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Introduction
There are several reasons you may want more privacy for your chain link fence. Often chain link fences are see-through, allowing your neighbors and passersby to easily see into your yard. This can make your outdoor space feel exposed. Adding privacy to a chain link fence helps define your property’s boundaries, obscures unsightly views, and creates a more secluded area to relax and entertain.
Some common reasons for wanting more privacy include:
- Blocking views of clutter or unsightly areas in your yard
- Gaining seclusion from nearby roads, sidewalks, or neighbors
- Reducing noise from outside the fence
- Providing security and protection from trespassers
- Establishing a clear boundary around your property
Luckily, there are many inexpensive and easy options to increase the privacy of an existing chain link fence. From dense vines and screening plants to decorative panels and tarps, you can turn an ordinary see-through fence into a more opaque barrier.
Plant Vines or Shrubs for Natural Coverage
One of the easiest ways to add more privacy to a chain link fence is by planting climbing vines or shrubs along it. As they grow in, they’ll weave through the links in the fence, obscuring views and creating a living screen.
Some great vine options include:
- Jasmine – Grows quickly and produces beautiful fragrant flowers. Evergreen in warmer climates.
- Honeysuckle – Fast growing with sweetly scented flowers. Deciduous.
- Clematis – Features striking blooms. Support will need to be added to the fence.
- Grape vines – Provide bold coverage and edible fruit.
- Virginia Creeper – Has gorgeous red fall foliage. Can grow 10 feet in one season.
- Trumpet Vine – Blooms attractive orange trumpet-shaped flowers. Grows up to 40 feet.
For a more structured, evergreen covering, consider planting tall shrubs along the fence line. Good options include:
- Arborvitae – Grows in a neat columnar shape and reaches 15 feet tall.
- Bamboo – Offers feathery, dense coverage. Choose clumping bamboo which won’t spread.
- Boxwood – Classic evergreen shrub with small rounded leaves.
- Privet – Quickly forms a thick hedge up to 15 feet tall.
- Photinia – Produces red-tipped foliage for year-round interest.
When planting, select competitive vines and shrubs that grow quickly in your environment. Space plants 2 to 4 feet apart for the quickest coverage. Water and fertilize regularly for optimal growth.
Considerations for Planting Vines or Shrubs
- Can take 1-2 growing seasons to fully cover the fence
- Regular pruning will be required to keep growth in check
- Deer or rabbits may eat the plants
- Roots could potentially damage the fence
- Plants will need occasional watering and fertilizer
Using climbing vines or tall shrubs is an attractive way to naturally increase privacy over time. The end result is beautiful and doesn’t look as obviously added on as other solutions. However, it requires more time and maintenance than other options.
Install Privacy Slats or Lattice Panels
Another way to obscure the view through a chain link fence is by installing vertical privacy slats or lattice panels. These can be made of wood, vinyl, or other materials and attach directly to the fence with zip ties, clasps, or other connectors to create an opaque barrier.
Wood privacy slats are an affordable option but will require occasional staining or sealing to prevent weather damage. Vinyl slats hold up better over time with no maintenance required. Other good materials include bamboo, metal, or PVC.
For a more decorative look, lattice panels can be attached to the fence. The crisscross lattice design will partially block views while still allowing some airflow. Lattice panels are available in both wood and vinyl.
Benefits of Adding Slats or Lattice
- Privacy is achieved immediately after installation
- Many style and material options to choose from
- Slats or panels can be removed or replaced as needed
- Allows some airflow unlike solid materials
- Typically inexpensive and easy to DIY install
The main downside is that slats or lattice can look a bit tacked on if not installed properly. Taking time to cut and attach them neatly will lead to a better finished look. They also provide less noise reduction compared to more solid materials. Overall, slats and lattice are great for quickly and affordably adding a layer of privacy.
Use Removable Privacy Screens or Tarps
For a temporary privacy solution, consider using removable fence screening material or tarps. These can be attached to the chain link fence when needed and taken down easily when not needed.
Some popular options include:
- Windscreen privacy mesh – This woven material blocks views while allowing air and light to pass through. It comes in rolls that can be cut to size.
- Privacy fence screen – Opaque canvas-like yard privacy screens attach with grommets and hooks to the fence.
- Solid vinyl tarps – Heavy duty vinyl tarps in solid colors can be strapped on for immediate privacy.
- Photo privacy mesh – Provides one-way privacy by blocking views from one side but allowing you to still see out.
Using temporary fence covers is great for certain events like parties or backyard weddings when you only need privacy for a short duration. They can provide near instant privacy but won’t permanently alter the look of your fence.
Benefits of Using Removable Screens
- Immediate privacy when needed
- Can be taken down and stored when not needed
- Typically inexpensive options available
- No permanent change to the fence
- Various opacity levels to choose from
The main downsides are that screens will need to be installed and removed each time they’re used. Leaving them up permanently also tends to look messy and unfinished compared to permanent solutions. Overall, temporary screens provide a flexible way to increase privacy as desired.
Add a Trellis Extension to the Top of the Fence
Installing a trellis addition on top of your existing chain link fence is another way to block lines of sight. The crisscross trellis structure can be made out of wood or metal and affixed securely to the top of the fence.
For full privacy, choose a trellis made with 1×2 or 2×2 lumber spaced closely together. Or opt for a decorative metal trellis material with smaller openings. Consider topping the trellis with vines as well for even more privacy.
Benefits of a Trellis Extension
- Blocks views from higher vantage points into the yard
- More decorative look compared to tarps or screens
- Can extend fence height without replacing entire structure
- Relatively easy DIY project if materials are cut to size
The main limitation is that it doesn’t provide privacy at eye level unless combined with other solutions like lattice. And areas visible through the trellis openings would still be exposed. For properties with two story homes nearby, a trellis extension prevents prying eyes from above. Overall it’s a good way to increase privacy from higher sightlines.
Replace with a More Private Fence Material
For the highest level of privacy, replacing the chain link fence with another material is the best option. Solid wood fences, vinyl, composite materials, or masonry block walls will completely block views and sounds from outside the property.
Wood privacy fences are a classic choice and come in many affordable styles. For no-maintenance durability, PVC or composite fence materials are excellent alternatives to wood. Block walls made of concrete, brick, or stucco have timeless appeal and provide maximum privacy.
Comparing Fence Material Options:
| Material | Privacy Level | Durability | Maintenance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | Very High | Moderate | Medium | Medium |
| PVC/Composite | Very High | High | Low | High |
| Masonry Block | Very High | High | Low | High |
Replacing the fence is the most expensive option but provides guaranteed, permanent privacy when done. For dramatically increased seclusion on a budget, using one of the other options on an existing chain link fence is recommended. But if the time and resources allow, installing a new privacy fence is the ultimate solution.
Conclusion
Transforming a bare chain link fence into a more private boundary is easy and affordable using the right approach. Natural vine coverings, removable screens, and lattice panels offer temporary or partial solutions. For full privacy, installing a solid wood, PVC, or masonry fence is the best option.
Consider your budget, the level of privacy desired, and how permanent you want the change to be. With a little creativity, you can find the perfect solution to turn an ordinary see-through chain link fence into a secluded oasis. The improvement in both aesthetics and privacy will enhance your outdoor living space.
Key Takeaways
- Plant climbing vines or tall shrubs for natural coverage over time
- Add removable privacy screens when needed for temporary seclusion
- Install permanent slats, lattice, or trellis panels for easy DIY privacy
- Replace the fence entirely with wood, PVC, or masonry for maximum privacy
- Consider your budget, timeline, and level of privacy needed
- Improving fence privacy creates a more enjoyable outdoor living space