Privacy With A Fence Topper

Are you tired of your neighbor’s prying eyes and need to upgrade your privacy? Do you seek to shield your personal space? 

Thankfully, there are many choices, including fence toppers. Not only do they give you more privacy but they also make your outdoor space look great. 

However, before you embark on installing a fence topper, consider the following factors:

• Additional benefits other than privacy
• Legal constraints
• DIY vs paying a professional
• Types of fence toppers
• Cost

Keep reading to discover the best fence topper for your specific fence type and any potential legal considerations. In addition, explore other benefits of installing a fence topper. You may also want to know if DIY is your best option or if paying a professional is better.

Why You Need A Fence Topper

Adding privacy to your outdoor space can be done by adding a fence topper. But, more than that, there are other functional and aesthetic reasons for installing a fence topper. Let’s delve further into what these reasons are:

Enhanced Privacy

Fence toppers add height to your fence, increasing privacy by reducing visibility into your yard or property. The average fence height for residential areas is between 4 and 6 feet, though they can vary between 3 and 12 feet, sometimes exceeding these heights.  

Aesthetic Appeal

Do you yearn for a fresh look in your yard? You can achieve it with a fence topper, especially if your budget does not allow you to replace the entire fence.

With many designs and materials available, you can add a fence topper to create a contrast. For example, you can install a topper with a different material or pattern from your current fence.

More Shade

If the afternoon sun beats intensely on your yard’s favorite resting spot, you can block the sun with a fence topper. Thus, you can continue to enjoy activities such as reading, napping, or whatever else you love doing in your yard.

Security And Pet Safety

Adding toppers can deter trespassers from your property, and provide safety to your pets. For example, some dogs are agile enough to jump over fences standing at four or five feet. Adding at least an extra foot or more can keep your dogs in your yard, and prevent others from trespassing into yours.

Noise Reduction

To some extent, taller fences can reduce noise from entering your property, coming from surrounding areas, though this depends on the fence’s material. For instance, if you have a wooden or vinyl fence, you can reduce noise from a busy highway, by adding height using the same materials.

Support For Climbing Plants

Some fence toppers such as lattice or trellis designs, are suitable for supporting climbing plants or vines. So, this is a wise choice if you want to enhance the greenery and beauty of both your fence and yard.

Legal Implications For Installing A Fence Topper

Whereas residential fence heights range between 3 and 8 feet, it’s important to follow the legal rules and regulations provided by the local authority in your area.

Additionally, consult with the homeowners’ association to avoid any conflicts regarding the uniform appearance of the properties. The association can content your request, even with valid reasons like proximity to wooded areas.

For example, in St. Louis, Missouri, the regulations allow you to replace your fence if it is the same recommended height. You are allowed only up to 4 feet for front yards, and up to 6 feet for backyards. Safety is one of the reasons for this requirement.

For instance, a corner home with a tall fence in the front yard can create a blind spot for drivers. This can be dangerous as drivers can accidentally hit children, pets, or anyone else, as they maneuver curved corners.  

Hire A Fence Professional Or Go The DIY Route?

If you are wondering whether to install a fence topper yourself or hire a professional, compare the two options to make a credible decision.

Exploring DIY Options

You can save money by installing your fence topper. However, this is only possible if you have the tools and equipment. If you’re purchasing them, it may be more expensive than hiring a professional.

Additionally, do you have the skills? If you lack the expertise, you might make mistakes during installation, costing more than budgeted.  And, if you have the skills, it can take you a lot of time, perhaps a few weekends to finish the project.

Below is a table showing the pros and cons of DIY fence topper:

DIY	Pros	Cons
Save Money	You can save money if you already own tools and equipment.	Purchasing tools and equipment can be expensive.
Flexibility	You can work according to your schedule.	Time-consuming, thus may take several weekends to complete.
Control	Maintain full control over the installation process.	Lack of expertise may lead to mistakes and additional costs.
Skill	Opportunity to learn new skills.	Lack of skills may result in errors and complications.

Considering A Fence Contractor

To hire a reputable fencing professional, you will need to research, check reviews, and ask family or friends for their recommendations.

The following are factors you need to consider:

License And Insurance

You need to know the type of license a fence contractor should have. If you are not aware, call your local government to find out more. That way, you are assured, the contractor is qualified.

