When it comes to fencing, there are plenty of options to choose from. When you’re looking for security and privacy however, one fencing option is a clear winner: a privacy fence. A privacy fence is exactly what it sounds like – a fence that provides maximum privacy from your neighbors, passing cars and even street noise and traffic.
Privacy Fence Styles
While there is one clear goal with a privacy fence, there is a wide variety of aesthetic options you can choose from to match your style preferences. Let’s dive into some of these options below!
Stockade Fences
Stockade-style fences are a common type of privacy fence. They consist mainly of side-by-side boards without any gaps, with the tops finished either in pointy pickets for security or horizontally across rails which add more beauty.
Stockade Fences are best for:
- The ultimate privacy
- Suburban neighborhoods
Picket Fences
Picket fences provide solid backyard privacy. They’re one of the most budget-friendly options, but they do require some maintenance because pressure-treated lumber will mold and rot if you don’t keep up with it!
Picket Fences are best for:
- Frontyard
- Gardens
- Pools
Horizontal Privacy Fences
This newer style of custom fences gives your yard a contemporary edge while providing all the privacy you could ask for. Typically these fences pair well with mid-century modern homes, or homes looking to upgrade their overall look. When choosing your fencing material, you have the option of Western Red Cedar Fencing or treated pine. You can further customize your horizontal privacy fence with all sorts of custom options like steel posts, shadow boxes, and lattice tops.
Horizontal Privacy Fences are best for:
- Modern homes
- Frontyards
- Gates
Lock Board Fences
Lock board fences offer the durability and nice aesthetics you need to block pesky winds. This type of privacy fence can follow a hilltop without being too attention-grabbing. These sturdy panels are made up mostly of cedar, which provides long-lasting protection against weathering but also gives it that signature look we love so much!
Lock Board Fences are best for:
- Noise and wind protection
- Hilltops
Shadowbox Fences
The privacy fence is a great choice if you’re looking for something low maintenance and simple. In this design, boards are placed on alternating sides of the central rail, creating an overlapping pattern that looks similar from either side, making it one of our most popular fences!
Shadowbox Fences are best for:
- Large yards
- Gates
Lattice Fences
If you want to look at greenery while still enjoying some privacy, then lattice fences are the perfect solution. The open design of these boards allow them only limited coverage when installed alone but they can easily be blocked by training climbing vines on top which provides more secure hiding spots than hedges would offer without sacrificing beauty in your landscape.
Installing a solid-panel fence, such as a lock board or lattice detail on top, will add privacy to your yard while still giving it that open feel.
Lattice Fences are best for:
- Gardens
- Pools
- Decks
- Patios
Ornamental Iron Fences
Take a drive through South Austin or the Hill Country and you’ll see many homeowners and commercial property owners go with ornamental iron. Ornamental iron fencing offers a style that’s both elegant and clean, while still providing the privacy that you’re looking for in a fence.
A wrought iron fence might be the best choice for your home if you’re looking for a more stylized ornate or custom fencing option.
Ornamental Iron Fences are best for:
- Pools
- Hilltops
- Large yards
- Gates
Masonry Fences
If you want a more traditional look, consider building with a stone instead of metal or wood. These walls can be large and mortared stacking-stone structures that are intricately planned out to create an elegant effect on your property. Masonry fences are an affordable, simple solution for building privacy fences. They can be built anywhere that’s relatively level, and their stability depends on how well they’re constructed. They’re sturdy enough not only to stand alone but also work alongside other fence materials if you desire a more textured look.
Masonry Fences are best for:
- Ranches
- Large yards
- Gates
Natural Fences
There are many types of trees, plants and shrubs that can be planted or grown along your property line to create a natural privacy fence.
Planting trees and plants along your property to create a natural privacy fence is perfect for those who have thick grass or other vegetation in their backyard. Cypresses, and red cedars and shrubs such as lilac will get tall enough to block your backyard from your neighbors.
Trees are great for privacy fences, but there are some things to consider. For one, you want to make sure not to plant your natural fence too close to your house because roots can mess up your home’s foundation. Also consider which way your fence would be facing because some trees need sunlight while others will do just fine in shade. Lastly, if you live in an heavy deer popluated area, you might catch them eating your scrubs.
Natural Fences are best for:
- Privacy
- Pools
- Walkways
Common Privacy Fence Materials
Besides choosing the privacy fence that works for you, you’ll want to check out these materials.
Wood
Wood fences are the type of privacy fences you’re probably familiar with. This vertical style of fencing allows for no gaps in between the planks, ensuring maximum privacy. You also have the added benefits of wood, including UV resistance and weather tolerance.
Here are common wood fencing options and their pros and cons:
- Pine (Spruce or Fir)
- Pros:
- Affordable
- Best for humid climates
- More soil resistant
- Can be treated for decaying and rot
- Turns golden brown when treated
- Cons:
- Short lifespan
- Not eco-friendly
- Requires a lot of maintenance
- Less natural looking
- Pros:
- Cedar
- Pros
- Can last from 6 to 10 years
- Eco-friendly
- Requires little maintenance
- Best in dry climates
- Resistant to moisture, decay, and insects
- Easy to stain
- Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Not best in humid climates
- Less soil resistant
- Less natural looking
- Pros
- Redwood
- Pros:
- Easy to Clean
- Can deal with temperature changes
- Resistant to rot and insects
- Will retain finishes
- Natural color
- Cons:
- More expensive than cedar
- Harder to find
- Pros:
- Western Red Cedar
- Pros:
- Versatile
- Resistant to moisture, decay, and insects
- Eco-friendly
- Distinctive red color
- Cons:
- More expensive than yellow cedar
- Harder to find
- Pros:
A wood privacy fence will last for years to come, no matter the conditions it is faced with!
Vinyl
Seeking a durable privacy fencing option that won’t require much upkeep? Vinyl fencing is known for its durability and low-maintenance features making it a great privacy fence option. Vinyl fencing comes in white and almond colors and doesn’t require repainting over the years like their wooden counterparts.
Additionally, a vinyl fence will not rot, and it doesn’t contain chemicals, making it a green choice for you and your family.
- Can last 50 years or more
- Won’t need to be repainted or restained
- Clean and elegant
- Many come with warranties
Aluminum
What’s better than a privacy fence? A high-quality aluminum one. These fences provide more strength and durability than typical vinyl or wood ones. You can get these fences in either shadowbox or board-on-board styles; they also make excellent materials for commercial buildings because of their durability!
- Versatile
- Security
- Aesthetically pleasing
Composite Wood
These beautiful, one-of-a-kind boards are made of a sawdust and plastic blend with solid wood posts. The new boards are not only sustainable but also beautiful!
- 20-25 year warranties
- Wide variety of colors
- Durable
- Easy to maintain
Bamboo
Bamboo fencing is a cost-effective way to enclose your outdoor space. The material looks good and provides its own unique style, too!
- Inexpensive
- Environmentally friendly
- Multiple color and style options
What’s the Best Privacy Fence For You?
We understand there are a lot of fencing options to choose from, luckily our experts at Sierra Fence are here to help you decide which privacy fence option is best for you. We even have professional install teams to ensure the highest-quality experience from start to finish. Give our fence company a call today for a free quote!
