Say Goodbye To The Eyesore Of An Ugly Chain Link Fence With A Charming DIY Solution

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Chain link fences are strong and durable. They're low maintenance and can be more budget-friendly than other fencing materials, but they are decidedly utilitarian, don't provide much privacy, and are not very attractive. If you're tired of the eyesore your chain link fence creates, add charm and privacy to your yard in a day with an economical DIY add-on that doesn't require you to remove the old fence. The trick is to use the existing fence as a support for a natural alternative, rolled reed fencing. It's a sustainable choice that adds a touch of the tropical to your landscape.

Reed fencing is an affordable alternative to bamboo fencing that's made from either peeled or unpeeled bamboo-like plants that grow along riverbanks. The thin reeds, held together with wire, are rolled into spans of various lengths and heights. The fencing is pest resistant, versatile, and lightweight and can be washed with a hose. Reed fences are inexpensive, ranging in price from about $25 for a 4-foot by 8-foot length to around $50 to $100 for a section that's 6 feet tall by 16 feet long, such as Backyard X-Scapes Reed Fence Panels at Home Depot. But they are nowhere near as durable as chain link. You can expect to have to replace the fencing over your chain link fence about every two years, but it may last longer depending on the quality of the material, how well you seal and maintain your reed fence, and the severity of the weather the fence is exposed to.

Putting reed fencing over chain link is a straightforward process that has many of the pros and cons of installing a bamboo privacy fence. It should only take a couple of hours in a small or average-sized yard. Having a spare set of hands helps in managing the unwieldy rolls of fencing, but you can do it on your own. You only need a handful of tools to attach the reed to the fence — tie wires or cable ties and wire cutters or scissors sharp enough to cut through thin wire. If you want to adjust the height of the fence, use a miter saw to trim the top off the roll. Doing a double layer of reed fencing over the chain link adds extra privacy and durability, and you can install layers on both sides of the fence to improve the look for you and your neighbors.

Attach one end of the reed fencing to one end of the chain link fence by threading cable ties or tie wires through the reed and around the chain link at the intersection of the reed and the existing wire that holds the stalks together. Unroll the reed along the chain link fence as you attach it. The reed fencing will last longer if it's not touching the ground, so leave about a 2-inch gap between the ground and the bottom of the roll. Tie the reed to the chain link about every 12 inches, alternating top and bottom. Cut off the excess at the end of the roll if it's too long, or start a new roll if it's not long enough. Trim the ends of the tie wires or cable ties if they stick out.