Other than having a license, it’s a good idea to hire one that has at least two years of experience. An experienced contractor has perfected their skill and are less prone to mistakes. They have made their mistakes, and know what works and doesn’t. That way, they will not only install a fence topper according to your style but a sturdy one too.

A fence contractor coming to your property risks damaging your property or injuring themselves. In the event this happens, their insurance covers any damages to your property. It also pays the medical bills and rehabilitation costs for the injured victim and compensates for any lost earnings during recovery.   

Hourly Or Flat Rate?

Contractors usually charge a flat fee if the project is small and is not complicated. But, if the project appears more complex, you will be charged an hourly rate.

While there isn’t inherently a better rate than the other, understanding whether the contractor will charge an hourly or flat rate helps you comprehend the costs involved in either option.

On average, fencing contractors charge an average of $50 per hour. For a flat fee, the cost depends on the material used. For example, to install a vinyl fence topper, the cost ranges between $10 and $35 per linear foot, while that of wood ranges between $10 and $30 per linear foot.

Furthermore, always have them give you a written estimate of the cost and timeline of the project.

Obtaining A Permit To Install Your Fence Topper

Your contractor can obtain a permit to install a fence topper on your behalf but at a fee. If you are fine with this, they will save you the hassle of applying for one.

However, it is important to note that it may not be a smooth process. As earlier stated, your neighbors can decide to contest your application in writing or at a hearing.

Below is a table showing the pros and cons of hiring a fence topper professional:

Hiring A Fence Professional	Pros	Cons
Expertise	Benefit from the skills and experience of a professional.	Research and vetting process required to find a reputable contractor.
Quality Assurance	You are assured of a professionally installed and sturdy fence.	Cost may be higher compared to DIY.
Convenience	The contractor can handle your permit acquisition and installation process.	You may need to pay additional fees for permit acquisition.

Types Of Fence Toppers

You can add several types of fence toppers to your existing fence to keep your yard private.

Lattice Fence Toppers

A lattice fence topper is a good option if you are looking for privacy without completely closing your yard. Wood and vinyl lattice are the most popular, each with advantages and disadvantages.

Wood lattice is often made from pressure-treated wood, making it resistant to rot, decay, and insects, and is available in various styles, colors, and sizes.

Vinyl lattice on the other hand is crafted from a synthetic material, requiring little maintenance. It’s also available in different styles and colors. It does not rot, or decay, and neither does it warp, or crack. It repels insects, and hence cannot be damaged by them.

Whereas wood lattice is cheaper than vinyl and blends naturally with nature, it requires regular treatment to maintain it.

While wooden lattice fence toppers can be affixed to wooden fences, they are equally compatible with concrete or brick fences. Similarly, vinyl lattice fence toppers are suitable for installation on both vinyl and concrete or brick fences

DIY Redwood Lattice Fence Topper

Below is a DIY installation of a redwood lattice fence topper on a brick fence. This project is done on a 55-foot-long and 40-foot-wide yard, hence 8 lattice panels, 14 wooden posts, and 14 post caps are required.

Materials needed:

1. Framed redwood Lattice panels (8 feet by 2 feet)
2. Outdoor rated screws (3 ¾ inches in length with ¼ inch diameter)
3. Socket wrench that fits the above screws perfectly. They should not be wider than the size of the holes you intend to drill with, which is an ¾ inch drill bit
4. Masonry bit (5 ½ inches)
5. Drill bit (¾ inches)
6. Redwood post caps (4 by 4 inches)
7. Outdoor wood sealer
8. Pressure-treated wooden posts (4 inches wide, 4 inches thick, and 8 feet long)
9. Outdoor-rated wood screws (3 inches)

Tools required:

• Power drill
• Impact Driver
• Circular Saw
• Corded Hand Planer
• Cordless Orbital Sander
• Clamp
• Level
• Step ladder
• Sprayer/ foam brush/ paint roller

Safety Gear:

• Mask
• Goggles
• Gloves (optional)

Method

Planning and preparing

1. Calculate the length of the fence and assess the number of wood posts and lattice panels you need.
2. To make your work easier, you can use software like CADPro to draw and visualize your yard. In this case, you’ll design how various fence toppers will look on your fence and yard, including any other changes you may make. The software can also draw up a materials list and cost to give you an estimate of your budget.

