Skip The Metal Fence: The Unique Way To Add Vintage Charm And Backyard Privacy

For many homeowners, the primary purpose of a fence is to provide privacy. Some try to achieve this using metal fencing with solid panels so there are no gaps for neighbors to peek through. While these metal fences are certainly efficient at blocking out the rest of the world, they don't add much to your property's aesthetic. Unless you're going for a sleek, industrial look with lots of metal features, a metal fence can look sterile and boring. Just because your outdoor space is private doesn't mean it has to be unwelcoming, so if you want to add a bit more charm to your yard, consider opting for a basketweave fence. It's a time-honored style that looks unique while still creating plenty of privacy.

Basketweave fences feature a woven design, with the horizontal slats crisscrossing in front and behind the vertical support planks. This style of fencing was common in early America (perfect since traditional decor is back for 2026) and saw a resurgence during the mid-century. Thus, whether you're going for a yard aesthetic that's cozy and rustic or elegant and modern, a basketweave fence can help enhance the look. If constructed correctly, a basketweave fence should have very few, if any, gaps. In fact, given how the boards overlap each other, seeing through a basketweave fence can be as difficult as looking through a solid metal panel. The fence will have gaps where the boards weave in and out of each other, but you'd have to be up close to notice, rendering them ineffectual for nosy neighbors.

While basketweave fences are traditionally made out of wood, there are also vinyl options available if you want to choose a specific color for your fence. You could also purchase individual fence panels made with the design. The actual construction of these fences is relatively simple, so you could even make one yourself if you have a bit of carpentry knowledge and follow our easy tips for building the perfect fence. Basically, after marking out your fence line, alternate the placement of regular 4-inch-square fence posts and smaller 2-inch-square posts. Then, weave long, ½-inch-thick planks over and under the smaller post, securing the planks at the larger posts. If you're able to replicate the pattern, the fence should look the same from either side, a treat for both you and your neighbor.

There are some variations on the classic, tightly-woven basketweave fence. To give it the appearance of an upgraded picket fence, you could choose to install the woven planks vertically. Or for a more intense, geometric look, the spacer posts can be spread out more widely. This will require the horizontal planks to bow out more as they're woven through the posts, creating a truly eye-catching structure — that said, this curved shape will create more gaps and be easier to see through. Regardless of if your aim is to make your backyard a private hideaway or to add more curb appeal to your property, a basketweave fence is sure to fit right in. Even if your fence is just plain wood, you could always upgrade it further with fence enhancements that will wow the neighborhood.