What Is a Privacy Fence?
Before knowing about privacy fences you should know what a fence is.
A fence is a barrier that is usually constructed on the boundary line of a yard for purposes like privacy, stopping intruders from entering the house, Fences can be of many types like concrete fencing, chain wire fencing, picket fencing, haha fencing, electric fencing, site fencing, metal fencing, timber fencing, etc.
When everyone is concerned about his privacy relating to personal life, bank privacy, and all the other things, how come one is not conscious of the privacy of his house and yard. For this purpose, only the privacy fence is built.
Privacy fencing is the type of fencing which is constructed for privacy reasons, keeping in mind the privacy of the homeowner. A fence that is made to give privacy and protection from intruders or the eyes of neighbors.
Privacy fences are constructed at the boundary line of a plot. A fence will be called a privacy fence if it blocks the way to come in from any way rather than the gate and protects from green-eyed people.
Privacy fences are constructed long, thick, high, and impenetrable. They are made of sturdy and durable materials like concrete, brick wall, timber, and even wood that can be used in constructing a privacy fence.
The cost of constructing a privacy fence around a house depends on many factors. One of these major factors is the perimeter of the plot. The cost of making a fence varies directly proportional to the perimeter. That means the more the perimeter is, the more costly it will be.
Another factor that determines the cost largely is the material used. According to the cost of the material, the cost of a fence will be. For example, wood is cheaper than concrete so a fence that is made of wooden boards will be cheaper than a fence made of concrete.
In terms of materials, in today’s modern world there is a large list. Materials like wood and concrete can be used but also materials like recycled plastic and so many other things can be used that are durable as well as cheaper.
And also they fulfill the need of the constructor that is giving good quality privacy. Normally, a privacy fence is built higher than a human so it can block the view of the inside. The height ranges from 4 feet to 6 feet.
What Is a Privacy Fence Made Of ?
Privacy fences are made of materials that can provide isolation from the outside allowing no view to neighbors. Wood is a great material for this.
Wood allows the homeowner to build the fence very fast. Wood is cheaper and easy to move. Wooden fences provide everything that a homeowner desires from a fence at the boundary of the house. Like privacy and protection.
Composite plastic is a very much used material for making privacy fences in today’s modern world. Composite fences are decorative and appealing and can provide a sense of privacy allowing no view of the yard and house outside.
PVC or polyvinyl chloride is a great option to use as a material to build fences for privacy. PVC fences are less expensive and more durable.
Sheets of corrugated tin can be used in making privacy fences too. Tin if bought of good quality gives a stunning look and completely blocks the view of the inside fulfilling the need for a privacy fence.
Chain fences can be used for privacy fencing. With chain fences, sheets of plastic or some other materials are used to fulfill the need for privacy as chain fences do not block the view. It is advisable to use plastic sheets along with chain fences.
Bamboo is a largely used cheap material for fencing and in the case of privacy, fencing bamboo does well. Bamboo is easy to handle, cheap to buy, and easily replaceable.
While giving all the advantages of a privacy fence, bamboo fences look cool too. Countries like Japan and China are famous for using bamboo largely.
Stone or brick can be used as a material for building fences for privacy purposes. Using brick makes the fence impenetrable and it blocks the view entirely.
Sometimes large bush-type trees that make a thick barrier are used inside the wall. The bush blocks the view from above while the fence blocks from entering the territory of the house.
Types of Privacy Fences
1. Picket Fences
Picket fences are very traditional in the aspect of looks. When one thinks about fences it is most likely picket fences that will come into his head.
The height of picket fences is not as high as any other fences. It can block a little view of the outside but provides full isolation not letting any child or animal come inside the boundary and keeps your garden safe.
Picket fences if used for privacy purposes it is advised to use with shrubs. Shrubs can block the view and give an Isolation to the yard and planting shrubs is very easy. It just requires perfect watering and care to grow. They are usually made of wood and colored with white color.
