Most folks can at least appreciate the desire for privacy while grilling, sunbathing, or just relaxing in your outdoor space. But is a privacy fence worth the investment for your home? When you consider the affordable options out there, like this $45 no-dig option from The Home Depot, the answer might seem like an easy "yes," but the reality can be more controversial than youd expect.
We talked to experts about the pros and cons, including when a privacy fence can be considered a "spite fence" or detract from your home's curb appeal.
Meet the experts
What the experts have to say about privacy fences
Our experts agree that a privacy fence is a net positive. Buyers like knowing theyll have a private space for pets, kids, or just not making eye contact with their neighbor in a robe, Fitzgerald says. It gives the home a sense of comfort and control thats hard to put into words but definitely shows up in how they feel walking through the space, adds Aumann.
The exception to the rule? A tall privacy fence blocking the front of the home can feel closed-off or even sketchy, Fitzgerald explains. Some buyers get the wrong vibe, like someones trying to hide the place. And in some neighborhoods, it just clashes with the look of the street. Ultimately, he says, its about less about the fence itself and more about the message it sends.
FAQ about privacy fences
What exactly is a privacy fence?
As the name suggests, a privacy fence offers a sense of privacy and protection. It has minimal or no gaps between the slats or panels and is typically between 6 and 8 feet tall.
What is the best material for a privacy fence?
Privacy fences can be made of wood, composite wood, or vinyl; stone, stucco, or brick; aluminum or steel; or other materials, such as Grasstik, an artificial grass over galvanized wire. The best material really depends on your budgetbut Coradini is a fan of vinyl.
Its price effective and low maintenance, he says. You dont have to paint it, stain it, or do anything to it. Pressure-treated wood, on the other hand, will need to be stained after five years. Plus you run the risk of your fence posts rotting, Coradini adds.
A privacy fence that obscures the front of your house could be seen as off-putting for neighbors or potential buyers.
Expect to pay between $15 and $60 per linear foot, depending on what material you choose. Pressure-treated wood is typically the most budget friendly option, while masonry and metal fencing is at the higher end.
And thats just for the materials. Labor is a separate line item, ranging from $10 to $30 per foot, depending on the complexity of the fence and how challenging your yard isi.e., is it especially steep or full of boulders? And youll also have to pay extra if you have an old fence to remove.
All in, our experts estimate that a vinyl or pressure-treated wood fence for a standard quarter- acre backyard will cost between $6,000 and $10,000.
What other considerations should you take into account?
Your city or county may have regulations or ordinance pertaining to whats permissible. For example, the city of Orlando, Florida, limits fence heights to 6 feet. California has laws limiting spite fencing, which is any fence or barrier that is especially high and blocks a neighbors view. That said, you probably wont need a permit for a standard 6-foot-high fence unless your home is historic or in an HOA.
A lot of homeowners are surprised to learn the HOA can dictate the size, material, height, and color of the fenceeven which way the boards run, says Barnett. HOA code is especially strict if your privacy fence blocks a water feature. If your fence is placed on your property lines but affects a neighbors view of the water feature, however small, it could be an issue.
Some homeowners' associations regulate the color, height, and material for privacy fences.
Many home appraisers dont increase the homes appraisal value at all for a privacy fenceor for any kind of fence for that matter. However, the perceived value to buyers is huge, according to Barnett. Let's be honestwe see appraisal value track with contract prices, he says. If the number signed on the paper is higher, theres your higher appraisal value.
What should I know about privacy fences in the front of the house?
It really depends on local culture and average home cost. In a neighborhood with sidewalks, if you had a privacy fence that completely blocked the view of the home, that would be a weird element that could be polarizing, says Hunter. The counterargument is if the home is on a busy street, a privacy fence could be seen as a positive, since it may block sound as well. And, if youre talking about million-dollar-plus neighborhoods, privacy from the streetincluding long driveways and 10-foot-high hedgesis the norm. Still, Fitzgerald says, If the house feels like a fortress instead of a home, that can turn people away before they even step inside.
