Last summer, my neighbor Joe asked me to help him paint his old, weathered wood fence.
Joe is color blind, so he asked me to pick out the color.
I thought a nice neutral beige would look classic and clean.
Boy was I wrong!
Once we started painting, I realized the “beige” paint looked more like a neon orange.
Joe’s fence stood out like a sore thumb on our street lined with muted, earthy colored homes.
Needless to say, we had to repaint the fence a more subtle hue before the neighborhood HOA issued a citation.
This experience taught me that picking out paint colors can be tricky business.
You really need to consider the surroundings.
An interesting fact about fence colors – studies show that light, bright colors make spaces appear larger and more open.
So if you have a small backyard, painting your fence white or a pale pastel can create the illusion of more space.
Always test your color choice on a small section first before committing to the whole fence.
Now, let’s get to the best paint colors for your Wood Fence:
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White
White is a classic color that always looks crisp and clean.
It enhances the texture of the wood while still letting the material shine through.
White makes a small yard appear larger too.
Just be prepared to touch up every few years as it can show dirt.
To get the brightest white, use an exterior paint with a hint of blue undertone which helps the white pop against greenery.
Behr’s White Metal is a great shade if you’re going for a bright white look.
For a softer vibe, try Benjamin Moore’s Simply White or Cloud White.
And don’t forget the trim!
Painting the fence posts and rails in a glossy white can look super sharp against a flat white on the fence boards.
A few pro tips – lightly sand before painting for best adherence, use a foam roller for a smooth finish, and paint in the shade on a dry day to avoid drips.
Black
Ooooh, how bold!
A black wood fence makes a dramatic statement and creates a chic, modern look.
It also hides imperfections well.
Just know that black absorbs heat, so can get hot to the touch on sunny days.
The deepest black paint colors have hints of purple or blue tones in them rather than straight up black pigment.
Try Behr’sTar Black or Valspar’s Raven Wing for a rich black hue.
Matte finishes hide imperfections in the wood best.
And don’t forget to paint the fence posts black too for a cohesive look!
Black is best for contemporary style homes and smaller garden areas, as it can feel imposing otherwise.
If full-on black feels too dark, try dark charcoal gray as a warmer alternative.
Gray
Gray is trendy and sophisticated.
It’s a neutral that provides an understated elegance, allowing your plants and flowers to really pop.
Gray disguises weathering and doesn’t show dirt easily.
It’s ultra versatile too – mix light and dark gray tones for a striped effect.
Cool grays with blue undertones look crisper, while warm grays with brown/taupe undertones blend in nicely with stone or wood siding.
Sherwin Williams’ Functional Gray is a popular blue-gray fence shade.
For a warm tone, check out Rustoleum’s Weathered Wood.
Make sure to use an opaque stain for the best coverage and protection on a wood fence.
Distressing techniques like rubbing white paint over the gray boards with sandpaper can give you a coastal weathered look too.
And try painting the fence posts a contrasting black for extra definition.
Dark Green
For a woodsy, natural aesthetic, go for a deep green shade.
Dark greens complement all plants and trees.
The color is relaxing and earthy.
Just make sure to use an exterior paint formulated for fences and decks.
For a wood fence, it’s best to use an opaque oil-based stain which will penetrate and protect the wood grain while allowing some of its natural pattern to show through.
Behr’sNoble Green is a great dark forest green.
For extra richness, try Valspar’s Ivy Wonderland.
No need to paint the fence posts if you want an ultra organic look.
But for definition, use a black stain or paint on the posts.
Make sure to apply evenly in the direction of the wood grain.
And use a sprayer rather than a brush for the most seamless coverage.
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Light Blue
Powder blue and robin’s egg blue are adorable on a wood fence.
These playful pastels feel beachy and summery.
Light blues make small spaces appear larger too.
Use it on a picket fence for serious cottage vibes.
Play around with different finishes too – a semi-gloss paint will give it a smooth candy coated look.
Try Behr’sStream Blue or Benjamin Moore’sSpring Sky for cheery robin’s egg hues.
Soft light blues complement white and gray homes beautifully.
For cottage style, paint your fence posts and gate in navy blue for contrast.
Use long smooth strokes and a small foam roller to get an even coat of light blue.
