7 Inexpensive Ways to Cover a Chain Link Fence

Discover 7 budget-friendly and creative ways to cover a chain-link fence, adding beauty, privacy, and charm to your yard without breaking the bank! Explore now!
Veda Yalamanchili
Veda Yalamanchili
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Last Update:
September 13, 2023

Chain link fences are common in many neighborhoods, providing an affordable and practical solution for property owners to secure their yards. While they serve their purpose well and can be made to be stylish, these fences often lack aesthetic appeal and can appear stark and unwelcoming. If you find yourself longing for a more visually appealing fence without breaking the bank, fret not.

In this article, we have curated seven inexpensive ways to cover a chain link fence that will not only enhance its appearance but also add privacy and charm to your outdoor space. Whether you're looking to create a lush green backdrop or add a pop of color, these budget-friendly ideas are sure to inspire you to turn your ordinary chain link fence into an extraordinary focal point in your yard. Discover how simple additions and creative ideas can give the chain link fence you've had installed a fresh new look without compromising on style or draining your wallet.

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1. Privacy Slats

Privacy slats are designed for chain link fences to enhance privacy, security, and aesthetics. These narrow and durable panels are installed vertically within the diamond-shaped openings of a chain link fence, effectively transforming an open, see-through barrier into a secluded enclosure. These panels are typically made from materials like vinyl, aluminum, or high-density polyethylene. They come in various colors, allowing homeowners and businesses to select a style that complements their surroundings. The design of these chain link fence slats ensures easy installation and longevity. They are manufactured to withstand harsh weather conditions, resist fading from UV rays, and require minimal maintenance over time. Moreover, the interlocking system of these slats ensures a snug fit and provides added stability to the chain link fence structure.

2. Privacy Tape

Privacy tape is a versatile and cost-effective solution to add more privacy and aesthetic appeal to your chain link fences. Privacy tapes are narrow and weather-resistant strips that are made from materials such as polyethylene or PVC, ensuring durability and longevity. Privacy tape is a relatively inexpensive way to add privacy to a chain link fence. It is also a relatively easy way to install, making it a good option for DIY’ers. You can do it yourself by simply weaving or fastening the tape horizontally through the links of the chain link fence, which creates a solid and opaque barrier. The tape comes in various colors and patterns, allowing individuals to customize their fences to match their preferences and surroundings. Privacy tape is designed to provide up to 90% visibility blockage, making it a good option for homeowners and businesses who want to increase their privacy.

3. Rolled Bamboo

Rolled bamboo screens offer a natural and eco-friendly solution to enhance the privacy and aesthetics of chain link fences. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource, making it an environmentally conscious choice. Designed as long, flexible rolls of bamboo, this fencing material can be effortlessly attached to existing chain link fences or used to construct a new fence altogether. Rolled bamboo is designed based on the concept of sustainability and durability. The stalks are carefully woven together, providing a dense and sturdy barrier that effectively blocks the view from outside. Installing rolled bamboo is also relatively simple. You can easily fasten the bamboo rolls to the chain link fence using zip ties or U-brackets. The flexibility of bamboo allows for seamless adaptation to the fence's shape and contour. Once in place, the natural appearance of rolled bamboo fencing creates a serene and exotic ambiance, perfect for backyard sanctuaries, gardens, or even some commercial spaces.

4. Mesh Privacy Screen

Mesh privacy screens are designed to provide an effective and economical solution for increasing privacy and act as a fence covering for chain link fences. These woven mesh windscreens are constructed from high-quality materials like polyethylene or vinyl, ensuring durability and weather resistance to offer long-lasting performance. The design of mesh privacy screens features a tight-knit weave, which effectively blocks the views while still allowing air circulation and some natural light to pass through. This balance ensures the privacy of the fence without creating a completely closed-off environment. Installation is straightforward, with brass grommets or fasteners allowing the screen to be easily attached to the chain link fence. These cover-ups are popularly used in construction sites, sports facilities, outdoor events, and recreational areas to shield activities from prying eyes and reduce dust and debris dispersal.

