What is a Privacy Fence?
A privacy fence is a style used to provide seclusion and prevent outsiders from seeing into your yard. It’s typically a bit taller than traditional or aesthetic fences and constructed using materials that create a solid barrier. The goal is to block views and enhance your property’s overall sense of privacy. However, they don’t necessarily need to be along the perimeter of your property line. You can install privacy fences to enclose backyards, around a patio or deck, and surround a pool. The goal is to feel relaxed without the concern of being observed by any neighbors or passersby.
Privacy fences also offer several practical benefits to homeowners. For one, they can act as windbreaks, reducing wind flow and providing a more comfortable outdoor environment. The same mentality can also help reduce noise pollution and create a quieter space in your yard and your home’s interior.
Due to their height, privacy fences also naturally enhance security measures by making it more difficult for intruders to access your property. Plus, they’re aesthetic and can complement your home’s landscape, creating an attractive outdoor space to enjoy with friends and family.
Different Types of Privacy Fence Styles
Before choosing your material, you may want to explore the options for privacy fence styles. Each one has unique benefits and will change the overall aesthetics of your home’s exterior. Some of the most common include the following:
1. Shadowbox Fence
A shadowbox fence, also known as a “good neighbor fence,” features staggered pickets on each side of the rail, creating an attractive appearance on both sides. It’s a great option if both you and your neighbor want to share a fence wall, but you may still be able to see through the fence at certain angles. Regardless, this style allows for plenty of privacy and a bit more airflow than stockade or board-on-board fences.
2. Board-on-Board Fence
The board-on-board fence is a classic style where vertical boards are alternately attached on each side of the central rail, overlapping each other. It’s essentially a shadowbox fence where the boards overlap, so there are no potential gaps, regardless of the angle. It’s also particularly effective against wind and sound penetration.
3. Stockade Fence
Stockade fences consist of tightly placed vertical boards with pointed tops, similar to historic defensive barriers. This is one of the most common types of privacy fence, as they’re simple yet effective. There can be various changes to the design elements of a stockade fence to match your needs, but the lack of gaps and tall boards provide a great barrier.
4. Lattice-Top Fence
Lattice-top fences combine solid panels with a lattice design at the top. The latticework adds a decorative element while maintaining privacy below. This style is popular for its balance of seclusion and aesthetic appeal while giving homeowners a touch of elegance in their outdoor space.
5. Horizontal Slat Fence
Horizontal slat fences have become increasingly popular for their modern, sleek look. The only difference is that the boards are placed horizontally instead of vertically, with varying degrees of spacing depending on the desired level of privacy.
The Most Durable Fencing Materials
Durable materials sometimes don’t translate to privacy, so it’s important to explore your options if you want a new fence that does both. For example, many aluminum fences have lattice styling similar to a picket fence. Or they’re varying sizes of posts secured by horizontal designs. Similarly, chain link fences are extremely durable but not meant to block out the view. Instead, these are often used to keep kids and pets contained or add a degree of security to your property. Some of the most durable fencing materials you can use for optimal privacy are vinyl, composite, and wood. However, metal and brick fences may offer a ton of privacy with a slightly higher investment. The different types of fences for privacy are as follows:
Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl privacy fences are among the most popular types available for residential homes and for a good reason. They’re made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a durable and low-maintenance material resistant to rot, pests, and weathering. Vinyl fences can be made to mimic the appearance of other materials and are available in countless different styles and colors. When properly maintained, a vinyl fence can last around 30 years.
Composite Fencing
This type of fence is becoming increasingly popular due to its eco-friendly properties. Composite fences are made from post-consumer recycled fiber and plastic materials, making for a good-conscious yet effective fencing decision. Although it’s not a completely maintenance-free material, composite has similar care needs to vinyl. Doing so can lead to a lifespan between 25 and 30 years.
Wooden Fencing
Wooden privacy fences have been one of the most popular fence types for years because they’re simple and can be customized to any home’s exteriors. Plus, they offer exceptional privacy and are fairly easy to install. Of course, the type of wood you choose will matter, and you’ll have to take action to stain the panels every few years. Otherwise, high-quality and well-maintained pine and cedar are popular choices for privacy. Wood also has a lot of versatility in its design, allowing for various styles such as board-on-board, stockade, or lattice-topped.
It should be noted that although a wooden fence is beautiful and can have a long lifespan, the materials are more susceptible to damage than other privacy fencing options. For example, cedar fences are more prone to wood rot or stains than vinyl fences due to the natural porousness of the material. Still, if you take care of your fence panels and maintain the upkeep of staining and sealing them, you can reduce the risk of deterioration and keep them strong for several years. There is more maintenance, but wooden panels make an excellent privacy fence.
Metal Fences
Although traditionally installed with standard spacing between the poles, some creative alternatives have started appearing. Professionals are starting to craft metal panels similar to those used in vinyl or wood fences. This allows for optimal privacy while still enjoying all of the benefits of a metal fence. With high-quality workmanship and some creative aesthetic touches, they can add a unique touch to your curb appeal and require little maintenance. They’ll need some basic cleaning and rust treatments, but in doing so, you can enjoy a privacy fence that lasts over 50 years.
Brick and Mortar
Masonry fences made of bricks are one of the strongest and most durable options available, with the ability to withstand strong winds and extreme weather for up to 100 years. For families that want a brick fence for privacy, however, you might face a pretty hefty price tag. The higher the fence, the more materials are needed, and brick fence installation is also a bit more time-consuming. These factors can result in costs between $10,500 to $36,000 and above for an average home size. For comparison, the average vinyl fence costs about $4,000.
How to Choose the Best Residential Fence for Privacy and Security
Navigating the different options can be overwhelming for many homeowners, especially if you’re looking for something specific. Although many of the best materials offer long-lasting privacy, other specifications should be considered. Maybe you don’t know the optimal height of the fence or which materials will be the most low maintenance. Or, you could need a fence for your home that’s a bit more budget-friendly without sacrificing quality. The best way to choose the right type of fence is to work with a professional like the ones at First Star Exteriors.
First Star Exteriors has the expertise and project examples to showcase our team’s skills. Our designers will discuss factors that make your family and property special, including whether you have a pool or a garden, kids or pets, and how you hope to use your backyard. From helping you choose the right fence to complement your exterior to professional installation and repairs, we’re happy to help. If you’re interested in fencing installation, we’ll happily provide an estimate per linear foot for materials and installation.
We believe there’s a perfect balance between hands-on, personable treatment, quality of work, and speed of delivery. That’s why our contractors take the time to understand your needs and communicate effectively from the first quote to the last nail placed. To learn more about our fencing options or to get a quote from us today within 48 hours, contact us at (479) 267-4800 or fill out our contact form here.