Picket fences are the most suitable in properties near the sea beach but in urban areas, picket fences can blend in too. Maintaining picket fences is very easy.
2. Wooden Fences
Wood is a much-used material for the construction of fences. Wooden fences are very lightweight. It is easily available and very easy to install. Wooden fences give the yard a classic look. And wood fences have vast options for designs. The homeowner can choose according to his needs.
Wood fences are compatible in both rural and semi-urban areas. But in humid areas, wood fences are inclined to last not so long and need regular maintenance.
Wood fences also do not last long because of termites. So before making a wood fence the woods need to be taken proper precautions. There are many insecticides available on the market for saving wood from termites. The insecticides needed to be used before installing the wooden fence.
Woods like pine, cedar, and redwood are largely used for wood fences in the regions they are available. But if not available then other woods can be used too. Recycled pallets can be used too but using recycled pallets is not as common as other materials.
Wooden fences can be of many types. A wooden panel should be made first. The panel holds the woods that are used to make the fence. Rails and pickets can be attached to the panels.
The shape of the top of wooden fences can be different. The top can be round, flat, or even triangular. Painting wooden fences is another good advantage.
The wood can be painted in any color. The paint will not only give a stunning look to the outward impression but also save the fence from harsh weather like sun or rain. Wooden fences need regular maintenance. Wooden fences should be painted every year.
3. Composite Fences
In the modern-day world composite fencing has obtained considerable attention in many parts of the globe. The reason behind this attention is so simple and attractive.
While wooden fences tend to rot and damage providing a very short period of service and metal fenc es tend to get rusted so easily and need regular maintenance, composite fences work in both cases very well.
Composite fences do not rot and do not get rusted either giving a long period of service and they require no to very low maintenance.
This is why composite fences have become a choice for homeowners, especially those who want a fence for privacy and do not want to spend so much on fencing, and also want to give a beautiful look to the outside.
Composite fences are made of recycled plastic. Woods are mixed with plastic and undergo a recycling process that makes a mixture of which we are talking. Natural wood is used in this process. The result of combining wood and plastic is amazing.
The nature of plastic gives sturdiness and the natural wood gives a look that is so authentic. The plastic also adds incredible strength and makes the fence long-lasting.
In composite fencing, less amount of wood is used and the wood which is used is also recycled. That results in cutting fewer trees. Also, the plastic used is recycled plastic.
And everyone knows that recycling wood is a need of the hour. So besides giving long durability, using composite fences play a role in the betterment of nature as well.
The installation of composite fences is easy and requires less amount of time as well as labor. Composite fences require very little maintenances and are unlikely to have a crack in the fence.
4. PVC Fencing
Polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC, is becoming popular day by day, and the reason behind it is very obvious. Pvc is a durable and lightweight material.
It takes less time to install and requires less maintenance. That’s the reason composite fencing is becoming more preferred day by day over wood fences. Pvc fencing for privacy is a perfect choice. Pvc fencing is impenetrable. Installing a PVC fence blocks the view inside and gives a sense of privacy.
Installing a PVC fence has so many advantages over other fences. Vinyl chloride will not rot or get rust on it, vinyl chloride requires a very low level of maintenance. Vinyl-made fences can be cleaned easily.
Extreme hot or extremely cold weather is not suitable for vinyl chloride and so it is advised not to use vinyl fences in extreme weather regions.
The cost of a vinyl privacy fence varies on many factors. Size, height, and thickness are such factors. The initial cost to install is a little expensive.
But the durability and less maintenance say it is worth it. The lattice effect on the vinyl fence makes the fence look very cool. The lattice can be of different shapes.
5. Corrugated Metal Fencing
Corrugated metal sheets can also be used for making privacy fences. Corrugated metal fences are more durable than vinyl fences. While vinyl fences last 20 to 25 years, corrugated fences can last for almost 50 years.
