Hide Your Neighbor's Fence With A DIY That Totally Elevates The Look Of Any Yard

Living in close proximity to neighbors can be full of advantages and disadvantages. While you may dream of block parties and shared backyard barbecues, personal aesthetic choices can often vary. This is especially true with shared spaces like property boundaries and fence lines, which can sometimes seem unsightly from your side of the fence. While good fences often make good neighbors, building a new one on your side to cover a neighbor's unattractive fence can be costly. TikTok user @phoenixandtheocean has a great inexpensive and easy-to-install solution to combat a fence you don't necessarily want to see. When a neighbor raised their fence line above the existing one, @phoenixandtheocean covered her side of the fence with budget friendly bamboo to increase the height and beauty of an existing shorter fence. 

Not only does the bamboo fencing cover up what ails you, but the style can also be a great way to make your outdoor space even better by transforming it into a tropical oasis. Bamboo fencing, which typically comes in rolls, is also a great alternative to installing expensive new fencing or more long-range ideas for hiding the fence, like growing climbing plants or planting brushes. Extremely budget friendly, bamboo fencing is available in various shades, sizes, and weaves from retailers, including Target,  Home Depot, and Amazon.

Begin by determining the amount of fencing required to cover your side of the fence. If you have an existing fence, simply attach the new bamboo to the fence with mounting screws every few feet. You can also attach bamboo to a chain-link fence using galvanized wire wrapped around the bamboo and links. If you have an uneven or slanted fenceline, cut the bamboo down with a saw or heavy-weight gardening shears. The existing fence will offer the bamboo fence additional support in staying secure and upright. 

In your own yard, you can also mount bamboo fencing to an unsightly exterior structure wall, like a garage or shed, by building a simple framework out of single pieces of wood to attach it to. This approach also works for a concrete or stucco wall between properties. Bamboo screening is also great for renters, who can easily disguise a wire fence or add bamboo as an accent or privacy screen to a balcony railing. Just use heavy zip ties in lieu of screws to attach the material to the existing fence or railing.

While @phoenixandtheocean paints her bamboo fence white, you can leave it natural or paint it your desired color. The overall look can make your yard feel like a resort, so it's a great chance to add other accents to the fence, including torch lights, fairy lights, or wall planters. Thinner pieces of bamboo look more like grass, while thicker screening can give a sleeker and more modern look.

While bamboo is durable, it can fade or sag with time, particularly in areas with large temperature variations, moisture, and direct sunlight. Since it's a budget friendly material, you can just replace the bamboo as needed if it becomes discolored or damaged. You may also need to reposition it if the bamboo slackens over time. Using a sealant, particularly one that is UV-resistant, will help keep your bamboo looking good for longer. Keep an eye out for pest problems or mold growth, many of which can be prevented by regular cleaning and re-sealing.