Privacy Fence Frequently Asked Questions

Best Wood & Vinyl Privacy Fence Installation Service in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco & Hernando Counties

• Best Privacy Fence Installers Near Me: How to Choose the Right Company
• How Deep Should Privacy Fence Posts Be?
• How to Build a Cheap Privacy Fence That Looks Great
• How to Add More Privacy to an Existing Fence Without Replacing It
• What is the Best Privacy Fence for a Small Backyard?
• Can You Install a Privacy Fence on a Slope? How to Do It Right

Best Privacy Fence Installers Near Me: How to Choose the Right Company

To choose the right privacy fence installer near you, consider the following tips:

1. Research and compare multiple companies:
   • Get quotes from at least 3-5 fence contractors in your area
   • Check online reviews and ratings on platforms like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau
   • Ask for recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors
2. Verify credentials:
   • Ensure the company is properly licensed and insured
   • Check if they belong to professional organizations like the American Fence Association
3. Evaluate experience and expertise:
   • Look for companies with several years of experience installing privacy fences
   • Ask to see a portfolio of completed privacy fence projects
   • Inquire about staff training and certifications
4. Compare materials and customization options:
   • Discuss available fencing materials (wood, vinyl, composite) and their pros/cons
   • Ask about customization possibilities to match your home’s style
5. Get detailed quotes and contracts:
   • Request itemized cost breakdowns
   • Ensure all project details are outlined in a written contract
6. Assess customer service:
   • Choose a company that is responsive, knowledgeable, and willing to answer your questions
   • Look for contractors who offer warranties on their work
7. Check references:
   • Ask for and contact references from previous customers
   • If possible, visit completed fence installations to assess quality

By following these steps, you can find a reputable privacy fence installer that meets your needs and budget. Remember to prioritize quality and experience over the lowest price to ensure a long-lasting and satisfactory result.

How Deep Should Privacy Fence Posts Be?

The depth of privacy fence posts depends on several factors, but there are some general guidelines:

1. One-third rule: The most common recommendation is to bury one-third of the total post length underground. For a 6-foot tall fence using 8-foot posts, this would mean digging holes 32 inches deep.
2. Frost line consideration: Posts should be installed at least 6 inches below the frost line in your area to prevent heaving.
3. Minimum depth: For an average 6 to 8 foot tall residential fence, dig post holes about 2 feet deep.
4. Soil type adjustments: In sandy or loose soil, make holes 2 to 4 inches deeper. For areas with extreme weather, add 4 to 6 inches of depth.
5. Local conditions: Some experts recommend digging even deeper, such as 36 inches, for better wind resistance and long-term stability.
6. Post size: For a 6-foot privacy fence, 4×4 inch posts are typically used, though 4×6 or 6×6 posts may be chosen for added strength.

Always check local building codes and consider soil conditions, climate, and fence height when determining the ideal post depth for your privacy fence.

How to Build a Cheap Privacy Fence That Looks Great

To build a cheap privacy fence that looks great, here are several budget-friendly options and design tips:

1. Material Choices:

• Pressure-treated wood: It is the least expensive wood fence material, ranging from $1 to $4 per picket.
• Pine: A cheaper wood option costing $15 to $45 per linear foot installed. It needs resealing every 1 to 2 years.
• Pallets: They can be sourced for free from construction sites or small businesses (always ask first!). Attach them with heavy-duty nails or screws. Ensure they have the IPPC stamp, certifying heat treatment.
• Corrugated metal: This is a budget-friendly and weather-resistant material. An eight-foot sheet costs around $28. Combine it with stained wood for a modern farmhouse look.
• Bamboo: Natural bamboo fencing costs $6 to $25 per linear foot installed. Yellow or golden bamboo is cheapest.
• Chain Link with Privacy Screen: Chain link is already an affordable option. Adding a privacy screen made of knitted polyethylene can be a fast and inexpensive way to add privacy. A 6- x 25-ft screen costs only $34.

2. Design and Installation Tips:

• DIY Installation: Building a DIY privacy fence can save significantly on labor costs.
• Repurpose Materials: Consider repurposing old materials like pallets, which can be transformed into a unique and cost-effective fence.
• Vertical Wood Plank Fence: Achieve a similar look to professionally installed fences by purchasing the lumber and installing yourself.
• Horizontal Plank Fence: Use pressure-treated 4×4 posts and horizontal cedar planks finished with UV-protection oil. Milling one-inch-thick cedar boards down to 1/2-inch creates two boards for the price of one and achieves a more modern look.
• Lattice Panels: Lattice panels make an easy weekend DIY project and can act as trellis material for climbing plants for added privacy.
• Salvaged Fencing: If you can find salvaged fencing, a fresh coat of paint may be all it needs.

