What is the cheapest way to add privacy to a chain link fence?

Quick Answer

The cheapest way to add privacy to a chain link fence is to use plastic privacy slats or mesh. Plastic slats can be purchased for around $0.50 per foot and attached to the fence with zip ties. Privacy mesh typically costs around $0.25 per square foot and can be secured to the fence with cable ties. Both options provide an opaque barrier while still allowing air flow. They are easy DIY solutions that don’t require dismantling the existing fence.

More Detailed Answer

Adding privacy to a chain link fence is one of the most affordable and straightforward ways to boost your backyard’s seclusion and security. While replacing the entire fence with a wood or vinyl style might be ideal, it requires a significant upfront investment. If your goal is simply to obstruct views for enhanced privacy, there are several budget-friendly solutions that work with your existing chain link fencing.

Plastic Privacy Slats

Plastic privacy slats, also called fence slats or fence panels, are an inexpensive way to block visibility and create a privacy barrier. The slats are made of vinyl, HDPE or recycled plastic and come in lengths that match standard chain link dimensions.

Slats easily slide into place over the wire diamonds and are secured with cable ties or zip ties. They are available in a variety of colors to match your fence. Installation is very simple and can be completed in just an afternoon with basic DIY skills.

Here are some benefits of using plastic slats for chain link fence privacy:

• Low cost at around $0.50 per linear foot
• Lightweight and easy to install yourself
• Allow air flow to pass through the fence
• Come in multiple colors to coordinate with fence
• Can be installed in select sections for partial privacy
• Easy to remove or replace slats if needed

One downside is that slats can become brittle and degrade over time when exposed to sunlight and weather. However, they are very affordable to replace as needed.

Plastic Privacy Mesh

Privacy mesh is another simple and budget-friendly option. This material is made from woven black polyethylene plastic that blocks visibility while permitting air flow.

Installing privacy mesh involves cutting it to size and using cable ties to secure the lightweight mesh to the chain link. The small openings and black color create an opaque effect that obscures the view.

Here are some of the benefits of using plastic mesh:

• Very low cost at around $0.25 per square foot
• Easy for DIY installation with cable ties
• Allows airflow to pass through
• Provides full privacy coverage
• Can be installed on the whole fence or select areas
• Doesn’t require dismantling the chain link fence

One thing to keep in mind is that privacy mesh is prone to wind damage if not properly secured. Be sure to use plenty of sturdy cable ties when attaching it to the fence. It may need to be replaced every few years.

Landscaping for Privacy

In addition to plastic slats or mesh, you can also use landscaping to increase your fence’s privacy screening. Planting fast-growing trees, bushes, bamboo, or trellised vines along your perimeter creates a natural sight barrier.

This is often the most aesthetically pleasing solution. Some good plant choices include:

• Arborvitae
• Leyland cypress
• Bamboo
• Climbing vines on a trellis
• Blackberry bushes
• Tall grasses

Aim for dense foliage that grows quickly to at least the height of your fence line. Keep plants trimmed to the desired size each year.

Combining landscaping with another solution like slats or mesh boosts privacy even further. Just keep in mind that planting and caring for greenery has higher upfront and maintenance costs compared to plastic options. But the end result is beautiful.

Fence Toppers for Privacy

Fence toppers physically increase the height of your existing chain link fence, blocking views from neighboring properties and public areas. Two affordable DIY options are lattice and corrugated metal roofing.

Lattice sheets come in 2’x8′ or 4’x8′ sections that can be cut to size. Use heavy-duty zip ties to attach the lattice along the top of the fence. For stability, you can also install wooden slats horizontally across the top of the fence to support the lattice.

Corrugated metal roofing panels are another sturdy and low cost topper. Cut sheets to the fence length and zip tie them into place. Use overlapping pieces and seal with silicone caulk for weather resistance. Consider coating the metal with spray paint to improve aesthetics and prevent corrosion.

