Top Privacy Fence Ideas for a Peaceful Backyard Retreat

Key Highlights

• The most popular option of fence giving the most privacy for Atlanta home owners is board on board wood fence. The boards overlap and eliminate any gaps to maintain complete visual privacy even as the wood shrinks during hot weather.
• Vinyl fencing is by far the most durable fencing available. Vinyl does not rot,  handles humidity very well and doesn’t need to be painted or regularly maintained.
• A chain link fence with privacy slats is the least expensive method to provide privacy. Although it’s much cheaper than wood or composite fencing, chain link still secures your yard.
• The best option for a natural method of creating a barrier for privacy is to plant Green Giant Arborvitae trees. Green Giant’s dense growth provides better sound reduction than traditional fences.

Privacy Fence Ideas

A perfect backyard is a mixture of landscaping and outdoor furnishing. However, there is a major, more important aspect of developing an ideal space, privacy. It is important to understand the full scope of backyard privacy fence ideas for North Atlanta home­owners by examining how density, lifestyle, and place connect to create a safe haven at your home. Throughout all of North Atlanta, from Marietta to Buckhead, homes are located very close to one another. Without hard barriers or the proper type of fence surrounding your outdoor area, it may feel more like a performance area than a place for relaxation.

I am Mr. Jay Fahat and I have worked as a fencing contractor for many years designing and installing privacy fences in and around Atlanta and Northern Georgia. Many property owners come to me for guidance on selecting privacy fencing that provides enduring durability and great visual appeal for residential properties in Georgia’s unique weather patterns.

You are not alone in the face of this testing period.

Bravo Fence Company is an experienced company that specializes in installing privacy fences in Georgia. Georgia’s unique climate (high humidity), soil (the red clay) and terrain require special considerations when designing a privacy fence, as do your aesthetic desires for your home and/or property. We have worked with many homeowners to successfully find solutions to fit their individual needs in regard to style, strength, privacy and aesthetics.

We’ve compiled this expert guide on privacy fence ideas to help you choose the perfect barrier for your home.

What Are the Best Materials for Privacy Fences?

Material not only influences how items will look, but also impacts how much time and money will be spent maintaining the item, and the length of time the item will remain intact.

1. Wood (the Traditional Option)
2. Vinyl: The “Forever” Fence
3. Metal (with Privacy Panels)
4. Composite
5. Bamboo
6. Stone or Brick

Creative & Natural Enhancements for Privacy

Striking a balance between style, usability, and the natural environment is not an easy task. Here are some creative privacy fence solutions for your property that will do just that:

1. Living Walls: By planting tall grasses, hedges or a combination of perennials and shrubs along your property line, you can create a very lush, natural-looking privacy wall. After a few years, you will have a vibrant green wall as a natural barrier on your property.
2. Climbing Plants: You can plant ivy, honeysuckle or other scented climbing plants against a trellis or your existing privacy fence. These plants can provide additional green space and increase your level of privacy by blocking line of sight, as well as adding pleasant aromas and extending your outdoor living experience throughout the seasons.
3. Privacy Screens: Existing fences can be easily fitted with privacy screens made from either solid or woven material or from artificial plants to create a fast solution for blocking out unwanted views.
4. Arbors & Pergolas: The use of arbors and pergolas creates the shaded, protective areas of your yard and, when combined with trellised plants or curtains, can be converted to a special area for relaxation.
5. Fence Art: Use the beauty of art to enhance the beauty of your personal property by decorating your fence with paint or colorful sheets that are attractive and that can provide protection to your fence and other items nearby.

Tips for Choosing the Right Privacy Fence

It is important to choose a privacy fence that will not only look good, but will also serve your needs on a daily basis and within established local regulations. When deciding which one will work best for you, consider the following:

• Define Your Purpose

Identifying your primary goals for fencing will help you in choosing the proper materials and designs. Generally, you will want to block out noise from a busy road, keep pets contained within your property, prevent people from peeking in on your yard, or improve your property’s visual appeal.

• Check Local Codes & HOA Rules

Restrictions for fence placement, height and materials can differ between cities & neighbourhoods in Atlanta & the greater North Georgia area. Check Zoning Ordinances and Home Owners Associations before you install. This is especially true if you’re thinking about putting up a fence that is taller than 6′ or adding decorative toppers.

• Mix & Match Materials for Style and Strength

By utilizing materials like wood panels paired with metal frames, Corrugated steel panels can also be utilized to create resilient, aesthetically pleasing hybrid fencing. Hybrid fences provide the benefits of privacy, while maintaining an up-to-date, unique appearance for homeowners.

Top Wood Privacy Fence Ideas

When people think of wood privacy fence ideas, they usually picture a standard dog-ear fence. But you can do so much more with lumber.

