharp but require consistent upkeep—something worth considering if your schedule is tight.
