25 Innovative Privacy Fence Ideas

Stone is a beautiful addition to a yard, particularly if you have a traditional English garden look in your yard. Think of a rambling paddock, a curved flagstone wall, or a stacked block wall. It’s likely best to hire a professional stone mason to build your stone wall, and be sure you know the height you desire before you begin. Check your budget as this could end up being pricey if you need a lot of fencing.

While this type of fence won’t rank among inexpensive privacy fence ideas, it is an investment in your property that will pay dividends. That’s because brick is not only beautiful, it’s durable. It’s also virtually maintenance free. Brick is a classic look that never goes out of style.

If you want to save money, you can combine stone or brick with other materials. Choose solid brick in the areas of the yard where you want to block the view, and then use another option like metal or iron fencing in the other sections of fence, if you have space where privacy is not as important or you’d like to be able to see through the fence.  

Horizontal privacy fence ideas provide for an interesting visual effect, like a brick wall inset with horizontal wooden slats. This will likely save some money in your budget too, since an all-brick wall can be pricey. Just remember the wood will require more maintenance than the brick portions of the wall.

A traditional wood fence becomes a privacy fence when the fence boards are placed tightly together. This ensures nobody can see into the yard. This is also a good option if you have a dog that barks at every passer-by. Add a see-through “door” in the fence so you can look out if someone does come to visit.

If you want a fence that allows some light in, you can also use lattice at the top of the structure. This adds more height to the fence, although it also adds the ability to see through. But if the lattice is high enough, it’s unlikely anyone will be able to peek in, other than sunshine on a nice day. 

One of the best DIY privacy fence ideas is to buy a fence kit and make your own fence. Panels, for instance, are relatively easy to install, although you may need a second set of hands to help you get the job done. Panels let you build your fence as big as you need, or create a standalone fence in only one section of your property.

A really interesting visual effect is created with a bamboo fence, which can be designed to run horizontally or vertically. Make sure the bamboo is tightly wound together to create privacy. Bamboo can be combined with other materials, like installed into a metal structure. Bamboo is also ideal in themed spaces like a zen garden.

A maintenance free option that may cost a bit more at the outset is a privacy fence made of composite materials. That could be a combination of recycled plastics and wood fibers, such as chips and sawdust, making it an environmentally friendly option. Vinyl and PVC products are also available, and have come down in pricing to make them a more attractive choice. They’re also light, making them easy to install.

Tall privacy fence ideas include metal fencing, which can be made to cover as large a space as possible. Metal fencing can be purchased in panels, making them easy to install. The slats can be horizontal or vertical, depending on the effect you’re looking to create. Or you can alternate sections to include both horizontal and vertical. You can even get different colored metal fencing to suit every taste and backyard. 

For a truly unique look, then use corrugated roofing material and bare wood as the basis for your metal fence. This is maintenance free, but it can get hot, so consider this if you have small children and you’re worried about them playing nearby if you live in a very hot climate.  

Perhaps you want to completely close in your yard, including a driveway. Or you only need a privacy fence part of the time. Then a rolling fence or gate could accomplish your goals. Roll it into place when it’s needed, and roll it back when you’re done with it.

If you only need privacy in one part of your yard, then add a gazebo with walls, or other type of structure. A gazebo gives you a space for gathering, and the walls will give you the privacy you need. A gazebo can also be turned into a change room for the pool. Or, add a shed, garage or greenhouse where you want privacy, accomplishing the dual purpose of a usable building and protection where you need it. 

If you’re looking for cheap privacy fence ideas, then a privacy screen may be your solution, in particular if all you’re looking for is an answer to the question: How do I block my neighbor’s view? Yards that don’t need a complete fencing solution can be well served with a standalone privacy screen. Place it around the area you want protected, like where your patio faces the yard next door. You can even opt for one that’s portable, so you can move it if necessary. 

What is the cheapest privacy fence to build? How about one that’s already built for you? A fence panel is another possibility if you need just a small portion of the yard protected. These are often sold individually, so rather than buying an entire kit to make a complete fence, you can buy one or two and create a secluded section of the yard, deck or patio. 

Fences can also be built to include some space with a view. Let’s say you overlook a lake, or a golf course, and want to be able to enjoy looking out. Then consider a fence that’s solid on the sides, with glass panels overlooking your view. You’ll get privacy and security, and still be able to look out on the scenery you love.

If you actually like your neighbors, you may wonder: Is it rude to put up a privacy fence? The answer is no, and if you want a beautiful one, then a living fence will be sure to please those on both sides of the wall. A lattice with a vine is one option, but it may not provide much privacy in the winter months if you live in a cold climate. It is the perfect choice if you love greenery. Choose a flowering vine like a bougainvillea, which grows easily and features beautifully colored blooms, or stick to a fast-growing green vine that will cover the wall quickly. 

Not everyone wants a solid wood or stone structure in their yard. So if you’re asking: What can I use instead of a privacy fence? How about shrubs, a hedge or trees? If you choose this option, you may have to wait for the plants to actually grow before you get true privacy. There will be maintenance in the form of trimming and picking up leaves. But this is also a wonderful addition to a yard for someone who loves to spend time puttering in the garden. Plus, hedges are ideal on uneven ground, liked sloped or steep properties.

Another “living” option among privacy fence ideas for the backyard is to use a planter as a wall. You’ll need to add plants that grow tall enough to provide privacy, but you’ll get the beauty of a brick or wooden planter, for instance, with greenery, flowers or shrubs to add color. 

You likely think chain link privacy fence ideas wouldn’t be on the list, since chain link is almost completely see-through. But privacy screens can be added to chain link fences. In fact, many companies offer different color choices, custom sizes, and often UV protection in their screens. You can also choose scenic screens, like those that mimic a vine, hedge, sandstone or even a sandy beach. Then you won’t need to wonder who gets the good side of the fence? It will be your side, of course. 

Your deck may be your favorite place in your backyard, and you want your time spent there to be as private as possible. Then a fence around the deck may be all you need to create privacy, instead of fencing the entire property. Even a single corner of the deck that faces the neighbor’s yard may be enough to provide the privacy you need. 

If you have a pool in your yard, then a fence is likely a necessity, for safety reasons. A fence with a gate that locks will ensure children and pets aren’t in danger of falling in, and will keep intrusive neighbors or passersby from “borrowing” the pool. Constructed high enough, you’ll also get privacy, as well as protection from the wind, and maybe additional warmth when you sun yourself against the pool walls. 

Gardens need privacy too, especially when they get raided at harvest time! A fence around the garden will keep your dog from digging in it as well. A tall privacy fence provides protection from the wind, and may also generate extra heat by retaining warmth on a sunny day. Get one with a greenhouse attachment for the avid gardener. 

If the idea of a solid fence is boring, then add some greenery in front to dress it up. Flower beds along the fence, trees in the front of the fence, or a few shrubs in the corners can be enough to add color and texture to your yard, and bring nature back into the yard after closing it off with a fence.

If it’s Fido who needs privacy, then a dog fence is the answer. Build a dog run with fencing that provides shelter and shade, keeps Fido in the yard and other dogs out, and makes sure Fido won’t be barking at everyone who goes by. Whether you’re in the yard or at work, a spacious dog run will keep your pup happy in the great outdoors.