Top Privacy Fences to Make Your Backyard More Private
Key Points
- Variety of Privacy Fences: Privacy fences vary widely, including stockade, horizontal, lattice, and vinyl options, each offering distinct looks and functions.
- Personalized Aesthetics: Homeowners can tailor privacy fences by adding garden beds, vines, or latticework, enhancing both privacy and yard appearance.
- Durability and Maintenance: Choices like vinyl and composite wood ensure longevity and low maintenance, while natural options like wattle fences are less durable but unique.
One of the biggest reasons homeowners install a fence is for privacy, but some types of fencing aren’t suitable for this.
When privacy is needed, it is important to choose the right type of fence not only to block the view from the outside but to match the overall look and feel of the yard. Some of the possible options for a privacy fence include the following.
Stockade-Style Fences
The stockade-style fence is a wooden fence that is made by placing the boards side-by-side, so there are minimal to no gaps.
Typically, these fences are six feet or taller and designed to completely block the view from outside.
This is a great choice for homeowners who want something simple and less expensive, though the price can vary based on the wood used.
Before installing a new fence, take the time to choose the right wood or other materials for this fence to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Horizontal Wooden Fence
Wood fences don’t have to have vertical slats. Instead of placing the boards vertically, consider placing them horizontally.
They can still be placed together to make sure it’s not possible to see into the yard, but this can be a more interesting and modern look for the wooden fence.
Though wood is the traditional material used, composite wood-look boards can also be used to give the same look but to make the fence more durable and long-lasting.
Shadowbox Fence
Similar to the horizontal wooden fence, the boards for this type of fence run side to side.
The difference, though, is that half of the boards are on the front, and half are on the back of the fence posts, alternating as each one is placed.
Since they are placed on opposite sides of the fence posts, they can overlap quite a bit, so there are gaps between the boards, but it’s still not possible to see between them. Lightweight items like birdfeeders can be hung from the fence to enhance the look.
Lattice Fence
A lattice fence is made from a wooden fence with a lattice on top of it.
Though the lattice does let the view through, it typically is high enough that the fence is still considered a privacy fence.
On top of that, many people will opt to grow flowering vines on the lattice part of the fence.
This covers up the holes in the lattice, adding more privacy, and creates a unique and gorgeous look around the yard.
Vinyl Fences
Vinyl fences are a common option today, and there are many different types of vinyl fences available.
The standard look of a vinyl fence is similar to that of a basic wood fence, but the panels are secured together in each section, preventing anyone from seeing through the fence.
Various colors can be used, so it’s possible to create a unique look with this type of fence.
They’re incredibly easy to care for and will last longer than some other types of fences.
Wattle Fences
A wattle fence isn’t seen as much today, but it’s a fun way to create a fence and can be done by homeowners.
To make one, small posts are placed in the ground at regular intervals.
Then, sticks are woven between the posts, creating the fence. It is best to work with freshly cut sticks, as they will bend easier and then hold in place while they dry.
This isn’t going to be the most durable type of fence, but it can be fun to make and great for a temporary privacy fence.
Live Fencing with Hedges
Instead of building a fence, homeowners may want to create a living fence.
Shrubs or bushes placed around the yard will grow and fill in the space over time, creating privacy without having to install or care for a fence.
Though the shrubs will need to be trimmed, it’s possible to create a living fence that looks fantastic and keeps prying eyes out of the yard.
It is important to choose the right shrubs, though, as some will grow and fill in the space much faster than others.
Fence With Garden Beds
Want to add more color to the yard? Taller fences that add privacy can be built with garden beds attached.
Then, homeowners can pick out the perfect flowers to grow right along the fence, creating an amazing view and still keeping their yard as private as possible.
Depending on where the fence is located, the garden beds can be inside or outside of the yard.
Homeowners may want a few outside the yard, for instance, if the fence goes around the front yard where people will see it.
Stucco Fencing
Stucco fencing is perfect for certain styles of homes and will look like an extension of the home instead of something added on later.
In most cases, the stucco can be colored to match or complement the home, allowing for a unique look.
These fences can be tall enough to be privacy fences, and no one will be able to see through them to the yard.
They can also be created with an iron or similar fencing for the top half, with vining flowers to add more privacy.
Chain-Link Fencing
A chain-link fence isn’t likely what most people would consider for a privacy fence, but it can be.
Slats can be added to the chain links to cover up the holes and make it more private, or there are screens that can be added onto it to make it harder to see through.
It’s also possible to add vining flowers to create a beautiful fence surrounding the yard.
If you’d like to make sure your backyard is a private place to relax and enjoy the gorgeous view, there are a number of fences to choose from.
Consider how the fence should look, the colors that will be used, the plants that will grow near it, and more to find the perfect fence for your needs.
Work with the experts on the installation to make sure it’s done right and provides the privacy you need.