Corrugated metal fencing is cheap, it is lightweight, and very easy to install. Corrugated metal fences are more durable than vinyl and wood fences. Corrugated metal is suitable for all kinds of weather. Extreme hot or extreme cold corrugated metal tends to do so much better than other fences.
Corrugated fences need less care than wood fences and corrugated metal is more durable than vinyl. So if one wants both durability and longevity then he should consider corrugated metal fences.
Corrugated metal does not rot, termites can not harm the corrugated fence and corrugated metal is rustproof. A corrugated metal fence is unique and it is different from other materials. Corrugated metal stands differently and it makes the home stand out from the rest of the house.
It gives perfect privacy allowing no peeking or intruding into the territory. If you want to enjoy your garden and keep the garden safe from the eyes of the neighbor then using corrugated metal for fencing is the right choice.
Corrugated metal sheets are available in a variety of colors and designs. There is a large scope in choosing the perfect design or color for fencing if the corrugated metal is considered.
A corrugated fence can be used along with wood beams. A-frame is made using wood at first and then corrugated metal sheets are attached to it. Then the structure can be placed in the desired place.
6. Chain Link Privacy Fence
A chain-link fence can also be used as a privacy fence if it is made along with plastic slats in it. While a chain link fence gives security and blocks people or animals from trespassing into the area it does not block the view from inside.
People can not come into the boundary but they can see what is inside the yard. That reduces the desired privacy.
So for this problem, the simple solution is waving plastic slats between the chain links. Privacy slats come in a variety of colors and the range of cost is not so vast. Plastic slats are cheap and durable. They can block the view and enclose the area securely.
Chain link fences along with plastic slats waved in them are durable and suitable for all weather conditions. Maintaining the chain link fence is very easy and less time taking.Chain link fences are a little different in looks.
7. Bamboo Fencing
Using bamboo for privacy fencing is a brilliant idea. Bamboo is cheap and durable, more durable than wood, and easy to install. Bamboo fences last significantly longer than wood fences and can withstand harsh weather conditions that wood fences can not.
Bamboo is easily available and it takes less time to grow bamboo than a tree. So using bamboo leads to cutting less amount of trees and this is good for the environment.
Bamboo panels can be waterproofed easily. For waterproofing, the sealant is applied to the bamboo panels and then dried. The best way to waterproof bamboo is by coating two layers on it.
Bamboo fences if maintenance is done regularly, can last so long. And maintaining a bamboo fence is quite easy. Wood protectant is to be applied to the panels and then cleaned. The coating should be done right after the installation process. Coating a bamboo fence saves from UV rays, rain, etc.
Bamboo fence panels are available on most online shopping sites. Bamboo fence panels come in rolled sheets. The bamboo panel should be rolled out first and then attached to the fence.
8. Stone or Brick Privacy Fences
Fences made of brick or stone add the most possible level of privacy to a house. A house surrounded by a high wall made of brick not only gives privacy to neighbors but also blocks noise from outside and gives proper isolation.
Fences made of brick are usually 5 to 7 feet high and the thickness can range from 7 inches to 15 inches.
Constructing a fence made of brick is expensive undoubtedly but the expenses are worth it. They last more than any other material. Brick or stone fences can be very appealing they can reflect a classic look and charm.
Constructing a privacy fence made of stone or brick takes time. Along with brick or stone, many other materials are used in making a brick privacy fence like cement.
Sometimes sharp nails or sharp glass pieces are placed on the top of a wall to stop people from climbing the fence adding security furthermore.
Brick fences are suitable for any kind of weather whether it is too icy cold or too hot. They can be seen all over the globe. For making brick fences professional advice must be taken.
9. Vertical Garden Privacy Fence
The vertical garden is an idea you have probably heard of. Another name for a vertical garden is the living wall which means a wall that has life in it.
First, a typical fence is built across the boundary line. While building the fences, window-shaped boxes are added to them. Beautiful plants are placed on the boxes and from the slats, flower pots are hung. This is called a vertical garden.
