Creative Ways To Add Height And Extra Privacy To An Existing Fence

There are several reasons why you might want to extend the height of your fence. More privacy is a big one as a tall fence will better hide your home from prying eyes. But you might also make your fence taller to enjoy improved security, a safer environment to contain pets or kids, better noise reduction, and some aesthetic benefits too, depending on the addition you choose. In short, there are lots of reasons to add height to a fence. So, we've rounded up some creative ways to do so. 

Of course, there are a lot of fabulous garden fence ideas to browse. But here, we'll focus on additions that you can make to your existing structure to make your yard more private. These extension options are relatively affordable and easy to install. These ideas are also a little more creative than nailing in a few extra wood planks to your fence. Before you make any modifications, look into your local regulations to ensure you stay below any height restriction limitations. Also, check in with your neighbors to make sure your taller fence won't affect them. With these factors in mind, keep reading for some creative ways to extend the height of your fence.

A wood privacy lattice is an excellent addition to an existing fence. When it comes to upping the height, it's the classic choice that looks nice in pretty much any yard. Keep in mind that a wood lattice has gaps, so it won't completely block the view, but it will make it harder for passersby to peer into your yard. A privacy lattice is most easily attached to your existing fence using other lumber and nails or screws.

You can buy framed or unframed wood lattice panels. Options like the Natural Redwood Wood Privacy Lattice from Lowe's or the Porpora Wood Privacy Screen/Trellis with Legs from Wayfair are already framed out. So if it fits your fence, it takes out the tedious framing step. However, there are a few reasons you might want to build a DIY wooden trellis screen instead. You can cut lattice panels like the Redwood Privacy Lattice Panel from The Home Depot to fit your fence exactly. Then, you can also adjust the frame design to your tastes. This video from @dianebullocktherealtor also shows a very basic way to trim one out. Have some extra lattice left behind? Here are some ways to repurpose leftover lattice around the house if you have scraps after your project. 

You can also use metal fence toppers to create extra privacy if you don't like the traditional look of wood planks or lattice. Similar to the wood lattice idea, metal fence toppers don't completely block out the view, but offer a bit of height and a partial visual barrier. Also, like the lattice project, you may need to build a frame, depending on the metal topper or screen you buy. If you're installing it on a wooden fence, adding a wood frame gives it a more built-in look. Otherwise, some metal fence toppers have pre-drilled holes so you can simply surface mount them with nails or screws directly to the top of a fence. 

You can shop gorgeous options from metalworkers on Etsy (as a bonus, this means you can buy a handmade product and support a small business). For example, the MetalCoArt Tree Silhouette Fence Top Trellis from Etsy is a lovely decorative choice that you can order in a few colors. You can also opt for a metal privacy screen from more traditional retailers like the Veradek Parilla Privacy Fence Panel from Wayfair.

If wood and metal fence toppers don't appeal to you, you can find options made of vinyl or composite materials instead. These synthetic materials are usually lightweight, so these products can be easier to install. They're durable, intended to last years in outdoor conditions, and they're very easy to maintain, too. Most vinyl and composite fence toppers can be cleaned off with a hose, and don't need weatherproofing treatments like real wood products do. In fact, if you like the lattice look but just don't want to deal with the upkeep of wood, you can find vinyl lattice panels. 

The Veranda White Classic Diamond Vinyl Lattice Panel from The Home Depot is one such example. Similar to other lattice projects, you may need to build your own framing. However, there are some options that you can surface mount, too. For example, the Modinex Composite Fence Panel from Wayfair can be attached to the top of a fence with a screwdriver and some screws.  

A fence extension kit can help make adjusting the height of your fence feel less intimidating. These kits typically include posts or extension pieces that attach to your existing structure. You can then add decorative panels between the posts for extra privacy. Designed for DIYers, these systems make it easy to mount privacy panels to your fence, with several materials available. 

One option is the Outdeco Fence Extension system. This allows you to mix and match posts and panels to create a custom design to fit your fence's length and the style of your outdoor space. The Steel Wall Extension Posts mount on top, and then you can slide your choice of Fence Extension Privacy Panel between the posts (these come in a few different designs). 

If you want to hide your neighbor's fence or elevate the look of your yard by transforming your own, this is the DIY for you. It uses bamboo fencing to turn your backyard into a resort-like oasis while also adding some privacy-boosting height. When shopping for your bamboo fencing, look for an option that uses full pieces of bamboo. Something like bamboo reed fencing might be too thin, though you might be able to make it work for short extensions. 

A product like the Backyard X-Scapes Natural Bamboo Fencing from Amazon uses full bamboo sticks and provides the structural integrity you need for this type of installation. Best of all, unlike some other options, there are only small gaps between the bamboo pieces. So this project offers better privacy, while still looking decorative. Keep aesthetics in mind when choosing your bamboo fencing. Forgo paint altogether if you want a more rustic or boho look, and look for a bamboo fence in a pleasing natural shade. If you want to follow exactly along the lines of this project from @phoenixandtheocean, the fence color doesn't really matter. You'll be painting it white, which gives it a modern look reminiscent of an upscale spa. Of course, you can also paint the bamboo fence in other colors too. 

A fence covered in greenery is many people's dream, but it takes time to grow (and a bit of a green thumb to get plants to behave too). Instead of waiting for the real thing to sprout, add extra privacy to a backyard fence with a faux greenery wall. There are plenty of options you can choose from to attach to an existing fence. 

For example, the Green Smart Dekor Artificial Lemon Leaf Lattice Screen from the Home Depot, which is nice and lush for improved privacy. The Doeworks Expandable Fence Privacy Screen is another product you can use for this project that's also expandable so you can extend it to fit your fencing. The greenery on this one is less thick, ideal if you prefer more sparse shrubbery that lets more light in. 

If you're a renter, you have fewer options to extend a fence. After all, you don't want to damage the fence itself. Adding another barrier is a great way to add more privacy without modifying the existing one. Use fence posts, pushed into the ground right behind your fence, and then add material to the top to create a privacy screen. This idea might also appeal to homeowners who only need more privacy temporarily, or who also don't want to damage an existing fence.

Choose fence stakes that are your ideal height. The Everbilt Green Steel Fence U Post from The Home Depot comes in a few sizes for shoppers to select from. Once installed, you can attach your choice of material to the stakes. You'll want to keep it relatively lightweight since these posts are just staked into the ground. Some possible options include fabric privacy screening (like the Sunnyglade 6-by-50 Foot Privacy Screen), bamboo reed fencing (like the Backyard X-Scapes Natural Reed Fencing), faux greenery panels, or even mesh or chain-link fencing that you can use for climbing plants, as shown in this video from @drivebypatch. Also, keep in mind that you can attach material along the entire length of the stake if you want to conceal your existing fence, or just along the top if you want to keep your current fence visible.