How to Beautify and Hide a Chain-link Fence

By Darcy Logan

Chain-link fence is one of the most versatile and widely used fence systems today, but it is not always very attractive. While chain-link fences have become more colorful and stylish in the past few years, this will not help you if you are dealing with a pre-existing fence. If your chain-link fence has become an eyesore, or if you simply do not like the look of it, you need to find a way to beautify it, disguise it, or hide it all together.

There are several ways to do this. Which method is best for your fence will depend on what you want or need to do. For example, if you want to make the fence more attractive, but are not concerned with hiding it, painting it or using fence slats are both good choices. However, if you want to hide it, rolled wood fencing, growing vines around it, and some types of fence slats will be better choices.

Take the time to explore all the options listed before you make your choice. Often, several options can be used in conjunction with one another, which will give you the best results.

Paint

Painting a chain-link fence is probably the quickest and cheapest method of improving its appearance. Unless it is vinyl-coated, it should be a relatively easy item to paint. Vinyl-coated chain-link fence can be painted, but it should only be done by a qualified professional. You can paint your fence any color, including the traditional silver. However, painting it black, dark green, or brown should make it less noticeable and blend into the background.

Before you start painting, make sure you clean the fence and remove any rust with a wire brush. You should also mow the lawn, cut back any plants that border the fence, and use a tarp to cover the ground around the fence to catch any drips. For best results, use a roller with a 1" to 1-1/2" nap to cover the chain mesh and a brush to paint the fence posts and hardware. Although spraying it might give you a better finish, it can be difficult to control the overspray. If there is any rust on the fence, apply a rust-inhibiting metal primer first. Follow the primer with high-quality exterior enamel paint. Rustoleum makes special chain-link fence paint, but it only comes in silver.

Fence Slats

If you are looking for a way to beautify your chain-link fence and make it more private, fence slats make a good choice. Fence slats are long pieces of aluminum, polyethylene, or wood that are inserted into the fence vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. They are quick and easy to install. Even better, they are available in a wide variety of colors, which gives you the ability to create patterns and designs by alternating the colored slats in the fence. You can also create a monochrome look by painting your fence the same color as your slats.

Before shopping for fence slats, you will need to know the height of your fence along with the chain mesh's size and the gauge of the wire used to create it. Chain-link mesh is measured diagonally in both directions using the inside dimension. The two most common mesh sizes are 2" mesh, which is usually made with a 9 or 11 gauge wire, and 2-1/4" or 2-3/8", which is usually made with 11-1/2, 12, or 12-1/2 gauge wire.

Slats can either be top locking, bottom locking, or self-locking. Top-locking and bottom-locking slats have a channel that slips through the slots at the top or bottom of the fence to help secure them; self-locking slats do not. There are many different types of slats. Different types will have different degrees of wind load and privacy factors. Most have at least a 75 percent to 80 percent wind load and privacy factor, although some slats are available that have a higher wind load and privacy factors. A few even offer 100 percent privacy.

If you want to disguise your fence, consider purchasing fence slats that are made to simulate the look of a hedge. The slats are made of wire inserts that are covered with green "needles" made from flame-retardant PVC. These simulated hedges are amazingly durable and usually come with a 10-year manufacturer warranty. The two most popular brands of these slats are Hedgelink and American Permahedge.

Rolled Wood Fencing

If you want to hide your chain-link fence all together, rolled wood fencing is your best option. Rolled wood fencing comes in a variety of materials including cane bamboo, willow, stick, reed, dwarf pine, fern, and twig. These fences are made up of pieces of wood that are held together with galvanized wire, which are sold rolled up. They come in a variety of heights up to 8 feet high and are easy to attach to any existing chain-link fence with special ties or wire. Once attached, they will generally offer total privacy and give a natural feel to your garden while hiding your chain-link fence. This option could be expensive and not as long lasting as some other options. The fence's longevity will depend on the type of material used.

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