How to Decorate a Wood Fence
A plain wooden fence doesn't have to stay that way. With the advent of outdoor rooms, more people are looking for ways to decorate a fence. The possibilities range from elaborate fine-art paintings to terra cotta reliefs. A decorated fence can add a homey feeling, even in your back yard. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Spiral notebook
- Sketch pad
- Pencils
- Measuring tape
- Hammer
- Nails
- Masking tape
- Markers
- Paint
- Brushes and rollers
- Stencils
Instructions
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Tips to Decorate Your Fence
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Consider what you already have in the yard around the fence. You don't want your decorating motif to clash with any landscaping, decks or outdoor decorating already in place.
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2
Determine how much of your fence you want to have decorated, and then measure that area.
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3
Dream up decorating ideas. Great outdoor themes include sun and moon motifs; Asian gardens, including hanging lanterns; or fish and sea life for a fence by a pool. These ideas belong in your spiral notebook. Be sure to include must-have pieces, such as a wall fountain, sundials or fence lights.
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4
Go shopping for the supplies and decorations for your fence gallery. Buy all the pieces you can from your list. However, if you don't find everything you're looking for, you can always substitute pieces that fit thematically.
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Assess the pieces you were able to purchase and then sketch out the layout of your outdoor gallery based on those pieces. Consider compositional elements, and record tentative measurements. Sketch any stencil designs, too.
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Use sandpaper to remove any rough spots on the fence, and then wash the fence. Let it dry overnight.
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Paint the fence according to your plan. Do the stencils in this step, too. Let dry.
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Measure the fence according to the specifications on your sketch. Make sure each piece will fit, and adjust as needed.
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Use the masking tape to mark the places on the fence where the nails will go. Refer to your sketch as you write the name of each piece on the tape.
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Place the nails over the tape markers. For weighty pieces, use several nails or even heavy wire.
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Hang your gallery. The pieces of labeled tape and your sketch will act as guides.
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Place any decorations that will go on the ground in front of the fence. This could include lighting or a centerpiece fountain.
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Tips & Warnings
If you aim for the exotic, such as an Asian garden, many stores carry an array of outdoor decorations.
Make sure the pieces are securely fastened to the fence. Any blow to the fence from the other side could cause pieces to fall to the ground and break. Whatever pieces you choose also should be able to withstand the elements.
