Rustic Fence Ideas

Split Rail Fence

• Split rail fences were originally used by farmers to keep their livestock on their property, and were prized because they didn't obstruct views. These fences are constructed of vertical posts with two or three horizontal slats running between them -- one at the top, one at the bottom and sometimes one in the middle of each section of fence. While these fences can be made of vinyl, opt for the traditional wood variety, as they have a more rustic vibe. Another option is to use logs and branches as the posts and rails for the fence.

Picket Fence

• A picket fence is a quintessential sign of Americana and serves as a rustic fence option. This type of fence comprises vertical slats -- or pickets -- that are affixed to two horizontal slats -- one at the top and one at the bottom of each fence section. Gaps are left between each picket, allowing you to see through the fence. The pickets can be either pointed, flat or rounded at the top. Like split rail fences, picket fences are constructed of either vinyl or wood and wood is the more rustic of the two options.

Wooden Shutter Fence

• Create a rustic fence from old wooden shutters. Use wooden shutters that you have around your house or purchase some from a junk yard or antique store. Sand and refinish or paint the shutters any color that suits your taste. Install wooden posts into the ground vertically -- space them as far apart as the length of each shutter when it is laid horizontally. Drill the shutters horizontally to the vertical posts.

Lattice Fence

• Use lattice as sections for a rustic fence. As with the shutter fence idea, install wooden posts into the ground vertically, spaced as far apart as the sections of lattice are wide. Affix the lattice to the posts with nails or screws. Add even more rustic charm to this fence by planting climbing vines or climbing roses in front of it so that they will cover the sections of lattice.