A chain link fence can provide security and privacy, but some homeowners find the open, wire appearance unappealing. Fortunately, there are inexpensive ways to cover and beautify a chain link fence to make it more aesthetically pleasing. With a little creativity and effort, you can transform an unsightly chain link fence into an attractive backdrop for your yard.
Use Privacy Slats
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to cover a chain link fence is with privacy slats that insert directly into the links. These vinyl, plastic, or wood slats simply slide horizontally through the wires to provide an opaque barrier.
Benefits:
- Very easy to install – no tools required
- Offer instant privacy and a more finished look
- Come in various colors to match your exterior
- Won’t rot, warp, or degrade like wood slats
Things to Consider:
- Can make the fence look darker and heavier
- Still have a chain link appearance from the other side
- Need to purchase enough slats to fill the entire fence
Overall, privacy slats provide a simple and budget-friendly way to quickly cover unsightly chain link. They come in packs of varying quantities and are one of the most popular chain link fence screening options.
Use Windscreen Privacy Fabric
Another method for covering a chain link fence is with a woven windscreen privacy fabric. This material has small holes that allow air and light to pass through while obscuring vision similar to a sheer curtain.
Benefits:
- Lightweight and easy to install with cable ties
- Lets air flow through the fence
- Provides a “soft” finished look compared to slats
- Comes in different colors and densities
Things to Consider:
- Susceptible to tearing if not installed correctly
- Can sag or flap in the wind over time
- Does not fully block views like solid slats
Windscreen fabric is an affordable and decorative way to instantly cover the chain link. For best results, pull the material taut during installation to avoid sagging.
Use Chain Link Fence Screen Mesh
For an opaque barrier that still allows air flow, chain link fence screen is a good option. The vinyl-coated polyester material blocks visibility while letting wind and light through the fine mesh weave.
Benefits:
- Provides complete privacy similar to a solid fence
- Allows air circulation to prevent wind load
- Available in different colors to match your exterior
- Installs directly to fence with cable ties like windscreen
Things to Consider:
- More expensive than windscreen fabric
- Can tear if not installed correctly when stretched
- Will likely need specific tools like a power stretcher
Though pricier than fabric, the finer mesh of fence screen provides superior visibility blocking while maintaining fence ventilation. Proper installation is key to get a wrinkle-free look.
Install Wood Lattice Panels
For a natural, earthy aesthetic, covering a chain link fence with wood lattice panels is an attractive option. The crisscross lattice design provides partial screening while allowing some visibility and airflow.
Benefits:
- Natural, organic look complements gardens and yards
- Lets in light and air while obscuring views
- Can stain or paint to match your exterior
- Easy to install with cable ties or hooks
Things to Consider:
- Won’t provide complete privacy like slats or mesh
- Needs periodic sealing, staining, or paint to maintain appearance
- May warp or degrade faster than synthetic panels
Wood lattice brings warmth, texture, and charm to a chain link fence. Use weather-resistant cedar or redwood and maintain the wood with sealants to prevent warping.
Hang Decorative Fabric Curtains
For a splash of color and texture, hang fabric curtains along the chain link fence. Choose lightweight, weather-resistant outdoor fabric in your desired colors and patterns.
Benefits:
- Provides a fun, decorative look
- Comes in endless color and pattern options
- Sheer fabrics allow some visibility and airflow
- Easy to install by tying or clipping fabric to fence
Things to Consider:
- Not as durable as other covering options
- Fabric may need frequent replacing
- Less effective for privacy compared to slats or mesh
Outdoor fabric curtains are a simple way to inexpensively add visual interest and color. Change them out seasonally or as needed to transform the look.
Plant Vining Plants Along the Fence
For a living screen, plant vining plants like ivy, jasmine, or Virginia creeper along the base of the chain link fence. As the vines grow tall, they’ll cover the fence with natural greenery.
Benefits:
- Beautiful, lush green coverage
- Natural way to block views
- Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
- Enhances overall aesthetics and curb appeal
Things to Consider:
- Takes 1-2 growing seasons to fully cover
- Needs proper trellising and pruning
- Can potentially damage fence if overgrown
With a little patience, vining plants offer an attractive, eco-friendly way to cover chain link fencing with foliage. Proper planting and maintenance will keep them contained.
Install Wooden Fence Planks
For a more finished look, install wooden planks or pickets horizontally across the chain link fence. You can use ornamental lattice, tongue and groove boards, or solid privacy fence boards.
Benefits:
- Provides complete privacy blocking
- Makes the fence look like a solid wood fence
- Allows for decorative patterns with lattice and boards
- Can paint or stain planks to match your exterior
Things to Consider:
- Need to properly anchor planks to prevent warping
- Not as breathable as mesh or fabric
- Planks may need periodic sealing and maintenance
Wood planks give chain link fences the classic look and feel of a privacy fence. Use weather-resistant wood and leave small gaps between planks for airflow.
Frequently Asked Questions about Covering Chain Link Fences
What is the most cost-effective material to cover a chain link fence?
The most budget-friendly option for covering a chain link fence is plastic privacy slats. These insert directly into the wire openings to obscure vision. Windscreen fabric is another inexpensive choice that allows some visibility and airflow.
How do I prevent sagging when installing a privacy cover?
To prevent sagging, always pull the material taut when attaching to the fence. Use cable ties or chain link fence claws between each pole or post and attach the material in a zigzag pattern for optimal tension. For windscreen fabric, wrap and tie the material all the way around the edge poles to secure.
What can I use to decorate my chain link fence?
Some creative ways to decorate a chain link fence include hanging outdoor fabric curtains, attaching wooden lattices or trellises, planting flowering vines around the base, or weaving colorful ribbons through the links. Use your imagination and match the décor to your yard.
What is the best way to install a solid vinyl fence covering?
For a solid plastic covering like poly slats or mesh screen, work top to bottom in sections. Use the included fasteners or cable ties to first secure the top edge to the fence tension wire, then insert the slats or work your way down clipping the material tightly into place between poles.
What can I use if I need to cover my fence quickly?
If time is limited, opt for windscreen fabric secured with cable ties or privacy slats. These can provide partial to full coverage within just a few hours compared to growing vines or installing wood panels which require more time.
How do I maintain lattice on a chain link fence?
To maintain a wooden lattice fence covering, periodically clean it with mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris. Apply a new coat of weatherproof sealant or paint/stain every 1-2 years to protect the wood from warping and rotting.
Will covering my chain link fence void the warranty?
Most chain link fence manufacturers allow slats or screens to be added without impacting the warranty, provided you don’t physically alter or damage the fence structure. Check with your installer to be sure, but most coverings pose no issue.
Final Thoughts
Transforming the look of an unattractive chain link fence is easily achievable with simple DIY solutions like privacy slats, mesh screens, fabric curtains, or wood panels. With minimal investment, you can improve your view and your privacy. The ability to cover chain link offers homeowners, landlords, and property managers an affordable way to instantly upgrade their exterior spaces.
Conclusion
Covering an unsightly chain link fence can provide numerous benefits beyond improved aesthetics. It offers privacy, wind blocking, shade, and even camouflage for storage areas. Whether you prefer the complete screening of wood panels and slats or the partial effect of lattices and vines, there are inexpensive options to suit your needs. With a small time and money investment, you can keep the advantages of a chain link fence while customizing its appearance. Your local home improvement center can help you select the right materials for your project. In no time, you can take your chain link fence from an eyesore to an eye-catching backdrop. The transformation may be so dramatic, your neighbors will wonder if you installed a whole new fence!