Timeless Picket Fences for St. Louis Homes
Few fences say "home" quite like a picket fence. The evenly spaced pickets, the clean top line, the friendly half-open feel — it's the look that gives a front yard instant character. At St. Louis Fence Co., we design and install picket fences for homes across St. Louis City and County, and we build them to handle our humid summers, freeze-thaw winters and the occasional spring storm.
A picket fence is the rare fence that does its job while staying welcoming. It marks a clear boundary, helps keep kids and pets in the yard, and adds polish to your home's exterior — all without walling off your property the way a tall privacy fence does. That balance is exactly why pickets remain a favorite for front yards and street-facing sides.
Great for Front Yards and Historic St. Louis Neighborhoods
St. Louis has no shortage of older, character-rich neighborhoods — brick bungalows, century-old homes and tree-lined streets where a picket fence simply belongs. In these settings, a picket fence complements the architecture instead of competing with it, and it keeps sightlines open so your home stays the star of the curb. If your subdivision or historic district has guidelines on fence height, style or placement, we'll help you stay within them while still getting the look you want.
Because pickets are largely about curb appeal, they pair naturally with our broader residential fence installation work — front-yard pickets with privacy fencing in the back is one of the most popular combinations we build.
Wood vs. Vinyl Picket Fences
Picket fences come in two main flavors, and the right one depends on the look and upkeep you prefer.
Wood Pickets
The classic choice. Cedar and treated pine deliver that traditional, warm picket look and can be painted or stained any color you like — bright white, soft gray, natural wood tones and more. Wood pickets suit historic homes beautifully and can be repainted down the road to refresh the look. They do ask for periodic sealing or painting to stay their best. Explore the full range on our wood fencing page.
Vinyl Pickets
For homeowners who want the picket look with far less maintenance, vinyl picket fencing holds its color without painting or staining and wipes clean with a hose. It's a popular pick for busy households and for that always-fresh white-picket look that never needs a touch-up.
Height and Picket Spacing
Picket fences are typically shorter than privacy fences — three to four feet is the most common range for front yards, which is tall enough to define the space and keep pets contained while staying open and inviting. We'll also dial in the spacing between pickets: tighter gaps lend a more solid, finished appearance and help with smaller pets, while wider spacing feels airier and more traditional. During your free estimate we'll walk the yard, talk through height and spacing, and factor in any local or HOA limits.
🪚 Built to last in St. Louis weather
Our crews set posts in concrete at the right depth for our freeze-thaw soil, use proper hardware, and build with attention to drainage and grade — the details that decide whether a picket fence stays straight and square for years.
Decorative Picket Top Styles
The top of each picket is where a picket fence shows its personality. A few of the most popular profiles:
- Dog-ear — the corners are clipped at an angle for a soft, classic look that's a clean, affordable standard.
- Gothic — a pointed, slightly ornate top that adds a touch of period charm, especially on older and historic homes.
- Scalloped — the top rail dips between posts in a gentle curve for a friendly, decorative front-yard look (a convex or "rising" scallop is also possible).
- Flat-top & French gothic — straightforward or subtly detailed options when you want something simpler or a little fancier.
We'll show you samples and help you match a top style to your home's character.
Picket Fences and Gates
A picket fence isn't complete without a gate that matches. We build walk gates that echo your picket style, spacing and top profile so the entrance blends seamlessly into the run rather than looking like an afterthought. Gates are fitted with quality hinges and latches and hung to swing true and stay aligned — the part of a fence that gets used most should also be the part that holds up best.
What to Expect From Your Picket Fence Project
- A free on-site estimate where we measure, talk styles and spacing, and provide a transparent written quote
- Help locating property lines and navigating local fence permits or HOA requirements
- Professional, background-checked crews and a tidy job site
- Quality posts, hardware and lumber — we don't cut corners on what's underground
- A finished fence we stand behind
Picket Fencing FAQs
Most front-yard picket fences are three to four feet tall — high enough to define your yard and help contain pets while keeping the open, welcoming look pickets are known for. We'll recommend a height based on your goals and any local or HOA limits during your free estimate.
Wood pickets give you the classic, traditional look and can be painted or stained any color, but they need periodic upkeep. Vinyl pickets hold their color without painting and are very low maintenance. We'll walk you through both at your free estimate and recommend what fits your home and budget.
Popular options include dog-ear, gothic (pointed), scalloped, flat-top and French gothic. The top profile is what gives a picket fence much of its character, so we'll show you samples and help match a style to your home.
Many municipalities in St. Louis City and County require a fence permit, and subdivisions, HOAs or historic districts may have their own rules on height, style and placement. We help homeowners navigate permits and requirements so your project is done by the book.
Get Your Free Picket Fence Estimate
Ready to add some curb appeal with a new picket fence? Request a free estimate or call (314) 200-0529 — we'll come out, measure, and give you an honest quote with no pressure.