Chain link fences are a popular choice for homeowners due to their affordability, durability, and security. However, some find the utilitarian look of chain link fences to be an eyesore. If you have a chain link fence that you would like to disguise or enhance for aesthetic reasons, there are several options available.
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Why Would You Want to Disguise a Chain Link Fence?
There are a few main reasons homeowners may want to disguise or upgrade their chain link fences:
- Improve curb appeal – Chain link fences look very industrial, which some find unappealing. Disguising it can help improve the look of your home.
- Increase privacy – The open gaps in chain link fencing provide little privacy. Adding screening can make your backyard feel more secluded.
- Soften boundaries – Chain link fencing creates a very hard line on your property borders. Disguising it can help it blend into the landscape better.
- Match décor – If you have an elegant, contemporary, or rustic style home, a chain link fence may look out of place. Disguising it can help it fit your décor better.
- Reduce visibility – Some neighborhoods prohibit chain link fencing from being visible from the street. Disguising it can help meet homeowner association rules.
How to Disguise a Chain Link Fence
If you’ve decided you want to upgrade the look of your chain link fencing, here are some popular and effective ways to disguise it:
Add Plants and Vines
One of the easiest ways to disguise a chain link fence is to cover it with climbing plants and vines. As they grow over the fencing, the greenery will mask the industrial metal material. Some good options include:
- Ivy
- Jasmine
- Grape vines
- Trumpet vine
- Virginia creeper
- Honeysuckle
- Clematis
- Morning glory
When choosing climbing plants, opt for vigorous growers that can quickly cover the fencing. Just be aware that you will need to prune and train the vines periodically to keep them in check.
Install Screening Material
For a more instant disguise, consider installing screening or mesh material over your chain link fence. Some top options include:
- Privacy slats – These vinyl, wood, or metal slats slide horizontally across the chain link to block visibility and make the fence appear solid.
- Windscreen – Windscreen is an affordable mesh fabric that installs easily onto chain link fences with zip ties. It comes in a variety of colors.
- Bamboo fencing – Bamboo mats zip tie directly to the chain link and provide an earthy, natural look that blocks views.
- Rolled privacy screen – This thick polypropylene screening attaches to fence posts with channels and can be trimmed to size with scissors.
Screening is a great instant solution, though some materials like windscreen may tear or degrade over time. They also need to be installed correctly to keep a tight uniform appearance.
Stain or Paint the Fencing
For a more permanent change, you can stain or paint the chain link fencing. This coats the metal wires to effectively disguise them. Consider options like:
- Wood stains in warm browns, greys, or reddish tones
- Neutral or earthy metal paint colors
- Camouflaging shades like black, dark green, or beige
Make sure to prep and clean the chain link properly beforehand and apply a bonding primer meant for metal. Maintaining coated fencing is also important to keep it looking uniform and prevent chipping over time.
Install Fence Slats
Fence slats insert vertically into the chain link itself to disguise the criss-cross pattern. You can use wood, metal, or vinyl slats, which slide down over the wire diamonds and are held in place with hooks or channels. With slats, you can opt for full coverage or a partial lattice look. Use weather-resistant materials like treated wood, aluminum, or vinyl for best durability.
Cover with a New Fence
For the most dramatic disguise, consider installing a new fence in front of the existing chain link. Options like alternating board, lattice, PVC, or wood privacy can fully mask the chain link for a cohesive look. Use thick, overlapping boards and sink fence posts in concrete for stability. Consider going higher than the chain link so it isn’t visible above.
How to Choose the Best Disguise Method
When deciding how to disguise your chain link fencing, consider these factors:
- Budget – Screens and vines are budget-friendly. Paint, slats and new fencing have more material costs.
- Time – Screens offer instant disguise, while plants take 1-2 growing seasons to fill out. Paint and slats take patience for installation.
- Durability – Plants, screens and paint may need frequent replacing. Slats, PVC and wood last longer term.
- Aesthetic – Screens, slats and plants create a soft, blended look. Coating and new fences look more polished and uniform.
- Visibility – Screens, vines, slats and new fences block visibility. Coating preserves see-through gaps.
- Maintenance – Vines and screens need frequent trimming and fixing. Staining and slats only need occasional touch-ups.
Also consider your home style, level of privacy desired, and HOA regulations. Consulting a fencing company can help weigh options as well.
Disguise Ideas for Different Fence Areas
Certain disguise solutions may work better in specific areas:
Along Property Lines
- Bamboo mats provide natural screening while allowing air flow
- Rolled privacy screen mounts easily on posts for instant results
- Evergreen vines like ivy create year-round coverage
Border Fencing
- Neutral colored windscreen or paint helps the fence recede
- Slats inserted only at the top keeps bottom gaps open
- Planting large shrubs in front masks fence while allowing access
Pool Fencing
- Bright colored windscreen adds fun splash of color
- Vertical wood slats maintain visibility of pool while disguising fence
- Painting the fence a swimming pool blue color helps it blend in
Around the Yard
- Privacy slats can alternate with open gaps for both disguise and visibility
- Painting different fence sections different colors adds whimsy
- Mixing vines, screens, slats and plantings prevents a monotonous look
Near the House
- A supplemental wood fence at house entry maintains architecture
- Using wood slats on the side facing the house for consistency
- Ivy and jasmine vines complement homes with craftsman or cottage styles
Disadvantages of Chain Link Fence Disguises
While disguising a chain link fence can provide aesthetic benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider as well:
- Added cost for materials and labor compared to an unmodified fence
- Reduced visibility and airflow depending on disguise method
- Potential damage to the fence if screens or plants aren’t installed correctly
- Need to prune and maintain vines and plantings seasonally
- Paint and slats will show age over time and need refinishing
- May still provide only moderate privacy compared to solid wood fences
- HOA rules may prohibit certain disguise options or require approval
If visibility and cost are major concerns, you may want to explore replacing the chain link altogether with a new fence style instead of disguising it.
Conclusion
Disguising a chain link fence takes creativity and patience, but can yield a big improvement in your home’s curb appeal and privacy. The right disguise technique depends on your goals, location, and budget. Mixing several disguises together can help achieve the ideal finished look. With careful planning and maintenance, you can transform an unsightly chain link fence into an attractive design feature for your landscape.