What Can I Add to My Fence for Privacy?

Jay Fencing would like to help you bring more privacy to your outdoor living areas. Some of the ideas we discuss below may not apply to your particular situation. In which case, we will be happy to explore more custom fence improvement options with you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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Your fence may do well to keep your toddler kids and pets in the yard and trespassers and intruders out. But there are parts of your property that you need to be shielded from the prying eyes of outsiders, which is something a chain-link fence, for example, doesn’t do so well.

A chain-link fence, which, by its design, offers little privacy, will require a bit of creativity to block visibility from outside your property. Below we discuss a few ways of improving privacy with your existing fence.

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How to Improve Privacy With Your Existing Fence

Throughout our experience installing fences and privacy screens on residential properties across Southern Ontario, we have developed some creative ways of making a space more private and secluded.

The goal for us is to make sure we don’t sacrifice the fence’s ability to enhance the property’s look for the sake of privacy. In our view, a fence can both be attractive and offer sufficient privacy.

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Plant a hedge through the fence

It may take some time, but once fully grown a hedge of bushy trees will offer excellent privacy. The trick is to plant your hedge in front of your fence. If the foliage is dense, you can even completely cover an otherwise ugly-looking fence.

You will want to choose trees that will grow to the height of the fence. Remember too that the hedge will require some maintenance effort so it looks good throughout the year. 

If you only want to add more privacy to the fence around your garden, a better idea is planting climbing vines or potted plants that you can train over the fence. The plants’ foliage will add more privacy to your garden area.

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Fix corrugated metal sheeting over your fence

A modern trend is to fix corrugated steel sheets over your side of the fence. The industrial look can add a nice contrast to any hardscaping or greenery you may be growing in your garden.

Corrugated sheeting requires very little maintenance and is an inexpensive option that will completely block off the view from the other side of your fence.

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Drape a weatherproof canvas fabric over the fence

An easy way to improve privacy with a pre-existing chain-link fence is to buy a canvas fabric and use it to reface your fence. This will completely block visibility from your neighbor’s yard. Make sure the canvas fabric is the same height as your fence.

An option, which we have used successfully on many projects is to fix pre-made privacy screens to your fence. It is an effective fence improvement trick that can also transform your backyard into a cozy space you will enjoy spending time.

Attach trellises to a chain-link fence

Another idea for adding privacy to your backyard is by attaching trellises to the section of the fence you prefer a bit more privacy. Plant some runner beans or any flowering vines and train them on the trellis. 

A planted trellis also gives you and your guests a good view when you are in the garden.

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Use privacy screens to create a private enclave in your backyard

There is only so much you can do with an existing fence to stop curious neighbors from stealing prying peeks into your property. Many of the tips we have discussed above will not work that well if your neighbor has a second-story balcony.

A more effective solution to get more privacy in your backyard is to create smaller private enclaves in your yard by adding privacy screens around your patio, outdoor shower, or pergola.

Used this way, privacy screens will ensure much-needed solitude and privacy when spending time in your favorite outdoor lounging or entertaining areas. 

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Jay Fencing would like to help you bring more privacy to your outdoor living areas.

Some of the ideas we discuss below may not apply to your particular situation. In which case, we will be happy to explore more custom fence improvement options with you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Book an Appointment