For homeowners who are investing in their outdoor spaces, a custom fence can do more than define a property line—it can set the tone for the entire space. In this recent Portland project, a client came to Cascade Fence & Deck with a clear design in mind: a modern, private backyard with a high-end look, built for entertaining.
The Project: A Fence That Fits the Vision
“The original photo she sent was probably a Pinterest thing… pretty much this exact fence, but she wanted a continuous top cap.”
The homeowner wanted something modern and clean. The design wasn’t based on one of our standard styles, so we helped her build a fully custom fence. It was similar to our McKinley style but adjusted to fit her specific preferences—mainly a flat, unbroken top cap and a more finished, framed look.
“We framed it out with black posts and black top and bottom rail… it looks like a picture frame.”
Materials and Build Approach
The design used a combination of prestained cedar pickets and black aluminum framing, which is not typical for fencing but worked well to get the clean contrast the client wanted.
“The aluminum material is actually a deck railing component… alumma rail—200 series top rail and 100 series bottom rail.”
This solution let us keep the clean look she was after, while still meeting structural needs. The components were carefully tested to make sure everything would fit within the 2-3/8” post dimensions, so nothing stuck out beyond the frame.
Designed for Privacy and Aesthetics
“She wants to be able to entertain… make it feel like they’re not at somebody’s house, but more like a venue or hotel.”
The fence wasn’t just for privacy—it was part of a larger backyard transformation that included putting greens, a retaining wall, and landscaping. The homeowner was focused on making the space feel open, modern, and built for hosting.
The fence was installed on top of a retaining wall, which required custom post bases. This isn’t a standard method, but it worked well and kept the install clean and consistent across the property line.
Custom Gates and Layout
“We basically built the gates like a section of the fence… same materials, same proportions.”
To keep the gates consistent with the fence, we used custom-welded frames scaled down to allow for aluminum trim. This helped the gates blend in rather than stand out, matching the customer’s design intent.
Managing Expectations
“She was going for no gaps—zero gaps. That was the biggest sticking point.”
One of the more challenging parts of the project was managing expectations around picket spacing. While the design called for tight spacing, the natural shape of cedar boards means there will always be small variations.
“Cedar pickets aren’t ever perfectly straight… you’re going to end up with some variance, usually no more than an eighth of an inch.”
After explaining this and showing that the installation met the design intent, the homeowner was happy with the result and continued working with us.
Final Result and Customer Feedback
“She said the fence looks great. She’s already looking to add on to more of it… and she brought baked goods for the entire office.”
Despite some mid-project concerns, the client was happy with the outcome and is now planning additional work with Cascade—including a deck project.
Why Custom Fencing Matters
A custom fence allows homeowners to match their exact style, improve property value, and make the most of their outdoor space. For this homeowner, the fence wasn’t just about privacy—it was a central part of how the space looked and felt.
“It’s not a functional fence… it’s strictly for looks. But with that style of house, it looks like it’s always been there.”
Ready to Plan Your Custom Fence?
If you’re designing a backyard with specific goals or a unique aesthetic in mind, our team can help build a custom fence that fits your space, your needs, and your timeline.