1. Board-on-Board (Complete Seclusion)

This is the heavyweight champion of privacy. With a stockade fence, boards are placed side by side. While the wood dries, it will shrivel a little leaving little openings through which to peek into your yard.

The boards overlap at the top with boards on each side of the rail. Therefore, the boards are solid preventing open sight lines into your yard and providing you with perfect coverage regardless of how much the wood shrinks. Furthermore, it is also exactly the same on both sides which makes it very “neighbor friendly.”

2. Horizontal Wood Privacy Fence Ideas

For a much more modern appearance for your house, try reversing the direction of the boards used in the construction. This type of horizontal boards creates a “wider and longer” appearance of small backyards (yards with small fences). It blends well with mid-century modern and contemporary architecture in the Atlanta area that has undergone significant renovations. This type of horizontal wood privacy fences is becoming increasingly popular in the renovated areas of Atlanta.

3. Tall Privacy Fence Ideas (Height of 8 Feet)

Usually, the height of a standard wooden fence is 6 feet. In cases when there is a neighbouring property with an elevated foundation or above-grade house located higher than your house, a 6-foot fence could be inadequate. In such instances, Tall privacy fence ideas (of at least 8 feet) are used.

4. The Shadowbox with Lattice Top

If a solid wall feels too much, you may want to consider using a shadow box style fence (that is semi-private) with 12″ of decorative lattice on the top. This will allow wind and sunlight to pass into your yard through the top, and still block your neighbors’ view of you from eye level.

As an example, I had a client in Sandy Springs who has a backyard that is lower than their neighbor’s. Even with the 6′ tall privacy fence that they had, they were still able to see into their patio from an elevated deck on the neighbor’s property. After checking with the local code and obtaining the proper permit, we built an 8-foot high privacy fence for my client.

Budget-Friendly & DIY Privacy Fence Ideas

We get it, fencing is a significant investment. If you are looking for cheap privacy fence ideas or inexpensive privacy fence ideas, you don’t have to sacrifice security. You just need to get creative.

1. Chain Link Fence Privacy Ideas

What is the least expensive privacy fencing? Without a doubt, it is a chain link. Privacy slats are long strips of polyethylene material that you weave through the mesh. Available in an array of colors including black, green, brown, and beige, privacy slats aren’t nearly as strong as wood; however, they do a good job of blocking the view through the mesh fence. If you want to use even less money than privacy slats, you can use zip ties to attach a privacy windscreen mesh product (commonly used on tennis courts) to your chain link fence…

2. DIY Privacy Fences from Recycled Shipping Pallets

For creative do-it-yourselfers, cheap privacy fence solutions can often include upcycling wooden shipping pallets (often received for free or very cheap). You can take the pallets apart to get to the wooden slats inside or you can stack the pallets on top of each other and create a rustic fortress-style privacy fence.

3. Bamboo Rolled Fencing

This is one of the best privacy fence ideas for backyard renters. If you have a gapped fence (wire or iron type) you can find rolled bamboo or reed fencing at most home improvement stores for very low prices. To install, unroll and attach to your current fence with zip ties. You will instantly have a tropical feel to your yard, plus you’ll block the view of others looking into your yard.

Modern & Alternative Fence Ideas

Maybe you don’t want the standard “suburban look.” Here are some alternatives to privacy fence ideas for backyard structures that make a statement.

1. Corrugated Metal and Wood

This is another example of a “high-coded” design option because of its combination of different materials. The metal siding features a corrugated pattern, and it is framed with cedar wood posts. The resulting fence is both tough and virtually impervious to the weather. The combination of textures also creates an appealing contrast for modern types of landscaping. In addition, the metal will keep the sun’s rays away from your interior space by acting as an insulator.

2. Vertical Garden Walls

How to block neighbors’ view without a fence? Build a living wall.

You can attach planter boxes to a basic structure or build a tall trellis. Fill it with fast-growing vines or bushy herbs. This is one of the best ideas for a privacy fence in small urban spaces where you want greenery, not just a wall of wood.

3. Masonry and Stone

While certainly not an inexpensive privacy fence idea, a stone or brick wall is the ultimate in permanence and soundproofing. In Atlanta, stone walls topped with short iron fencing are a classic, upscale look for estate-style homes.

Landscape Solutions: The “Living Fence”

Sometimes the best fence for privacy isn’t a fence at all, it’s nature.

1. The Green Giant Arborvitae

If you are asking, ” What is the best privacy fence that looks natural?” the answer is the Thuja Green Giant.

Georgia’s climate allows these trees to grow at a rapid rate of 3 to 5 feet per year. The spacing between the trees is 5′ apart, which will allow for their canopies to interlock so that there is an abundant mass of green foliage and create a solid wall to block out wind, sound, and prying eyes. Unlike wooden fences, there are generally no height limitations for trees, allowing you to create a legally acceptable barrier of up to 15′ height.

