A privacy fence defines the boundaries of your property and also discourages prying eyes and wandering feet, both human and animal. The purpose a privacy fence serves largely determines the materials used and the style of it. They can be constructed from various materials and textures including wood, rock, vinyl and fabric. The size of the space you want to make private plays a large part in what style of privacy fence you’ll want to build.
You may or may not need privacy fencing all around your property. To determine just where you want it and how much of it you will need, experiment by stretching old sheets or painter’s drop cloths to poles planted in weighted buckets or flowerpots. You can move these around the yard and play with different configurations for a pleasing arrangement. After all, nothing says that privacy fences must be built in a straight line. Try building alcoves along the fence line or curves.
Always check with your local zoning authorities before constructing a privacy fence. Some neighborhoods have height or material restrictions.
Wood
Wood privacy fences come in multiple styles and configurations. Different ways of layering and stacking boards changes the appearance and style of the fence. Six-foot high fence boards that are tightly settled vertically against each other offer not only privacy, but also wind and noise barriers. To make the fence even higher, if necessary, you can build it on top of a two-foot high block wall or add desired widths of lattice board to add height to top of the fence.
Basket weave fencing is made from lateral strips of wood and is crisscrossed or woven to make a design. Thicker boards create a rustic look while thin strips of woven boards present an Asian influence.
Rough-hewn and weathered posts are rustic and sturdy and the texture adds interest to an otherwise plain fence.
Cedar lattice panels attached to posts give privacy and while allowing air to flow through. Lattice also gives climbing plants something to cling to, adding green and texture to a flat surface.
Many styles of wood panels ranging in sizes from six to eight feet high and three to six feet wide can be purchased as home improvement or landscaping stores, making them easy to install for do-it- yourselfers.
Strips of vinyl can also be woven through the links of a plain a chain link fence is a practical and utilitarian alternative to more expensive types of fencing.
Metal
Metal fencing, while tall and strong, does not lend much visual privacy on its own. However, coupled with tall green plants and vines, metal fencing has design elements that make it appropriate for some homes.
Metal trellises interspaced throughout a yard will invite vegetation to climb and cover its openings, creating pockets of privacy and suppress noisy environments. Three trellises hinged together will make for restive alcove or secretive reading nook in large or open gardens.
Trees and evergreen bushes can soften the starkness of plain wood or vinyl fences. Strategically planted and mixed, they make natural and beautiful privacy screens by themselves. Using trees and bushes may also get around local zoning laws that regulate fencing heights and types.
Hedges are another natural barrier to inquisitive neighbors and suburban noises. Some hedges grow quite large, and again, may provide privacy where man-made materials may be prohibited. Flowering hedges that bloom seasonally provide color and fragrance. Using plants and hedges is eco-friendly and may be more cost effective than unnatural materials.
References used for this article include, Black and Decker Fence Building books, the Backyard Gardener: Fence Design, and my years of experience remodeling properties and making yards pretty.
