There are many reasons to install a fence around your property. You might want to feel safer when you're at home, or you might want to keep pets or children from running into the street. A fence marks off the boundary of your property, giving you a true sense of what's yours. In some cases, a fence can also keep people from looking into your yard.
A fence's design determines how much privacy it offers. Generally, there are two types of privacy fences: private and semi-private. Whether one or the other is right for you depends on your goals and reasons for choosing a fence.
What Is a Private Fence?
According to Realtor, a fully private fence needs to be at least two things to qualify as a "private" fence. First, it needs to be the right height, between four and six feet tall. The taller the fence, the more privacy it offers.
Second, the fence needs to be solid. There shouldn't be any gaps or spaces between the pickets. Some private fences have a latticework pattern along the top edge, usually at least four feet high. The latticework has open holes but is typically high enough that it's difficult for someone to get a peek into your yard.
What Is a Semi-Private Fence?
A semi-private fence forms a border around your property but doesn't completely shield your property from passersby. Usually, semi-private fences are shorter than fully private fences, around four feet high. The slats or pickets on a semi-private fence also often have spaces between them. Someone walking by your yard will be able to see what's going on back there, but they wouldn't be able to walk into your yard unless they climbed over the fence. Some semi-private fences have their slats arranged in a shadowbox pattern, meaning the posts are set on alternating sides of the rail.
Private vs. Semi-Private Fence: Which One Should You Choose?
When deciding between a semi-private or fully private fence, think about how you use your yard and whether you want your neighbors to see what's going on in it. For example, if you spend a lot of time lounging by the pool or on your deck sunbathing, you might not want others to see you relaxing or in your bathing suit. In that case, a fully private fence is the better option.
The same is true if you have pets who get curious about the outside world. If your dog is prone to making a break for it and will be tempted to jump or burrow under the fence if they can see what's on the other side, a fully private fence is the way to go. Similarly, a fully private fence helps to keep other animals, such as squirrels or stray cats, from getting into your yard.
If you don't mind providing some visibility into your yard, a semi-private fence can help to keep things open and breezy. The spaces between the pickets or slats allow light in and help keep your yard from feeling completely closed off. A white picket fence across the front yard creates a border between your home and the sidewalk without completely closing your property off, for example.
Since semi-private fences can let breezes pass through, if you have a garden or landscaping that's sensitive to wind damage, you might want to put up a fully private fence instead. The solid wall created by the closely spaced fence pickets can act as a wind barrier.
Depending on your fence goals, yard size, or style, a combination of fully private and semi-private fencing might offer the best of both worlds. You can install a shorter semi-private fence around the front portion of your property to create a welcoming facade. Install a fully-private fence around the back portion of your property so that you can enjoy your yard, garden, or swimming pool in peace.
Materials for Private or Semi-Private Fences
Semi-private and fully private fences are typically made from either wood or vinyl. Either material offers a wide range of styles, such as the classic white picket fence or a shadowbox dog-ear fence. You can also choose a solid fence in either vinyl or wood if you want complete privacy.
While aluminum fences typically aren't used for complete privacy, they can be an option if you want a semi-private fence and want an elegant and timeless style.
Whether you choose wood, vinyl, or aluminum, you can rest assured that you're getting a fence that will be easy to maintain and will have a long life.
HOA Affordable Fence Company has several styles of fence to choose from, including fully private and semi-private. Contact us today to discuss your fencing needs and goals.
