Chain link fences are practical and durable, but they don’t offer any privacy.
If you’re looking for inexpensive ways to cover a chain link fence, you have several options that can transform your outdoor space without breaking the bank.
Whether you want to block the view from neighbors, create a more peaceful backyard, or simply improve the appearance of your yard, these affordable solutions can help you achieve more privacy without replacing your entire fence.
The beauty of these methods is that they allow you to keep your existing fence structure while addressing its main drawback – lack of privacy.
Inexpensive Ways To Cover A Chain Link Fence
Some options provide instant results, while others develop over time, but all are more cost-effective than installing a brand-new fence.
Let’s explore these budget-friendly ways to cover your chain link fence and create the private outdoor space you deserve.
How to Make a Chain Link Fence Private – 11 Ideas
Chain Link Fence Privacy Slats (Plastic)
Privacy slats are one of the most popular options for adding privacy to chain link fences. These plastic strips slide vertically through the diamond-shaped openings in your fence to block the view.
Pros of Chain Link Privacy Slats:
- Easy to install – most homeowners can insert these themselves
- Durable – especially those with UV inhibitors to prevent sun damage
- Wind-resistant – they allow some air through while blocking views
- Color options – available in various colors to match your outdoor décor
Cons of Privacy Slats:
- Time-consuming installation – you’ll need to insert about 82 slats per 10-foot section
- Maintenance issues – slats can slip down unless you use a bottom locking channel
- Limited side-angle privacy – many brands don’t provide complete visual blockage from angles
For best results, look for high-quality options like SoliTube Slats, which feature bottom locking channels to prevent slipping. These better-quality slats might cost more initially but will save you maintenance headaches later.
Cost of Privacy Fence Slats:
To cover a 10-foot section of 6-foot tall chain link fence, expect to pay between $60 to $150, depending on quality. Premium options with UV protection and bottom locking channels will be on the higher end.
Plastic Privacy Fence Tape Weave
Privacy fence tape offers another approach. Instead of inserting individual slats, you weave this flexible plastic tape horizontally through the chain link mesh to create a privacy barrier.
The tape is typically about 2 inches wide and comes in rolls of about 250 feet. Each roll covers approximately 40 square feet of fencing.
Many homeowners find the weaving process quite tedious compared to installing slats. You’ll need to thread the tape in and out of each diamond-shaped opening, which takes time but creates a secure fit.
Cost of Privacy Fence Tape:
For a 10-foot section of 6-foot tall chain link fence (60 square feet), you’ll need approximately 1.5 rolls, costing around $55 per section. While slightly less expensive than quality slats, factor in the extra installation time.
Bamboo Rolls to Cover Up a Chain Link Fence
For a more natural look, bamboo rolls offer an attractive alternative. These rolls consist of bamboo poles held together with galvanized wire and can be attached to your chain link fence using zip ties.
Advantages of Bamboo Rolls as a Privacy Screen:
- Excellent privacy – tightly spaced bamboo poles block views effectively
- Eco-friendly – bamboo is a sustainable material
- Tropical aesthetic – creates a resort-like feel in your yard
- Simple installation – just unroll it against your fence and secure it with zip ties
Disadvantages of Bamboo Rolls:
- Color changes – bamboo can fade when exposed to weather
- Maintenance required – may need cleaning and staining to prevent degradation
- Higher cost – more expensive than plastic privacy options
Installation tip: Elevate the bamboo slightly off the ground to prevent moisture damage to the bottom of the poles.
Cost of Bamboo Rolls for Privacy:
To cover a 10-foot section of 6-foot tall chain link fence, expect to pay $150 or more for rolls made of full bamboo poles. Split bamboo options cost less but aren’t as durable.
Reed Screens
Reed screens are similar to bamboo but made from reed grasses. These natural screens create a rustic barrier when attached to your fence.
Pros of Reed Fence Covering:
- Quick installation – simply unroll and secure to your fence
- Natural appearance – provides an organic look
- Good privacy – tightly packed reeds block views effectively
- Lightweight – easier to handle than heavier options
Cons of Reed Fences:
- Limited lifespan – typically needs replacement every 2-3 years
- Color fading – will weather and change appearance over time
- Weather sensitivity – can degrade in harsh conditions
Reed screens make a good temporary solution while waiting for more permanent options like vines to grow.
