The ultimate privacy fence is in the eye of the beholder. There are several factors to consider when erecting a privacy fence. It must be high enough so people can’t see over, easy to maintain, and attractive to the eye. It should also be available in multiple styles. Today’s individuals have a myriad of options from which to choose.

SimTek®

SimTek® fencing is highly durable, is an excellent sound barrier and is able to withstand hurricane force winds up to 110 mph and gusts of 130 mph. It’s resistant to graffiti and fading, and has a 25-year warranty. The solid fences are eco-friendly, available in multiple heights, and emulates the look of real wood or stone.

PVC

PVC fencing is a green option that’s able to withstand 100 mph winds and is offered in an array of styles, colors and textures. It’s low maintenance, unaffected by weather, and won’t peel, chip or rot. It also has the Dade County Product Approval Certification and a lifetime warranty.

Wood

When it comes to wood, the most common option is stockade style fencing with solid panels placed side-by-side. An offset pattern is also available. It will typically need to be painted or stained and comes in 6 or 8 ft. panels. Wood fencing can be installed vertically or horizontally.

Aluminum

An aluminum fence can imitate high-end wrought iron. It’s not solid fencing, but can be combined with frosted aluminum panels for privacy. Aluminum requires little maintenance. Many individuals install an aluminum fence and plant hedge bushes on the inside, while others plant vines and let them to twine for a living fence.

Chain Link

Chain link is see-through, but colored panels can be affixed to the fencing so no one can see through it. Offered in multiple heights, hedges and vines are often planted on the inside to create a living barrier to complement the fencing. Primarily used for safety and security, chain link is fairly inexpensive compared to other types of fencing and requires little maintenance.

Privacy is the No. 1 reason why most individuals install a fence and one of the most popular material choices is PVC. Before erecting a privacy fence, it’s important to understand exactly what it does. The short answer is that it conceals property and activities from neighbors and passersby.

A privacy fence enables families and friends to enjoy time together without interruption. It’s also an effective method for concealing vehicles, equipment and other valuable assets from public view. PVC fencing acts as a sound buffer against outdoor noises that disrupts tranquility. The higher the fence, the more sound disruption it provides and PVC fencing is available in a variety of heights.

Privacy fences have many other benefits of which individuals may not be aware. The fencing is an effective and decorative way to keep children and pets contained in their own yard. Conversely, the fencing aids in keeping stray animals, wildlife and trespassers off the property. The fencing can be utilized for vertical gardening for prized specimens or to create a relaxing botanical getaway.

PVC privacy fencing is available in over 30 decorative styles that complement homes and properties. There’s an extensive range of colors from which to choose and it can be obtained in styles that emulate the appearance of real wood or stone. Multiple customization options are available for horizontally or vertical installation.

Durability is a benchmark of PVC. It’s five times stronger than wood and is manufactured with UV inhibitors to prevent fading, yellowing and brittleness. The material is able to withstand severe winds and saltwater, and has the Dade County Product Approval Certification. PVC won’t crack, peel, split, splinter, rot or warp and it’s unappealing to insects.

Warm, humid conditions can lead to algae, mold and mildew growth. PVC is resistant to all of those problems and the material requires a minimum of maintenance. When PVC eventually comes to the end of its considerable lifespan, the eco-friendly material is recyclable and minimal energy and resources are used in its production.

Non-toxic to children and pets, PVC also makes an excellent wind break that enables individuals to enjoy their outdoor spaces even when its breezy. PVC has emerged as one of the market’s most valuable materials for privacy fencing in a wide variety of environments.

It doesn’t matter whether you live in a city, near the ocean or in a pastoral environment, gaining even a modicum of privacy is getting more difficult to achieve every day. The solution is as simple as contacting a professional fence installation company. They can introduce you to options of which you may be unaware and help you select the fencing that best fits your needs and budgetary concerns.

Materials

You can choose from materials ranging from SimTek® and PVC to wood, chain link and aluminum. Modern manufacturing processes have created fencing materials that emulate the appearance of wood, stone and granite. There are materials that are almost maintenance-free, resistant to graffiti and impacts, and absorbs sound for quiet living. There are also fencing materials that can withstand hurricane-force winds, are eco-friendly, and are resistant to fading and damage from saltwater.