The vertical garden is like a feather in the cap of the house. It makes the yard look beautiful. People who are interested in plantations but do not have enough space for it can go for a vertical garden.
The people who have large yards and who love greenery can consider a vertical garden option. Using a Vertical garden or living wall for privacy is also a good option one can think of.
10. Iron or Aluminum Privacy Fence
Iron or aluminum fences are for those who want privacy but do not love isolation. Unlike other privacy fences, iron or aluminum fences do not block light and air to come in. Your house will be seen from the outside and you will see what is going on the outside as well.
Aluminum and iron privacy fences are durable, they last longer and provide security. Iron or aluminum fences do not block the view of your house.
So if the homeowner wants to show his house and the garden to the neighbors and at the same time wants privacy as well iron fences are the right option.
Metal privacy fences need care and maintenance. As they are prone to rust, they need to be painted and cleaned regularly. Iron or aluminum fences are suitable for all kinds of weather.
11. Horizontal Slat Faces
Instead of making classic and vertical slat fences, one can go for horizontal slat fences. In horizontal slat fences, the slats are placed vertically and parallel to the ground. Horizontal slat privacy fences can be suitable for both urban and rural areas.
Horizontal slat privacy fences are made with regular wooden slats but placed in vertical sequence. The slats block the view. If the slats contain gaps between them then it will allow some light to enter and also block the view.
Horizontal, slat privacy fences are different from traditional classic fences so they tend to attract the eyes and interest of people representing the different choices of the homeowner.
12. Shrubbery Fences
Shrubbery fences are privacy fences that are made with shrubs planted so close to the fence. Shrubbery fences are eye-catching and differed from other types of fences.
They give a greener look to the house and also give places for butterflies and birds to stay. Nature lovers, especially bird lovers, can go for shrubbery fences.
Shrubbery fences are often placed inside the wall. Shrubs are planted close to the wall. When the plants grow longer than the wall, they give an appealing look together. The wall prevents the people or animals from entering the house and the shrubs block the view from above giving perfect privacy.
Shrubbery fences need exceptional care as the trees are prone to get attacked by pests and diseases. They need regular maintenance.
Different species of shrubs are sometimes planted together but the homeowner can go for one particular species as well. Â But mixing the plants is a good idea to fight the pests and insects and some particular diseases.
13. Tree Fences
Tree fences are a good choice for nature lovers. As tree fences grow thicker and longer they give the desired privacy.
The trees are planted close to the boundary or the trees are grown in tubs or containers. The trees take some time to get thick and grow in height so creating a tree fence is not a quick job.
It takes time to grow a tree fence so only those who can patiently wait and nurture the plants, for the time being, can go for plant fences.
Plant fences need exceptional care. They need proper light and water and also sunlight to grow properly.Some largely used tree species for plant fences are such as Leyland cypress, green giants, Japanese cedar of Arizona Cypress arborvitae, etc.
14. Trellis Fencing
Trellis fencing can be made of any materials. Wood, iron, bamboo, or any other metal can be used in making trellis fencing. Trellis fencings feature some lattice works design. The design supports climbing shrubs and plants.
Trellis fencing is beautifully made and maintained regularly. If proper care is not taken the shrubs can get affected by various decreases and that will ruin the fence. Trellis fencing is perfect for smaller boundaries because maintaining large fences would be a problem.
15. Cedar Privacy Fencing
Cedar is a largely used material for making fences. All over the world, people use cedar for making fences. Cedar is very lightweight, durable, and easy to replace. A fence made of cedar blocks the view and blocks people and animals from entering the house.
Cedar fences are very good for privacy purposes. Cedar can suit all kinds of weather. As cedar has the property to resist the insects and cedar does not get rotten cedar privacy fences last so long.
16. Expandable Privacy Fence
Expandable privacy fences are types of temporary fences that can expand. These fences are usually made of metal rods.
For temporary fencing, expandable fences are used alongside the boundary. This stops people from entering inside the boundary and stops animals and children from ruining the garden.
