How to Make Your Chain Link Fence More Private: A Homeowner’s Guide
Chain link fencing is one of the most durable and cost-effective ways to secure your property in Raymore and the greater Kansas City area. However, it’s not exactly known for its seclusion. If you love the security of your fence but hate feeling like you’re in a fishbowl, you might be wondering: Is it actually possible to make a chain link fence more private?
The short answer is yes. Whether you are looking for a quick DIY fix or a more permanent professional upgrade, there are numerous ways to transform that transparent wire mesh into a solid privacy barrier.
10 Ways to Make Your Chain Link Fence More Private
From natural greenery to heavy-duty industrial inserts, here are ten effective ways to add privacy to your existing chain link fence.
1. Privacy Slats
This is the most popular professional solution. Slats are long strips of HDPE plastic or aluminum that slide vertically into the weave of the fence. They come in various colors to match your home’s aesthetic and can block up to 98% of visibility.
2. Privacy Mesh (Windscreens)
Often seen on tennis courts, these mesh fabric rolls are a fast way to cover long stretches of fencing. They are attached with zip ties or grommets and are excellent for blocking visibility and heavy Missouri winds.
3. Artificial Hedge Slats
If you want the look of a manicured boxwood hedge without the watering and pruning, artificial hedge slats are the answer. These textured inserts mimic natural foliage and provide an immediate, lush green appearance year-round.
4. Privacy Tape
Similar to slats but more flexible, privacy tape is a thick outdoor-rated material that you weave diagonally through the links. It’s a great budget-friendly DIY option that allows for creative patterns and murals.
5. Climbing Plants and Vines
For a natural look, you can “train” plants like Clematis, Honeysuckle, or Trumpet Vine to grow through the mesh. In our local climate, these perennials provide a beautiful, flowering wall of privacy during the spring and summer.
6. Bamboo Fence Rolls
Attaching pre-made bamboo rolls to the face of your chain link fence can give your backyard a tropical or Zen-like feel. Bamboo is naturally water-resistant and provides a solid, organic texture that completely hides the metal wire.
7. Wooden Fence Panels
You can also attach light wood pickets or pre-built lattice panels directly to your chain link posts. This effectively converts your metal fence into a wooden privacy fence without the need to dig new post holes.
8. Reed or Willow Screens
Reed screening is a lightweight, affordable material that adds an earthy, rustic look. While it is less durable than plastic slats, it is very easy to install and provides a significant amount of light-filtering privacy.
9. Strategic Evergreen Landscaping
If you don’t want to touch the fence itself, consider planting “living privacy” just in front of it. Tall, narrow evergreens like Emerald Green Arborvitae or Pencil Pines provide year-round coverage that only gets thicker as the years go by.
10. Privacy Fabric or Outdoor Canvas
For a temporary or highly customized look, outdoor-rated canvas or drop cloths can be draped and secured to the fence. This is a common choice for renters or those hosting a private outdoor event who need an immediate screen.
Transform Your View with Elite Fence
Whether you want to upgrade your current chain link with professional-grade slats or you are looking for fence installation in Lee’s Summit, the family-owned team at Elite Fence is here to help.
If you’re curious about the cost of a privacy upgrade or a new build, check out our Free Fence Estimator Tool to get a rough quote in just three minutes! We take pride in being the premier fencing contractors in Raymore, and we are happy to provide expert fence installation in Belton and surrounding areas.
Contact Elite Fence today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward the private backyard you deserve!
Privacy Fence FAQ
Can I add privacy slats to an old chain link fence?
Absolutely. As long as the metal mesh is not severely rusted or sagging, slats can be added at any time. If the fence is leaning, you may want to have a professional from Elite Fence check the post stability first, as adding privacy increases the “wind load” on the fence.
How much privacy can I realistically expect?
Standard slats usually provide 75% to 85% privacy. If you need total seclusion, “Winged Slats” or “Ultimate Slats” can provide up to 98% coverage by sealing the gaps between the wire and the slat.
Will adding a screen make my fence fall over in a storm?
Adding a solid surface to a fence makes it act like a sail in the wind. In areas like Lee’s Summit or Overland Park, where we see strong gusts, it is important to ensure your posts are set deep in concrete before installing heavy windscreens or solid panels.