Many homeowners looking to save money are choosing to build their own DIY wood privacy fence, and if that’s you, here are the five best fence designs you can build.
These cheap privacy fence ideas for your backyard include five descriptions, photos, and the best features (pros and cons) of each fence to help you choose the best style for your yard.
We’ve also included a few resources and tips to help you build a DIY privacy fence as cheaply as possible.
The Five Best Privacy Fence Designs to Build:
1) “Traditional”
The Traditional Privacy Fence is the most common method of building a DIY wood privacy fence.
A traditional Wood Privacy Fence is built using “Vertical” fence slats positioned adjacent to each other, as this photo shows:
Best Reasons to build a Traditional privacy fence:
- Classic and versatile: The traditional style fence offers complete privacy and a timeless look that complements any home style.
- Sturdy and durable: A traditional wood fence can withstand the elements for years when built with pressure-treated wood and proper hardware.
- Customizable: Choose from various wood types, stains, and finishes to create a fence that perfectly matches your taste and property.
- Cons: Typically you would install the “Bad side” (posts and rails facing your yard), vs. your neighbors. A traditional fence is the easiest to build – but it looks worse on your side.
Best Way to Build a “Traditional” Wood Privacy Fence (Video)
2) “Shadowbox”
The “Shadowbox Privacy Fence” is a more widespread, higher-end-looking privacy fence over the standard Board-on-Board Privacy Fence design.
Offering dimension and a more attractive look, the shadowbox fence is constructed by staggering each vertical slat on Both Sides of each Horizontal Rail—using a 3″ wood spacer for each fence slat you install.
While the Shadowbox privacy fence uses the same amount of fence material as a board-on-board fence, it does require additional labor by attaching the vertical fence slats from “Both Sides” of each rail, as this Shadowbox Fence photo illustrates:
- Modern and stylish: This contemporary design features alternating gaps between the boards, creating a visually exciting play of light and shadow.
- Good for airflow and ventilation: The gaps allow for better air circulation and prevent the fence from feeling oppressive in enclosed spaces. This feature is essential in warmer climates, where air circulation is critical for backyards.
- Allows Both Sides (you and your Neighbors) to see an identical-looking fence: Unlike the Traditional fence shown above, which has a good side and a bad side (typically facing your yard), the Shadowbox fence has the same attractive side on both sides.
Best Way To Build a “Shadowbox” Wood Privacy Fence (Video)
3) “Horizontal”
The “Horizontal Privacy Fence” is perhaps the most “trendy” or “modern” approach to building a DIY wood privacy fence currently being installed. It is built with a sleeker design, installing the fence slats horizontally, creating a more extended linear look.
The photo below shows a Horizontal Privacy Fence. This is an “Elevated Version” of a typical DIY wood privacy fence, guaranteed to look great in any homeowner’s backyard.
- Unique and eye-catching: This unconventional style features boards laid horizontally instead of vertically, adding a touch of modern flair to your property.
- Strong and wind-resistant: The horizontal orientation provides excellent structural stability, especially in windy areas.
- May Save Time & Labor: By installing the fence slats horizontally rather than Vertically, you can use 8′-0 long fence slats instead of the 6′-0 high typical slats used in Vertical fencing. You will install fewer fence posts and finish building your privacy fence quickly and cheaply.
Best Way to Build a “Horizontal” Wood Privacy Fence (Video)
4) “Board-and-Batten”
A Board and Batten Privacy Fence can be installed as a “Variation” of a Board-on-Board or Shadowbox privacy fence by simply adding a horizontal rail (batten) or two battens to the side facing your yard.
The board-and-batten fence image below shows one batten strip (1 x 4) installed approximately 14″ below the top horizontal rail. A double-batten rail fence would include an additional batten located 14″ above the bottom rail (not shown).
- Traditional with a twist: This charming style combines vertical boards with narrow battens (strips of wood) spaced evenly across them, adding a touch of architectural detail.
- Easy to customize: You can adjust the width and spacing of the battens to create a unique look that complements your home’s style.
5) “Lattice Top”
Yet another variation on the more typical DIY wood privacy fence is the Lattice Top fence. The Lattice Top fence in the photo below is easily achieved by adding 8′-0 long sections found at most big-box home supply stores, such as Home Depot and Lowes.
- Open and airy: This style features a solid lower portion with a lattice top, allowing light and air to flow while still providing privacy.
- Ideal for small spaces: The open top makes the fence feel less imposing in smaller yards.
- May require additional fence Height: Many homeowner associations or towns restrict rear privacy fence heights to 6′-0″ high.
If this is the case in your city or neighborhood, you will need to cut each of the vertical fence slats so that the Top of the Lattice does not exceed 6′-0″ above the ground, i.e., 5′-0 fence + 1′-0 lattice or 4′-0 fence + 2′-2 lattice = 6′-0 high fence.
How To Install Lattice Top to Privacy Fence
The easiest way to Install a decorative Lattice at the Top of your privacy fence is to buy “Framed” pre-made lattice panels from a lumber store like Home Depot.
Note: If your height restriction is a maximum of a 6-foot-high fence, you need to account for this by building your privacy fence 24″ shorter (4-foot high) and allowing the 24-foot-high lattice to complete the 6-foot-high fence.
On the other hand, if you’re wondering “how to make a privacy fence taller” – this is a great option.
Once you have the “framed” lattice panels, you can install them using weatherproof (galvanized) steel brackets or by tacking in 3/4 x 3/4″ furring strips.
Likewise, there is another option: installing an “Unframed” treated wood lattice. In this Lattice Top Fence Video, the builder uses “Unframed” 24′ x 96″ Untreated Lattice Panels to complete the Lattice Top with furring strips.
What are the Best Materials For Building a Privacy Fence?
The Best materials for building a privacy fence are those that will withstand the weather while remaining affordable for the average homeowner.
Each of the following privacy fence materials is weather resistant and is rated in order of least expensive to most expensive:
Best Privacy Fence Materials:
- Pressure Treated Pine
- Cedar
- Redwood
A good idea is to ask your local lumber yard to quote an option for upgrading your fence materials from pressure-treated pine (least expensive) to redwood (most costly)
Conclusion:
No matter which Privacy Fence style you choose, remember to plan your project carefully, obtain any necessary permits, and use high-quality materials and hardware for a long-lasting and beautiful wood privacy fence.
Remember to obtain a free fence estimate from your local lumber yard or home improvement store. The estimate should include all the DIY fence materials you will need based on the design, number of gates, and linear foot length of the fence you choose to build.
Ultimately, the best way to build a wood privacy fence depends on your needs, design preferences, and budget.
Be sure to consider the above factors to help you make an informed decision and create a fence you’ll love for years.
Additional Reading & References:
How to Build a Wood Pergola – Besthomegear.com
Home Depot Fence Installation Estimate – Besthomegear.com
Building a Privacy Fence on a Tight Budget – TheSpruce.com
