Your front fence is one of the first things people notice, and it can completely change how your home looks from the street. Melton has a wide range of home styles, from charming cottages to modern builds and large semi-rural properties, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for every type. Some front yards need a stronger street presence, while others benefit from added privacy or a design that complements the home’s exterior. No matter the purpose, the right front fence can make a lasting impact, and these 8 ideas work beautifully for Melton homes.
Timber Picket Fencing
There’s a reason why timber picket fences are still popular. This is just one of several timber fence styles commonly used in front yards, especially for homes that aim to feel warm, welcoming, and well-presented. Melton’s older neighbourhoods or properties near the town centre are a perfect match for this style, especially if you have a heritage home. Picket fences help create a friendly, lived-in feel while defining your boundary without blocking the view.
You can go classic with a white painted finish or choose a colour that matches your front door. For something a little different, opt for shaped pickets or add a matching gate for extra character. While it will require occasional repainting or sealing, they’re a relatively budget-friendly way to boost street appeal.
Colorbond Fence with Slats
Colorbond fencing is a reliable favourite across Melton. It’s tough, low-maintenance, and available in a range of colours that pair well with modern and classic facades. If you want something more stylish than a solid steel panel, adding fence extensions, also known as a breezeway, or slatted toppers can help customise the look. They help break up the solid appearance, improve airflow, and give your fence a more open, designer feel, especially when viewed from the street. It’s a practical option that balances security with style and works well for front fences where a full-height Colorbond wall might feel too harsh.
Horizontal Slat Fencing
If you’re after a modern look with plenty of flexibility, horizontal slat fencing is a standout choice. Whether you go with powder-coated aluminium for a low-maintenance finish or timber for natural warmth, this style suits many newer builds and architect-designed homes.
One of the biggest benefits is how it balances privacy and openness. The gaps between the slats can be adjusted, so you can choose wide spacing to allow more airflow or narrow gaps for better screening. Aluminium slat fencing is particularly popular thanks to its weather resistance and range of colour options, while timber works well if you want to soften a bold facade with natural tones of timber or tie it in with landscaping.
Rendered Block Walls
For a more premium and polished look that also delivers on privacy and durability, a rendered block wall is hard to beat. These solid structures are ideal for homeowners who want to create a strong visual statement.
Rendered walls work particularly well with modern or minimalist home designs as they offer a smooth, clean finish that can be painted to match your facade. You can keep the design simple or add features like capping stones, recessed lighting, or decorative inserts for extra visual interest.
While this style is more expensive than other fencing options, it offers long-term value through its durability, low maintenance, and ability to instantly elevate the look of your yard.
Post and Rail Fencing
If your property is on the outskirts of Melton or sits on a larger block, post and rail fencing is a great way to define your boundary without closing it in. This open, country style is commonly seen on semi-rural properties and acreages, but it can also work beautifully in more suburban areas paired with thoughtful landscaping.
Typically built with hardwood timber or treated pine, this fence style has a relaxed, country feel. It’s perfect for showcasing native gardens, wide driveways, or rural views, and it’s an excellent option if you want a fence that blends into the landscape rather than dominating it. You can also combine it with wire mesh or hedging for added function, especially if you have pets or want more enclosure without losing the open look.
Modular Walls with Decorative Toppers
Photo courtesy of: https://modularwalls.com.au/gallery/
Modular walls are a smart solution for homeowners who want the look of a solid masonry fence without the higher price tag. Made from lightweight yet durable materials, they offer excellent sound insulation and privacy, ideal for front yards facing busy roads or close-set neighbours and urban pockets. Modular walls add a polished, high-end look without the high price tag of a full masonry wall. They’re also quick to install and can be finished with render or paint to match your home’s exterior. Brands like ModularWalls offer systems specifically designed for front boundaries, with styles that perform well and help your home make a strong and stylish first impression.
To personalise the design, many homeowners choose to add decorative toppers, such as timber or aluminium slats, laser-cut screens, or even vertical gardens. These features give the wall a lighter, more welcoming appearance while still maintaining privacy and height.
Living Fences
If you want your front boundary to feel softer, greener, and more integrated with your landscaping, a living fence is a beautiful choice. Using hedges, screening plants, or climbing vines on a trellis, you can create a natural barrier that adds texture and seasonal interest to your front yard. This style works well for homeowners who enjoy tending to their outdoor space.
Popular options include Lilly Pilly for dense, fast-growing privacy, or star jasmine or bougainvillea if you prefer a climbing look with flowers. For low-maintenance planting, consider native hedges that suit the local climate. Just keep in mind that living fences require pruning and time to fill in, but if you’re happy to wait, they offer a unique blend of beauty and function that hard materials can’t match. You can check out the Melton City Council’s list of nurseries where you can purchase locally appropriate native plants.
Mixed Material Fencing
Mixed material fencing is perfect if you want something a little different or a fence that reflects your style and adds personality to your frontage. By combining two or more materials, you can create a practical and eye-catching design with the added benefit of tying into other features of your home.
Many homes with modern facades already use a mix of textures, like render, timber cladding, brickwork, or steel, so continuing that blend into your front fence creates a more cohesive look. For example, you might combine wooden posts with colorbound panels, or set aluminium infills between brick piers for contrast and structure.
This approach also gives you more control over cost and maintenance. You can highlight natural materials where they’ll be most visible, while using low-maintenance materials in exposed areas. It’s a great way to create a front fence that feels custom-built for your home.
Finding the Best Front Fence for Your Home in Melton
There’s no single best front fence that applies to all homes in Melton. It all comes down to your home’s style, the layout of your block, and what you want your fence to achieve. Some homeowners want something eye-catching, others prioritise privacy or function. With such a wide mix of property types throughout the area, it’s worth taking time to explore what suits your space. Whether you’re drawn to classic pickets, practical modular walls, or a custom blend of materials, each option has its strengths and appeal.
Need help deciding? Our local fencing experts understand what makes a great front fence. From navigating street frontage to recommending materials that suit your home, we’ll help you find a solution that suits your home and fits your goals. Get in touch today for expert advice and a free onsite quote!
