If you have ever watched Fences and wondered where this powerful story was brought to life, you are not alone. The film’s gritty, intimate setting is essential to its emotional weight, and many viewers want to know exactly where the cameras rolled. In this article, we explore the filming locations of Fences, unpack why the setting matters, and connect it all back to the real-world craft of fencing that gives the story its name.

The Short Answer: Fences Was Filmed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The 2016 film adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize–winning play Fences was filmed primarily in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This is no coincidence, since August Wilson was born and raised in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, the very neighborhood that inspired many of his plays. Director Denzel Washington chose to honor that legacy by shooting in the city where the story is set.

Production took place in 2016, and the filmmakers used real Pittsburgh locations to capture the authentic working-class atmosphere of the 1950s. The city’s row houses, narrow streets, and industrial backdrop gave the film a lived-in texture that a studio set could not easily replicate.

Key Pittsburgh Filming Locations

While much of Fences unfolds in and around the Maxson family’s backyard, several real neighborhoods and streets appear on screen. Here are the most notable locations associated with the production:

• The Hill District – The historic Pittsburgh neighborhood that serves as the story’s emotional and cultural heart, and the area August Wilson grew up in.
• Residential streets and row houses – Local homes and sidewalks were used to create the 1950s block where Troy and Rose Maxson live.
• Backyard and alley settings – The iconic half-built fence and the small yard were constructed and dressed to match the period details of the play.
• Local neighborhoods beyond the Hill District – Various Pittsburgh streets were dressed with period cars, signage, and props to complete the mid-century look.

It is worth noting that Fences is a very contained story, so the film does not rely on sweeping city vistas. Instead, it uses tight, intimate spaces—especially the backyard—to keep the focus on the characters and their relationships.

Why Pittsburgh Was the Perfect Choice for Fences

Pittsburgh is more than a convenient filming location; it is part of the DNA of Fences. August Wilson set most of his ten-play “Pittsburgh Cycle” in the Hill District, and the city’s history of steel mills, migration, and working-class resilience directly informs Troy Maxson’s story. Filming there allowed the actors and crew to work in the same streets that shaped the playwright’s imagination.

Denzel Washington, who both directed and starred in the film, has spoken about the importance of authenticity. Shooting in Pittsburgh helped the cast connect with the real environment rather than an artificial recreation. The result is a film that feels grounded, honest, and deeply tied to a specific place and time.

The Backyard Fence: A Central Symbol

The fence in Fences is far more than a prop—it is the story’s central metaphor. Troy’s slow, reluctant construction of the fence represents his struggle to define boundaries, protect his family, and confront his own failures. The backyard set had to feel real, worn, and believable, which is why the production paid close attention to the materials and construction of the fence itself.

For anyone who works with fencing in real life, this detail is a reminder that a fence is never just wood and nails. It carries meaning: security, separation, pride, and sometimes unresolved conflict. The film uses that symbolism brilliantly, and the Pittsburgh setting makes it feel all the more authentic.

Fences Filming Details: What We Know

Production on Fences moved quickly because the cast was already deeply familiar with the material. Denzel Washington had starred in a Broadway revival of the play alongside Viola Davis, and the film was shot in a relatively short window in 2016. The tight schedule and stage-trained cast helped preserve the play’s rhythm and language.

Here are some key production facts worth knowing:

1. Primary location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, including the Hill District.
2. Release year: 2016, with a limited release in December and a wider release in January 2017.
3. Director: Denzel Washington, who also starred as Troy Maxson.
4. Key cast: Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen Henderson, Jovan Adepo, Russell Hornsby, and Mykelti Williamson.
5. Source material: August Wilson’s 1983 play Fences, part of his Pittsburgh Cycle.

Because the film is dialogue-driven and largely set in a single home, the location work is subtle. Viewers may not immediately recognize Pittsburgh landmarks, but the city’s character is present in every exterior shot and every period detail.

Did They Film on a Soundstage?

Yes, portions of Fences were shot on constructed sets, particularly the interior of the Maxson home and the backyard. However, the production also used real Pittsburgh locations to establish the neighborhood and give the film a sense of place. This blend of practical locations and controlled sets is common in filmmaking, especially for stories that require period accuracy and tight scheduling.

The backyard set was designed to look like a genuine Pittsburgh yard, complete with the half-finished fence, weathered wood, and modest surroundings. This attention to detail helps the audience believe they are standing right there with Troy and Rose.

The Real-World Fencing Connection

While Fences is a work of fiction, it highlights something very real: fences shape our daily lives. They mark property lines, provide privacy, keep children and pets safe, and sometimes become symbols of the relationships inside a home. In the film, the fence is unfinished for much of the story, mirroring Troy’s incomplete efforts to protect and connect with his family.

If you are inspired by the film to think more seriously about your own fencing project, here are a few practical takeaways:

• Choose materials that suit your climate. Pittsburgh’s weather, like much of the Northeast, calls for durable wood, vinyl, or metal that can handle moisture and temperature swings.
• Plan for purpose. Decide whether your fence is for privacy, security, pet containment, or decoration, as each goal affects height, spacing, and material.
• Respect property lines. Always confirm boundaries and local regulations before installing a fence.
• Maintain it regularly. A well-maintained fence lasts longer and looks better, whether it is a simple backyard boundary or a decorative feature.

These real-world considerations echo the film’s theme: a fence is a commitment, and finishing it takes patience, effort, and care.

Why the Setting Makes Fences So Powerful

The Pittsburgh setting grounds Fences in a specific time and place, but its themes are universal. Troy Maxson’s struggles with work, family, race, and regret resonate far beyond the Hill District. By filming in the real city that inspired August Wilson, the filmmakers honored both the playwright and the community that shaped his voice.

The next time you watch Fences, pay attention to the small details: the worn steps, the narrow alley, the half-built fence in the yard. These elements are not just background—they are part of the storytelling. They remind us that our surroundings shape us, and that the fences we build, both literal and metaphorical, say a great deal about who we are.

Conclusion: A Pittsburgh Story Through and Through

Fences was filmed primarily in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with the Hill District serving as the story’s cultural and emotional anchor. The combination of real locations, carefully constructed sets, and a deeply committed cast gives the film its raw, intimate power. If you love the movie, the city of Pittsburgh is well worth exploring—and if you are planning a fence of your own, let the film inspire you to build something meaningful, sturdy, and complete.

Ready to start your own fencing project? Explore our guides, compare materials, and connect with trusted professionals who can help you build a fence that lasts for years to come.