Artificial Hedge Rolls to Add Privacy to a Chain Link Fence
For the look of greenery without the maintenance of real plants, artificial hedge rolls offer an attractive solution. These synthetic plant screens mimic ivy and other foliage, adding both color and privacy.
Products like faux ivy privacy screens attach easily to chain links with zip ties and provide instant green coverage. The materials are designed to resist UV damage and maintain their appearance.
Cost of Artificial Hedge Rolls:
For a 6-foot tall, 10-foot long section, expect to pay approximately $100 for quality artificial hedge rolls. While more expensive than basic options like slats or tape, they provide a much more attractive appearance.
Expandable Artificial Hedge Panels
Expandable artificial hedge panels offer flexibility with their accordion-like wooden framework covered with artificial foliage. You can adjust these panels to fit your specific fence dimensions.
When fully contracted, these panels provide dense privacy screening, while expanding them creates a more decorative but less private barrier.
Installation is straightforward: expand the panel to the desired width, position it against your chain link fence, and secure it with zip ties through the wooden framework.
Prices vary by manufacturer and quality but expect to pay between $80-$200 per panel depending on the size and density of the artificial foliage.
Grow Fast-Growing Vines Up Your Fence
For a truly natural solution that improves with time, fast-growing vines can transform your chain link fence into a living wall of greenery.
Some excellent vine options include:
- Wisteria – produces beautiful purple flowers
- Climbing Hydrangea – features attractive white flower clusters
- Virginia Creeper – offers a dramatic red fall color
- Star Jasmine – provides fragrant white flowers
- Boston Ivy – creates dense coverage with minimal maintenance
Benefits of using vines:
- Continuous improvement – privacy increases as plants grow
- Ecological benefits – provides habitat for birds and insects
- Changing seasons – offers different looks throughout the year
- Long-term solution – can last for decades with proper care
Drawbacks to consider:
- Patience required – takes time to establish full coverage
- Maintenance needs – regular pruning may be necessary
- Seasonal changes – deciduous vines lose leaves in winter
The initial cost for vines is relatively low ($10-$30 per plant), but you’ll need several plants along your fence line for proper coverage.
Planter Boxes Along the Top of the Fence
For a unique approach, consider installing planter boxes along the top of your chain link fence. This allows you to grow trailing plants that cascade down the fence, creating a curtain of greenery.
How to implement this solution:
- Select sturdy planter boxes designed for railing mounting
- Securely attach them to the top rail of your chain link fence
- Fill with quality potting soil
- Plant trailing varieties like Silver Falls, ivy, or trailing petunias
Benefits of planter boxes:
- Unique appearance – creates a distinctive look
- Flexibility – can change plants seasonally
- Space efficiency – utilizes vertical space without taking up ground area
Considerations:
- Weight – ensure your fence can support the weight of planters, soil, and plants
- Maintenance – requires regular watering and plant care
Budget $15-$30 per linear foot for a basic setup, with premium planters and plants costing more.
Privacy Lattice to Cover Your Fence
Lattice panels, available in both wood and plastic, provide another option for covering chain link fences. “Privacy lattice” features smaller openings than standard lattice, providing better screening while maintaining an attractive pattern.
Advantages of Lattice:
- Decorative appearance – adds architectural interest
- Light and air flow – allows some breeze while blocking views
- Plant support – provides a structure for climbing plants
- Easy installation – attaches to chain link with zip ties
Disadvantages of Lattice:
- Partial privacy – still has openings, though smaller than chain link
- Size limitations – standard panels are 4′ x 8′, which may require cutting
- Maintenance – wood lattice needs regular painting or staining
Installation challenge: Since most chain link fence sections are 10 feet wide and lattice panels are typically 8 feet long, careful planning is needed to avoid waste or awkward joints.
Cost of Lattice Panels:
For vinyl privacy lattice panels (4′ x 8′), expect to pay around $40-$45 per panel. Wood lattice may be slightly less expensive initially but requires ongoing maintenance.
Chain Link Fence Privacy Screens (A Popular Choice)
Privacy screens or windscreens offer perhaps the quickest solution for covering chain link fences. These fabric-like materials come in large sheets with grommets along the edges for easy attachment with zip ties.
Made from durable, weather-resistant materials, these screens can block up to 90% of visibility while still allowing some airflow.
