Should A Fence Be Painted The Same Color As A House? Here's What You Should Consider

A home's fence plays a big part in adding to the curb appeal, so if you're putting up a new fence — or sprucing up an old one — giving some thought to the color is important. If you're wondering whether the fence color has to be the same as your home, the short answer is no, it doesn't have to. While you want your fence to tie into the overall color palette and design scheme of your home, that can be accomplished in many ways. The color can pick up on other elements of your home's outdoor facade. Or you may decide you don't want your fence to be a focal point and let it recede into the background. Really, it's all about the role you want it to play in your landscape.

So, how do you narrow down the options if you don't have to paint the fence the exact same color as your home? Before you pick the perfect color, you have to take other factors, such as your home's appearance and the fence's construction materials, into account. For instance, you'll have to consider the color and materiality of the home's trim and openings, the landscaping design, and how the fence will tie into these elements aesthetically. You'll also need to think how well the paint or stain of your choice will work with the fencing material.

While a fence does not need to match the body color of your home, you want it to be cohesive with the rest of your outdoor aesthetic. A good way to tie it in is by matching it to your home's trim color. This will be a more subtle nod to the color palette you already have going on. You could also consider matching your door or shutter colors. Really, any exterior element that figures prominently on your home can serve as inspiration.

Also, consider your landscaping. Do you want your plants to pop against a white fence, or do you want the garden to blend in with the fence's natural wood tones? Also, a light-colored fence may show more mud when it gets kicked up after a rain, and more mildew after a humid summer. So, if you have a muddy yard or shady areas, keep this in mind. 

Finally, the color you choose has a big impact on the outdoor space and what you and your visitors will focus on. If it's a bold, contemporary look you're going for, black may be a great option. If you want a color that makes your garden feel bigger, green will do the trick by blending the fence into the background. Check out these other decorating tips to help you maximize your outdoor living space and ensure your fence has the impact you desire.

If you have a wood fence, there are many products you can use to protect it from the elements. From outdoor paint to stain with a variety of transparency levels, you will first have to decide which product works best for the project. Determining the best type of stain for your wood fence can be tricky. If you want to avoid scraping it every few years before reapplying, a semi-transparent stain is likely the way to go. This might limit your color options somewhat, but there will still be plenty to choose from.

Solid stains are essentially the same as paint and can be tinted to match any color you choose. Once you use one of these options, though, you can't go back without a whole lot of scraping and stripping. And you may need to do this every five years or less, so before you commit to this option, be sure you're ready for the work that comes along with it. The truth is, any time you paint or stain a fence, it's going to need regular maintenance. So, if you have hard-to-reach areas, you may want to consider letting the fence weather naturally. Or, if you're in a rush to achieve the weathered look, choose a semi-transparent gray stain that resembles what the wood would look like after some time. In a few years, you may not tell the difference between the stain and the natural patina of the wood.