Marking the wood posts

1. Mark points on the brick fence where each wood post will be attached.  
2. Using a pencil or marker, mark on each wooden post the points where you will drill in the screws for anchoring the post to the brick fence (one foot, three feet, and 5 ½ feet off the ground on one end of the post).

Preparation for drilling

1. Fit the drill bit into the power drill, and use tape to mark how deep you want to drill into the wood posts. Mark a length of two inches from the top of the drill bit, indicating the depth of the hole you’ll drill into the wood post.
2. Pre-drill all wood posts at depths of 2 inches, positioned at one foot, three feet, and 5 ½ feet above the ground on each post. Drill until reaching the blue tape.

Attaching wood posts to fence

1. Remove the drill bit from the power drill, attach the masonry bit, and use it to drill through the pre-drilled holes in the posts.
2. Take one post, surface mount it on the ground (i.e., without anchoring it into the ground), place it against the wall, and clamp it.
3. Use a level to ensure it is firmly flush against the fence.
4. Attach the masonry bit to the power drill. Drill through the wood posts at the holes you previously created, positioned at one foot, three feet, and 5 ½ feet above the ground on each post. This process pre-drills the brick fence creating pilot holes.
5. Unclamp the wood post, temporarily remove it, and finish drilling the pilot holes.
6. Attach one screw to the impact driver and pre-drill a hole into the wood post that’s one foot off the ground, until it pokes out on the other end of the post. Repeat the same process with the other two holes on the wood post.
7. Take the wood post and align the drilled holes in the wood post with those in the brick fence
8. Permanently fasten each screw to anchor the post to the fence.
9. Repeat the process for all the wood posts.

Preparing and attaching redwood lattice panels

1. With a speed square, mark on the wood post the point that’s level with the top of the fence or slightly higher, such as two inches above.
2. Using a speed square, measure two inches from the width and one inch from the length of each corner of the lattice.
3. Mark the points where these measurements intersect.
4. Pre-drill holes at all the intersections on the lattice.
5. Mark the points on the wood, where you will drill the screws to attach the redwood lattice panel to the wood post.
6. Pre-drill all the holes on the wood post.
7. Secure the lattice to the wood posts with screws. After drilling three screws, use a level to ensure the lattice is parallel to the fence before proceeding with the remaining screw.

Finishing touches for wood posts and redwood lattice

1. Use a measuring tape to mark two inches above the lattice on the wood post. Then, trim off any excess length using a circular saw
2. Use an electric hand planer to smooth the top of each wood post.
3. Enhance the smoothness further by using a belt sander on the top of each wood post.
4. Securely attach wood caps to the top of each wood post using one screw for each post.
5. Apply wood sealer using a spray, foam brush, or paint roller. However, for faster application, consider using an HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) sprayer.

For a visual demonstration of the process above, check out the video below:

Metal Decorative Fence Toppers

Decorative fence toppers can be made from various metals. The most common are aluminum and steel, though other metals such as brass and copper are used to craft fence toppers.

These metals can be crafted into decorative designs such as geometric patterns, motifs, and ornate scrolls. In addition to providing privacy, they aesthetically improve your fence and outdoors.

Metal fences cost more than vinyl or wood fences, hence on average they cost between $30 and $50 per linear foot.

Check out the video below showing how to add a steel decorative fence topper onto a wooden fence:

Picket Fence Topper

You can opt for the traditional wooden picket fence topper. It consists of wooden panels or boards, securely attached to the top of fence posts using screws or nails.

For a more enclosed outdoor space, position the wood panels closely together, leaving minimal gaps between each panel. This will effectively block out unwanted views.

The panels are normally made from high-quality wood, such as cedar or pine. Cypress and redwood are also a popular choice.

To extend the life of your fence extension, you can apply a sealant to protect it against UV rays, pests, and moisture.  It prevents rotting and warping.

Wrap Up

Whether you go for a vinyl or wooden fence topper, a metal decorative extension, or the traditional picket design, each provides privacy and adds an aesthetic appeal to your yard.  

Vinyl fence toppers are low-maintenance, and last long. Wood fence toppers add a classic, natural look and can be stained to match the existing fence or complement the surrounding landscape. Metal decorative fence toppers add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any fence.

Choosing the right fence topper depends on your preference, budget, and desired level of privacy and aesthetics.

You are welcome to read more of our previous posts by clicking the links below:

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