Expandable privacy fencing does not give privacy like other fencing but for temporary privacy reasons, it can work well. For making the fence bigger, new posts and panels can be added to it.
17. Gray Privacy Fence
When a privacy fence is colored gray, it is called a gray privacy fence. Gray privacy fences can suit houses of any color. The color gray is a balanced mixture of light and dark colors so both light and dark colored houses can have a gray privacy fence.
Not only color but also gray color support any kind of design of a house. Whether it is modern or classic gray color fence does well. Wooden slats can be painted gray very easily. Some composite materials are gray and they need not be painted gray separately.
18. Green Privacy Fence
A privacy fence that is green in color is called a green privacy fence. A green privacy fence can be made newly using any material and then color green.
Another way to have a green privacy fence is to color an already existing fence green. Attaching a green screen to the fence is another way to get a green fence. A green screen can absorb UV rays also.
19. White Privacy Fence
A fence that is colored white is called a white privacy fence. A white privacy fence is very beautiful to look at and it can go with any colored house. White privacy fences are ideal to showcase the garden if the garden has beautiful plants and flowers in it.
Any privacy fence can be colored white. The white color will help another color pop up. So the flowers and blooms will look beautiful if planted against a white privacy fence.
20. Faux Ivy Privacy Fence
Ivy is a type of plant that is used for greenery. But ivy plants grow so fast that they need to be manicured regularly. A faux privacy screen can be used instead of ivy plants.
A faux ivy screen can give an artificial green look to the fence. The faux ivy privacy fence does not attract insects also so using it is quite relaxing.
21. Lattice Privacy Fence
A lattice means a frame that can be made of metal wood or even plastic slats. The slats are placed in diamonds, square, or crisscross positions.
Lattice fences can be used in both large and small length boundaries. The looks of the lattice privacy fence will attract the eye of neighbors but you will be able to enjoy your yard and garden in peace.
22. Mesh Privacy Fence
Mesh privacy fences are made of mesh materials. Mesh materials are attached to already existing fences like chain link fences or mesh fences can be installed as new fences.
The color of mesh privacy fences has a vast range. You can choose the color according to your preferences. Blue, black, white, green whatever color you want you can opt for.
23. Pallet Privacy Fence
Pallet privacy fences are made of recycled wood. Recycled pallet woods can be used in many ways. One of the ways is using a pallet privacy fence or complete pallets can be installed too.
Cost of Privacy Fences
The cost of installing privacy fences depends on many factors. The factors are the length of fences, the material used, labor cost, and other expenses.
The size is the biggest factor in the pricing of a fence. The more the length the more expensive is. But this expense varies from material to material. But on average the cost is expected $25 per foot.
If cheaper privacy fences are taken into consideration, the lowest fence will cost nearly $15 per foot and if expensive fences are taken, the cost may start from $30 and above.
The fencing material is another factor responsible for the price. Privacy fences cost more than normal fences.
For privacy fencing, normal fence material won’t do much good as materials like wood, bamboo, brick, or concrete would do. So the cost will be more than normal fences. The cheapest option will be bamboo.
Bamboo is cheaper and easily available. Bamboo fencing will cost not more than $20 per foot. Vinyl and wood are similar in price. The cost of using wood may take $15 to $30 and the cost of fencing with composite material or PVC will take $15 to $35.
The height of the fence will also add to the cost. If the height is more the cost will be more than told. So the height must be taken into consideration before budgeting.
What to Do Before Installing a Privacy Fence?
Before constructing a privacy fence the regulations must be checked. In some places making a fence is not permitted and is illegal. So before making a fence the rules must be known about fencing. Well in most areas building a fence is permitted but the rule can differ with locations.
Before installing a fence the proper boundary line should be known. So people must check the property boundary line before making a fence.
Or a fence may lead to discord with neighbors and even legal procedures. So before making a fence it is advised to research the property boundary line. The fence must be built on your part of the property.