Here are some benefits of using fence toppers:

• Boost privacy without removing or replacing fence
• Lattice and metal roofing are budget-friendly
• Easy, DIY-friendly installation
• Visually obscures views from above fence line
• Can work with other solutions like landscaping

The main drawback is that extra weight and wind forces can put added stress on the fence. Be sure to reinforce the structure as needed to prevent damage in storms.

Cost Comparison of Privacy Options

To summarize the cheapest options for adding privacy to an existing chain link fence:

Solution	Cost Estimate
Plastic Slats	$0.50 per linear foot
Plastic Mesh	$0.25 per square foot
Landscaping	$5-15 per plant
Lattice Topper	$15-25 per 8 foot sheet
Corrugated Metal Topper	$15-25 per 8 foot sheet

Plastic slats and mesh are the most affordable materials to quickly add opaque screening. Landscaping has higher upfront costs but creates natural privacy over time. Fence toppers require more installation work but efficiently boost privacy at low cost using lattice or metal roofing.

Any of these DIY-friendly solutions can maximize your privacy for under $200 for a 20 foot section. That’s far more affordable than installing a brand new wood or vinyl privacy fence.

Installing Plastic Slats – Step-by-Step

Installing plastic slats is an easy DIY project. Here are the basic steps:

1. Measure your fence perimeter to determine how many linear feet of slats you’ll need.
2. Purchase slats in the appropriate length based on your fence height.
3. Optional: Cut slats to size if needed for custom widths or gaps.
4. Insert slats into the chain link openings from top to bottom or bottom to top.
5. Use cable ties or zip ties to secure the slats to the fence in at least two spots per slat.
6. Trim off any excess tie length for a cleaner look.

Tips for installation:

• Leave a 1-2 inch gap between slats for drainage and airflow.
• Stagger the slats vertically for a layered look.
• Use UV-resistant ties to avoid degradation in sunlight.
• Consider leaving gaps at eye level for light and visibility.
• Use 2-3 ties per slat for maximum security in windy conditions.

That’s all there is to it! The slats insert right into the fence openings and the ties keep them firmly in place. Installation requires no special tools. You can add privacy to a 20 foot span in less than an hour.

Plastic slats bring simple and affordable privacy to chain link fences with minimal time and effort. Follow these steps and you’ll be enjoying a more secluded backyard in no time.

Installing Privacy Mesh – Step-by-Step

Here is a step-by-step guide to adding plastic privacy mesh to your chain link fence:

1. Measure the total area you want to cover with the mesh and add 20% more for overlap.
2. Purchase appropriate amount of black polyethylene mesh.
3. Cut the mesh to your desired lengths using heavy duty scissors or snips.
4. Lay out the mesh sections and use cable ties to attach them together if needed.
5. Starting at one end, attach the mesh sheet to the fence using sturdy cable ties every 12 inches or as needed.
6. Overlap mesh pieces by at least 2-3 inches and tie them together for full coverage.
7. Pull mesh tight at each attachment point for optimal opacity.
8. Trim off any excess tie ends close to the fence for clean look.

Tips for best results:

• Use heavy duty outdoor-rated cable ties rated for at least 50 lb tensile strength.
• Attach ties to fence links for most secure attachment.
• Space ties every 12 inches or less to prevent wind damage.
• Overlap mesh seams appropriately to block visibility through gaps.
• Recheck ties after installation and tighten or add more as needed.

With just some simple tools and materials, you can install fence mesh in an afternoon. Cut lengths to fit, tightly secure at regular intervals, and overlap seams. In no time you’ll have an opaque barrier that maintains airflow but blocks unwanted views.

Conclusion

Boosting privacy along your chain link fence doesn’t require tearing it out or expensive new materials. Affordable plastic slats or mesh are quick and easy solutions. Landscaping also creates natural screening over time. For full coverage, fence toppers like lattice or corrugated metal efficiently block views from above.

With DIY installation, you can increase backyard seclusion for just pennies per square foot. And no matter which option you choose, airflow and light penetration remain intact. Upgrade your fence on a budget with these simple yet effective methods. A private sanctuary awaits!