These Decorative Garden Fence Ideas Will Add Privacy to Your Backyard Oasis (2023)

FAQs

How do I add privacy to my backyard fence? ›

Turn your backyard into a private retreat with strategically placed focal points, partitions, and cover. Thwart nosy neighbors by cleverly situating fast-growing plants, privacy trees, and cascading flowers. Mask unappealing sites with tall plants, airy upright structures, fences, and hedges.

What is the least expensive fencing? Chicken wire and hog wire with wooden supports are among the cheapest.

Privacy fence installation can cost between $12 to $50 per linear foot depending on materials and the height of the fence. Privacy fences offer backyards protection from the wandering eyes of neighboring properties.

Although fences and brick walls can do the trick, adding an extra divider, screen or plant barrier can block your neighbor's two-story view for good. To create your secret retreat, freestanding privacy screens, wood slat partitions and partially enclosed pergolas are effective (and nice to look at).

Vinyl fence is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for homeowners looking for a maintenance-free fence option. A long-lasting, easy-care alternative to wood, vinyl fence won't rot, warp, peel or splinter. Plus, you won't waste time and money on sanding, staining or painting every few years.

Treated pine tends to be the most affordable, and also durable wood option. Cedar tends to be a pricier wood for fencing, and redwood and teak are at the top end. Vinyl, wrought iron, brick or stone fences are the most expensive.

It's Vinyl. Long story short: Vinyl is hands down the material that is going to give you the most bang for your buck in terms of longevity. Vinyl fences can last over 30 years if they are properly maintained. And that maintenance doesn't actually require that much.

Wood fences are most likely to increase a home's value, but they need regular sealing or staining to preserve their structural integrity. With regular care, homeowners can prevent wooden fences from being destroyed by rot or termite infestation.

What is the easiest privacy fence to install? ›

But, a chain link fence is one of the easiest fencing materials to install yourself. Similar to the wrought iron fencing, chain link fences come in pre-made panels and you simply need to hook them up to the posts once they're installed.

Woven wire fences are the preferred design in rural areas, perfect for animal containment without making the farm look shabby. Horse owners also prefer to install woven wire fences as opposed to barbed wire as the big animals won't get tangled up and fall, resulting in injury.

Fence Laws In California: A Quick Overview

Under California's Building Code, you must obtain a permit before building a fence that will be over 6 feet tall unless the top 2 feet of the fence will be barbed wire. For a front yard fence, the maximum height is 42 inches.

Installing a Privacy Fence Can Protect You From the Elements. Besides protecting you from prying eyes of neighbors and passersby, a privacy fence can also shield you from the elements. Privacy fencing acts as a great windshield and can turn your yard into a sheltered oasis in gusty weather.

Erecting or adding to a fence, gate or wall

If your property is a flat you must apply for full planning permission. If your property is a house you must apply for householder planning permission. That is if any of the below apply: it would be over 1m high and next to a highway used by vehicles.

Another good way to blind your neighbor's security cameras is to plant a grouping of shrubs or grown trees that are tall enough to block off where the camera is aimed. Also, you can close the curtain or shade on the window to block security cameras.

Fencing for Privacy

The most simple solution and the start of any garden boundary is to install a fence for the surround. Not only will it protect your property from intruders, but you will also block out your neighbours' view directly from their garden into yours.

Steel screen

Steel is also a popular choice for fencing and cladding. This material is non-porous and water-resistant, thus making it an excellent choice for ensuring your privacy.

What can I put around my patio for privacy? ›

Build an Enclosure with a Pergola or Gazebo

Enclose your small patio, deck, or outdoor kitchen with durable backyard structures like a pergola or gazebo. Pergolas covered with climbing vines, outdoor curtains, or lattice panels can create privacy from your neighbors—in addition to being a backyard shade idea.

What are the fastest-growing trees for privacy? Hybrid poplar tops the list. It can grow upwards of five feet per year. The Leyland cypress, green giant arborvitae, and silver maple are all close seconds because they add about two feet to their height each year.

What is a neighbor-friendly fence? A neighbor-friendly fence, sometimes called a good neighbor fence, describes a fence style that looks the same on both sides. While traditional fences have a “good side” and a back side, a good neighbor fence provides both neighbors with an equal view.

Fence Installation Costs

Depending on the material you choose, fences cost $15 to $60 per linear foot installed — or $10 to $35 per linear foot for materials and $5 to $20 per linear foot for labor. If you're installing the fence in a particularly rocky or hilly area, labor costs may be higher.

PVC fencing. The cheapest way to create a fence for your home is by getting one made from PVC. Such fences substitute wooden pickets and stakes to offer your protection from the outside world. PVC sleeves improve the stability of wooden posts used as a fence, reducing the cost of material and the labor used.

A fence can increase value to your home by adding curb appeal if it enhances the visual appeal or some other aspect of your home, such as adding privacy. Significantly improving security may also add more value where break-ins are common.

Wood Fence

Wood fencing is by far the most popular of all fences. You can do so many fabulous looks, from traditional to modern, and the price is nice too. On the downside, wooden fences require maintenance.

Although fences and brick walls can do the trick, adding an extra divider, screen or plant barrier can block your neighbor's two-story view for good. To create your secret retreat, freestanding privacy screens, wood slat partitions and partially enclosed pergolas are effective (and nice to look at).

Can your neighbors watch you? ›

For the most part, your neighbor is legally allowed to have security cameras installed on their property, even if those cameras are aimed at your property. However, your neighbor does not have the right to record you or anyone else without consent in areas with reasonable expectation of privacy.

The simple answer is: yes, as long as you receive their express permission. Without your neighbour's permission, hanging plants, painting, or leaning something against their fence that causes damage can land you in trouble.