How to Make a Chain Link Fence Private
Chain link fence is many things. Privacy fence is not one of them.
Whether you chose a chain link fence for durability or cost effectiveness, or you’ve bought a property that already has a chain link fence, you’re probably asking how to make a chain link fence private. Here are a few popular options.
Grow a Hedge
The first option we have when you’re trying to decide how to make a chain link fence private is to grow a hedge or creeper next to the fence.
This will definitely give you privacy and looks good while the plant is in good health, but it can take a while, and plants are a seasonal solution. You may also have more bugs and other unwanted critters living in and around your hedge.
Add Some Cloth
There are special types of “fence shade cloth” that have sewn edges and grommets, that you can sew onto your fence with nylon cord.
This is an easy and cost-effective solution to the problem of how to make a chain link fence private, but it does catch the wind, so if you live in a windy area, you might need to cut slits in the fabric to allow the air to flow through better.
Woven Chain Link Privacy Slats
There are many types of chain link privacy slats that you can weave directly into the mesh, and since they’re commercially available, this is a relatively easy answer to the question of how to make a chain link fence private.
Some chain link fence privacy slats are soft and flexible, while others are rigid. Some are woven vertically, and some on the diagonal. They are also available in a wide variety of colors. So be sure to shop around to find the right kind of chain link privacy slat for your fence.
Lattice Panels
If you’re looking for a semiprivate solution to the problem of how to make a chain link fence private, ready made lattice panels from a hardware store might be the answer you need.
These panels are available in various heights, with different size holes, and they are available in natural wood or vinyl varieties – so there’s a lot of choice.
Since these lattice fence panels are heavier than fence shade cloth, you will probably need to attach it with fairly heavy-duty wire, and it might be a two-person job!
Fake Vegetation
Another popular choice when looking for options how to make a chain link fence private is fake vegetation, and there are many options out there.
Some come in panels, while others are in strips that can be woven into your chain link fence.
Look for products that are well made and fade resistant, so that you will have a durable result.
Privacy Screens
In some cases, like when you live in a planned community, you might not be allowed to alter the chain link fence around your property.
In this case, a few strategically placed privacy screens around outdoor entertainment areas or a pool or hot tub might be the best solution to the question of how to add privacy to a chain link fence.
DIY or Hire a Pro
The good news is that when it comes to DIY friendly fence projects, adding privacy to chain link fence is close to the top of the list.
Many of the products we’ve mentioned here can be purchased from manufacturers or distributors, and they’re very easy to install. In fact, many people hire a local teenager to get the job done cheap!
On the other hand, if you’d prefer not to think about adding privacy to your chain link fence, or you need to built privacy screens, you can always hire a fence pro in your area.
