With a bit of creativity and time, you can enhance your fence’s appearance and boost your privacy. Most home fences are around 4 feet tall, but if you need extra seclusion, a taller barrier is the answer. Not only does a higher fence provide more privacy, but it also helps hide items like garbage cans and outdoor storage areas from view.
This article will explore how to make your fence taller by adding a lattice, and we’ll also discuss other affordable options that can raise your fence’s height without breaking the bank.
1. Check Your Area’s Fencing Guidelines
Before you begin any DIY projects discussed in this post, you must ensure you stay within the city’s or homeowner associations’ guidelines. Many areas have specific codes and policies that require you to maintain your fence to a particular standard. If you are thinking of adding a fence to your property, check with your local authorities first to ensure that no regulations will make it impossible.
Also, check any homeowner association (HOA) rules when buying a new property if you plan on living in an area with an HOA. Each area has different fencing guidelines, so you must abide by them. Otherwise, you could face a considerable fine.
2. Take the Measurements of Your Existing Fence
You must take measurements first to know exactly how much fencing you need. You’ll need a measuring tape and the existing fence posts for reference.
- Hold one end of the measuring tape on one post and measure the distance to the next.
- If you plan on increasing the height of one side of the fence, only take measurements between the posts on that side.
- If you plan on increasing the height of the entire fence, measure the distance between the fence posts around the property.
Take the measurements from the top of one pole to the next — the height extension should fit perfectly at the top of the fence. You should also ensure that all posts are level; this will make it much easier to install the fencing correctly from the beginning.
3. Calculate the Cost of Materials to Extend Your Fence
Fencing comes in many shapes and sizes. Depending on the nature of your property and other factors such as aesthetics, you will want to choose the best materials for your project. Several costs are associated with putting up a fence. In fact, fencing is one of the more costly home improvements you can make.
For the entire DIY project, you’ll need:
- Extension posts
- Extension lattice
- Circular/table saw
- Tie plates
- A hammer
- Nails and screws.
A cheap, plastic lattice fence can cost as little as $1.50 per foot. A cheap wooden lattice fence can cost as little as $2 per foot. You may cough up more than $12 per foot if you prefer higher-quality materials such as vinyl. A wooden fencing post goes for $5 on average.
The total cost of the fencing materials depends on the amount of fencing you want to add to your existing fence. If the cost of an already-made lattice fence doesn’t suit your project, check out how to make your lattice for extension in the video below:
4. Cut Down the Lattice to Size
Whether you bought lattice or made your own, you’ll still need to cut it down to the appropriate size taking into account the area’s fencing guidelines. You’ll need a saw and a measuring tape.
- Start by measuring the height of your fence posts.
- Measure the width and height of the lattice.
- Measure the length of your extension fence posts
- Next, use a circular or table saw and gently cut through the extension fencing posts into smaller two-foot posts.
You may also want to trim the lattice to the height of your new fencing posts.
5. Mount the Lattice Onto the Fence Posts
Before you mount the lattice onto the fence posts, it is essential to fasten your extension posts to the existing fence posts. You can do this by following these steps:
- Drive a standard 2-inch nail into the plates holding the original and the extension posts together. The metal tie plate binds the two wooden posts together.
- Proceed to fasten the lattice extension onto the extension posts with #8 screws and a screwdriver.
Alternative Ways to Extend Your Fence’s Height
Apart from the lattice extension, there are several other creative ways to extend the height of your fence and create more privacy in your yard. It’s worth pointing out that before beginning construction, check for any laws restricting how high you can go with your new fence and what you can use to extend your fence’s height.
Chain Link Fence
Installing a chain link fence is easy for anyone with little experience with home improvement projects. It’s also one of the most affordable options for creating privacy in your yard.
Here are the steps to install a chain link fence:
- Prepare the site for installation. This preparation includes removing debris lying on the ground and cleaning up any leftover dirt or trash. You will also want to ensure that there aren’t any roots or other obstructions that could get in the way of your new chain link fence. Your site will also need to be level.
- Mark out where you want to install your fence with stakes. Get a long string and place it along the perimeter of your property. Make sure you have some extra string to give yourself some leeway. Use a shovel to dig holes at each of your mapped spots. Use these holes as markers for where you intend to place your posts.
- Dig holes for your posts. Measure how far away each post should stand. Do not exceed 10 feet. Next, dig a fairly deep hole (measuring up to a third of the post’s length) for the post to go into so it is flush with the ground. As you slide your posts into the holes, ensure that the posts are level with one another.
- Mix your concrete and pour it into the holes. You will need to mix up some concrete and pour it in to add stability and strength to your posts. Let the concrete sit for a few days before moving on to the next step.
- Install the chain link fence around your posts. Fasten the fence fabric to the line posts with the fence ties.
Check out this video for a more detailed guide on how to install chain link fences.
Plant a Live Fence
Lattice and chain link fences add a little more privacy to your property. But why not take it a step further and plant a live fence around your already existing fence? Live fences add much more privacy than bare lattice and chain link fences. A live fence adds a visual appeal to your property if you maintain it well.
You won’t have to worry about the cost of this DIY project. It’s easy and inexpensive — especially if you get plants resistant to drought, heat, and cold. All you need is a little patience and effort.
Choosing Plants for Your Live Fence
When deciding which plants to use, it’s essential to factor in the space they will take up, how long they will grow, and whether or not they will need pruning. For example, if you decide to use a hedge in your fence, you might want to consider how often the hedge needs pruning and how much work it will be to maintain it.
Here are a few examples of plants used for live fences:
- Privet: This is a low-maintenance evergreen shrub that can help to keep the area around your yard secure and private. Privet is a fast-growing shrub that produces fragrant white flowers and black/dark berries.
- Bamboo: Bamboo is an affordable, excellent choice for those who want to create privacy without spending much money on materials. However, it needs a lot of care, attention, and water to keep it in good shape.
- Yew: Yews are also commonly used in live fences because they have a strong, long-lasting presence in various conditions. You can use yews to create privacy from ground level or above at different heights depending on how high you would like your fence to be.
You may plant a vine to fill the spaces between your existing fence. Live fence vines like the morning glory and the trumpet vine are a great addition to a chain link fence. However, don’t forget to check any restrictions about what kinds of plants you may use for your live fence.
Lattice fences need a lot of maintenance and are susceptible to wind, rain, and weather damage. It can be expensive when it comes to repairs. A live fence can cover any holes in the existing fence and add more privacy to your home.
Install a Fencing Net
A fencing net is great for adding privacy to your fence without sacrificing too much space on the ground. If you want to install a fencing net, you’ll need to ensure the top of your existing fence is strong enough to support the weight.
If the fence isn’t strong enough, you can use wooden planks to add support. To install a fencing net, you’ll need to attach it to the top of the fence with lines and hooks. You can use ropes or wires to tie the net to the fence.
Add a Wooden Screen for Privacy
Another quick and easy way to increase the height of your fence is to install a wooden screen on the top. Wooden screens are available in various measurements and offer a wooden slat design that can be easily attached to the top of your fence. You can use wooden boards, lattice panels, bamboo poles, and nails to fasten the wooden slats to your fence.
A few quick fixes can go a long way, making your fence sturdy. And don’t forget that a fence is more than just a way to keep people out. You can use your fence to keep your pets safe and wild animals out with proper maintenance, adding extra safety to your home.
Here’s how to take care of your fence:
- Repair any rot or damage as soon as you see it. Wood rot happens due to water damage. Wood fences are prone to rot when exposed to the elements, which can weaken the fence to the point of collapse. You can repair small areas of rot with epoxy glue or replace the entire post in case of large, irreparable damage.
- Maintain the paint on your fence. Over time, the paint on your fence will fade. This fading can make your fence look old and neglected. Paint the fence every few years to keep it looking new with oil-based paints (they’re more durable) or use water-based paints, which are easier to clean but may require more coats to give your fence the same level of protection as oil-based paints.
- Trim overgrown bushes. Lawns and bushes are beautiful when properly maintained, but overgrown shrubs can be a real eyesore. Trimming bushes regularly will keep them from growing into unruly tangles that block light and limit visibility.
Final Thoughts
A fence can help define your property and improve your home’s curb appeal. You can save a lot of money by extending your fence yourself, by the methods mentioned above. If you need more help installing a taller fence for privacy, contact a landscape expert or professional landscaping company.
