Front yard fences have come a long way in recent years, and with today's innovative building materials they can operate as more than just security for your outdoor living space. With a unique style or decorative finish, front yard fences can do a lot for your home when it comes to adding privacy and enhancing aesthetic appeal.

But does a fence add value to a home?

According to a recent report published in The Wall Street Journal, “attractiveness of a home can boost its value by 7 percent.” Since front yard fences affect the way your home is seen and set an important first impression, they can help create a welcoming exterior and increase your property value in return.

So, how can you make your front yard more private in a way that pays off? Take a look at two of today's top fence looks that are sure to inspire and elevate your landscape design and overall curb appeal.

Highlight Your Landscape with a Minimalist Fence

Minimalism is about prioritizing the core function of a product and avoiding excess ornamentation to achieve a pure form of elegance -it's a design aesthetic that's easy to get behind. Ever notice how front yard fences with clean lines seem to effortlessly highlight the landscape design? A simple, sleek aluminum fence can recede into foliage and create an approachable entry while keeping dogs and children from running out into the street. Today's offerings provide strength, security and functionality without hindering your home's minimalist aesthetic, which can do wonders for your property value.

Fuse Strength and Beauty with the Sophistication of Steel   

First brought to America from England during the colonial era, wrought iron fences guarded only the finest estates, offering passersby glances of gardens and neoclassical manors. Today, picket and rail galvanized steel fencing options are a low-maintenance alternative. Unlike wrought iron, select manufacturers protect their offerings with an architectural-grade coating. With this level of protection, a steel front yard fence system can withstand the long-term effects of weathering and look great for years to come.  With the colonial look of steel, you can add a touch of elegant order to the variegated space of your front yard. What’s more, steel is often compatible with decorative elements such as finials, knuckles, ball caps and rings to complement a variety of home styles.

Ready to improve the look of your front yard?                                                                       

If you’re looking for more front yard inspiration, check out the Fortress® Fencing image gallery.