Benefits of privacy screens:
- Fast installation – can cover large fence sections quickly
- Excellent privacy – high blockage percentage
- Low maintenance – generally weather-resistant
- Color options – available in multiple colors
Considerations:
- Wind stress – in high-wind areas, ensure proper attachment
- Appearance – more utilitarian look than decorative options
- Durability – quality varies by manufacturer
For a 6-foot tall, 50-foot long privacy screen with grommets and zip ties included, expect to pay between $80-$120, making this one of the most cost-effective solutions for large fence sections.
What About Wooden Fence Panels?
While attaching wooden fence panels to your chain link fence might seem straightforward, there are important considerations before pursuing this option.
Structural concerns:
- Weight issues – standard residential chain link fences may not support the weight of wood
- Post strength – typical 16-gauge chain link posts (1.65mm wall thickness) are too thin for wood panel support
- Wind load – unlike chain link which allows wind to pass through, solid wood creates significant wind resistance
Practical challenges:
- Spacing mismatch – chain link posts are typically 10 feet apart, while standard wood panels are 8 feet wide
- Installation complexity – requires more advanced carpentry skills
If you’re still interested in using wood, consider these alternatives:
- Install vertical 2×6 boards alongside existing posts, with the boards resting on the ground to support the weight
- Use thin wooden slats or rails instead of full panels to reduce weight
Professional tip: Before adding wood to your chain link fence, have a fencing professional measure your post thickness. If posts are less than 0.085″ (2.16mm) thick, you’ll likely need new, heavier-duty posts to support wooden privacy panels.
| Privacy Option | Cost per 10ft section (6ft tall) | Installation Difficulty | Durability | Visual Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy Slats | $60-$150 | Moderate | Good | Basic |
| Privacy Tape | $55 | Difficult | Good | Basic |
| Bamboo Rolls | $150+ | Easy | Fair | Natural |
| Reed Screens | $70-$100 | Easy | Poor | Natural |
| Artificial Hedge | $100 | Easy | Good | Decorative |
| Privacy Screens | $20-$25 | Very Easy | Fair | Basic |
| Lattice Panels | $40-$45 | Easy | Good | Decorative |
| Vines/Plants | $30-$60 initial | Moderate | Excellent | Natural |
FAQs
- How much does it cost to make a chain link fence private?
The cost ranges from $55-$150 per 10-foot section for most DIY options like privacy slats, screens, or artificial hedges. Natural options like vines can be less expensive initially but take time to establish.
- What is the cheapest way to cover a chain link fence?
Privacy fence tape is typically the least expensive option at around $55 per 10-foot section. Growing vines can be even more affordable over time, with initial plants costing $10-$30 each.
- How long do chain link fence privacy options last?
Durability varies widely: high-quality plastic slats and screens can last 7-10 years, while natural materials like reeds may need replacement every 2-3 years. Vines and plants can provide decades of coverage with proper maintenance.
- Can I install privacy features on a rental property?
Yes, many options like screens and artificial hedges attach with zip ties and can be removed without damaging the fence, making them suitable for rentals. Always check with your landlord first.
- Which privacy option is best for windy areas?
Privacy slats typically perform best in windy conditions as they allow some air to pass through while still providing privacy. Full panels or screens may create more wind resistance.
- Do I need permits to add privacy features to my chain link fence?
Generally, adding privacy features to an existing fence doesn’t require permits, but always check local regulations, especially if significantly changing the fence’s appearance or height.
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Conclusion:
Transforming your chain link fence into a private retreat doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.
From quick solutions like privacy screens and slats to natural options like vines and bamboo, there’s an affordable option to suit every yard, budget, and style preference.
When choosing the right privacy solution for your fence, consider:
- Your budget – both initial costs and long-term maintenance
- Desired level of privacy – complete blockage or partial screening
- Aesthetic preferences – natural, decorative, or functional
- Installation effort – quick weekend project or longer-term investment
- Durability needs – temporary solution or permanent privacy
The best part about these privacy options is that they allow you to keep your sturdy, functional chain link fence while addressing its main drawback – lack of privacy.
With some creativity and minimal investment, you can transform that see-through barrier into a private, personalized boundary that enhances your outdoor living space.
Whether you choose the quick installation of a privacy screen, the natural beauty of climbing vines, or the structured look of privacy slats, your newly private chain link fence will give you the seclusion you desire without the expense of complete fence replacement.
Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so select the one that best fits your specific needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences.