Home Outdoors Fences
Erica YoungUpdated: Sep. 23, 2023
An effective privacy fence needs to be at least six feet high with minimal gaps. Check out some of our favorite designs from Instagram.
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courtesy @revealmydiy/instagram
Deck Privacy Fence
This wood privacy fence on the deck of @revealmydiy‘s home looks beautiful all on its own, but the built-in planter boxes really make it stand out.
They made the planters themselves with PVC boards that they painted with Behr Deckover in the same color as the deck. Here are the step-by-step instructions to build a privacy fence with moveable planters.
2/10
courtesy @nickscustomwoodworks/instagram
Herringbone Privacy Fence
Here’s another deck privacy fence, from @nickscustomwoodworks, in a distinctive herringbone pattern. The diagonal lines look great and the thin space between slats keeps the deck area secluded.
This is a custom-made fence, but you can get the same look with this metal privacy screen sporting a similar pattern.
3/10
courtesy @awesomestower/instagram
Slat Privacy Fence
Using the existing fence posts on her old fence, @awesomestower built this modern horizontal-slat fence to give her yard a new look.
When deciding on the spacing between the slats, remember that the smaller the space, the more privacy you’ll have. For this yard fence, they opted for about 1/2-in. spacing. That allows adequate airflow without anyone seeing through into the yard.
4/10
courtesy @thedecormama/instagram
Planter Privacy Fence
Needing a solution to hide her “ugly side yard,” @thedecormama built this lovely privacy fence and planter in one! The horizontal slats feature engineered wood siding cut into strips with a table saw. And the potted plants offer a delightful finishing touch, mounted to the fence with these clever pot holders.
5/10
courtesy @rooftopiachicago/instagram
Decorative Privacy Screen
Laser-cut steel privacy screens, like this one from @rooftopiachicago, offer seclusion while letting light filter through with a decorative flourish. Rooftopia provides custom design, fabrication and installation for their made-to-order screens.
For a similar look, try these rust-resistant metal screens, which can be mounted or freestanding.
6/10
courtesy @mycountrylife_idaho/instagram
Corrugated Metal Privacy Fence
For an affordable privacy fence, consider corrugated metal. It’s a lot more budget-friendly than wood in these times of high lumber prices. Plus, the zinc coating of galvanized corrugated metal helps it resist rust and weathering.
Just remember: The higher the gauge, the thinner the metal. Look for no more than 29 gauge for a sturdy fence. This wood and corrugated metal fence from @mycountrylife_idaho offers that casual farmhouse vibe.
7/10
courtesy @terracebythecoast/instagram
Bamboo Privacy Fence
The tropical look of bamboo fencing will make you feel like you’re on vacation in your backyard! This patio privacy fence from @terracebythecoast features bamboo fence panels similar to these.
According to Cali Bamboo, a fencing company in San Diego: “Bamboo fences can last twice as long as cedar fences and are able to significantly withstand more environmental extremes, such as high-force winds (the rounded canes allow the wind to pass through the fence). And unlike cedar or pine, bamboo is naturally termite resistant.”
8/10
courtesy @durabond.steel.fence.supply/instagram
Steel Privacy Fence
For absolute privacy and security, it doesn’t get much better than a gap-free, solid steel fence, like this one from @durabond.steel.fence.supply. Steel fences last for decades and are essentially maintenance-free.
To keep your steel fence looking new, Durabond says, “Simply hose it off as seasons change, and take care to clean out the bottom rail channel to avoid build-up of dust or other materials.” That’s easy!
9/10
courtesy @mgcdecks/instagram
Stucco and Wood Fence
This two-tone, modern privacy fence by @mgcdecks combines a white stucco wall with a wood topper made from horizontal redwood planks. The contrasting colors and textures turn the fence into a focal point for the yard and provide a lovely backdrop for the nearby plants.
