4 Fencing Tips to Make Your Paver Patio Feel More Private in Lewis Center OH

Nothing is more awkward than trying to enjoy a private conversation when you’re sitting on a patio that’s exposed to the world. The fishbowl effect is vulnerable and decidedly un-cozy; and even if there are spectacular views you want to preserve, there will always be a need for privacy in any outdoor living space. A good fence can make all the difference. Here are 4 fencing tips to make your paver patio feel more private in Lewis Center, OH.

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Traditional Privacy Fencing

Traditional privacy fencing is essentially a wall made up of wooden or PVC planks set against each other. Typically 6’-8’ high, most prefab privacy fences or fence kits are definitely effective in providing privacy. But, they’re also generally rather boring and can make your patio feel like a walled-in cubicle.

You could try disguising a traditional privacy fence with a living wall of Arborvitae or climbing vines - but this only shrinks your available space even more, especially if you plant Arborvitae, which does take up several square feet of space each.

Or, you could take more artistic measures and enhance the fence by adding sconce lights and/or hung objects like wagon wheels (for a rustic touch). You could also get creative and paint or stain each individual plank (on the yard side) with different colors to give the fence an artistic flair.

Adding a trellised section at the top of the fence (the top 1-2 feet) can make the fence feel lighter and more interesting, but you may sacrifice a bit of privacy in the process if your privacy fence is 6’ high (be sure to check local ordinances for rules on privacy fencing).

Bamboo Fencing

Bamboo fencing is an interesting option that allows for some privacy, but it is somewhat see-through so it’s not typically used for this purpose. If you want some privacy, it’s a good (and inexpensive) option; but it won’t work if you want to block out the world completely. Bamboo can also be attached to traditional fencing to give it more textural interest.

Living Walls

They’re gorgeous, they’re natural, and they take a long time to mature. Living walls are typically made using Arborvitae, a relatively fast-growing evergreen. While these tall, slender evergreens will mature and close the gaps between them within a decade, there’s still the wait time before this happens (and you don’t want to plant them close together as saplings because they will be too crowded and unhealthy).

Another solution for living walls is to build a trellis fence and cover it with climbing vines such as ivy, grape, clematis, or roses. This approach will give you lush privacy in summer, but not in the cooler months. Climbing plants can also be encouraged to grow on a privacy fence.

Horizontal Fencing

A trend that has circled around is the use of horizontally oriented fencing. Rather than using vertical slats, the fence is constructed using horizontal slats - often of varying thicknesses - to create a more visually dynamic fence. You can leave some room between the slats or, to make for a really dramatic and functional privacy fence, install them against each other and use not only varying thicknesses but varying depths. This creates amazing textures that can elevate a privacy fence into the realm of art.

With this approach, you’re limited to wood fencing which does require regular upkeep to maintain its beauty. However, there’s also no material that has more character and individual charm than wood.

Related: 7 LANDSCAPE DESIGN IDEAS FOR A MULTI-LEVEL PAVER PATIO IN LEWIS CENTER AND DUBLIN OH AREAS