The most modern-looking fences are horizontal cedar and the FenceTrac metal-frame system, both built around clean, horizontal lines and a sleek, minimal look. Empire Fence builds modern fences for homeowners across Tulsa and northeast Oklahoma, so you can have the contemporary style and a fence built for our weather.
A few styles give you that modern look, each with its own character.
| Modern Fence | The Look | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal cedar | Clean horizontal boards, warm wood tone | A natural, architectural look |
| FenceTrac metal frame | Crisp lines, vinyl or composite infill | A sleek, low-maintenance finish |
| Ornamental steel | Slim black pickets, open and refined | A modern front yard or pool |
| Board on board | Full, clean face from both sides | A tidy take on a classic privacy fence |
We have built modern fences across northeast Oklahoma since 1955, and most qualifying new installations earn our Gold Seal Certificate of Excellence after a 31-point inspection.
Horizontal Cedar: The Modern Favorite
Turning the boards horizontal instantly updates a fence. Horizontal cedar trades the traditional vertical picket for clean, wide lines that read as architectural, while keeping the warmth of real wood. It pairs well with modern and mid-century homes, and we build it on steel posts so the long horizontal runs stay straight and true. See whether a horizontal fence is right for your property and our modern fence design ideas.
FenceTrac for a Sleek, Low-Maintenance Line
For the most contemporary look with the least upkeep, the FenceTrac system uses a powder-coated steel frame with clean infill panels, including UltraBlend Vinyl and composite. The result is a crisp, minimal fence with no visible hardware and no staining to keep up. It is our pick when you want modern lines and a fence that holds its look for years. To compare it with vinyl, see whether vinyl or PVC fences are a good choice.
Ornamental Steel and Clean Wood Styles
A modern look does not have to mean a solid wall. Ameristar ornamental steel gives a slim, open, black-picket line that suits a modern front yard or pool. And if you want privacy with a tidy face, a board-on-board cedar fence reads cleaner than a standard dog-ear and looks finished from both sides. Our privacy fence style guide shows the options side by side.
Keeping a Modern Fence Looking Sharp
Clean lines only look modern when they stay straight, which is where the build matters. We set posts in concrete and use steel posts on long horizontal runs so the fence does not sag or lean over time, as covered in how to keep a wood fence from leaning. For the lowest upkeep, the metal options hold their look with almost no maintenance, as our best low-maintenance fence guide explains. For more ideas, see our backyard fence ideas.
Related Questions
Modern fence questions from Tulsa homeowners.
Is a horizontal fence more expensive than a vertical one?
Usually a little, because the horizontal style takes more material and careful framing to keep the long lines straight. We build it on steel posts so it stays true, which is part of the value.
What is the most modern low-maintenance fence?
The FenceTrac metal-frame system, with its powder-coated steel frame and clean infill, gives the most modern look with the least upkeep. Ornamental steel is a close second.
Can a privacy fence look modern?
Yes. Horizontal cedar and board-on-board both give full privacy with a clean, contemporary face. FenceTrac with vinyl infill is the sleekest private option.
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