Want Total Backyard Privacy? Try These Smart Fencing Ideas (2024)

Good fences make good neighbors.

By Hadley Mendelsohn and Kelly Allen
Want Total Backyard Privacy? Try These Smart Fencing Ideas (1)

You know what they say: Good fences make good neighbors. And while fencing may not be the most exciting topic when it comes to exterior and landscape design, they are essential—especially in the backyard. So we've laid out plenty of backyard privacy fence ideas to make your home a little safer from intruders and keep nosy neighbors out of your business. Some are DIY projects, while others may require a little more work and investment, but they'll all help you maintain good boundaries. Read through to learn about your backyard fence options to decide which is best for you.

1

Try Wood Slats With Greenery

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For privacy and a jungle-like effect, designer Christina Nielsen gave this Brooklyn backyard privacy via a fence made of horizontal wood slats, which acts as a trellis for climbing greenery. Additional landscaping boosts the patio's liveliness. She also outfitted the space with an umbrella for extra shade and cozy seat throw pillows, making it the perfect city escape.

2

Add Faux Decor

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Spruce up a basic privacy fence with faux greenery and additional wall decor. To create the no-maintenance garden in this small urban backyard, designer Alison Victoria removed the glass from an antique pier mirror that was formerly in the entryway of an old home and then nailed faux fir panels directly into the fence.

3

Go Short—and Rustic

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A short pallet fence makes an excellent option if you're only after a little privacy, want protection from things like unwanted animal intruders, or want to let your pets roam in a secure area. At this log cabin by designer Emily Janak, the fence enhances the rustic look without taking away from forest views.

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4

Mix Solid and Lattice Fencing

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Go for a decorative look by mixing solid fencing on the bottom and lattice fencing on top. Not only will it add interest and offer ample privacy, but the lattice detail will allow more light into the space.

5

Paint It Dark

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If you're into a moody, modern look, paint your privacy fence charcoal or black. In this backyard by Terremoto, the dark fence and pergola are perfectly balanced by the warmth of the light wood seating and a plethora of plants.

6

Go Classic

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A traditional white post and rail fence like this one has a quaint air to it—there's a reason it evokes images of the American Dream. Use reclaimed wood for a rustic feel, or paint it white for that small-town charm as designer Marshall Watson did here.

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7

Chain Link or Wire Fence

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Chicken coop fencing isn't necessarily the prettiest option out there, but wire fencing does increase safety (and it's cheap). If you decorate well enough, nobody will even notice it because they'll be too busy focusing on the great furniture and decor, like on this patio by Leanne Ford Interiors.

8

Rustic Split-Rail Fence

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Like a four-rail horse fence only more rustic, this simple design can be easily built from scratch. If you want to protect your home more, you can cover the gaps in your split rail fence with mesh. It's great for pets on the perimeter.

9

Solid Tiled Wall

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When it comes to privacy and safety concerns, a solid wall is a better route to take than a fence. This one in a home designed by Arent & Pyke also happens to set the scene on the patio nicely. Covered in tiles, it delivers sophistication and style.

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10

Iron-Wrought Fence

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Overlooking a gorgeous view like this, a backyard fence should blend in, so you can really soak in the vista beyond. An iron-wrought fence is both durable and practical, modern and timeless. Take note of this Malibu oasis designed by Alexander DB for inspiration.

11

Rattan or Bamboo Fence

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Instead of a classic wood-paneled fence, try a bamboo or rattan variation. It boasts a bohemian island vibe and does well in tropical climates, though it's also resilient in chillier environments and can withstand snow. Take note of this one at the Papaya Playa Project hotel in Tulum. But keep in mind it may be pricier than classic wood fencing options.

12

Brick Wall

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On this patio designed by Hecker Guthrie, the brick wall adds a charming old-school touch. The white paint makes it fit in well with the other modern elements, like the brushed cement flooring and oversized planter, too.

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13

Trees and Shrubbery

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The backyard is your space to reconnect with nature and unwind in the fresh air. So instead of saturating it with furniture and an eyesore of a fence, get creative with landscaping. A concentration of tall shrubs and trees can function as a living wall, like this one designed by Studio Lifestyle.

14

Garden Fence

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Keep your flowerbeds and vegetables safe in the garden with an extra fence. Since gardens are meant to be lush and beautiful, opt for fencing that blends in well with the environment. This 8-foot tall wooden fence in a space designed by Lisa Bynon sets the right mood—it's the perfect balance between open and closed.

15

Stone Wall

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You'll have to check zoning regulations for your region before erecting a stone wall, but it can be a great option for extra backyard privacy and security. Plus, the natural stones are perfect for country chic style.