Paint your planter boxes and front door the same color for a completely cohesive look.
Navy Blue
How nautical!
A navy blue fence adds drama and sophistication.
The dark color makes a bold statement and provides an elegant contrast to gardens.
Use white trim for a crisp, clean accent.
Navy blue is classic and timeless.
Sherwin Williams’ Naval is a perfect rich tone without looking too inky.
For a weathered nautical vibe, try a wood stain like Behr’sDeep Sea.
Paint or stain your fence posts, planters and gates all in the same navy for a put-together look.
Navy pairs well with reds and yellows too for an all-American vibe.
Use long up and down brush strokes to apply the paint evenly.
Top tip – add an anti-slip grit additive if you’ll have kids or pets climbing on it!
Red
Feeling spicy?
A cherry red or fire engine red fence packs a visual punch.
Red attracts attention and livens up any outdoor space.
Use it on a home with neutral tones to really make it pop.
Red also gives a sense of strength and security.
For a wood fence, I’d recommend an opaque stain over paint to let the wood grain show through while protecting it.
Behr’s Canyon Red is a nice rusty red tone.
For a brighter pop, Sherwin Williams’ Fireweed is bold and vivid.
Use glossy paint on the posts for extra sheen.
Try pairing red with navy blue for an nautical New England vibe.
Use long horizontal brush strokes and apply in thin coats to avoid drips and sags on a vertical fence.
Yellow
Cheery sunshine yellow is such a happy color for a fence.
It creates a playful, friendly feel.
Yellow makes a small garden appear larger too.
For bonus points, paint your gate a contrasting blue for a cute cottage look.
For bright and uplifting curb appeal, Behr’s Sunflower is a perfect yellow paint color.
For a natural wood look, use a semi-transparent cedar-toned stain like Defy’s Amber Gold.
Yellow complements blue and green beautifully.
Paint your window boxes yellow too for a cheery coordinated look.
Use a small foam roller and do long horizontal strokes for a smooth even coat of yellow paint.
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Purple
Regal purple fences are an unexpected and fun splash of color.
Lavender tones are soothing, while bold eggplant makes a dramatic style statement.
Pair purple with green plants for a complementary palette.
Purples give off a magical, whimsical vibe.
For brightness, try Behr’s Lilac Chiffon for a pretty pastel purple picket fence.
Or go bold with Benjamin Moore’s Brushed Violet – a deep eggplant with blue undertones.
Use gloss paint on trim for an eye catching contrast.
Purple looks amazing next to yellow, pink or light blue homes.
Use a small angled paint brush to ensure crisp edges and corners.
Teal
For a punch of color that isn’t overpowering, try a blue-green teal fence shade.
Teal looks great with stone and brick homes.
Use white trim to really make the tone pop.
Teal is bold but more neutral than primary colors.
Valspar’s Waterfall is a vibrant blue-green hue perfect for a backyard paradise.
Try Behr’s Ocean Air for a more muted blue-green gray.
Paint your window boxes and front door teal too for a completely cohesive exterior.
Use teal with yellows, blues and greens for a tropical punch.
Apply teal paint with a small roller in long vertical strokes to avoid drips.
Turquoise
From Tiffany blue to aqua, a pop of turquoise makes your fence the focal point.
Use this punchy color with restraint – just on trim, accents, or the front fence section.
Turquoise looks fresh against white homes and enhances the sense of sunlight.
For something more exotic, try turquoise pickets with yellow trim and white posts.
Use 100% acrylic latex paint for better durability and coverage.
Expect to repaint turquoise every 2 years as the color fades fast.
Apply a UV and mildew resistant sealant yearly for protection.
For longevity, choose cedar or redwood wood over pine.
Turquoise fences suit beach, craftsman, and eclectic homes best.
Orange
Spicy!
A bright orange fence is bold and lively.
Citrus-y tones create a fun, casual backyard.
Orange also contrasts beautifully with blue and green flowers and plants.
Just don’t pick a neon shade, go for a muted terra cotta.
Rustoleum Sunbaked Clay is a great rich orange wood stain.
For a softer look, try Behr’s Canyon Earth.
Multiple coats and primer give the best color payoff.