The Washington State University Extension states that evergreens and other types of trees used as living privacy screens are one of the best ways to create a privacy barrier to block out unwanted views of your property while allowing for the surroundings to remain a natural landscape.

2. Hedges and Bushes

Fencing options for the front yard fence ideas for privacy can be limited by local laws, which may enforce restrictions on height (typically four feet).

“As well as improving privacy, the main benefit of adding slats to a chain-link fence is to keep people from seeing through it. Slats cover your yard and give you the ability to sit outside without being watched.”

—Source: Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute

Critical Questions: Neighbors, Etiquette, and Law

Installing a fence is a construction project, but it’s also a social one. Here is how to navigate the “neighbor” dynamic.

Is it rude to put up a privacy fence?

Absolutely not.

Boundaries make good neighbors. In fact, most neighbors appreciate front yard fence ideas for privacy because it increases their privacy as well. The key is communication. Let them know your plans ahead of time so they aren’t surprised by a construction crew.

What are fences that annoy neighbors?

The “Spite Fence.”

This is a fence that is ugly, excessively tall, or most commonly has the “ugly side” facing the neighbor.

The Golden Rule of Fencing: Always put the “finished” side of your fencing facing towards your neighbor or public area. You have the ability to put your side of the fence with posts and rails, and you want both sides looking nice, consider paying extra for a Good Neighbor Fence (Board-on-Board or Shadowbox).

How do I block neighbors from seeing my yard?

In the event that a fence is not an option due to restrictions placed by your community (HOA), what can you do? You must look above.

Using semi-private fence ideas such as Shade sails and pergolas are great examples of blocking undesirable views at an elevation (such as a neighbor’s second floor view?) of your patio area, and with some well-placed shade trees, you may also effectively limit the angle of the view.

According to North Carolina State University Extension, choosing the right plants for privacy depends on factors such as mature height, growth rate, evergreen versus deciduous foliage, and spacing.

Cost Comparison: What’s the Damage?

When researching fencing for privacy ideas, cost is usually the deciding factor. Here is a general comparison of how these materials stack up in the Atlanta market.

Case Study: Installing a Board-on-Board Privacy Fence in North Atlanta

By Mr. Jay Fahat, Fencing Specialist at Bravo Fence Company

At Bravo Fence Company, we’ve installed privacy fences throughout Metro Atlanta, from Marietta and Roswell to Buckhead and Sandy Springs. In Georgia’s climate, the case study illustrates how using a style of fencing appropriate for your needs, using quality materials, and choosing correct methods of installation will allow you to experience long-lasting durability and privacy.

An East Cobb homeowner called our office because they were dealing with privacy issues arising from having a lot of homes close to theirs. Two-story homes were looking directly onto their backyard, and their wood fence had started to show signs of significant wear due to heat-induced shrinkage of the wood. Additionally, the property was slightly sloped, as well as having a great deal of clay soil, which is another common challenge throughout the North Atlanta region.

The Result

Eight months after being installed, this fence is just as perfect as it was the day it was installed; it has not warped or separated whatsoever. There is still plenty of overlap between the boards, so complete privacy is still possible due to the overlapping design. Also, cedar wood has weathered evenly providing no indication of any rotting or twisting.

Build Your Privacy Fence with Bravo Fence Company

Bravo Fence Company offers board-on-board wood fences and low-maintenance vinyl privacy fencing, along with modern hybrid fencing styles and several other natural fencing products that combine durability with functionality and maximize your home’s appeal! Contact us today at (770) 966-9970 to schedule your free consultation and discover how we can transform your outdoor space into a true private sanctuary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best fence to block neighbors?

A board-on-board wooden fence or a tall solid vinyl fence is a solid choice for complete privacy from neighbours, as these types of fences range in height from 6 to 8 ft. and have no gaps that allow for light or view from the outside.

What is the least expensive privacy fencing?

Chain link fencing with privacy slats or with a privacy screen mesh is the cheapest type of privacy fencing available. The least cost option for a solid wood privacy fence is pressure treated pine.

How to block neighbors’ view without a fence?

Planting trees, especially evergreen varieties such as Leyland Cypress or Arborvitae is an excellent way to create a thick wall of greenery that will keep unwanted eyes from seeing into your backyard. You could also consider installing a pergola with curtains or freestanding privacy screens where you have a patio area.

Can I build a DIY privacy fence?

There are numerous popular and diy cheap privacy fence ideas that can be found on the internet to build a privacy fence. Building this type of fence does take some labour and time to get the posts set up straight and level, as well as having the right equipment for digging up the Georgia clay.

What is the cheapest way to do a privacy fence?

Although chain link is typically perceived as a low-end product; if you’re going for a privacy fence, it will be cheaper than vinyl or wood with the addition of privacy slats or privacy mesh. Chain link is an inexpensive option to obtain privacy, very easy to install, requires minimal maintenance, and most importantly blocks most views effectively.