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By Katherine McLaughlin and Sarah Lyon
Your home should be the place where you feel the most relaxed, but you might be in need of some privacy fence ideas if your exposed backyard is making it hard to truly unwind. “Privacy fencing, either along a property line or around a specific area in your garden, creates a sense of sanctuary, seclusion, and peacefulness,” says Janice Parker, a landscape architect based in Greenwich, Connecticut. “A garden should, at its best, connect us to nature, and this is simpler to do when you can relax in a peaceful setting. Hidden areas, made with privacy screening, create a sense of mystery, as you do not see all of the garden at once. Mystery makes a great garden!”
Luckily, clever retaining wall ideas and privacy fence ideas (some are even DIY landscaping designs) can ensure your backyard is the secluded oasis you want it to be. “A privacy fence does all the work of a typical fence—indicating boundaries and keeping people and animals in or out—while also blocking views into the yard,” says Kevin Lenhart, a landscape designer and design director at Yardzen, one of the nation’s largest online landscape platforms.
Here, a guide to building backyard landscaping and a privacy fence—whether you use a pergola or a trellis—to keep onlookers out and a peace of mind in.
“From an ecological and natural point of view, privacy fences are the least desirable element in the landscape,” says Jonathan Fargion, a landscape designer based in New York City. This doesn’t mean privacy fences are necessarily a bad idea, just that there are a few considerations to take into account before getting started.
Privacy fences cut the land into lots, which can be problematic for the bugs, insects, and other wildlife that live there. “As a rule of thumb, fences should be at least two inches off the ground to let critters the freedom to move between properties,” Fargion explains. In general, he says privacy fences make the most sense on small properties, like town house gardens. For larger yards, he suggests making use of natural greenery, like trees, to keep unwanted eyes from infiltrating your space.
Fences that are six feet tall should block most views from the ground level. “I’d advise not going any taller than you have to, both to save on expenses and to limit the shrinking, enclosing effect fences can have on a space,” Lenhart says. If you do need extra height, he suggests adding 12 to 18 inches of lattice on the top of a fence, which will add privacy while minimizing the visual impact of a taller fence. If you opt for a natural privacy hedge, these can be much taller and often go up to 12 feet.
The best privacy fence will depend on each homeowner’s goals for the fence and their yard. “By necessity, privacy fences must obscure sight lines,” Lenhart says. For this reason, many privacy fences are made from solid wood and designed to be completely opaque. If the goal is to have complete seclusion, something solid without any gaps would likely be the best choice.
There are also fences that are a little more open and offer breathability in a space. “Obviously, a privacy fence fails if you can clearly see through it, but there’s a gradient with which designers can play,” Lenhart notes. In these instances, he says the goal is to include gaps that are large enough to be visible, but small enough to prevent a clear view. “The homeowner’s style and priorities will dictate the particular fence design to use on a given project,” Lenhart explains.
To achieve a cohesive exterior appearance, the privacy fence you choose should complement your home’s style. “Look for cues in other exterior carpentry that might guide the detailing, like railings, shutters, and decking,” recommends Jordan Clough, associate principal at Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture in Washington, DC.
For example, if your home’s exterior is traditional in style, you might want to check out historical examples of fences used with that type of architecture, suggests Michael McGowan, senior landscape architect at KAA Design Group in Los Angeles. “That’s not to say you must recreate an exact replica of a historic fence, but a subtle nod towards that historical lineage goes a long way towards making your home feel cohesive and well-designed,” he adds.
Many materials can be used to create privacy fences, though wood is the most common choice. This is due to its ease of installation, maintenance, and repair, as well as its cost and design flexibility, Clough says. Wood is also a more sustainable choice than vinyl, another common option. “We have to think about the impact of these materials on the planet,” explains Joe Carline, partner at Kligerman Architecture & Design in New York. In particular, Carline is a proponent of cedar, which is “easy to work with, infinitely customizable, and simple to maintain,” he says. “Cedar offers a timeless look that suits a wide array of architectural styles and can be stained or painted.” Carline frequently relies on Port Orford or Alaskan Yellow cedar, both which have a high resistance to decay and insects.
Another advantage of using cedar is its incredible versatility. “The variability within that one material is staggering,” McGowan says. “There are countless color, finish, and detail variations possible that will elevate the humble cedar fence to the aspirational. You are only limited by your imagination and the creativity of your vision.”
