Garden and terrace are a popular place to stay for the whole family, especially in summer. In order to keep unwanted views away from neighbors and passers-by, many people erect a privacy fence. Depending on geographical tradition and individual stylistic requirements, this can be made of different materials.
Wood is considered a classic material
In Germany, wooden privacy fences are one of the most widespread options. Especially in rural areas, it impresses with its numerous individual design options and offers a wonderful look. But this is exactly where the disadvantage of this material lies, because wood weathers over time. So if you value longevity and natural beauty, you have to spend a lot of time and care to get the appropriate moisture protection and shine with suitable glazes.
A major advantage of wood, however, is that it can be used very flexibly and fits very harmoniously into the surroundings. If you skillfully integrate a privacy screen made of this material into the rest of your garden design, you will get a uniform look that radiates a special atmosphere. In addition, the fence can be individually designed with climbing plants such as ivy or similar vines. The low price and the numerous selection of different types and grains also speak in favor of a privacy fence made of this material. If you decide on a wooden fence, you will usually find ready-made elements in the hardware store that just need to be put together accordingly.
Privacy screen made of metal conveys a modern look
If you compare a wooden privacy fence with a metal model, you will find that wood is definitely more comfortable. But if you live in an urban area or simply prefer a modern furnishing style, you are clearly better off with a metal privacy fence. Even if the appearance is more of a question of taste, the technical properties are still convincing. Metal is very robust and resistant because the surface is usually hot-dip galvanized. This offers reliable protection against corrosion and preserves the elegant look. However, cast iron or wrought iron fences, which look elegant and noble, require appropriate care. Even if this is not necessary very often, it is still time-consuming. Sanding is usually necessary before a new coat of paint can be applied.
If you want a modern, but definitely easy-care or even maintenance-free fence, you should choose aluminum as the material. Because this very light, but at the same time very stable metal does not rust and is also very easy to handle when setting up the privacy fence.
Plastic privacy screens are a colorful affair
In addition to wood and metal, plastic is becoming increasingly popular as a privacy fence. They are usually made of the same material as plastic windows, are very diverse in their design and color selection and impress with a balanced price-performance ratio. Thanks to the variety of colors and design options, modern gardens and trendy architecture in particular can be properly framed without the plastic privacy screen being the focus. Because in addition to the convincing appearance, protection against prying eyes is reliably guaranteed. These options for a fence in different sizes can be found in specialist retailers or hardware stores as kits that are easy for any do-it-yourselfer to assemble.
Hedges offer year-round greenery
The most natural way to create boundaries and privacy is to plant an evergreen hedge. These are very robust and easy to care for, so hobby gardeners in particular really enjoy them, but are never overwhelmed by the amount of gardening. The classics for this privacy screen include
- Buxus
- Yew
- Thuja
- Cherry Laurel
- Bamboo
- Rhododendron
- Privet
- Firethorn
If you choose one of these plants, you will find corresponding plants in every tree nursery or garden center. It is advisable not to choose plants that are too young, as they are more sensitive and do not offer sufficient privacy. You usually get perennial hedge bushes that are simply planted according to the individual soil conditions. Most are very undemanding, but a place with strong drafts should be avoided due to the susceptibility of young plants to frost.
WPC is the new favorite among materials
If you value the appearance but also pay attention to a reasonable price, you are well advised to go with a WPC privacy screen. Above all, this offers an easy-care alternative to wood without having to accept any sacrifices in terms of design. The elegant wood look is available in numerous different colors and is in no way inferior to the original natural raw material. The WPC composite material even consists of up to 70 percent forest wood, which has been proven to come from sustainable forestry. In combination with 30 percent pure industrial polymers and other additives, the result is a material that is completely recyclable and therefore meets the highest ecological standards. In addition, this privacy fence is extremely weather-resistant and absolutely easy to care for.
There are no requirements apart from cleaning with soap and water as needed. In addition to the argument that WPC is a lot cheaper than wood, what is particularly convincing is the fact that this fence can be delivered or purchased as a self-assembly kit in individual parts. The construction is very simple, because the slats are simply inserted into the profiles. This requires neither complex tools nor in-depth knowledge as a do-it-yourselfer. With this self-construction option and its long service life, a WPC privacy fence is definitely worth it.
What you should know about privacy fences in brief
Choosing the right privacy fence is not just a question of appearance and price, but should primarily be decided with regard to the level of maintenance and robustness. A rustic wooden fence is often visually convincing, but if you prefer to enjoy the garden in the sun rather than working in it, WPC or plastic is simply better off.
- Basically, you should make sure that the materials used are weatherproof so that they don't break straight away and can be left outside even in winter.
- Wooden elements must be painted or impregnated regularly. Finished fence elements that are robust enough can quickly cost 75 euros per meter.
- Special fence elements with integrated flower boxes are also a nice option. When decorated with flowers or other plants, the whole thing looks very attractive.
- Another way to create a privacy screen is with bamboo mats, which you can get in any hardware store. If there is already some kind of fencing, such as wire mesh, then these mats can be attached very easily and quickly.
- An alternative to this would be mats like these that are made of plastic. This gives you the same look, but has a much easier-care material that can also be easily washed.