3. Enhancements and Considerations:

• Add a Privacy Screen: For existing chain link fences, a privacy screen made of knitted polyethylene is a fast and inexpensive way to add privacy.
• Lattice Panel Top: Attaching a lattice panel on top of your current fence is another affordable option to increase its height for better seclusion.
• Raised Metal: Raise metal fences an inch or two off the ground to create a more welcoming appearance.
• Mix Materials: Combine materials such as wood and corrugated metal to add curb appeal.
• Check Local Codes: Before starting any project, follow local building codes and invest in proper tools for a secure, long-lasting fence.
• Pre-made Fence Panels: Use ready-made fence panels instead of individual pickets to cut down on labor.
• Powder-Coated Steel Fence: Use Euro style powder-coated steel fence panels. The powder coating is more durable than paint and helps prevent chipping and rust.

By combining affordable materials with creative design and DIY installation, you can build a cheap privacy fence that not only provides seclusion but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property.

How to Add More Privacy to an Existing Fence Without Replacing It

To add more privacy to an existing fence without replacement, consider these options:

• Privacy Screens or Lattice Panels: Mount privacy screens made of vinyl, wood, or bamboo onto the existing fence. Lattice panels offer both privacy and a decorative element, and can support climbing plants like ivy or jasmine.
• Privacy Slats: Slide slats made of vinyl, wood, or metal into the gaps of a chain-link or wood fence. They provide coverage while maintaining a clean look.
• Fence Extensions: Increase fence height using extensions made of wood, metal, or vinyl. These can add a few inches to several feet of coverage.
• Privacy screen on a Wood Fence: Install a privacy screen on an existing wood fence by attaching the screen panels directly to the fence slats using screws or nails. You can also install the screen panels between fence posts, or use hinges to create a folding privacy screen.
• Rolled Bamboo: Use rolled bamboo to cover the part of the fence closest to your house or patio area.
• Vertical Garden Planters: Install vertical garden planters.
• Add Stringers and Pickets: Add stringers and pickets to the posts.
• Climbing Plants: Put up climbing plants to add beauty and seclusion to your yard.
• Shrubs: Spruce up a traditional privacy fence with shrubs and flowers.
• Shade Sails: Set up shade sails.
• Lattice to Top of Privacy Fence: Attach lattice sheets to the top of the privacy fence using a jig saw to cut them.
• Privacy screen: Installing a privacy screen on a wood fence is an easy way to make your yard more private and secure.
• Privacy fabric: Weave dark mesh fabric in between the slats and staple it.

What is the Best Privacy Fence for a Small Backyard?

The best privacy fence for a small backyard should maximize privacy while maintaining a sense of openness and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the limited space. Here are some top options based on the provided search results:

Recommendations:

• For a natural look, opt for the Artificial Faux Ivy Hedge Screen or Bamboo Fence Panel.
• If you want a modern, clean aesthetic, choose the Premium Vinyl Privacy Screen.
• For flexibility and greenery, the Yardistry Fusion Privacy Screen is ideal, especially if you want to incorporate plants into your fence design.

These options are cost-effective, space-conscious, and stylish, making them perfect for small backyards.

Can You Install a Privacy Fence on a Slope? How to Do It Right

Yes, you can install a privacy fence on a slope. There are two main methods for doing it correctly:

1. Racked (Contour) Method:

• Best for gentle slopes under 15 degrees
• Fence follows the contour of the ground
• Posts and pickets remain vertical, while rails slope with the ground
• Leaves no gaps at the bottom
• Ideal for containing pets

To install using this method:

• Use a mason line to determine the slope
• Keep posts plumb (vertical)
• Angle the rails to match the slope
• Attach pickets vertically, following the angled rails

2. Stepped Method:

• Better for steeper slopes over 15 degrees
• Fence panels remain level, creating a stair-step effect
• Leaves triangular gaps at the bottom on steeper sections
• May require trimming posts to different heights

To install using this method:

• Measure the total drop of the slope
• Divide the drop evenly among fence sections
• Cut posts to appropriate heights for each level section
• Install level fence panels between stepped posts

For both methods, proper post installation is crucial. Dig holes at least 1/3 the height of the post and use concrete for stability. Always check local regulations and consider hiring a professional for complex slopes.