Inspiration: Black Wooden Fences

When it comes to black fences, they're generally made of wrought iron or painted steel. And when it comes to wooden fences, they're generally treated with a clearcoat to let the natural wood show through or they're painted white. But there's lots of reason to use black wooden fences:

The black can create a taut, modern look and wood is easy to work with for home DIY-ers. If you aren't too keen on the maintenance involved with a painted fence, consider a Shou-Sugi-Ban finish.

Images: Botanus via Studio G, Perfection Fence, Chahrour Huhtilainen A+D, Le Boeuf, Home Works

Categories: Outdoor, Outdoor Space

Posted by Regina Yunghans

Regina is an architect who lives with her husband and son in Lawrence, KS. As a LEED Accredited Professional and longtime contributor to Apartment Therapy and The Kitchn, her focus is on healthy, sustainable living through design.
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Comments (10)

Chain link is also better painted black.

Agreed, ebanfield. But this black wood is also pretty amazing!

The pavers/stepping stones in that first pic look interesting but potentially treacherous. I'd make them flush w/the surrounding ground, for starters.

Ah - a nice 105 degree day next to the black fence, so cool and refreshing!

I love this:

"But there's lots of reason to use black wooden fences:
The black can create a taut, modern look and wood is easy to work with for home DIY-ers."

Sounds like only two reasons to me. ;)

I'd prefer a dark stain than black paint, myself.

I started humming Paint It Black as soon as I started looking at these gorgeous fences, thanks AT! Not a bad way to start my morning.

Our painter strongly advised us against black siding or fences. When it heats up, wood expands, which can slowly damage the structure of the fence. It seems like black would speed up that process. It looks fab, though.

Gorgeous look. I really like the contrast of the fence against the cement block wall in the last photo.

I recently wrote an article on a Philly garden with a black fence. Here is a link to check out photos and get inside info from the designer: http://www.landscapingnetwork.com/philadelphia/mt-airy-modern-garden.html

If I'd go with black, It'd be charred wood.

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