Privacy fencing, as opposed to security fencing, is designed for low visibility rather than impenetrability. Privacy fencing shouldn't create a sense of confinement. It should merely block or complicate the view of your property from outside. Contrary to popular belief, rather shutting your neighbors out, privacy fencing actually gives you and your neighbors a sense of extra freedom and space.

How do you feel when you know you're truly in your own private, outdoor space? You probably feel more free and relaxed, even if you're just on a bench in a small, private garden. On the other hand, you can be in an extremely large space, such as a public field, and not feel the same sense of freedom. Why is this? It's because the space is too big and undefined.

Privacy Fencing and Lattice Designs

We feel more vulnerable in open spaces because they are not truly "ours." By "ours," I don't mean ownership, but rather, conveying a sense of intimacy. Privacy fences do a terrific job of creating this sense of intimacy. These fences should be attractive in themselves and add, not detract, from the overall look and feel of your landscaping scheme.

Preferred woods for privacy fences are cedar and redwood, due to their natural beauty and harmonious relationship with most landscaping designs. A very popular design for privacy fences is lattice, comprised of criss-crossed strips of wood. The lattice design lets in light and allows flora to grow up into it like a trellis, making it even more attractive over time. Yet it still functions as a fence, keeping unwanted guests out while letting the sun shine in.