Style

Traditionalists can choose from vertical selections that include stockade, chain link with slats and screens, and PVC in a multitude of textures, colors and styles. One of the advantages of hiring a professional fence installer is that they can create any design you can envision.

You can choose from designs that combine wood and polished sheet metal, bamboo, alternating panels of wood and decorative PVC, and even fences of lattice panels. Wood and metal grid fences that employ glazed glass panels are popular for larger spaces. Horizontal fencing, along with those constructed from uneven boards, are two of the most popular trending styles.

Beauty and Functionality

Installing a patio or garden enables you to enjoy uninterrupted time with family and friends. A fence prevents nosy neighbors and passersby from seeing into your yard. Privacy fences are also handy for shielding youngsters from prying eyes and excitable puppies and dogs from outside influences. They’re decorative, beautify your outdoor spaces, and can even be utilized for vertical gardening.

A fence can be installed to meet an extensive number of needs, but the No. 1 reason is typically to obtain an enhanced level of privacy. There are numerous reasons why a fence for privacy makes sense and there are multiple materials from which to choose.

Homes are being built closer together, making it even more difficult to enjoy family activities away from prying eyes. Fencing also provides a safer haven for children to play without coming to the attention of the unscrupulous. Certain types of pets are at an elevated risk of being stolen. A privacy fence is also a good idea to keep valuable equipment and recreational aspects from sight.

How Much Privacy?

A major consideration before erecting a fence is how much privacy is desired. Individuals that want to be able to still see their surroundings on the other side of the fence can choose one with alternating panels. Those that want complete privacy to sunbathe or let children and pets roam the property safe from the eyes of others will want to install a solid fence.

Fence Height

The height of the barrier will depend on several criteria. There may be local ordinances that preclude placing a fence at the desired height. Those living in close proximity to other homes won’t have the same amount of privacy if the house next door is a two-story structure.

Conversely, a fence won’t stop people from cutting across the property, picking prize roses, or stray animals from coming on the property if the fence isn’t high enough. Individuals may also need to obtain the approval of neighbors that directly adjoin the property. Before installing a fence, it’s best to check local zoning and ordinances.

Maintenance

Some fences aren’t a “one-and-done” solution. They require regular inspection and maintenance if they’re to serve their purpose. Wood will need to be painted or stained to prevent weathering and the material is attractive to insects. There are newer fencing materials that can withstand hurricane-force winds and simply need to be rinsed down with a hose to keep their good looks while providing multiple privacy options.

Privacy and beauty aren’t mutually exclusive with the modern fencing options available. There are multiple materials and styles of fencing that are fully capable of meeting both requirements and each comes with its own range of additional benefits.

Chain Link

Chain link fencing is typically known for its security benefits, but it can also provide privacy and beauty when paired with climbing vines or shrubbery. There are also privacy slats designed specifically for chain link that effectively blocks the view from the outside of the fencing. The slats are available in an array of different colors to accommodate any property stylings. The slats are resistant to UV rays and adverse weather conditions for a colorful and tasteful privacy solution.

PVC/Vinyl

Available in a myriad of colors, styles, and textures, it’s sturdy and durable. The fencing has a wide variety of customization options, requires little or no maintenance, and it’s resistant to weather, UV rays, and hurricane condition winds. With over 30 decorative options from which to choose, it’s a stylish way to obtain much needed privacy and doesn’t splinter, rot, chip or peel.

SimTek®

One of the most aesthetically pleasing options, SimTek® is also an eco-friendly material that provides the realistic look, texture, and appearance of wood, stone or granite. It provides the beauty that individuals want and creates a solid wall of privacy that’s also maintenance free. SimTek® is a highly effective barrier for muffling sounds and has a superior wind rating. It’s engineered to withstand wind gusts of up to 115 mph.

Wood

A wood fence is no longer the plain stockade type fence of the past. Today’s wood fences feature a wide variety of decorative touches encompassing lattice work, panels accentuated with a wrought iron style metal, and custom designs. Multiple types of wood are available from which to choose, ranging from cypress and redwood to cedar and even bamboo.