Wood Fence Trends in 2026: What’s popular in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
The Dallas-Fort Worth housing market continues its explosive growth, and homeowners are investing more than ever in outdoor living spaces that reflect both style and substance. As we move through 2026, wood fence trends have evolved far beyond the simple privacy barrier of years past, becoming a true design statement that balances aesthetics, functionality, and environmental consciousness. At DFW Fence Pro, we’ve installed hundreds of fences across the metroplex this year alone, giving us a front-row seat to the trends reshaping residential properties throughout the region.
What’s driving these changes goes deeper than simple aesthetics. North Texas homeowners are increasingly viewing their outdoor spaces as extensions of their living areas, demanding fence designs that complement modern architecture while standing up to our notorious weather swings. The result is a fascinating shift in materials, installation techniques, and design philosophies that’s transforming neighborhoods from Plano to Arlington.
The Horizontal Revolution Continues Its Reign
Horizontal wood fencing has cemented its position as the dominant trend throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and for good reason. This contemporary style creates clean, linear sight lines that pair beautifully with the modern farmhouse and transitional architecture styles dominating new construction across the metroplex. Unlike traditional vertical picket fences, horizontal installations create a sense of width and openness that makes smaller yards feel more expansive.
The appeal extends beyond looks. Horizontal fencing offers improved structural integrity when properly installed, with rails running the full length of fence sections rather than relying on individual pickets. We’re seeing homeowners particularly drawn to wider board profiles, typically six to eight inches, which create bold, confident statements while requiring fewer individual pieces and less maintenance over time.
Sustainable and Locally-Sourced Materials Take Center Stage
Environmental consciousness has moved from nice-to-have to must-have for North Texas homeowners in 2026. This shift has sparked tremendous interest in sustainably harvested cedar and thermally modified woods that offer the beauty of traditional lumber with significantly improved durability. These treated woods resist rot, insects, and moisture damage without relying on chemical preservatives, addressing both environmental concerns and the practical demands of our climate.
Eastern red cedar remains incredibly popular throughout DFW, and it’s not hard to understand why. This locally available species offers natural resistance to decay and insects while developing a gorgeous silver-gray patina over time. The wood’s aromatic properties provide the added bonus of naturally deterring pests, and its regional availability reduces transportation costs and environmental impact.
Mixed Materials Create Distinctive Visual Interest
Pure wood fencing is sharing the spotlight with creative mixed-material designs that incorporate metal posts, stone columns, or composite elements. These hybrid approaches allow homeowners to achieve unique aesthetic goals while maximizing the practical benefits of different materials. Steel posts powder-coated in complementary colors provide exceptional structural support while creating striking vertical accents against horizontal wood runs.
We’re particularly excited about the growing interest in wood fences with steel frames, which combine the warmth and natural beauty of timber with the longevity of metal infrastructure. This approach significantly extends fence lifespan while maintaining the organic aesthetic that makes wood such an enduring choice for residential properties.
Natural Finishes and Weathered Aesthetics Gain Ground
The ultra-maintained, perfectly stained fence is giving way to more relaxed, natural-looking finishes that celebrate wood’s organic character. Homeowners throughout the metroplex are increasingly choosing to let their cedar and redwood fences weather naturally, embracing the silvery patina that develops over time. This trend reflects a broader cultural shift toward authenticity and low-maintenance living.
When stains and sealers are used, we’re seeing preference for transparent and semi-transparent products that highlight wood grain rather than obscuring it. These treatments protect the wood while maintaining its natural texture and variation, creating fences that feel more connected to the landscape than imposed upon it.Your outdoor space deserves a fence that reflects both your personal style and the unique character of North Texas living. Whether you’re drawn to sleek horizontal designs, sustainable materials, or innovative mixed-media approaches, DFW Fence Pro brings the expertise and craftsmanship to bring your vision to life. Let’s talk about creating something beautiful together.