Fence Gap Filler Ideas, When installing a new fence or dealing with gaps in an existing one, you’ll need to find ways to fill in the spaces between each fence post. While you could just leave these gaps open, that leaves your yard vulnerable to trespassers and strays wandering through. Filling in fence gaps keeps your outdoor space secure and also provides the opportunity to add decorative accents.
There are many creative fence gap filler ideas to choose from. Consider what functional and aesthetic needs your yard has when deciding how to fill the spaces between each fence section. Here are some of the most popular fence gap filler ideas to secure, beautify, and customize your outdoor living area.
Utilize Lattice for a Traditional Look
One of the most classic fence gap filler options is to install a lattice. This timeless look provides both form and function. Lattice features a crisscross pattern that allows air and light to filter through while still blocking visibility and access.
Lattice fence panels come in both wood and vinyl. Wood provides a traditional, natural look but will require more maintenance to keep it looking its best over time. Vinyl is a lower maintenance option that won’t rot or warp. There are various colors available to match your existing fence or home exterior.
Install pre-made lattice panels between each fence post or buy lattice by the foot to create custom panels sized perfectly for each gap. Use weather-resistant zip ties, nails, or screws to attach the lattice firmly into place. A fresh coat of exterior paint or stain will help the lattice panels blend seamlessly with your fencing.
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Incorporate Trellis Sections for Greenery
Another aesthetic option for filling fence gaps is to use garden trellis sections. These structures provide the ideal form for climbing vines and plants to grow vertically. Filling fence gaps with a trellis allows you to incorporate more greenery and soften the look of the fence line.
Wooden garden trellis offers a classic choice but will need periodic sealing, paint, or stain to prevent rotting when exposed to outdoor conditions. For a lower maintenance option, look for vinyl or plastic trellises that approximate the look of real wood but won’t crack, splinter, or deteriorate.
There are many trellis designs to suit your taste. For a cottage garden look, try crossing lattice-style trellises. Or opt for panels with sections of decorative ironwork that vines can weave through. Fit the trellis pieces securely into each gap between fence posts before choosing climbing plants to adorn them. Great options include flowering vines like clematis, climbing roses, jasmine, and honeysuckle.
Use Decorative Ironwork as Accent Pieces
Another way to fill fence gaps while enhancing your outdoor space is by incorporating decorative ironwork pieces. These can serve as beautiful accents that complement both classic and contemporary home exteriors.
Ironwork designs can range from simple patterns to elaborate scrollwork and filigree. Use repeating motifs to create visual unity across all the fence sections. Or look for unique designs to use in each individual gap as distinct focal points.
Some popular ironwork fence gap filler ideas include:
Scrolling Medallions
Circular medallions featuring delicate scroll designs offer an instantly eye-catching accent. Positioning medallions in alternating gaps creates a gorgeous rhythmic effect.
Metal Wildlife Silhouettes
Fill gaps with beautiful ironwork cutouts in whimsical shapes like birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and other animals. These charming silhouettes bring artful style to your fence.
Architectural Elements
Add character with ironwork columns, arches, trellises, and other miniature architectural pieces as decorative gap fillers. Opt for a cohesive theme or collect an eclectic mix of designs.
The wonderful thing about ironwork pieces is they can be switched out to give your fence a whole new look each season. Find weather-resistant pieces that will hold up to the outdoor elements. Coat with a sealant or clear coat paint to prevent rusting and keep your accents looking their best.
Get Creative with Salvaged Finds and Upcycled Items
For a truly one-of-a-kind fence, fill gaps with repurposed salvaged and upcycled items. Come up with your own creative ideas or browse home decor sites like Pinterest to spark unique concepts.
Some fun ideas include displaying colored glass bottles, large seashells, or ceramic tiles. Old shutters, doors, and window frames also make novel accent pieces. Use varying shapes and textures to create an artistic mosaic effect across your fence line.
Shop vintage and antique stores to find cast-off items to repurpose into fence art. Old wrought iron gates, grates, spindles, and railings can find new life as fence gap fillers. With a bit of creativity, you can turn anything into an artful accent.
The key is looking for weather-resistant items that will hold up outside. You may need to seal, paint, or coat them to protect them from the elements. But the end result will be a joyful, one-of-a-kind fence filled with found treasures and keepsakes.
Add Privacy with Fence Screen Inserts
If your main goal is adding more privacy to your yard, another effective fence gap solution is to install screen panels. These solid inserts block visibility and noise while allowing air circulation.
For a natural look, wood or bamboo screen inserts blend in well with most fence materials. Or opt for decorative ironwork screens featuring detailed patterns. Corrugated metal and aluminum screens in various colors also provide an eye-catching texture.
Using the same style screen in each gap will give your fence line a cohesive, unified look. But you can also alternate different colors and materials to create visual interest. Mixing solid screen panels with trellis or ironwork accents combines privacy with decorative beauty.
Let Plants Do the Work for a Living Fence
For the most natural fence gap filler, turn your fence line into a living fence. Position plants and shrubs inside the gaps, allowing their branches to interweave and fill in the spaces. This creates a seamless hedge that blurs the boundaries of your yard.
Choose low-maintenance, drought-resistant bushes like boxwood, privet, or holly. Evergreens like arborvitae and cypress keep a living fence filled in year-round. Plant compact, dense varieties that will grow together to form an impenetrable barrier.
A living fence may take a year or two to fully fill in but is beautiful and eco-friendly. It provides food and habitat for birds and pollinators too. The plants will also help filter noise, dust, and views for added privacy and security.
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Get Creative with DIY Infill Ideas
With a little ingenuity, you can find endless possibilities for fence gap fillers. If you’re handy and like DIY projects, design your own custom infill pieces using materials like wood, wrought iron, terra cotta, stone, or concrete.
Or fill gaps with mosaics, marbles, sea glass, or pebbles in cement for colorful, artsy accents. Use wood slices, tree branches, or bamboo to make rustic inlays. The options are limited only by your imagination.
Creating your own fence gap fillers allows you to match the style and size of your fence precisely. Make neighbors green with envy over your inventive, one-of-a-kind fence infill ideas that reflect your personality and taste.
No matter which approach you choose, take time to properly measure each gap and customize pieces for a perfect fit. Use durable, weather-resistant materials that won’t warp or deteriorate quickly. And don’t forget to leave space for airflow and drainage so moisture doesn’t get trapped behind your fence.
With a little creativity and effort, you can turn the spaces between your fence posts into opportunities to add artistry, security, and style to your outdoor retreat. Fence gap fillers give boring chain link, wood, and metal fencing an infused dose of character and charm.
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