The DIY High End Privacy Fence That's Actually So Affordable

Spending time outside in your backyard or patio can be a refreshing escape from the daily grind. Whether you're hosting friends, family, or enjoying some relaxation time on your own, your outdoor space can be the perfect setting for a variety of enjoyable experiences. Without a privacy fence, though, sometimes your outdoor oasis can be a little bit less enjoyable. Even if you get along well with your neighbors, it can feel awkward to have a cookout or read a book in your outdoor lounge chair while other people can see you. This is one reason people choose to install privacy fences. Putting up a tall vinyl fence isn't an option for everyone, though. These fences can be expensive, and installation can be labor-intensive. Thankfully, there is a budget-friendly folding privacy wall for your backyard that you can DIY. This semi-permanent privacy fence project is a unique way to give your outdoor space a touch of beauty, as well as privacy. All you need is lumber, outdoor rugs, wood screws, a screw driver, and utility hinges.

This fence has a high-end look and can be customized to your tastes. The total price of this project depends on the height and length of your desired fence. Keep in mind that a 5-by-7-foot outdoor rug can cost as little as $21. After factoring in lumber and hardware, the total cost still won't come close to a traditional privacy fence, even for a fence with several panels.

Since your pieces of lumber will be cut to the size of the rugs, it's important to purchase your outdoor rugs first to ensure the color and size you want are available before gathering your lumber and hardware. You then need to buy a series of 2 inch by 2 inch by 8 foot pieces of lumber. Cut your lumber to the length needed to frame each rug and use long wood screws to assemble the frames. Do this by driving the screws through both lumber pieces at each corner. Lay your rugs on each frame, and then attach them with nails at each corner and wood staples along each length. Finally, install the utility hinges with a screw driver and connect the frames. When installing the hinges, take into consideration whether or not you want to fold your privacy fence to store it. If you want a foldable fence, alternate frame sides during hinge installation. Whether you plan on keeping this fence outside or folding it and storing it in a garage or shed, applying weather-resistant stain to the wood is a good idea.

For a semi-permanent backyard privacy fence, you can fashion wooden braces with lumber and attach them to the back of your new DIY fence. Drill large holes into the ground portion of each brace and drive in a circle-top ground stake. You could also secure the braces with U-shaped ground stakes.

Although this is a relatively simple and budget-friendly outdoor DIY, there is a lot to consider before starting. Since this fence is made from rugs, it's not going to be extremely effective in protecting your yard from intruders or dangerous animals. Even with heavy-duty outdoor rugs and ground braces, a particularly motivated intruder could make their way through the fence. In this case, consider building a DIY screened-in patio or a more budget-friendly patio enclosure. Another major consideration is wind. Since your privacy fence won't be secured deep into the ground with cement like other fences are, high winds could possibly knock the fence over or even carry it into a neighbor's yard. This DIY is best implemented for privacy and to enhance the look of your outdoor space while you are entertaining guests, not as a permanent fixture. If you have a chain link fence surrounding your yard and want to attach the rug frames to it for a more permanent privacy solution, this can be done with heavy-duty zip ties. It's important to verify the fence's ownership before doing this, though.

If you decide this is the right DIY for you, there are some fun ways you can customize it. If you build the foldable frame and don't attach the rugs, you create the opportunity to change the look of your privacy fence for different occasions. You can use tension rods to hang different fabrics instead of stapling something onto the frames. The fabric can be changed for things like a child's themed birthday party, or even an outdoor wedding.