The fence should be faced properly. Make sure the right side is outwards. The finished face should be outward so that people can see the finished side or it will look so bad. Another option is to use fences that are finished from both sides.
The posts or pillars of fencing should be placed properly. The gap in between the posts should be equal. Normally the posts are placed from 6 feet to 8 feet distance from each other.
How to Install a Privacy Fence?
For installing a privacy fence at first a professional must be hired and the process must be followed accordingly his advice. V At first, the boundary line is to be marked, and then the location of the posts should be marked. After marking the locations of the posts the next job is to dig sized holes.
The length of the hole should be ¼ of the length of the post. If the hole is dug smaller than that the fences will be unable to withstand cyclones or thunderstorms and may be uprooted by a strong wind. In the hole, gravel should be placed. It will give proper drainage and save the posts from rot.
Then the posts should be placed. After placing the posts thick concrete should be poured in. This way all posts are to be situated at first. After the concrete hardens, the next job is to set the rails. The rails should be cut in a particular size.
After cutting the rails, the next job is to make the frame. The frame is to be attached tightly to the posts with the help of screws. Then the slats are to be added to the frame. And then the slats or pickets need to be colored for long-lasting.
This way a normal picket or slat privacy fence is built. But the fence should be built by a professional and the building process varies with the material. For example, the building process of brick or stone privacy fences will be completely different.
Best Privacy Fence Material
One of the best privacy fence materials is vinyl. Vinyl fences are manufactured in a range of designs. Vinyl fences are sturdy and durable and they do not rot like wood. So considering vinyl material for privacy fencing is a good choice.
Composite fencing is also a good option for privacy fencing as it is eco-friendly and gives both the qualities of wooden and vinyl fences. But other materials like cedar, aluminum, wrought iron, and concrete can be used too in making privacy fence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is a Privacy Fence?
A privacy fence is a type of fencing designed to provide privacy by blocking the view from outside. It is typically constructed around the boundary of a property to prevent visibility from neighbors and passersby.
What Materials Are Commonly Used for Privacy Fences?
Common materials for privacy fences include wood, composite plastic, PVC, corrugated metal, chain link with privacy slats, bamboo, stone, and brick. Each material offers different levels of durability, cost, and maintenance.
How Tall Should a Privacy Fence Be?
Privacy fences are generally built between 4 to 6 feet high. The height can vary depending on local regulations and the level of privacy desired.
What Are the Cost Factors for Installing a Privacy Fence?
The cost of installing a privacy fence depends on factors such as the length of the fence, the material used, labor costs, and any additional features. On average, costs range from $15 to $35 per foot.
How Do I Choose the Right Material for My Privacy Fence?
When choosing a material, consider factors like durability, maintenance, aesthetics, and cost. Wood and bamboo are often cheaper but require more maintenance, while PVC and composite materials offer durability and low maintenance.
Can I install a privacy fence myself, or should I hire a professional?
While DIY installation is possible, hiring a professional is recommended for ensuring proper installation and adherence to local regulations. A professional can also provide guidance on materials and design.
Are There Any Legal Considerations for Installing a Privacy Fence?
Yes, before installing a fence, check local zoning laws, property boundaries, and any homeowners’ association regulations. Some areas have restrictions on fence height and materials.
How Long Does a Privacy Fence Typically Last?
The lifespan of a privacy fence depends on the material used. For example, vinyl and composite fences can last up to 25-50 years, while wood fences may last 5-20 years depending on maintenance and environmental conditions.
How Do I Maintain My Privacy Fence?
Maintenance varies by material. Wooden fences require regular painting or staining, while vinyl and composite fences need occasional cleaning. Metal fences may need rust protection, and bamboo should be treated for weather resistance.
Can Privacy Fences Be Customized in Terms of Design and Color?
Yes, many privacy fences can be customized. Wood and vinyl fences, for example, can be painted or stained in various colors, and some materials offer design options such as lattice work or horizontal slats.
