Fence screens can be defined as any screening material that is capable of hiding the existing fence, meaning, they can be used on any fencing or, instead of, in some cases.
They are very useful if you don’t like the colour or design of the fence as you can easily hide the fence without having to go to the trouble of repainting it or replacing it.
Fence screens can also bring a whole new ambience to your backyard, creating a feature in themselves. They are also ideal for increasing privacy, which is important as houses tend to be built closer together.
Cost
Much alike an actual fence, the price varies, but the difference with fence screens is that it enables an individual to opt for the cheaper option.
Fence screens can be cheaper in most cases, when using materials such as bamboo or for smaller sections where an idea of non-commital permanence exists with Merbau timber screens.
DIY or professional
There is a lot of freedom to DIY fence screens, considering some of it can be fun to get creative, or can be a relatively simple job for someone who is already handy.
Even for someone who wants to embark on exploring landscape features as a form of fence screening — it’s definitely the opportunity to explore it all.
Different types of fence screens
Different types of fence screen ideas can quite literally be any material that obstructs the eye.
Some common types though, include; decorative screens, Outdeco screens, bamboo screens, rusted metal screens, Merbau timber screens, plain corten steel rust screens, slim-line hardwood screens, patio screens, lattice panel privacy screen, balustrade privacy screen, wooden board screens and even curtain screens.
Considerations
Once you've decided what sort of screening will work best in your garden you'll need to talk to your neighbours.
Let them know of your plans and seek their approval before planting or construction. This could save you a lot of pain in the long term — disputes over the backyard, out-of-control hedges, boundary wall heights and views being blocked are more common than you think.
Also, ensure you talk to your local council about restrictions and guidelines regarding boundary walls and fences. As a general rule most councils restrict boundary fence heights to a maximum of 1.8-metres and front fences to 1.2-metres.
Again, make sure you double check with local authorities before embarking on building a three-metre-high boundary wall or you could be in for a nasty surprise.
Wood board privacy screen
To put in location something a bit stronger, utilise wooden panels to mark an outdoor extension area. Choose the spacing, the measurements, and the colour. Procedure and mark the boards, trim them to size, sand, and stain them and after that connect them to vertical anchor boards.
A truly low-cost and easy idea is to utilize wattle as a fencing product. The motivation originates from England where the wattle fencing was initially woven with willow or hazel branches. You can integrate a range of branches, reeds, and branches to obtain the appearance you desire, which accentuates a free standing patio area, if your screens angle inwards to form decks. Ranging from $7.22 per square foot and labour costing about $32 per hour, wood plank screens are a healthy option for the wallet.
Pro: Cost effective
Con: Nothing comes to mind, unless its aesthetics don’t appeal — it’s all subjective!
Privacy hedge
Hedge walls are a great method to specify an outdoor area and offer it natural screens. It’s, in fact, more efficient than a wood fence.
It appears that you can likewise include a hedge extension to an existing fence or wall. This remains in case you require more privacy from a high surrounding structure or if just you desire the sun to have no power over you regardless of the time of the day. Hedges’ overall cost including the labour of the landscaper and the plants themselves, is upwards of $2000.
Pro: It’s a healthy way to contribute to the earth’s production of oxygen, and leave your neighbours feeling green with envy!
Con: Hedges start losing shape fairly quickly, plus they are expensive.
Large pots and plants
A method to move the plant to the wanted area is with big planters. You can even plant trees in these ones and utilize them to acquire privacy when utilizing the outdoor locations, including a balcony. Depending on the plant, you’re looking upwards of $100 per plant.
Pro: The natural environment is good for mental health, and a maybe a much-need add-on for a concrete backyard.
Con: Plants are high maintenance, and could just add to the gardening bill.
The plants and planters likewise have the function to decorate the deck, patio, or other location you’re utilizing. You can embellish the pots, paint them, and incorporate them into a more complicated style.
DIY bamboo privacy screen
Materials needed include:
Bamboo fencing
Thin wood strips
Small L brackets
Cup hooks
Wood stain
The steps are fairly simple to follow; you just need to stain the wood and let it dry, then frame the bamboo fencing using those thin wood strips. After that, by using hooks and brackets, carefully attach the screen onto the porch. This would cost less than $500. Perhaps, even less than that, depending on the amount of materials you’ll be using.
Pro: Get hands-on with something that will make you feel more accomplished and give you more privacy in the end.
Con: It could go horribly wrong.
Mix-n-Match screens
A basic rural cinderblock fence is camouflaged with an ipe-wood wall with a build-in water function. The idea of adding lighting in the water feature area gives a warmer look, and the water feature itself adds noise, for the added touch of serenity and blocking out your neighbours. This is very adventurous, wallet-wise, and also, is not something you would be able to DIY, as you’d want to make absolutely sure that the materials and textures you mix, work. You also need a professional to install a water feature.
Pro: Mixing and matching materials you may never have thought of before.
Con: Expensive, expensive, expensive.