Paint your planters and front door orange too for a coordinated punch.
Orange looks great with neutral colored homes and stone or brick facades.
Use a small foam roller for the smoothest coverage.
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Pink
A pink fence is super playful and feminine.
Blush pink is romantic and charming, while bold fuchsia makes a vibrant statement.
Use crisp white trim for a sweet cottage look.
Pink feels fresh and youthful.
Try Behr’s Petal Push for a soft pink paint color.
Or go bright with Sherman Williams’ Flamingo Pink for a punchy tropical vibe.
Use semigloss paint on the posts for an extra glossy pop.
Pink looks fabulous on white homes or against natural wood siding.
Use long smooth brush strokes and apply multiple thin coats of pink paint for the best coverage.
Coral
For a tropical vibe, opt for a coral fence.
This peachy-pink orange tone is cheerful and punchy.
Coral instantly transports you to a beach vacation.
It’s also gender neutral so works on any style home.
Benjamin Moore’s Peach Butter is a creamy muted coral shade.
For brighter oomph, go for Behr’s Hawaiian Paradise.
Coral looks great on craftsman style homes and surrounded by palms and hibiscus plants.
Use a small nap roller for a smooth application and paint in sections to avoid lap marks.
Forest Green
Deep forest green has a woodsy, natural look.
It blends in beautifully with trees and foliage.
Use a green fence to create a relaxing, zen backyard oasis.
The earthy tone feels peaceful and grounding.
For traditional wood fencing, use an opaque exterior wood stain like Behr’s Canyon Floor.
It will protect the cedar planks while allowing the wood grain to show through.
For privacy fencing, go for a solid green paint like Behr’s Night Forest.
Use small smooth brush strokes to paint each board evenly.
Forest green looks great with stonework, brick homes, and surrounded by nature landscapes.
Beige
As long as you pick the right undertone, beige is a safe bet for fences.
Stick to warmer beiges with a hint of brown rather than cool lavender beiges.
A creamy French vanilla or subdued tan work well on traditional homes.
For a modern spin, try oatmeal or mushroom colored beige.
Soft greige (gray-beige) is subtler than bright white.
Always test your beige against exterior siding and stonework to ensure it complements both.
Cool beiges can risk looking drab or dated.
Use satin or semi-gloss paint for better weatherproofing.
Expect to repaint every 3-4 years.
Prep wood by removing old flaking paint, then prime before painting beige for best coverage.
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Pink
A pink fence is super playful and feminine.
Blush pink is romantic and charming, while bold fuchsia makes a vibrant statement.
Use crisp white trim for a sweet cottage look.
Pink feels fresh and youthful.
Try Behr’s Petal Push for a soft pink paint color.
Or go bright with Sherman Williams’ Flamingo Pink for a punchy tropical vibe.
Use semigloss paint on the posts for an extra glossy pop.
Pink looks fabulous on white homes or against natural wood siding.
Use long smooth brush strokes and apply multiple thin coats of pink paint for the best coverage.
Mint Green
Mint green is such a fresh, inviting color for a fence.
It has a crisp, cool look that feels uplifting and peaceful.
Mint green suits country cottages perfectly.
Try Behr’s Pistachio Cream for a soft muted minty green shade.
Or go bolder with Benjamin Moore’s Grassy Meadow for a punchy pastel green.
Use gloss paint on the trim and posts for extra sheen.
Mint green pairs beautifully with yellow, blue and purple accents.
It’s a cheerful shade that isn’t overpowering.
Use a foam roller and long vertical strokes for easy application.
Lilac
Pretty and playful, lilac purple makes for a dreamy fence color.
It has a romantic vintage vibe.
Try Valspar’s Orchid Bloom for a soft muted lilac tone.
For extra vibrancy, go for Behr’s Full Bloom Lilac.
The pastel purple looks amazing next to a yellow or blue front door.
Lilac feels fresh and youthful.
Use primer first for full coverage.
Smooth on the paint using horizontal strokes.
Add wainscoting or white trim for dimension.
Sage Green
Earthy yet sophisticated, sage green has organic appeal.
It’s versatile enough for modern and traditional homes alike.
Try Behr’s Night Owl for a darker muted sage hue.
