9 DIY Privacy Fence Ideas To Create A Quiet Escape In Your Backyard

You don't have to turn to professionals to install a privacy fence. There are plenty of DIY ideas to block your yard from nosy neighbors and passing pedestrians, turning an outdoor space into a secluded oasis. Below are nine creative fence DIYs that block your home and property from the outside world; all of which are doable by amateurs and at a fraction of the cost of a professional installation.

Crafting a homemade privacy screen puts you in full control of the project. Depending on your chosen method, you can customize the design, size, and whether it's permanent or temporary. Many of these projects are doable in just one day and stay under a $1,000 budget. Building a fence under four figures is incredibly cheap, considering most fence installations throughout the United States cost more than $4,000 for labor and materials. 

Check out the ideas below to find an amateur fence project that meets your needs, matches your design preferences, and stays within parameters set by your homeowners association or landlord.  All that's needed are some common household supplies and a few products from local or online retailers. With the right materials, you can begin one of these rewarding projects and create the budget-friendly, relaxing outdoor escape you always dreamed of.

It takes a lot of supplies and effort to build a fence from scratch using lumber, fasteners, concrete, and other materials. Instead of crafting a wooden fenceline from nothing, collect square or rectangular pallets that are already assembled. Wood pallets are sturdy and great for DIY projects. When stood on their edge, they resemble traditional wooden fences. The only difference is that they're taller and offer more coverage, making them ideal for privacy fencing. If you don't like their natural look, paint them or add decorative embellishments.

If you live under a strict landlord or HOA, temporary privacy fences may be your only option. Combine Lowe's utility screens and cedar boards with some other hardware to DIY standalone temporary fence panels. There's no need to dig or disrupt the landscape to secure your fence into the ground. Simply lay a cheap but heavy paver stone from Lowe's atop each cedar board to help the DIY privacy fence stay in place.

Deck sunblind systems are all-inclusive kits that fit over pre-existing decks, patios, and gazebos. The Home Depot carries these kits in either black or stainless steel, so you can pick the best color befitting your landscape. Reviewers recommend to rent or buy an electric hand planer to remove imperfections from the wood pieces and to also install a half-inch below what the included guide says. Follow these tips to remove imperfections from the wood and avoid having a gap in your otherwise obscured fence line.

All it takes is Amazon's retractable faux greenery trellis to add a few feet of coverage above a pre-existing wood fence or railing. The trellis expands between 60 square feet to 165 square feet— it's flexible in height and length. It also has five leaf designs to choose from, which already have UV and water-resistant coatings to make them outdoor-friendly. Keep in mind that it's lightweight and may waver in windy areas. You may need to use Amazon's bamboo stakes to create more support.

Wire fences don't add privacy or decorative appeal to a landscape. Improve on both fronts by pinning Amazon's shade cloth to one side of the fence with zip ties. Make sure you measure the dimensions of your fence before purchasing the shade cloth since sizes range from 48 square feet to 800 square feet. Remember, this idea only works if your current fence is already tall. If your chainlink is only a few feet tall, the outdoor cloth won't provide much privacy or shade.

Add privacy to your patio or balcony using Amazon's tall planters and faux plants. Make sure you pick outdoor plants with dense foliage and a UV-resistant coating. Some possible options include Amazon's artificial bamboo, fiddle leaf fig, cyca, or cedar tree foliage. If you choose plants with long stems or sparse leaves, don't expect as much privacy. Keep in mind that the planter is authentic and has a drainage hole, so aspiring plant parents could plant real trees and shrubs inside, too.

Faux trellises aren't just good for topping off wooden fences; you can also fasten them over chainlink to cover open wire designs. Pin Amazon's roll of plastic greenery over the wires, tying it as you go. There are a variety of lengths and heights to choose from, from 39 by 98 inches to 78 by 118 inches. Both the green leaf and green vine design options have a UV coating to protect them from the sun. Use Amazon's green zip ties to create a more seamless appearance with less noticeable fasteners.

Create a custom boho-style privacy screen using wood planks and area rugs. Cut the lumber yourself or ask a local hardware store to make a large frame. Purchase an area rug that fits within the dimensions of your wood frame and suits your aesthetic. Use an outdoor rug that's resilient against sunlight and rain, or spray the fabric with Amazon's outdoor water and sun shield spray. Opt for a low pile rug that's easy to clean since it'll be outdoors, such as jute or a synthetic blend.

Tall lattice panels add privacy and a decorative appeal to your landscape. Pick up a tall panel from Lowe's or Home Depot and fasten it against a shorter fence to add a section of seclusion in your yard. Lattice is a type of fence that can instantly boost your curb appeal on its own, but you can complement the simple diamond pattern by adding a horizontal planter with climbing plants at its forefront. Try planting clematis, hydrangea, or wisteria, which are fast-growing climbing plants that provide dense coverage for a perfect backyard escape.