50 Privacy Fence Ideas to Stylishly Seclude Your Outdoor Sanctuary
Your home should be the place where you feel the most relaxed, but you might be in need of some privacy fence ideas if your exposed backyard is making it hard to truly unwind. “Privacy fencing, either along a property line or around a specific area in your garden, creates a sense of sanctuary, seclusion, and peacefulness,” says Janice Parker, a landscape architect based in Greenwich, Connecticut. “A garden should, at its best, connect us to nature, and this is simpler to do when you can relax in a peaceful setting. Hidden areas, made with privacy screening, create a sense of mystery, as you do not see all of the garden at once. Mystery makes a great garden!”
Luckily, clever retaining wall ideas and privacy fence ideas (some are even DIY landscaping designs) can ensure your backyard is the secluded oasis you want it to be. “A privacy fence does all the work of a typical fence—indicating boundaries and keeping people and animals in or out—while also blocking views into the yard,” says Kevin Lenhart, a landscape designer and design director at Yardzen, one of the nation’s largest online landscape platforms.
Here, a guide to building backyard landscaping and a privacy fence—whether you use a pergola or a trellis—to keep onlookers out and a peace of mind in.
Are privacy fences a good idea?
“From an ecological and natural point of view, privacy fences are the least desirable element in the landscape,” says Jonathan Fargion, a landscape designer based in New York City. This doesn’t mean privacy fences are necessarily a bad idea, just that there are a few considerations to take into account before getting started.
Privacy fences cut the land into lots, which can be problematic for the bugs, insects, and other wildlife that live there. “As a rule of thumb, fences should be at least two inches off the ground to let critters the freedom to move between properties,” Fargion explains. In general, he says privacy fences make the most sense on small properties, like town house gardens. For larger yards, he suggests making use of natural greenery, like trees, to keep unwanted eyes from infiltrating your space.
How tall can I make my privacy fence?
Fences that are six feet tall should block most views from the ground level. “I’d advise not going any taller than you have to, both to save on expenses and to limit the shrinking, enclosing effect fences can have on a space,” Lenhart says. If you do need extra height, he suggests adding 12 to 18 inches of lattice on the top of a fence, which will add privacy while minimizing the visual impact of a taller fence. If you opt for a natural privacy hedge, these can be much taller and often go up to 12 feet.
What is the best type of privacy fence?
The best privacy fence will depend on each homeowner’s goals for the fence and their yard. “By necessity, privacy fences must obscure sight lines,” Lenhart says. For this reason, many privacy fences are made from solid wood and designed to be completely opaque. If the goal is to have complete seclusion, something solid without any gaps would likely be the best choice.
There are also fences that are a little more open and offer breathability in a space. “Obviously, a privacy fence fails if you can clearly see through it, but there’s a gradient with which designers can play,” Lenhart notes. In these instances, he says the goal is to include gaps that are large enough to be visible, but small enough to prevent a clear view. “The homeowner’s style and priorities will dictate the particular fence design to use on a given project,” Lenhart explains.
How do you create a privacy fence that complements your home style?
To achieve a cohesive exterior appearance, the privacy fence you choose should complement your home’s style. “Look for cues in other exterior carpentry that might guide the detailing, like railings, shutters, and decking,” recommends Jordan Clough, associate principal at Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture in Washington, DC.
For example, if your home’s exterior is traditional in style, you might want to check out historical examples of fences used with that type of architecture, suggests Michael McGowan, senior landscape architect at KAA Design Group in Los Angeles. “That’s not to say you must recreate an exact replica of a historic fence, but a subtle nod towards that historical lineage goes a long way towards making your home feel cohesive and well-designed,” he adds.
What materials are most often used for privacy fences?
Many materials can be used to create privacy fences, though wood is the most common choice. This is due to its ease of installation, maintenance, and repair, as well as its cost and design flexibility, Clough says. Wood is also a more sustainable choice than vinyl, another common option. “We have to think about the impact of these materials on the planet,” explains Joe Carline, partner at Kligerman Architecture & Design in New York. In particular, Carline is a proponent of cedar, which is “easy to work with, infinitely customizable, and simple to maintain,” he says. “Cedar offers a timeless look that suits a wide array of architectural styles and can be stained or painted.” Carline frequently relies on Port Orford or Alaskan Yellow cedar, both which have a high resistance to decay and insects.
Another advantage of using cedar is its incredible versatility. “The variability within that one material is staggering,” McGowan says. “There are countless color, finish, and detail variations possible that will elevate the humble cedar fence to the aspirational. You are only limited by your imagination and the creativity of your vision.”
How much does a privacy fence cost?
The cost of a privacy fence will vary based on its height and the type of material you choose. Other factors, such as labor and location, will also impact the amount you should expect to pay. “On average, homeowners can expect to spend between $40 to $150 per linear foot,” Carline explains. He notes that paying a bit more up-front will serve one well in the long run. “I recommend that our clients purchase quality materials for the exterior of a home.”