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16

Garden Trellis

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A solid fence on the outskirts of the property is a great idea, while charming trellis fences are best in a sprawling garden space like this one. Limiting yourself to one type of flower saves on yard work in the long run. For a client who really loves roses, Edmund Hollander planted some 250 English grandifloras. It doesn't get more romantic than this.

17

Spliced Wood Fence

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Landscape design firm Hollander Design collaborated with Roger Ferris & Partners to create this gorgeous, architectural backyard fence. It's a modern interpretation of the classic spliced picket fence and brings a touch of privacy. It all depends on how open or closed you want the fence to be.

18

DIY Addition

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That DIY fence extension gives this tiny backyard a tropical appeal while also enhancing privacy. If your stucco garden wall is too short to block the neighbors but you don't want to block out the sunlight, a slatted option like this is perfect.

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19

Tall Hedge

Want Total Backyard Privacy? Try These Smart Fencing Ideas (20)

This yard designed by Arent & Pyke proves that hedges are a lovely backdrop for outdoor living rooms. One grand hedge like this will enhance privacy while also adding some greenery, making it the perfect backyard fencing for anyone wanting to keep things green.

20

Portable Partition

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On a city balcony with little privacy, add at least an illusion of privacy with a room divider against the section that separates yours from your neighbors. Just make sure you choose a screen that can withstand the outdoors.

Want Total Backyard Privacy? Try These Smart Fencing Ideas (2024)

FAQs

What is the cheapest privacy fence to build? ›

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.

How do I add privacy to my backyard fence? ›

Stagger taller trees, grasses, and greenery near the fence line to block the view from your neighbors and add more protection to your backyard. Then, plant a mix of shorter shrubs and perennials to fill in the gaps and make a more unified, natural privacy wall in your backyard.

Is it cheaper to build a privacy fence or buy panels? ›

In summary: premade fence panels, in most cases, are cheaper and requires less installation time. However, it is best suited for yards without hills or slopes.

What is the least expensive fencing option? ›

The least expensive type of fencing is chicken or hog wire. It's great for keeping pests out of your garden and animals contained, but these wire fences aren't the most aesthetically pleasing—although we have ideas below on how to spruce them up.

How do I block neighbors view of my yard? ›

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).

How can I add privacy to my backyard without a fence? ›

Physical structures like a pergola or pavilion, a pool house, or even an outdoor fireplace, can go a really long way in blocking views and screening-in an area. In fact, you can even go as far as adding screens to a pergola or pavilion area to create more of an “outdoor room.”

What fences don t block the view? ›

A chain link fence is an incredibly secure option that allows for great visibility. A chain link fence is durable, long-lasting, and available at many heights. By design, this type of fence lets through lots of light and air, allowing you to keep the view and see anything on the other side that may be trying to get in.

What is a good neighbor style fence? ›

A Good Neighbor Fence is a wood privacy fence that divides two properties, where the finished side of the fence (i.e. the more attractive, smooth side) faces the neighbor's property. The homeowner building the fence then has a view of the rails and posts from inside their yard.

How much does it cost to put a privacy fence around your yard? ›

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.

Can I install a privacy fence myself? ›

While almost any fence can technically be installed on your own without the need of a professional team, some fences are easier than others to do so. Fence installation is not easy and always requires at least 2 people, but it can be done if you really want to save a couple hundred bucks.

Can you put up a privacy fence without digging holes? ›

Choose your fencing materials and decide on their placement. Order the fence materials, including galvanized steel posts, high-density stiffeners, security features, and installation equipment. Use the post-driver to quickly and securely pound the galvanized steel posts into any terrain without digging any holes.

What is cheaper than a wood fence? ›

Premium Vinyl fencing will outlast the wood fencing by years, requires no maintenance upkeep, is impervious to insects, and over the long run, VINYL IS LESS EXPENSIVE THAN WOOD! Not only will it be less expensive than wood over 10 years, but it will also have about 6-1/2 times the Return On Investment over wood.

What is the easiest fence to install yourself? ›

What is the Easiest Fence to Install Yourself? Did you know: with the right tools and planning, vinyl fences are among the easiest fences to install yourself! This is due to the fact that you install this material with essentially a no-dig design rather than needing to dig posts bases and fill them with cement.

Which is cheaper PVC or wood for a fence? ›

According to HomeAdvisor, a wood fence costs $12 per linear foot on average. On the other hand, a vinyl fence costs about $17 per linear foot. The cost of materials for your unique project may vary based on style, terrain, and other factors. But PVC fence costs are generally higher than wood fence materials.

What is the cheapest type of 6 foot fence? ›

The cheapest fence you can install is wire fencing at $2 per foot on average, while a 6-foot high wood privacy fence costs $13 to $25 per linear foot, and vinyl fencing costs $15 to $30 per foot. Check out our fence cost estimator below for more types of fences priced per foot and per acre.

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