Chain-link fences function mainly to demarcate property lines and enclose an outdoor area, but their general layout and design do not feature privacy or aesthetic properties. There are several ways to enhance its overall appearance so that you may appreciate the structure better.
You can decorate a chain-link fence in several ways, through panel fixtures, plants, other ornaments, or a combination of elements best suited to your preference. Boards may be attached for better design and privacy, while plants present a more natural ambiance. Lights, artwork, and landscaping are also possible options.
Through this article, let us find ways to determine the best way you can make your existing chain-link fence an attractive structure. Continue on reading!
Ways To Decorate Your Chain-link Fence
Boards or Panels
Wooden Boards
Wooden boards or panels are one way to decorate your fence. They feature a natural-looking finish which accentuates the beauty of the grain. Redwood, cedar, and pressure-treated pine are some of your better options. They are noted for strength, durability, resistance to weather, and a wide choice of design.
Due to the structure of a chain-link fence, it may be necessary to add horizontal rails to attach the panels. You can either weld metal brackets or bolt wood support from one post to the next.
A top, middle and bottom rail would sufficiently secure the panels and prevent them from twisting and bending.
Plan the general layout in terms of board width, height, and spacing before actually affixing them to your fence. Gaps between panels create a softer, more informal finish and allow ventilation, whereas taller pickets laid side by side provide more privacy.
You can proceed to attach the boards using fasteners made for outdoor use such as galvanized or rustproof bolts or screws. Painting or staining your wood panels add protection against the elements and prolong their lifespan.
Vinyl
Vinyl and composite boards are prefabricated materials that last considerably longer than wood, you can choose from a wide variety of designs and they require minimal maintenance.
Vinyl is made from hard plastic rendering it lightweight, weather-resistant, and highly durable. Composite panels are composed of recycled plastic and sawdust which makes it one of the strongest materials, second only to wrought iron.
Consequently, they are more expensive, but may actually save you more since they last more than 30 years. The method of attaching them to your fence is the same as wood, including rails and affixes based on your preferred configuration.
Steel
Steel is strong, durable, and provides the best privacy and security, but it may be too heavy for your chain-link fence to support. But if you prefer a metal-based material, aluminum panels are your best option. It is long-lasting and very suitable for outdoor use.
Aluminum
Aluminum is lightweight and easy to install, it doesn't warp, expand, shrink or crack and requires low maintenance. Again, you need to install rails to affix the panels.
If your fence posts are constructed close to one another, you can consider orienting them horizontally and directly fastening the panels to the posts.
Bamboo
Bamboo is an excellent way to enhance the appearance of your wrought-iron fence. It creates a natural look and is environmentally friendly.
Bamboo is fast-growing and quickly replenished when harvested. It is tougher and more durable than most wood and lasts longer when treated with waterproofing sealants.
You can install bamboo directly to the frame of your fence with strong rope or wire which can be incorporated into the design.
Bamboo, however, is not easy to obtain since it grows only in certain areas with an ideal climate. They have to be specially ordered and, as such, more expensive than wood and vinyl.
Plants
Plants like vines, shrubs, or even trees are a quick and easy way to adorn your fence. They will beautify, soften and add appeal to the entire area. A chain-link fence is ideal for vegetation because it allows sunlight and rain to penetrate, both are necessary for your plants to thrive.
If the ground of the yard or property is concrete, cemented, or tiled, simply line up pots, elevated planters, and plant boxes alongside the periphery of the structure. For yards with soil surfaces, you can grow your plants beside the fence, either behind, in front, or in both areas if the property line allows.
Ivy
Ivy varieties can rapidly propagate and cover the surface of your fence, providing depth, dimension, and privacy. Once it forms a wall of foliage, ivy would require regular pruning to regulate and confine the growth to the fence.
Shrubs
Shrubs are ideal for lining and decorating fence lines. They feature dense, quick-growing, low-maintenance screens that conceal your fence while enhancing its borders. Pick flower-bearing varieties like hydrangeas and laurels to supplement the overall beauty and appearance of your frontage.
Trees
Trees, either on planters or on the ground will cover the fence line, render a natural effect and create an excellent backdrop for landscapes. Lining up two plots of overlapping rows will result in denser cover, more privacy, and depth to the perimeter.
Select trees that best suit your taste but make sure they thrive in the local climate of your area. Cedar, cypress, and juniper are some varieties to consider since they feature thick year-round leafage and are easy to maintain.
Landscapes
Landscapes refer to combining several elements such as plants, rocks, wood, water, and other materials that form a unified, single-themed design. There are several ways you can enhance your fence by, first, deciding on a specific look or pattern, identifying the necessary components, and finally plotting its general layout.
For instance, you can begin by attaching bamboo or reeds to your fence, this would serve as the backdrop of the landscape. Compliment it by adding rock formations or driftwood to selected areas along the perimeter of the fence.
Three rocks of varying sizes or different length logs arranged at one end would make a simple but elegant accent. Finally, adorn the surroundings with greenery. Place taller plants next to the rocks or wood, medium-sized ones in front or on the sides, and smaller plants to fill gaps.
This would create an attractive cascading effect and a beautiful blend of wood, rocks, and vegetation. It would be a good idea to use potted plants instead of growing them directly on the ground.
This way, you can rearrange the design of the landscape and have the option of a changing dynamic.
What Are Other Artistic Fence Decorations?
Lattice Fencing
Lattice fences incorporated with your chain-link fence give the structure an attractive and natural appearance. You can choose between a closed, solid type, or an open weave design.
The latter feels less confining, allows light through, and could serve as a scaling frame for vines. They are pieces of wood slats arranged in a crisscrossing or diamond pattern with spaces in between.
The best way to maximize the beauty and overall appeal of your lattice fence is to propagate climbing or trailing plants to scale the framework. Install planters alongside the latticework then plant and grow ivy, which in time, would result in creating a natural living partition.
Wood Trellis
A wood trellis is similar to a lattice frame but structurally simpler. It may be composed of singularly placed vertical components leaning on your existing fence. Its main purpose is to provide vines and other plants a structure to cling to in order to grow.
You can either position them to cover the entire periphery of the fence or at intervals to prevent monotony in appearance. Vines complete and compliment the function and design of your trellis.
Illuminating your panel, a plant adorned, or landscaped fence would provide a final touch to its elegant appearance and appeal.
Depending on your taste and preference, add light fixtures like pin lights, lanterns, and linked bulbs to enhance the beauty of your fence. Imagine a well-lit, natural-looking, and properly composed landscape at night!
In Closing
There are numerous ways you can decorate a chain-link fence. It is however your own choice and preference. One important and final thing to consider, enjoy doing it on the process.
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