For brightness, go full-on avocado with Sherman Williams’ Guacamole!
Sage green looks cozy against natural wood and stone.
Use a foam roller and long smooth strokes to apply.
Add black window boxes for stark contrast.
Terracotta
For Mediterranean warmth, terracotta is a rich, vibrant orange tone for fences.
It feels earthy and casually elegant.
Try Behr’s Moroccan Spice for a muted rusty terracotta shade.
Or go bold with Rustoleum’s Terra Cotta for real pop.
Use a semi-gloss exterior paint for slight sheen.
Terracotta looks amazing next to azure blue and lemon yellow.
Use multiple thin coats for full coverage.
Olive Green
Another earthy green, olive makes for an unexpected fences hue.
It’s earthy and soothing with a chic sophistication.
Try Behr’s Prairie Moss for a muted olive tone.
Or go bold with Valspar’s Artichoke Dip – a bright punchy olive shade.
Pair olive with cream trim for contrast.
Use long vertical strokes and a foam roller to apply paint smoothly.
Wicker
Natural and beachy, wicker is a gorgeous light tan hue for fences.
It’s calming and blends easily into surroundings.
Try Valspar’s Driftwood for a soft muted tan shade.
Or go warmer with Behr’s Khaki Tan.
Wicker looks amazing next to navy blue and cedar wood tones.
Use an exterior stain to keep the wood grain visible.
Apply using horizontal brush strokes in the direction of the grain.
Brown
Deep chocolate browns like espresso or cocoa give fences modern appeal.
Lighter caramel and beige-browns feel more traditional.
Distressed browns work well on cottage style homes.
Use a color with gray, red, or orange undertones rather than straight brown for depth.
Match warm brown fences and trim to your home’s brick or stone.
Expect to repaint every 4-5 years depending on shade.
For contrast, paint posts and gates black or white against brown pickets.
Use an exterior acrylic or oil-based paint for longevity.
Brown fences enhance craftsman, traditional, and farmhouse style homes beautifully.
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Charcoal
Charcoal gray fence stain provides the drama of black without being quite so stark.
The dark color hides flaws yet still shows off wood’s natural texture.
Use on cedar, redwood, or pressure treated pine for best results.
Reapply charcoal stain every 3-4 years depending on wear.
Use a spray application for easiest covering of wood pickets.
Avoid painting latex over the stain.
Instead, strip and re-stain for a refresh.
The deep gray-black shade suits modern, industrial, traditional, or craftsman homes well.
For contrast, paint trim and posts white or tan.
Natural Stain
For a rustic, earthy aesthetic, use a natural, transparent stain in cedar or redwood tone.
This enhances the wood grain while allowing some graying over time.
The light finish feels outdoorsy and blends into nature well.
Use a thick oil-based formula made for exterior fences and decks.
Expect to reapply every 2-3 years depending on wear.
Prep wood by stripping old paint or stain first.
Work product into wood with a brush or rag for maximum penetration.
Use a sealant over the stain for extra water protection.
Natural wood fences suit ranch, farmhouse, or craftsman homes beautifully.
Top 15+ Wood Fence Colors Ranked
| Rank | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| White | 9.0 | Timeless, brightens yard, matches any style |
| Beige | 8.5 | Subtle, warm, complements stone and brick |
| Gray | 8.5 | Versatile neutral, hides flaws, modern |
| Black | 8.0 | Dramatic, sleek, contrasts gardens |
| Navy | 8.0 | Nautical vibe, versatile accent |
| Green | 7.5 | Complements nature, variety of hues |
| Blue | 7.5 | Pops without being loud, brightens yard |
| Red | 7.0 | Classic, barnyard feel, eye catching |
| Brown | 7.0 | Warm, traditional, matches stonework |
| Yellow | 7.0 | Cheery accent color, cottage charm |
| Purple | 6.5 | Regal, unexpected pop of color |
| Orange | 6.5 | Playful, bright accent tone |
| Turquoise | 6.5 | Beachy, inviting, modern flair |
| Pink | 6.0 | Feminine, romantic soft color |
| Charcoal | 6.0 | Modern, moody, woodsy |
| Natural | 6.0 | Rustic, outdoorsy, earthy |