The cost of a privacy fence will vary based on its height and the type of material you choose. Other factors, such as labor and location, will also impact the amount you should expect to pay. “On average, homeowners can expect to spend between $40 to $150 per linear foot,” Carline explains. He notes that paying a bit more up-front will serve one well in the long run. “I recommend that our clients purchase quality materials for the exterior of a home.”
Fargion recommends using natural building materials for your privacy fence. Wood is a common option and one of the most affordable choices. While there are plenty of wood types to choose from, he recommends cedarwood for privacy fences. Many designers prefer the look of non-painted wood. “We find wood to be more beautiful and natural in appearance and more timeless,” says Amy Smith, landscape studio director at Marmol Radziner, with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. “Rather than the fence having color, we prefer natural wood materials and the use of planting to bring in natural greenery.”
If you don’t want your fence to disappear, consider painting your privacy wall a vibrant hue, too. This tactic may be appropriate if you want to create the appearance of an outdoor living room.
For those who want a wood fence, pallet fences are easy DIYs for amateur builders.
Take some time to think about if you want vertical or horizontal planks. If opting for vertical placement, slight variations in the lengths of the fence panels will add an extra touch and draw the eye up. Clough notes that vertical planks are ideal in humid environments. “The vertical board fencing sheds water better and slows the weathering process,” he explains.
Horizontal planks tend to be more costly but can look more elegant. Planting greenery along a horizontal privacy fence creates a nice juxtaposition. “Horizontal planks can create a different visual character and are a little less common,” Smith says. Carline opts for horizontal planks in instances where a more modern look is desired. “Whether horizontal or vertical, just make sure it is not boring,” he says.
Get sound privacy protection while adding unique visual interest by arranging the privacy fence in a chevron pattern. Building gates for this type of fence is a doable DIY project that is sure to impress guests and neighbors alike.
Use metal posts to spice up a wood fence and add contrast within the structure. “The posts are the structural backbone of a fence, so metal ones are great to give a fence rigidity and greater longevity,” Clough says. Carline adds, “The added benefit is that metal posts can be introduced into any style or architecture and meld seamlessly with any type of panel.”
Add movement to your backyard with a basket weave privacy fence. It’s a less traditional take on a classic wood fence and is sure to wow anyone who stops by.
For a spa-like oasis, consider a glossy fence made from multi-height wood posts. A darker stain will look great next to bright green plants, promoting a relaxing atmosphere in your backyard. “Personally, I like a dark fence,” Clough says. Keep in mind that staining a fence will require a bit of maintenance over time. As Clough comments, “You need to be committed to refinishing it yearly, or every other year, in order to keep it looking that way.”
Enjoy artwork every time you’re outside by painting a mural on your wooden privacy fence. Use bright colors for an extra dose of whimsy. “The decision to use bright colors or a classic wood fence depends on personal preference, architectural style, and the desired visual impact,” Carline says. “Bright colors can add vibrancy and personality to the outdoor space, while a classic wood fence offers timeless elegance.”
Hesitant to go quite so bold? You can still get creative and liven up your fence with other methods. “Consider incorporating hanging baskets, climbing plants, decorative panels, or outdoor artwork to enhance the visual appeal of your privacy fence,” Carline adds. “These creative touches add personality, charm, and individuality to the outdoor space.”
If you plan to plant a garden in front of your fence, consider painting the wall black or another dark color. “Painting a fence a dark color is a quick way to de-emphasize it while spotlighting plants or other elements in front of it,” Lenhart explains. The dark hue recedes into the backdrop, allowing the plants and flowers that are in front to shine.
To create a seamless transition from the house to the front yard, paint your wooden fence the same color as your shutters. “This is a nice way to achieve consistency with the architecture and pull a whole project together,” Clough says. McGown shares similar sentiments, noting, “This unifies the overall curb appeal of the home into one aesthetic voice and also, perhaps more importantly, blurs the line between home and garden.”
While a bamboo fence could add a tropical touch to your backyard, there are other benefits, too; bamboo tends to be cheaper than hardwood but it is incredibly strong.
Generally a more cost-effective option, vinyl privacy fences can be a great choice if you’re budget-conscious. It’s also a low-maintenance option, great for anyone who doesn’t have hours to spend on the upkeep of the yard.
