I was at my friends home this summer for a BBQ party with his family. He lives on a fairly large lot with his backyard being about 1/4 acre in size. What I liked most about his home and backyard was that it was completely enclosed with a solid wood privacy fence. The fence was about 7 feet high. I’m assuming it was that tall because I’m 6 foot and couldn’t see over the top of the fence at all. In any case the wooden fence was built in sections and had overlapping boards on both sides of it to block anyone from viewing what was going on in the yard.
I thought about this after I got home and really wished I also had the foresight into installing such a fence. Fences and gates are generally very expensive and if I could redo my chain link installation without spending a ton of additional money, I would definitely go with a wooden or vinyl privacy fence. I mean after all, what is the real advantage to a chain link fence when everyone can see what you are doing in your garden or patio at any given time.
I also like the fact that a privacy fence affords you and your family extra security. Take for example someone who can see into your yard and even back windows. If they know you are home or not home, there are more opportunities to behave mischeiviously while you are away. When your children are playing in the yard, do you really want to worry about some crazy person watching them? Absolutely not! That is why blocking those prying eyes from nosy neighbors is great by using these types of fencing products.
Most local lumber yards carry fences of this type…as well as major home improvement retailers. If you don’t think you can tackle the job yourself, than it makes a lot of sense to contact a local contractor to get a quote on installation as well as material. You may have excellent luck finding a reliable company by asking your friends and family, or even through a referral service like Angies list.
photo credit: Fergus Randall
