Chain link fences are excellent for keeping your kids and dogs inside the yard and unwanted intruders outside. They are strong, last for decades, and are virtually maintenance-free. They also have a stark commercial look. Many people consider them ugly. There are many ways to improve the appearance of chain link fences. Here are a few to consider.
Common Chain Link Fence Improvements
Common upgrades for chain link fences include paint, plants, and slats installed into the wire mesh. They improve the appearance or hide the fence.
The average lifespan of a chain link fence is 30 years–longer for heavier gauge products. It is well worth the effort to make them look good.
Painting Chain Link Fencing
A coat of paint changes the entire feel of chain link fencing. Choose a color that blends into the background or bright vibrant colors to make the fence stand out. Use different colors on each section for an even brighter-looking yard.
Apply paint manufactured to cover and resist rust–like Rust-oleum. Use a long-nap brush. A spray painter is wasteful. Wash the fence with vinegar and water to remove dirt, grime, and oxidation. Applying two coats of paint extends the life of the finish and the fencing.
Plant Climbing Vines
Evergreen climbing vines–like English ivy–are a beautiful way to hide chain link fence and provide privacy in your yard. Flowering vines add color. Perennial vines like morning glories regenerate each year but take time to completely cover the fence. Removing vines at the end of the growing season is a tedious and time-consuming process. Evergreens live for years and only need to be pruned.
Grow a Hedge
Plant a hedge beside your chain link fence. Not too close because you need to prune both sides. Many hedge trees–like Leyland cypress and privet hedges–grow quickly, are easy to shape, and will completely cover your fence quickly. They grow thick enough to provide privacy and reduce wind and dust.
Planter Boxes and Flower Beds
Planter boxes and flower beds set against the fence divert attention away from the fence and to the bright flowers. Taller plants cover more of the fence. If necessary, the chain link acts as a support system for larger plants.
Hanging Baskets
Baskets hung from the top pipe of the fence and filled with cascading flowers combined with smaller baskets hung from the wire create a vertical garden that covers most of the fence. Baskets can be moved around to change the look and color scheme.
Install Slats
Vinyl, wood, or aluminum slats are available to insert into the wire mesh. They are inserted vertically and woven into the fence wires. It is time-consuming but not too expensive. Available in many colors and sizes, they provide about 90% privacy. Mix colors to create attractive fence looks.
Install Privacy Tape
Privacy tape does the same job as slats. It comes in 250’ rolls of PVC vinyl and is woven into the fence mesh diagonally and fastened with the included buttons and snap tool. The tape is available in many colors. Mix and match it with slats to create designs and interesting color schemes.
Privacy Screens and Decorative Mesh Panels
Privacy screens are made to be attached to chain link fencing. They are available in multiple sizes, colors, patterns, and designs. Privacy screens are fabric, vinyl, or mesh. They attach to the fence using zip ties or clips. Not only do they block the prying eyes, they reduce wind and dust inside the yard.
Decorative mesh panels are available in many designs such as geometric patterns and designs–including natural looks like trees and animals. Attach them to the fence with zip ties or clips. They also block wind, dust, and the view into your yard.
Uncommon Ideas To Make Your Chain Link Fence Look Better
People are always looking for creative and innovative ideas to improve the look of their chain link fences. Chain link fence designs and beautification ideas are unlimited. Here are a few you might want to consider.
- Plastic Cups. Insert plastic cups into the links. Create multi-colored designs or random patterns.
- Plastic Bottles. Small plastic bottles can be squeezed into the mesh. Colored bottles or bottles filled with colored water make for interesting designs.
- Yarnbombing. Knit designs or pictures using weatherproof yarn and attach them to the fence. They can be as big or small as you want.
- Shiny Objects. Hang crystals, beads, marbles, earrings, or ornaments on the fence. Sunlight reflects off them or creates small prisms shining through them.
- Wide Ribbons. Weave multi-colored ribbons diagonally into the mesh. Create any design that appeals to you.
- Wood Highlights. Bolt wood onto both sides and tops of posts, pipes, and supports. Stained cedar combined with black painted mesh makes for a rustic look.
- Lighting. Install colored yard lights to highlight your fence art or to change the look of a painted fence at night. Solar-powered lights eliminate wiring concerns.
- Anything You Consider Creative. Old skateboards. Clothing. Large waterproof pictures. Etc.
New Chain Link Fence
Chain link fence manufacturers offer colored products. Green, black, brown, and white mesh are standard colors. Custom coloring is available. Colored chain link is more expensive than galvanized. Fencing is also available with slats pre-installed and some offer artificial ivy for instant privacy and attractiveness without the maintenance of real plants.
If you are considering a new chain link fence, one of these options adds color and eliminates the industrial look. Some jurisdictions require colored chain link fencing. Check local regulations before choosing this type of fence.