Stone is another natural material that is used frequently in privacy fences. A stone fence can be more expensive on the front end, but it is low-maintenance landscaping and easy to maintain thanks to the stone’s incredible durability.
For ultimate privacy, consider a corrugated metal fence. Just remember, “This approach offers total privacy, but can make spaces feel smaller from the inside, and less inviting from the outside,” Lenhart says of fully opaque options.
For a unique look, consider one of the retaining wall ideas that creates privacy and style: A gabion privacy wall features a metal, cage-like structure that holds rocks. “Combining a retaining wall with a privacy fence can create a seamless transition between different levels of the landscape while maximizing space utilization and enhancing privacy,” Carline explains. “This approach offers structural stability and safety but also minimizes the visual impact of the fence.”
As you explore fencing options, consider reused materials, too. If you’re interested in creating a recycled fence, keep an eye out for unused metal or wall sheet paneling to salvage.
Dress up a dull wood fence by planting a garden right along the fence line. Hosta, Hydrangea, and ivy are all popular choices for this area of the yard.
Consider adding some accessories to your new fence to spice up your outdoor space even more. You could hang a mirror or lights from it and add shelves to hold drinks or candles. “In smaller courtyards or urban spaces, an outdoor mirror on the fence is a great way to make a space feel bigger and draw attention away from the fencing,” Clough says.
Continue to enjoy your backyard with outdoor lighting as evening rolls around. Install in-ground or stake lights along your fence line to add a soft glow along the perimeter of your property. “Using three dimensionality, either in trellises or the framework of a fence, provides a good opportunity to uplight the fence in the evening,” Parker says. “Unique sconces can be hung on the fence in many ways—this is a fun and chic way to light the garden.”
Who says curtains are only for the inside of the house? Hang up the breezy cloth material around a porch or pergola for an extra layer of privacy and a cozy atmosphere.
Add curtains around a planter box for one cohesive structure. Instead of a trellis wall, leave the space above the planter boxes open and drape curtains from stakes or poles framing the corners of the planter boxes.
Lattice walls feature thin strips of wood interlaced in a crisscrossed pattern. You could leave this fence style as is, or add an extra appeal with climbing vines.
Weathered steel, also known as corten steel, is a collection of steel alloys that are designed to maintain a stable, rustlike appearance after just a few months in the elements. It’s a common choice in construction settings—and may be appropriate in your yard too. It can add a warm, lived-in appearance and an eclectic aesthetic to your landscaping design.
Leaving a little room between your wood slats will allow light to come through and make the space feel more open.
When considering fencing materials, don’t limit your privacy fence wood options to cut and sanded planks. Consider reclaimed wood logs for a rustic look. Since the logs won’t all be the exact same size, they’ll have small gaps that let sunlight in.
For a DIY privacy wall, consider crafting a barrier from fallen sticks and twigs. When wet, sticks become much more malleable and can be weaved together with relative ease.
For a balcony, consider using tall, ornamental grasses as a privacy shield in place of a wall or screen. Keep the planter’s height in mind when selecting grasses, and aim for the pot and grass to reach at least four to five feet.
“Some people make the mistake of thinking that a privacy fence should go at the edge of the property, but you could actually pull in the fence around the exact area where you want privacy,” Fargion says. Consider placing a privacy fence in just the area you need shielded, then place shrubs and trees along the property line.
Privacy screens are like outdoor room dividers. They’re generally smaller than a fence and come in different shapes and styles. Something like this is great for separating different areas of your yard or hiding an outdoor spot from onlookers.
Very few things carry cachet quite like a white picket fence. Grow climbing vines along the fence to “create layers in the landscape,” Fargion says.
For a cost-effective option, opt for a chain-link metal fence. Though not very private on its own, with climbing vines and shrubs, you can create a semiopaque border. “A well-placed tree or scene of ornamental plants can share the privacy burden by blocking key sight lines,” Lenhart says.
A well-placed trellis with ornamental plants and climbers make for a lovely partition. If you only need privacy in a small area, as opposed to around your entire yard, this option is an easy and low-maintenance solution. "Privacy barriers create the most interest in the garden when they are made up of different elements,” Parker says. “Trellis and lattice will produce shadow lines, which are always changing during the day and the seasons.”
Vinyl Garden Fencing Like chain-link fences, wire fences alone may not add the most privacy to a yard. However, if you pair them with climbing vines, bushes, and flowers, they can create an enviable, green barrier.