Adjust Your Privacy Like Never Before
Privacy isn't all-or-nothing. Here's how to dial it in to what your yard actually needs.
"Privacy fence" tends to get used as a catch-all term, but there's actually a range of options between wide-open and fully closed in, and the right level depends on the yard, the neighbors, and what's actually being screened from view. Here's how we walk customers through it.
Full privacy: solid wood
A standard wood privacy fence with tight board spacing is the go-to when the goal is a completely enclosed backyard — no gaps, no sightlines, full coverage from a standing height on either side. This is the right call for pools, hot tubs, or any space where visibility from a neighboring yard or the street is a real concern.
Partial privacy: adding height without going solid
A lattice or screen topper added above a standard-height fence section adds several inches of additional screening without the fully enclosed look or cost of a taller solid fence. It's a common fix when an existing fence is technically tall enough but a two-story neighboring house or a slight grade change still leaves a sightline into the yard.
Adjustable spacing: horizontal board fencing
A horizontal fence can be built with board spacing anywhere from tight (near-total privacy) to more open (airflow and a bit of visibility through), which makes it one of the more flexible styles for dialing in exactly how private a section needs to be. It's also just a popular modern look on its own.
Open but defined: ornamental and aluminum
Not every boundary needs privacy at all — sometimes the goal is simply a clear, attractive property line that doesn't block a view. Ornamental metal and aluminum fencing mark the boundary clearly while keeping sightlines completely open, which is often the better choice for a front yard, a pool code-compliance fence, or a lake-view lot where blocking the view would defeat the purpose.
Mixing levels of privacy on one property
It's common, and often the smartest approach, to mix styles: a solid privacy fence around a pool or patio, open ornamental fencing along the street frontage, and maybe a lattice topper on just the one section that faces a neighbor's upstairs window. There's no rule that says the whole perimeter has to match if different parts of the yard have different needs.
Staining and finish affect privacy too
A solid stain finish on a wood fence can make gaps and knots less visible than a clear or semi-transparent finish, which matters slightly on fence styles that aren't fully solid to begin with. It's a smaller factor than board spacing or fence type, but worth mentioning when finish options come up during a design conversation.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most private fence option you build?
A wood privacy fence with tight board spacing gives the most complete privacy of anything we build, with no gaps or sightlines from a standing height.
Can I add more privacy to a fence I already have without replacing it?
Often, yes — a lattice or screen topper added to an existing fence is a common way to add height and screening without a full rebuild, as long as the existing fence and posts are in good enough condition to support it.
What fence would you recommend for a lake-view lot where I still want privacy for the pool but don't want to block the view?
That's a good example of mixing styles — a solid privacy fence around just the pool or patio area, with open ornamental or aluminum fencing along the water-facing boundary to keep the view intact.