Do you live so close to your neighbors that you might as well be roommates? If so, then you might feel as though you’d do anything for a little bit of privacy, but you don’t have to take extreme steps to carve out some personal space. Instead, it’s worth considering how you can make use of a vinyl privacy fence to put a little space between you and your neighbors.
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
Identify You Social Spaces
Even if you’re trying to create a little more privacy around your home, you likely don’t want to put up high barriers on every side. Instead, take some time to identify your social spaces and emphasize surrounding those.
Many people emphasize creating an attractive home garden as part of upgrading their home exterior and will build a patio or other social space in that area. This is an ideal part of your yard to surround with privacy fence panels, as it’s where you’re most likely to host events.
In general, it’s unwise to place a privacy fence at the front of your yard, as it can make it hard for public personnel, like mailmen and other delivery people or even first responders, to find the correct location. The last thing you want is to make it harder for help to find you in the event of an emergency.
Take Good Care
One of the major advantages of opting for vinyl privacy fencing is that they are long-lasting and durable, which makes them much easier to care for than a wood or metal fence, which can be more vulnerable to the elements. Not only can they last up to 20-25 years before they need to be replaced, but all you need is a garden hose and a towel to keep them clean. Forget powerwashing and fresh paint and instead just wipe away any mud or stains.
Style It Right
Most people associate vinyl privacy fences with a single style of white panel, and while these are very common, there are a number of variations, along with styling adjustments, that can help ensure the fence looks like it fits in with your yard. For example, if you’re trying to disguise your privacy fence, you might consider opting for tan vinyl instead of white and choosing one with a lattice top that allows you to easily add ivy or another accent element to it, creating something of a living wall.
Your Yard, Your Space
Some people think that putting up a privacy fence is rude, but there’s a reason that Robert Frosts’s line, “Good fences make good neighbors,” is well-known even among those who don’t know anything else about poetry – the fact is, we all need our own spaces away from even those close to us. Rather, anyone who thinks it’s rude of their neighbor to put up a privacy fence probably has their own struggles with boundaries. You have the right to place barriers around your property, to want to entertain or relax in your own yard without interference, and to style your yard as you see fit, and your neighbors have no right to suggest otherwise.
Privacy fences are a popular choice for homeowners, both from a practical perspective and for aesthetic reasons, but it’s important to consider how they’ll fit into your space. Consider the arrangement of your space and how you use it, as well as where you live, and you’ll quickly gain a sense of how a privacy fence can enhance your yard.