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Wood Fence Panels Offer Optimum Privacy For Your Outdoor Environment

Wood fence panels offer privacy and safety for your outdoor spaces. Due to overwhelming demand from homeowners, privacy fence panels have become popular. If you’re thinking about adding a layer of privacy to your backyard, you’ll like what wood fence panels can do for you.

Here, we’ll show you different examples of privacy panels. You’ll learn why they’re special and the benefits they provide. 

Privacy fence panels

During the warmer seasons, it’s understandable that you would want to spend more time outside. Your backyard should be a relaxing environment, instead of high maintenance space that isn’t used to its full potential. It’s due to a lack of privacy that homeowners neglect their backyard space, and this is how privacy fence panels can help.

Privacy Fence Panel Benefits

The main benefit of outdoor fence panels is how they shield you from your neighbors. Since backyards serve multiple purposes, you’ll want a space that offers solace. 

Benefits of Privacy Fence Panels 

The next benefit is its aesthetic appeal. That’s right, privacy fence panels can actually help in improving the overall aesthetics of your garden and a strategically placed screen can even be a standout piece in your backyard.

These panels are also usually great at reducing the amount of UV light and heat – making it a great addition during the summer.

 

Pros:

  • Variety – the fence panels are available in many different styles. 
  • Privacy – it’s easier to relax knowing that you’ll be protected from view.
  • Low Maintenance –  the panels are durable and easy to maintain. 
  • Affordable –  privacy fence panels are much more affordable than having to install an entire wall or fence.

Cons:

  • Overwhelming. With so many privacy fence panels and materials available on the market, you may not know where to start or what you need.
  • Can be flimsy. Depending on the material you choose, some of the privacy fence panels can be flimsy.

What To Look For In Privacy Fence Panels?

There are a few things you’d need to consider when it comes to privacy fence panels. First up, you’d want to think about the number of panels and posts required. If you’d want a fence that’s about 48 feet long for example, you’ll need to get at least eight panels.

What to Look for?

Then, you’ll have to think about the type of post. Do you want a strong and durable concrete post or a gorgeous looking wooden post? Your fence is usually as good as your post, so that’s something you’d have to take into consideration.

When it comes to the best fence to choose, you should try not to opt for those that are overly inexpensive as they’re not going to be sturdy enough to last.

In terms of aesthetic however, it really depends on your taste and the current style of your garden. If privacy is a reason why you’re getting a fence panel however, you shouldn’t be purchasing one that has too many holes.

In terms of materials, there are quite a few to consider:

  • Concrete usually lasts the longest, and while it’s not the most aesthetically appealing, you can always paint over it.
  • Wood such as softwood timber would need to be pressure treated but can last between 10 to 20 years.
  • A great material for privacy fence panels is aluminum as it’s low-maintenance, durable and resistant to corrosion PVC privacy fence panels have also recently grown in popularity as there’s no rusting, it reduces noise, and it’s both easy to maintain and longer-lasting.
How Much Does It Cost to Put in a Privacy Fence?

A gorgeous fence can transform your property into the perfect oasis. Also, if you’re planning to sell soon, it can boost your property’s curb appeal. Wood and metal are the most used materials for fences. Then there’s the option of a living fence, which is also cheap and green.

Why Are Privacy Fences Not Allowed? 

Regarding fence legislation, if your fence is compliant with local laws, you can get away with a slightly different height. However, if your backyard borders a busy road, you’ll need a permit from the relevant authorities. If the road is curvy and your fence would obscure the vision of traffic turning a corner, you’ll be denied.

Front fences shouldn’t be taller than three or four feet. The reason front fences must be shorter is because roadways often border them, and larger walls can obscure traffic visibility. 

Why Are Fences Limited to 6 Feet?

Local laws or Home Owner Association (HOAs) regulate fences. In certain towns, a backyard fence can be six feet tall, whereas a front fence can be four feet tall.

Taller fences can impede sightlines of motorists, creating blind corners at crossroads and placing children and pets in risk. Depending on your region, an open fence can be built higher for visibility.

Top 7 Best Privacy Fence Panels

Here are the top privacy fence panels on the market today.

Evolver Fence Panel

Evolver Fence Panel

This Evolver Fence Panel Kit comes with everything you need to set up a horizontal composite fence panel in your home. It comes with a matte black powder coat finish and is both lightweight and durable. Upon your purchase, you’ll get four composite boards, a rail kit, a mounted baseline post and an octagonal line post kit.

The composite board comes in both a gray or a brown finish, while the rail kit comes with top and bottom rails for the fence panel that’s made with powder-coated aluminum alloy.

The baseline post is made with metal material, with mounting fence posts for decks or concrete. The line post kit also has built-in channels that will help with easy sliding board assembly. 

Pros:

  • Easy to install
  • Durable
  • Optimum protection 

Cons:

  • Can be wobbly if not installed 

W Pro Series Privacy Fence 

Hamden Vinyl Fence Panel

This white vinyl privacy fence panel features a baluster top. It also comes in a ready-made kit. The tongue-and-groove privacy picket slide together without gaps. Meanwhile, the black powder-coated aluminum balusters are secured between vinyl rails. The fence panel’s bottom rail is reinforced with metal on the inside for extra durability. 

Pros:

  • Eco-friendly
  • Durable
  • Lifetime limited warranty.

Cons:

  • Some issues with the solid gate post

Artificial Hedge Polyethylene Fence Panel

Artificial Hedge Plant Polyethylene Fence Panel

This privacy fence panel is perfect if you’re looking to add a touch of greenery to your outdoor space. This fence panel is realistic looking and is both UV-proof and weatherproof – great for withstanding the elements. Your purchase also comes with seven boxes of artificial plant panels – with each box containing 12 panel pieces.

The plant panels are lightweight and made of strong and durable high-density polyethylene that’s soft to the touch, eco-friendly, recyclable, and doesn’t release any toxic chemicals. You can attach to any wood frame or chain link fence with ease.

Pros:

  • Easy to install
  • Adaptable to any frame

Cons:

  • Requires strong base support

Framed Decorative Composite Fencing

Framed Decorative Composite Fencing

To add a touch of an island feel to your backyard, you’d want to purchase these privacy fence panels.  It has a sturdy frame made with a sustainable wood poly composite for a natural timber look and feel.

It’s ready to use, and there’s no sealing, painting or maintenance required, making installation a breeze It can be mounted on gates, walls, and free-standing frames.

Pros:

  • Versatile
  • Long-lasting
  • Durable

Cons:

  • Requires installation hardware

Gabion Style Fencing

Metal Fence Panel

Gabion fencing is good for residential and commercial design. You can fill it with either rocks or gravel depending on the aesthetic that you prefer.

It’s rustproof and made of weather-resistant galvanized steel. The mesh grid is constructed by welding wires at every single intersection for fantastic durability. 

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Sturdy

Cons:

  • May require extra protection

Premium Vinyl Privacy Screen

Zippity Outdoor Products Premium Vinyl Privacy Screen

This vinyl privacy screen is a great addition to any backyard or patio. It’s maintenance-free, sturdy, and is easy to install – all you need to do is snap and lock the panels together with minimal screws required. Ground stakes are provided upon your purchase for installation, and you don’t have to dig deep holes, pour concrete or tear up your yard.

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Sturdy

Cons:

  • May require extra protection

Retractable Awning Privacy Screen

MORCOE Retractable Double Folding Awning Privacy Screen

Last on the list is this incredible privacy screen wall post that’s made with high-quality fabric along with a PU coating, galvanized steel frame and aluminum roller.

Fence panels offer protection from UV rays and light rain.

This panel is designed to be wall-mounted, and you can even use it as a temporary projection screen. It comes with a child-proof handle, and you can roll it up and stow it away for future use.

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Sturdy

Cons:

  • May require extra protection

Privacy Fence Panels: Pros And Cons

Privacy fences are an excellent way to define your property, enhance the aesthetics of your landscaping, and complement the materials and colors used to paint your home.  Let’s take a look at the main advantages and drawbacks of privacy fences.

Pros:

  • Privacy Protection – it’s right there in the name, isn’t it? If you dislike nosy neighbors or simply prefer to maintain your privacy, a tall privacy fence is an excellent option.
  • Home Security – a basic wooden fence will not deter a determined robber. However, it can deter vandals and others from committing “crimes of opportunity,” resulting in a more secure home overall.
  • Children And Pets — with a privacy fence, your children and housepets will be contained when they play outdoors. 
  • Increase Property Value — With proper upkeep, a privacy fence can perfectly complement your existing landscaping, creating a more beautiful, inviting setting.
  • Reduces Noise Pollution — If you live near a busy road or thoroughfare, a privacy fence can help mitigate noise pollution and make your property more serene.

Cons

  • High Maintenance  –  compared to landscape upkeep without a privacy fence, it’s going to be more difficult and time-consuming to take care of your yard around the fence.
  • Neighbor Complaints  –  if you decide to put up a privacy fence, especially if you are the only one doing so. 
  • HOA Rule – Some people believe privacy fences are and impair the overall community environment. You can also get in trouble with the local homeowners’ associations, as they restrict the size of privacy fences.

Best Privacy Plants For Your Outdoor Area

Natural privacy fences are all the hype right now because who doesn’t love looking at plants instead of PVC fences? That being said, check out this list of plant ideas which you can grow to make a natural privacy fence.

Chocolate Vine

Chocolate Vine Privacy plant

Known as five-leaf akebia, the tough chocolate vine grows rapidly on trellises and fences, creating a dense screen of green leaves flowers in early summer. The flowers are purple and smell nice.

It is a good choice for container gardening. Due to its rapid growth and spread, it is important to keep it under control with regular trimming.

Red Twig Dogwood

Red Twig Dogwood Privacy plants

The red twig dogwood is a deciduous tree. After it loses its leaves in the fall, red branches begin to grow. It can withstand harsh temperatures and damp soil. Provides a haven for wildlife. The fast-growing shrub can grow up to eight feet tall and ten feet wide within a few years.

Hicks Yew

Hicks Yew

Although the hicks yew is not attractive as other green options, it remains a practical choice among those who wish to have a natural privacy fence. Despite its low -maintenance qualities, the evergreen provides a backdrop for your yard. It has soft needles and winter berries that add to its visual appeal.

Boxwood

Boxwood

In formal gardens, boxwood has long been employed as a decorative hedge that is pruned, but it is beautiful when it is not kept in such a precise manner. When given the opportunity to grow unhindered, some types can exceed 20 feet in height.

Holly

Different types of holly provide optimum backyard privacy. Holly is available in a variety of sizes and shapes. It produces a bouquet of of colors ranging from green to variegated hues.

It is a versatile plant, making it ideal in various landscape designs. Residents with small children may want to consider a soft-leafed form of the plant, which does not have the plant’s characteristic pointy, spiky leaves.

Privet

Arborvitae Privacy Fence

Privet is a fast-growing plant. It delivers privacy, growing between two and three feet per year. Because of its aggressive growth rate, pruning will be necessary. However, when planted as a hedge, you’ll find the effort is worth it. 

Skip Laurel

Skip laurel’s dense evergreen leaves can be trained to form a stunning 10-foot-tall privacy screen by shaping and trimming it on an annual basis. An established laurel hedge in a sunny area with well-drained soil will reward you with fragrant white blossoms in the spring.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a fast-growing plant which means it can be transformed into an exotic and lush privacy screen in a short amount of time. To keep the spread of some species of bamboo under control, consider selecting a variety that doesn’t spread fast or planting them in large, elevated planters to keep them under control.

Arborvitae

Arborvitae

If you don’t want to install a privacy fence, a natural option is available: evergreens. The arborvitae evergreen tree is a popular edging solution among homeowners. It’s considered a fence plant, and for obvious reasons.

You can plant the evergreens along the border of your outdoor space, and within a year or two, the trees will be tall enough to shield your outdoor spaces.

It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, it is cold-hardy, and it requires little maintenance. There are various types of arborvitaes that range in size from dwarf to enormous, so when selecting arborvitae for your space, take into consideration the plant’s mature size.

FAQs

Why Are Privacy Fences Not Allowed? 

Contrary to popular belief, the laws governing the construction and regulation of fences are extremely complex. Urban and suburban fence rules can be astonishingly vigorous, intricate, and austere. Also, because most fence rules are local, part of what we’re about to say may not apply to where you reside.

Why Are Fences Limited to 6 Feet?

Fences occur in a variety of heights for good reason: each size serves a different purpose. The height of your fence depends on if it will be in your front or backyard. 

What Is The Cheapest Way To Build A Privacy Fence?

A light and durable material like vinyl or PVC is the cheapest way to make a privacy fence. It won’t provide the same level of security as an iron or massive timber fence, but it will keep children and dogs secure. 

How Much Does It A Privacy Fence Cost?

A privacy fence costs on average between $2,000 and $7,000. This price includes labor expenses. The cost of constructing a fence varies greatly. A fence can be built for security, to keep animals in, or for aesthetic purposes.  

Wood Fence Panels Conclusion 

Privacy fence panels provide comfort and security, unlike traditional fences. If you live in a populated neighborhood and wish to shield your yard from neighbors, then consider investing in panels like these.

Another great benefit of  privacy fence panels is that they’re easy to maintain and are generally cost-effective. Investing in a privacy fence panel is much more affordable than installing a full wall or fence, and if you opt for a high-quality material, they’re also long-lasting and sturdy.