Feb 2, 2023 11:00:00 AM | 5 Min Read

Modern Privacy Fence Styles & Ideas

Posted By HOA Fence
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Modern Privacy Fence Styles & Ideas

Your backyard is your oasis, where you can retreat from the world and relax. Or, at least, it would be if you didn't feel the eyes of the neighbors on you at all times. One way to make your yard a true retreat is to install a privacy fence around the perimeter.

If you think that privacy fences are purely practical options with little to offer in the way of aesthetic appeal, take heart. Modern privacy fences have come a long way. Today's styles blend form and function, so your yard can look fabulous while it shields you from the outside world.

What Makes a Fence a Privacy Fence?

All privacy fences are fences, but not every fence is a privacy fence. A fence must have a solid infill to qualify as a privacy fence. A person shouldn't be able to peek through the pickets. The fence also needs to be at least four feet tall.

Traditionally, privacy fences were made from wood and featured closely spaced pickets that offered little aesthetic appeal. Today's privacy fences can be made from vinyl or wood and often feature posts that are arranged in visually appealing ways.

What's the Best Height for a Modern Privacy Fence?

While a privacy fence should be at least four feet tall, you might prefer a taller style for added peace of mind. You don't want to go too tall with your fence for a few reasons. First, you may not be allowed to install a towering privacy fence. Your HOA or municipality may limit the height of your fence. Generally speaking, a fence can be up to six feet high with getting a permit or paying additional fees.

A fence that's too tall — more than six feet — can start to feel restrictive. You want to feel relaxed and calm in your home. You might feel confined and contained when your fence reaches heights over six feet.

Modern Privacy Fence Styles: Wood

Wood is a popular pick for privacy fences for a few reasons. It's a natural material that can breathe life into your yard. It also looks good with various home styles. Wood is a good choice if you're on a budget, as it's relatively affordable. When choosing a wood privacy fence, you have a few styles to pick from:

Solid dog ear

Dog ear fences get their name because the top of the fence's pickets is shaved off, resembling a dog’s rounded ears. With a solid dog ear fence, the pickets are placed directly next to each other, creating an opaque wall.

Board-on-board dog ear

A board-on-board dog ear fence style alternates the placement of the pickets so they are on opposite sides of the rails. The alternation creates an attractive appearance while allowing for complete privacy.

Shadowbox dog ear

Similar to a board-on-board dog ear fence, a shadowbox dog ear fence places the pickets on alternating sides of the rail. There's more space between each picket, which creates a distinct, somewhat more open look while still providing privacy.

Modern Privacy Fence Styles: Vinyl

Vinyl is another modern privacy fence option. It's budget-friendly and generally requires less maintenance than a wood fence. Vinyl fences don't rot and can often last for several decades. You may need to clean the fence occasionally to keep it looking good.

If you're looking for a privacy fence to coordinate with a modern farmhouse style, the Luxhaven is a good pick. The Luxhaven has closely spaced white pickets surrounded by a thick border.

Put Your Own Spin on a Privacy Fence

The sky is the limit when it comes to modern privacy fence ideas. You can put your own spin on a fence, such as by painting a wood privacy fence a vibrant color or black. You can also dress up a vinyl fence by planting flowers or shrubs in front of it, adding a touch of nature and greenery. The plantings will also help enhance your yard's feeling of peace and serenity.

When choosing and designing your fence, coordinate it with the rest of your home's exterior style. One option is to make the fence match the shutters on your home. You can also drape string lights from the fence to create a bright and welcoming area for late-night picnics or barbecues.

If you're still unsure what privacy fence style suits you best or how to make a privacy fence work for you, HOA Affordable Fence Company can help. We'll work with you to help you design the privacy fence of your dreams. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or request a quote.

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Topics: Tips, Planning

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