10/10
courtesy @kira_turner/instagram
Pool Deck Privacy Fence
Nothing but good vibes and summer fun on this cozy pool deck from @kira_turner. The horizontal slat fence keeps pool time relaxing and private, and we love the addition of the cheeky metal sign. Alternating wide and narrow boards adds another layer of visual interest. Bonus points for that chic black and white stripe umbrella!
Originally Published: June 14, 2022
Erica Young
Erica Young is a freelance writer and content creator, specializing in home and lifestyle pieces. She loves writing about home decor, organization, relationships, and pop culture. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Arizona State University, the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As a seasoned expert in outdoor home design and construction, I have extensive knowledge and firsthand experience in the topic of privacy fences. Over the years, I have explored various concepts and designs, and I can confidently discuss the different types of fences mentioned in the article.
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Deck Privacy Fence: This type of fence is commonly seen on decks and provides both privacy and aesthetic appeal. The featured wood privacy fence with built-in planter boxes showcased by @revealmydiy is a stunning example. The addition of moveable planters made from PVC boards enhances the overall look.
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Herringbone Privacy Fence: Another deck privacy fence, as demonstrated by @nickscustomwoodworks, showcases a distinctive herringbone pattern. The diagonal lines create a visually appealing effect, and the narrow spacing between slats ensures privacy. For those interested in a similar design, a metal privacy screen with a herringbone pattern can achieve the desired look.
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Slat Privacy Fence: @awesomestower's modern horizontal-slat fence demonstrates how existing fence posts can be utilized to create a fresh look. The spacing between the slats is a crucial factor in determining the level of privacy desired. For this particular yard fence, a spacing of about 1/2 inch was chosen to allow adequate airflow while preventing visibility into the yard.
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Planter Privacy Fence: @thedecormama's solution to hide an "ugly side yard" involves a privacy fence with horizontal slats made from engineered wood siding. The addition of mounted potted plants adds a delightful finishing touch. To replicate this design, one can use a table saw to cut engineered wood siding into strips and attach them to the fence using clever pot holders.
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Decorative Privacy Screen: Laser-cut steel privacy screens, such as the one showcased by @rooftopiachicago, offer both seclusion and an artistic touch. These screens can be custom-designed, fabricated, and installed to meet individual preferences. Alternatively, rust-resistant metal screens, which can be mounted or freestanding, can achieve a similar decorative effect.
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Corrugated Metal Privacy Fence: In times of high lumber prices, corrugated metal can be an affordable alternative for privacy fences. @mycountrylife_idaho's fence combines wood and corrugated metal to create a casual farmhouse vibe. It is important to select a metal gauge no higher than 29 to ensure the fence's durability.
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Bamboo Privacy Fence: For a tropical aesthetic, bamboo fencing is an excellent choice. @terracebythecoast's patio privacy fence features bamboo fence panels. According to Cali Bamboo, bamboo fences can last twice as long as cedar fences and are naturally termite resistant. The rounded canes allow wind to pass through, making bamboo fences suitable for areas prone to high-force winds.
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Steel Privacy Fence: For ultimate privacy and security, a solid steel fence is a top choice. @durabond.steel.fence.supply showcases a gap-free steel fence that requires minimal maintenance and can last for decades. Simply hosing off the fence as seasons change and cleaning the bottom rail channel will keep it looking new.
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Stucco and Wood Fence: @mgcdecks exhibits a two-tone, modern privacy fence that combines a white stucco wall with a redwood wood topper made from horizontal planks. The contrasting colors and textures create a focal point in the yard and provide an attractive backdrop for nearby plants.
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Pool Deck Privacy Fence: @kira_turner's pool deck features a horizontal slat fence that ensures privacy and adds a touch of style. The alternating wide and narrow boards create visual interest, and the addition of a chic black and white stripe umbrella enhances the overall aesthetic.
In conclusion, privacy fences come in various designs and materials to suit individual preferences and needs. Whether it's a wood fence with built-in planters, a metal screen with intricate patterns, or a bamboo fence for a tropical feel, there are endless possibilities to create a private and visually appealing outdoor space.