What is the best privacy screen for chain link fence?

Installing a privacy screen on a chain link fence is an effective way to boost your backyard’s privacy while still allowing air flow. A chain link fence on its own provides little to no privacy, as it is see-through. Adding a screen blocks visibility from the outside while retaining the fence’s security and ventilation. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of a chain link privacy screen, provide tips for selecting the right product, review the best materials, and make recommendations for top privacy screens to consider installing.

Benefits of Adding a Privacy Screen

Installing a privacy screen on your chain link fence provides a number of advantages:

  • Boosts privacy – Blocks visibility from neighbors, passersby, or busy streets. Obscures your yard and home activities.
  • Retains air flow – Unlike solid wood or vinyl fencing, screens allow air flow to pass through rather than blocking it entirely.
  • Aesthetic improvement – Can provide a more pleasing, decorated look compared to bare chain link.
  • Preserves security – Maintains the security of chain link fencing while adding privacy.
  • Cost effective – Typically more budget friendly than fully replacing the fence with another material.
  • Customizable – Comes in a wide variety of colors, materials, and opacities to match your needs.

Adding a chain link fence screen is a simple upgrade that can make a major difference in the privacy and aesthetics of your yard.

What to Look for When Selecting a Privacy Screen

When shopping for a chain link privacy screen, here are some key factors to consider:

  • Material – Screens come in vinyl, wood, metal, mesh, bamboo, and other materials. Each has different durability, longevity, and appearance.
  • Privacy level – Consider the opacity level you need. Thicker materials and smaller weave mesh block more visibility. Percentage of open space vs. solid material affects this.
  • Color/pattern – Match or complement your home with neutral, bold, or multi-colored screens. Patterns are also available.
  • Wind load – Check wind load ratings and choose a durable screen for high wind areas.
  • UV and weather resistance – Look at material rankings for fade resistance, maintenance needs, and longevity in your climate.
  • Weight – Material weight impacts durability and installation. Heavier vinyl and wood hold up better.
  • Attachment method – Choose zip ties, grommets, or pole pocket sleeves to best fit your fence type.
  • Height – Size it to your fence height for full coverage. Custom sizing is an option.
  • Price -gauge price vs. value, with better materials like vinyl costing more upfront but lasting longer.

Prioritize the features that matter most for your needs, yard, and budget.

Best Materials for Privacy Screens

The most popular materials for chain link privacy screens include:

Vinyl

  • Pros: Durability, longevity, fade/weather/UV resistance, color options, thicker opacity, flexible
  • Cons: Higher upfront cost, prone to tearing if not thick enough
  • Cost: Approx. $1-$5 per sq. ft. installed

Vinyl is one of the top choices for long lasting privacy. It resists weathering and needs minimal maintenance compared to other materials. With a 10-20 year lifespan, it provides good value for the price.

Wood

  • Pros: Natural appearance, affordable, easy to install, wide selection
  • Cons: Needs regular staining/sealing, not as durable as vinyl or metal, can warp
  • Cost: Approx. $.50- $3 per sq. ft. installed

Wood screens provide a classic, attractive look. Cedar and redwood are naturally resilient options. Be prepared to stain or seal yearly to protect against weathering.

Polyethylene Plastic

  • Pros: Budget friendly, decent privacy, lightweight, easy installation
  • Cons: Can appear “cheap”, less opacity, prone to sagging, 5-8 year lifespan
  • Cost: Approx. $.20 – $.50 per sq. ft. installed

Polyethylene plastic is an affordable, quick option. While not as durable or opaque as vinyl, it works well on a tight budget if replaced routinely.

Fiberglass Mesh

  • Pros: Semi-transparent, filters rather than blocks view, lets in light
  • Cons: Provides less privacy than solid materials, needs re-coating
  • Cost: Approx. $1 – $2 per sq. ft. installed

Fiberglass mesh screens offer partial obscuring while still feeling open. The woven texture disrupts and filters rather than totally blocking sight lines.

Aluminum

  • Pros: Lightweight yet strong, long-lasting
  • Cons: Conducts heat in summer, makes noise in wind, less privacy than other materials
  • Cost: Approx. $.80 – $2 per sq. ft. installed

Aluminum screens are a lightweight but sturdy option. Openness provides less privacy than solid vinyl or wood, but excellent durability.

Bamboo

  • Pros: Sustainable, natural appearance, affordable
  • Cons: Prone to splitting/cracking, needs preservative treatments
  • Cost: Approx. $1 – $2 per sq. ft. installed

For an eco-friendly screen, bamboo slats provide a stylish, oriental look. Requires treatments to resist moisture damage in wet climates.

Top 5 Privacy Screens

Based on the criteria above, here are 5 of the best chain link fence privacy screens:

1. Black Vinyl Coated Screen

  • Material: 14 gauge PVC vinyl
  • Privacy Level: 90-95% opacity
  • Features: 8’ x 100’ roll, grommets for easy installation, wind rated to 90 mph
  • Price: Approximately $3 per sq. ft. installed

This durable black vinyl screen provides excellent privacy and longevity at a moderate price point. One of the top sellers.

2. Redwood Lattice Privacy Screen

  • Material: 5/8″ thick redwood
  • Privacy Level: 70-80% opacity
  • Features: Slatted design, pre-assembled panels for quick installation
  • Price: Approximately $2.50 per sq. ft. installed

Redwood offers resilience and the natural beauty of wood. Lattice pattern provides air flow while obscuring visibility.

3. Sandstone Fiberglass Mesh

  • Material: Translucent fiberglass filaments
  • Privacy Level: 60-70% opacity
  • Features: Open, airy appearance, poly coating resists fading
  • Price: Approximately $1.50 per sq. ft. installed

For a screen that filters rather than blocks, quality fiberglass mesh lets in light while limiting views.

4. Black Aluminum Screen Mesh

  • Material: Powder coated aluminum
  • Privacy Level: 60-70% opacity
  • Features: Durable, weather resistant, wind rated to 120 mph
  • Price: Approximately $1 per sq. ft. installed

This resilient aluminum screen provides decent privacy at an affordable price, though less than solid vinyl or wood.

5. Green ShadeNetting

  • Material: Knitted high density polyethylene
  • Privacy Level: 70-80% opacity
  • Features: Budget friendly price, easy pole pocket installation
  • Price: Approximately $.50 per sq. ft. installed

For a basic plastic screen on a budget, ShadeNetting blocks views without breaking the bank. Lacks longevity of other materials.

Conclusion

Installing a privacy screen is one of the most effective and affordable ways to boost seclusion on a chain link fence. The best screens use durable, opaque materials like vinyl and wood to provide full privacy. Consider your specific needs and environment when selecting color, attachment style, and materials. Opt for longevity and opacity over bargain screens for lasting satisfaction. With the right solution, you can easily transform the look and functionality of your yard.