5. Artificial Greenery

Artificial greenery for chain link fences provides a realistic and low-maintenance way to add greenery and privacy to outdoor spaces. Fences with artificial greenery mimic the appearance of natural foliage, all while using synthetic panels that are typically made from high-quality UV-resistant materials, ensuring they can withstand exposure to the elements without fading or deteriorating. The design of artificial greenery for chain link fences involves carefully arranging and securing the foliage onto a mesh backing on the entire fence. The versatility and low cost of artificial greenery panels open up a plethora of design ideas. They can be used when you love growing plants but don’t have the time to do it. Additionally, these greenery panels are commonly employed in commercial settings, such as restaurants, cafes, and event venues, to create cozy outdoor dining areas or photo-worthy backdrops.

6. Reed Privacy Screen

Reed Privacy Screens offer a charming and eco-friendly way to enhance privacy while infusing outdoor spaces with a tropical and rustic ambiance. With a focus on providing maximum coverage, the tightly packed reeds obscure the view from the outside, transforming an ordinary chain link fence into something stunning. These screens are commonly used in residential properties to create secluded backyard areas, shielded from prying eyes. They can also be utilized in commercial settings such as restaurants or cafes with outdoor seating areas, offering patrons a sense of privacy and creating a comfortable atmosphere. Reed privacy screens are available in various heights and widths, offering flexibility to fit different fence sizes and configurations. Additionally, they serve as windbreaks and provide shade when placed strategically against the fence. With their durable construction and resistance to weather conditions, these screens require minimal maintenance once installed.

7. Wooden Fence Panels

Wooden fence panels for chain link fences offer a classic and versatile way to transform the look and privacy of an existing chain link fence. Designed as pre-made wooden panels, they are crafted from durable, weather-resistant, and uv-rated wood species like cedar or redwood. The design of wooden fence panels ensures easy installation and a seamless fit with the chain link fence. These panels are constructed with precision, providing consistent dimensions and sturdy frames. They are available in various heights and styles, such as solid panels or lattice designs, offering different levels of privacy and aesthetic options. Wood panels not only enhance privacy but also add a natural and warm aesthetic to outdoor spaces. The choice of wood species further contributes to the panels' longevity and ability to withstand the elements, ensuring a beautiful and durable upgrade to the chain link fence.

FAQs

How do you make a chain link fence look better?

Chain link fences can be functional but not always attractive. There are several ways to repair your chain link fence and make it look better, such as painting it, adding plants or vines, installing a privacy screen, or adding decorative panels or artwork. You can also keep the fence clean and free of debris, repair any damaged or rusty sections, tighten the wires, and plant flowers or shrubs at the base of the fence. You can make your chain link fence look its best with a bit of care and attention.

What is a good inexpensive way to cover chain link fence posts?

A great inexpensive way to cover chain link fence posts is by using affordable materials like PVC or bamboo screening. These materials are readily available at most home improvement stores and can be easily attached to the fence posts using zip ties or wire. Another option is to grow climbing plants like ivy or honeysuckle along the fence, which not only adds greenery and beauty but also covers the posts naturally. Additionally, attaching colorful fabric or outdoor-friendly tapestries can bring a lively and creative touch to the fence while concealing the posts effectively.

What is the best material to cover a chain link fence?

When considering the best material to cover a chain-link fence, several viable options exist to enhance its appearance, privacy, and functionality. Vinyl slats or privacy screens offer a practical solution, providing both a stylish and durable barrier that blocks unwanted views while requiring minimal maintenance. For a natural touch, climbing plants like ivy or jasmine can be trained to grow along the fence, creating a lush and visually appealing green wall. Alternatively, wooden or bamboo panels add warmth and texture, offering a more rustic look. These materials can also be used to fix gaps in chain link fences. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences, budget constraints, and the desired level of privacy, but each option can elevate the chain-link fence's aesthetics and utility.

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