8 Privacy Fence Ideas for Yards of All Sizes (2024)

FAQs

Can you have an 8 ft privacy fence? ›

8-foot privacy fence panels are available in multiple configurations assuring a flawless fusion of safety and elegance for your space. View more fence design options below. Then request a price estimate for your new 8-foot privacy fence.

The cheapest fence to build is a chicken wire mesh, barbed wire, wood pallet, or reclaimed wood fence. If you opt for the least expensive wire material or find free wood or pallets to recycle, your total costs can be as low as $2 per linear foot for a 4' tall fence.

Privacy Fence

A solid fence is for complete privacy. For this one, the fence boards can be tight together or spaced ⅜ to ¼ inches apart.

Privacy fences, by design must be tall enough to obstruct the view into your property. For that reason, privacy fences are typically between 6-8 ft. tall in residential areas. The maximum privacy fence height is 8 ft in most cases.

Typical spacing is right around 8 feet between each post however different circ*mstances may call for different measurements and it is not uncommon to have spacing between posts reach up to 10 feet. Once you have a rough idea of your post layout start by digging your first hole.

Residential Fence Heights in Los Angeles

6 Feet is the tallest you can build your fence without possibly needing a permit from the Department of Regional Planning. In 1987, Los Angeles increased the legal fence height to 8 feet tall. (Don't get too excited). This was a big deal and the law still holds today.

If you can find a good source of free pallets, a DIY wood pallet fence can be one of the cheapest options for a privacy fence. Pallets come in a few sizes, but the most common standard dimension is 48 inches by 40 inches, which means it can be on the short side for a fence.

A long straight fence on level ground will be much cheaper than a fence with lots of corners, ends, changes in direction and elevation changes. While you can't control what your site looks like, you can adjust your fence line to take the "path of least resistance" and save money that way.

No dig fences are the easiest fence to install because they require very few tools and less time than traditional cement bases. In reality these are the only type of fence that we recommend people try to install themselves. They are remarkably sturdy and have low maintenance in many different types of materials.

If privacy is your main goal, you'll want a fence that is at least 6-feet high to prevent nosy neighbors or curious passers-by from peeking in. To be extra safe, choose a 7- or 8-foot high fence. Before you start building, however, double-check that local regulations allow you to build a fence to this height.

How deep do privacy fence posts need to be? ›

The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet). Add about 6 inches of QUIKRETE All-Purpose Gravel into the bottom of the hole. Then compact and level the gravel using a post or 2x4.

All materials are manufactured to length, making installation a breeze and reducing waste. Standard panel heights are 1200mm, 1500mm and 1800mm. For the optional screen-top panels add a further 300mm. Smartspan is commonly used as industrial wall cladding and for roofing applications that require a long span.

Divide the total number of linear feet by the size of the panels you plan to buy, typically 6 to 8 feet, to get the total number needed. Finally, add one post per panel plus 1 to end a fence run and 1 for each gate.

A fence can increase value to your home by adding curb appeal if it enhances the visual appeal or some other aspect of your home, such as adding privacy.

Generally, the standard privacy fence height for backyards is between 6 to 8 feet. However, this can vary based on local zoning laws and Homeowners Association (HOA) regulations.

Generally speaking, California building codes set a maximum height restriction at 4 feet for front yard fences and 6 feet for backyards. However, as Palmieri, Hennessey, and Leifer LLP note, “If your properties are on sloping land, the height limitation may vary at different points along the fence line.”

Fence Height Restrictions

Texas law limits the height of a fence to eight feet, except in cases where the fence is located within a commercial or industrial zone. In such cases, the height of the fence can be up to ten feet.

Fence Height Limitations in Chicago

Height limitations in Chicago are pretty simple. The maximum height is eight feet for fences with an open structure, but the limit is lowered to six feet for solid structures.