Blog>Ideas>13 stylish and practical deck fencing ideas
Last updated: 29 January 2024
13 stylish and practical deck fencing ideas
Whether you're looking at deck fencing ideas for safety, increased privacy, or simply style, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this post.
Our selection of deck fencing ideas will help to inspire the all-important finish touches to your outdoor space.
There are several reasons why you may want to put up a fence around your decking area:
It's a great addition if you have children and you’re thinking about safety
Additionally, a fence will add a level of privacy that you may want to implement if your garden is overlooked
Or perhaps you simply want your decking area to feel cosy and inviting
Whatever your impetus for installing deck fencing, browse our gallery of ideas to help select the perfect deck fencing options for your garden.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Fencing around decking ideas
Decking can be designed, installed, and finished in many different ways to add personality, style, and practical function to your outdoor space. These deck fencing ideas will show how to complete the space with stylish and practical railings.
1. Small and enclosed decking
Fully enclose a small decking area with traditional wooden slat fencing.
If you have a small outdoor space that you’ve filled with decking, make it feel cosy and private by installing a relatively tall fence around it. Then, hang trailing plants on your fence to add some greenery.
2. A shaded seating area
Create a practical shaded seating area in your garden by zoning it off with wooden fencing.
Take inspiration from the garden pictured above and install a pole at each corner of your decking that you can then use to hang a canopy or fairy lights.
3. Use mixed materials
Choose a fence design that best suits your outdoor space. All wooden fencing is a classic look that will suit most traditional gardens. However, if you want to add a bit of an edge then mixing wood and metal will create a more contemporary look.
Tie your entire scheme together by opting for matching metal garden furniture.
4. Create raised decking
Having a raised decking area in your garden is a wonderful idea if you want to add different levels to your outdoor space.
The only issue with having a raised decking is that it can be a health and safety risk, this is why fencing is so important. There’s no need to install full-height fencing; waist height will do just fine.
5. Add lighting
Fencing isn’t the most attractive thing to look at in your garden but it’s one of the most practical elements. Style up your deck fencing with festoon fairy lights. They don’t just look great but they will add a sense of ambience to your decking area too.
6. Decking and fence colour ideas
If a natural wood finish doesn’t suit the style of your garden, think about painting it a different colour.
Black and grey are popular fence paint options for an on-trend outdoor space as they're still neutral, but feel more modern. Just make sure you buy exterior paint that’s suitable for outdoor use.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Pool deck privacy ideas
Pool fencing is not compulsory for private pools in the UK, as it is in many other countries. However, for peace of mind and to help prevent accidents, take a look at these ideas to find a style to suit your outdoor pool.
7. Incorporate seating
A swimming pool is a desirable asset and can totally transform an outdoor space. When it comes to deck fencing you want there to be a balance between safety and privacy but of course, you’ll want it to look nice, too.
A good idea is to incorporate seating into your fence like the pool area pictured above. This creates a seamless look, which is super practical too.
8. Opt for glass-panelled fencing
Popular with new build properties, glass-panelled fencing offers a stylish and contemporary look, especially for swimming pools.
However, the thing to consider with this is that it offers no privacy whatsoever. Therefore, if your garden is overlooked or you simply want to add a level of privacy to your swimming pool, this may not be the best option for you.
9. Go for metal fencing
Iron fencing is an alternative to wooden fencing and can offer a great visual contrast to wooden decking. However, one thing to consider is that it is prone to rust, which means you have to regularly maintain it to avoid this from happening.
The nature of iron fencing is that it presents lots of gaps. This isn’t ideal if having privacy is at the top of your priority list but it’s fantastic for letting lots of light through, so could be a solution for a smaller outdoor space.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Patio deck privacy ideas
If privacy is your main driver for installing deck fencing, you'll be pleased to know there are a number of ways to achieve it.
10. Bespoke fencing
When deciding on the fence for your decking area, rather than going ahead and buying standard fence panels from a DIY shop, talk to a local fencer.
You can discuss bespoke options that will make the most out of the space you have available as well as offering the level of privacy that you’re after.
11. Build a pergola
Pergolas are still a huge trend and for good reason! They have lots to offer a garden including character, style, privacy, shelter, and more.
They offer structure to a patio deck area and create the perfect balance between privacy and still feeling light and open.
There are plenty of different styles you can go for. Browse our pergola ideas for more inspiration.
12. Increase height with greenery
If you’re looking for deck privacy fence ideas but don’t have a huge budget to spend on deck fencing then consider keeping your existing fence and increasing the height using greenery.
Trailing plants are fabulous for cascading down your fence but for adding height you may want to plant some trees or bushes that will grow over time.
13. Choose horizontal fencing
The new look for fencing is horizontal slats. Rather than traditional fencing where wooden panels are aligned vertically, the modern way is to install them sideways.
This creates a stylish look that presents small gaps, so there is still light coming through to your decking area. Practical and chic - what's not to love?
Find a deck fencing installer near you
Have you decided on the right deck fencing for your outdoor space? Look no further than our leading directory to find quality, approved fencing specialists in your area.
Simply add your postcode to the box below to start your search.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
More Ideas
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job