Posted on by Kathy Crum

4 Great Privacy Fence Ideas for Your Backyard

From wooden lattice to vinyl, privacy fence ideas are numerous. Check out these 4 great privacy fence ideas for your backyard and let your imagination create the perfect fence style!

There’s no reason you can’t combine both privacy and style with a backyard privacy fence. And there are numerous ways to add privacy without having to resort to the old standby of a standard stockade fence. With the vast number of choices in fence styles and materials available, your options are definitely not limited. Mixing and matching will provide you with an even greater numbers of choices.

Here are 4 great privacy fence ideas for your backyard to get your creative juices flowing!

1. Living Fence

Lattice fencing is attractive, but by itself does not provide complete privacy. Consider selecting vinyl fencing with vinyl privacy lattice. This type of lattice has gap spacing of about 1 inch. Vinyl is an excellent backyard fence option for durability, but wood has great character too.

Now plant a fast growing vine along the bottom of the fence. Ivy is one quick growing option. Even in areas that have cold winters, the dead vine can be left to form a natural privacy barrier. Clematis is another popular choice in the mid-Atlantic region. Do select a spine free variety to avoid injury.

Above: Wisteria flowers draping over a lattice topped wooden privacy fence in the summer time. Beautiful! Photo credit: BigStockPhoto (used under license)
Above: Wisteria flowers draping over a lattice topped wood privacy fence in the summer time. Beautiful! Photo credit: BigStockPhoto (used under license).

Morning Glory will also grow quickly to provide privacy. Avoid honeysuckle or grape vine. The vines on these plants can become thick and heavy. They could damage even a strong vinyl material.

Also consider the option of using an attractive lattice top panel or even bottom panel. Lattice on the top will allow you to feel less closed in. Lattice work along the bottom can be given privacy with short plants and small shrubbery.

Above: This lattice topped vinyl privacy fence provides a more open feel without sacrificing privacy. Image ©2014 Frederick Fence Co. All rights reserved.
Above: This lattice topped vinyl privacy fence provides a more open feel without sacrificing privacy. Image ©2014 Frederick Fence Co. All rights reserved.

2. Tongue & Groove or Board & Batten

These privacy fencing styles have no gaps between boards to offer complete privacy. You can dress them up with attractive gate styles. Adding an arbor over the gate can add a personal touch and attractive focal point.

Above: This custom wooden privacy fence provides complete backyard privacy. Image ©2014 Frederick Fence Co. All rights reserved.
Above: This custom wooden privacy fence provides complete backyard privacy. Image ©2014 Frederick Fence Co. All rights reserved.

3. Partial Fencing

You may prefer an open view for the main portion of your yard, but want privacy for an outdoor whirlpool. You can add privacy fencing to just that area of your patio or deck and leave the rest of your yard exposed with open fencing.

Above: This partial privacy fence blocks prying eyes from the hot tub area, but leaves the rest of the yard open. Image credit: DollarPhotoClub (used under license).
Above: This partial privacy fence blocks prying eyes from the hot tub area, but leaves the rest of the yard open. Image credit: DollarPhotoClub (used under license).

4. Extreme privacy

Standard privacy fencing is usually six feet in height. Some areas do have height limits. If you need privacy from two-story structures, you need to take additional steps. Add trees along your privacy fence line that will grow to a reasonable height while offering widely spread branches. Arborvitae provides excellent privacy, but grows slowly. English Laurel will grow quickly and tolerates full sun to shade.

Stone or bamboo fence materials also provide excellent privacy and an attractive appearance. Stone is also an extremely durable privacy fence option and may offer additional protection as a noise barrier.

As you can see, there are more than 4 great privacy backyard fence styles. If you want advice or a quote on installing a privacy fence of your own, please drop us a line or call us at 1-800-49-FENCE. If you have any great fencing ideas for backyards, share your thoughts in the comments below!