No more nosy neighbors peeking into your pool or passersby seeing your family enjoying dinner on the deck. A privacy fence keeps you secluded from the eyes of anyone outside your property.
A variety of materials can be used to construct a privacy fence. Wood is popular with homeowners who like a natural look. For professional expertise, call Maisey Fence LLC now!
Wood is a popular option for privacy fences because it is durable, affordable, and versatile. Fences made from wood can be built in a variety of styles, including lattice, stockade, picket, shadow box, and picture frame. These fencing designs can be used alone or in combination to create a unique look.
In addition to enhancing the aesthetics of your home, a wood privacy fence can also increase the value of your property. According to some estimates, a high-end wood fence can add up to 50% of its installation cost in increased home value. Wood fences are also a good choice for homeowners with children because they can help keep young ones safe in the yard while they play.
There are many different types of wood fences available for construction, including pine, cypress, and redwood. Cedar, however, is a preferred material for backyard privacy fences because of its durability and natural resistance to moisture absorption. Cedar also has a more appealing appearance than pine or cypress, which have a tendency to warp over time.
For a wood privacy fence that provides extra support and protection, consider choosing a board-on-board style. This type of fence is constructed by attaching every other picket to the rail in an overlapping pattern. This design helps to prevent cracks in the wood and also makes the fence look attractive from both sides.
Another great way to enhance the visual appeal of a wood privacy fence is by adding a lattice or trellis. These features provide an open, criss-cross pattern that can be covered by climbing plants or flowers for added privacy. This type of fence may not offer complete privacy on its own, but it can be a great place to start for those who want to add more to their privacy fence ideas.
Building a privacy fence is a major project that requires careful planning, consideration of local zoning laws, and a number of tools. For most people, it is best to hire a professional fence-building company. However, if you are confident in your carpentry skills, you can build a wood privacy fence yourself. There are numerous tutorials and detailed instruction manuals that can guide you through the process.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a popular choice for fences because it resists rot, pests, and weather damage. It comes in a variety of colors and styles that can make your yard stand out. However, it is important to consider your needs and budget when choosing a vinyl fence. You will also want to check with your local zoning department before installing a privacy fence to ensure that it meets all requirements.
Traditional vinyl fences use anchor pipes, which are driven into the ground with a sledgehammer. Hollow posts slide over the anchor pipes to form a section that one fence panel can be built from. They have two rails at the bottom and top, with pickets running between them. Taller six-foot vinyl fences require a concrete foundation, similar to wood four-by-four posts. A concrete post does not slide over an anchor pipe but is sunk into the ground.
For a little more style than a simple, solid vinyl privacy fence, you can add lattice to the top of your fence. This is a great option for hiding pool equipment, air conditioning units, or other unsightly items in your backyard. It can also look great as an entryway to a garden or patio. Vinyl lattice is easy to install and will not rot, mold, or mildew like other forms of lattice.
You can also purchase vinyl fences with routed or contemporary pickets for a smooth look that is identical on both sides. These are commonly found around swimming pools and playgrounds, but they can be used in residential backyards as well. A more traditional choice is a vinyl post-and-rail fence, which is a popular choice for separating properties or dividing a field. These types of fences often feature a cross or an “X” formed by the middle rails, making them very popular along roads and exercise paths.
A vinyl post-and-rail fence is the most common type of fencing for farm animals, but it can be used to divide a backyard as well. It can be constructed from a single row of posts or a double row, depending on the size of your property. It is a very strong and durable option, but it does not provide as much privacy as a solid fence.
Vegetation
Trees and shrubbery offer natural, aesthetically pleasing privacy fencing to homeowners without the space for taller structures. Plant-based fences keep out prying eyes and unwanted people and are especially useful for renters, apartment dwellers, or those with limited property that cannot afford to put up a traditional wood or vinyl fence. From fast-growing bushes and hedging plants to flowering trees, a line of vegetation is sure to enhance your home.
Fast-growing hedging plants such as holly, arborvitae, and privet can be planted in a row to form a lush and dense privacy screen. To maximize growth, prune hedging plants regularly to keep them in shape. Ornamental grasses like pampas gracia (Cortaderia selloana) and giant grass (Miscanthus giganteus) offer fast-growing screening as well. This type of planting requires little maintenance, but it may be susceptible to winter frost damage.
If you prefer an evergreen, low-maintenance planting for a privacy fence, choose juniper trees such as Wichita Blue or Lynwood Gold. Juniper plants can grow up to six feet high and are able to spread quickly, creating an effective barrier for your property. Another evergreen option is oleander (Nerium intybus), which provides thick coverage in USDA zones 9 to 11. A popular choice for a flowering hedge is lilac (Syringa vulgaris). This deciduous plant flowers in spring, and its lush leaves provide privacy throughout the summer.
Vines are often overlooked as privacy plants, but many offer quick growth and a stunning aesthetic. Vines such as coral vine (Antigonon leptopus) and common jasmine (Jasminum officinale) offer a natural look while offering pink to white blooms during the summer. These plants can be planted on a stake or used as a trellis.
If you’re looking for a more formal hedge, try the evergreen Duranta erecta hedge. It grows up to seven feet tall and is available in both flowering and non-flowering varieties. Or, try a variety of other hedging plants for a unique look, such as scented cherry laurel (Prunus ilicifolia) or five-leaf akebia (Parthenocissus tricuspidata).
Concrete
Concrete is a solid material that is durable and can be molded into various shapes. This is why it is a favorite for commercial and industrial construction. It is also used to make bridges, sidewalks, and fences. It is an excellent choice for privacy fencing because it blocks noise and can be stained to look like wood or stone. In addition, it is impervious to weather. Concrete privacy fences are often built with precast panels that are set on steel posts. This gives them a modern, clean, and sleek appearance. They can be colored and designed to look like other materials to complement the architecture of a home or office building.
A precast concrete fence is made in a controlled environment to ensure that the finished product is of high quality. The manufacturers pour the concrete into steel trays called molds, and the resulting structure is allowed to cure. It can then be shipped and installed at the site. Before the fence is installed, the ground must be prepared. This includes leveling the area and, if necessary, constructing a foundation. Once the area is ready, support posts are set, and the precast concrete fence panels are attached to them. If the fence is to be stained, this can be done at the factory or on-site.
Once the concrete is poured, it should be allowed to set for a couple of days. This will give it time to achieve the required strength of 600 psi. A second application of concrete can be made if the first does not have enough strength. It is important that the rebar be embedded throughout the concrete for sturdiness.
After the concrete has cured, it is time to mount the fence. This can be done by augering out the holes at the proper depth and spacing intervals. Once the holes have been dug, they should be filled with concrete to ground level and topped with three pieces of Number 3 rebar. The rebar will reinforce the concrete to provide additional strength and prevent cracking or bending.
This type of fence is a cost-effective way to add privacy to a property. It is also durable and does not require much maintenance. It can add value to a property and is a great option for homeowners who are looking for a worry-free privacy fence solution.
