The Unique DIY Privacy Fence That Adds Charm & Character To Your Backyard

Considering the extremely high cost of hiring a professional to install a fence, it is not surprising in the least that ideas for DIY privacy fence projects are so popular on social media. Each one seems to be more creative than the next, often repurposing recycled materials to give them new life as a fence picket. One such project, shared by New York-based carpenter Collin Stewart on Instagram, showcased a DIY privacy fence made of reclaimed, rustic doors for a quirky, charming look. The best part? Because the fence pickets are doors, you know your DIY fence will end up at least 6 foot 8 inches high (standard door height), giving you plenty of privacy from the neighbors!

To prepare for this DIY, you will need to start collecting an assortment of antique doors in various styles and sizes to get that eclectic look. You could look at a local architectural salvage store for a wide selection, but you are likely to pay a higher price for each vintage door. Instead, try a Habitat Restore or Facebook Marketplace for inexpensive options, or, better yet, utilize your local Buy Nothing group to take a few free doors off of your neighbors' hands. Once you have a large enough collection of doors to span the length of the area you would like to fence, kick off this creative and one-of-a-kind privacy fence DIY project to give your yard a rustic charm.

To DIY the Instagram fence, prep each door with a coat of matte (shiny/polished is the wrong look on reclaimed doors) outdoor-rated sealer that will prevent the doors from deteriorating in the elements. While a healthy dose of rustic looks great with this quirky look, you certainly don't want the doors falling apart. Next, build the support system that will keep the fence standing by following a DIY method for building the perfect fence, installing all posts and cross beams in typical fashion. However, instead of pickets, use your quirky array of vintage doors to line the front of the fence, securing them to the cross beams to finish the funky look.

Love the doors but looking for a more uniform, modern appearance? Consider finding an affordable solid wood exterior door in either a flat slab or clean paneled look to use instead of the reclaimed doors. While the cost for this approach can add up fast, it would be fantastic in a small area or as a decorative privacy screen. If you are into the repurposing angle but don't love the look of the doors, consider creating an affordable DIY wood pallet fence, using the pallets as fence segments or crafting a patchwork picket look with the pallet pieces. Regardless of the door style or repurposed element you use to craft your unique fence, creating a one-of-a-kind DIY privacy fence will add a ton of eclectic charm to your yard.