We've been in this rental here in Colorado Springs for a year-and-a-half now and one of the biggest challenges was figuring out a way to create more privacy in our backyard. We're next to an alley and all of our immediate neighbors also have chain link fences. We can see through about six different backyards in the winter when all the plants and trees are bare, which is fine since it's usually too cold to spend much time out there. However, once the weather warms up, we spend a good portion of our time outside and the kids sometimes forget to put their shorts on first!
Not only was I wanting to create a little privacy, I wanted a place for my eyes to land so I wasn't always seeing everyone's parked cars (including ours), trash cans, and overgrown yards. I'd seen full horizontal cedar fences on Pinterest and then checked out the supplies available at Lowe's and realized I could make something temporary that wouldn't alter the existing fence and wouldn't cost a fortune. I ended up making four panels - one for the gate in the alley way and three to span the back of the yard. Each of the panels is 6'x6'.
1. Supplies: Per panel - Two 1"x3"x6' boards, twelve cedar planks at 6' each, 50+ 1.5" finish nails, two 1-5/8" IPS Galvinized Pipe Straps (simpler than the ones I used), four 2" bolts with nuts, four flat washers, drill and 1/4" drill bit, hammer, square ruler, pencil, twine or bungee cords. 2. Place your top cedar panel on the ground horizontally. Place your two 1"x3"x6' boards vertically about 4" in from each edge so that the top is flush with the cedar plank. Be sure to square them up and nail one nail in on each side. Repeat with your bottom plank making sure it's like 1/4" above the bottom of your 1"x3"x6" board. Nail it in. 3. Make sure it's square with your fence. If it's not, make adjustments before adding two more nails at each corner. 4. Space the rest of your panels evenly, making sure they're consistently even all the way down at the edges. You may want to measure and mark as you go. 5. Tie your panel to your fence with rope or bungee cords where you'd like it to rest. Place your pipe straps over the chain link fence and measure where you'll need to drill along the vertical boards. Remove ropes or cords, place fence panel on the ground and drill all your holes before attaching it back to the fence. The bolts go in from the front. Once through the straps, add your washer and nut. Screw tight. Repeat.
I suggest double-checking that each of your panels is straight when you're putting them in your cart at the store! I ended up with one that was slightly bent (see above) and I am seriously considering taking the whole thing down to replace that one. Also, this is only cost effective to a point. It was only practical to add these in two sections of our yard. I also lucked out in not having to cut any boards to fit my fence.
The gate on the alley is just under 6' x 6' and each of my boards is 6' so I just had to move the two vertical boards in a few inches each to be able to attach to the top of the chain link fence. If you were to make them for a standard chain fence in a yard you'd just need to cut your vertical boards down and decide how many horizontal cedar planks it would take to fit just above the top of your fence rail.
I have toyed with the idea of adding plant hangers to the fence or maybe just solar-powered lights to dress it up even more. We've had the panels up for about three months now and they're still looking great. It's incredible how they've helped transform our yard and I think they're a great option for other renters looking for a way to spruce up their chain.
-Rachel
P.S. Someone brought to my attention that some city codes may not allow for this kind of fencing. Colorado Springs doesn't consider it a structure since it's less than 6' and isn't blocking the view of an intersection but there may be other restrictions in your city or depending on your neighbors' preferences. I suggest doing some checking before spending any money.
What a ridiculously smart idea! I'll have to keep this in mind if I'm ever in such a scenario. Brilliant lady!
Posted by: lori | 07/31/2013 at 09:30 PM
wow great idea
Posted by: Christy | 08/01/2013 at 04:18 AM
Very nice!!! And looks so pretty.
Posted by: Lisa | 08/01/2013 at 06:09 AM
That looks awesome.
I bet the landlord is going to want to keep them!
Way to grab the tools and get it done!
You are so inspiring! Maybe one of these days I'll learn how to use tools, and how to walk into Lowe's and not be intimidated :)
Posted by: Mandi Holmes | 08/01/2013 at 07:29 AM
this is so genius, and looks fantastic.
Posted by: lisa d | 08/01/2013 at 09:00 AM
You are so clever! I admire how you think of something and just do it, with no qualms. Love it!!
Posted by: Angie | 08/01/2013 at 09:02 AM
oh my gosh you're a genius we use to have a HUGE chain link fence at our old home and I would beg my husband for a different one to create privacy but never thought of this. I love it Rachel it proves you're a DIY magician nicely done!!
Posted by: Rebekah | 08/01/2013 at 09:21 AM
Rachel, I just . . . I'm so happy right now! I loathe the chain link we inherited when we bought our house, but the neighbor doesn't want to spring for a new fence since he only rents the place out . . . I'll be completing several of these panels before the end of summer. Thanks a ton!
Posted by: Amelia | 08/01/2013 at 10:09 AM
genius idea! you made something ugly look really nice. i wish you could be my home decorator. :)
Posted by: Skye | 08/01/2013 at 11:02 AM
Check with city codes....some cities have an ordinance AGAINST fence with the 'ugly' side out. Also, our town says you can't use pallets as a fence....you must use standard fencing materials if you live in the city limits.
Posted by: nellie | 08/01/2013 at 11:49 AM
What a clever solution! They look fabulous!
Posted by: Fiona | 08/01/2013 at 12:02 PM
Didn't realize you live in Colorado Springs! My husband and I have our hearts set on moving there one day. We've visited when my parents lived there several years ago and just can't get it out of our minds.
Anyway... I think you did a wonderful job with this fence. Definitely a more appealing solution than chain link fencing.
Posted by: Alana @ Sparrow + Grace | 08/01/2013 at 02:25 PM
You are seriously a smarty pants! These look soooo good and the way you've attached them is brilliant. Pretty and practical...kind of like you! Well done Rachel! xox
Posted by: Lesley | 08/01/2013 at 02:35 PM
This is totally genius and looks great! You're so smart! :)
Posted by: Brooke | 08/01/2013 at 03:42 PM
Nellie,
Thanks for bringing that up. I did use standard fencing materials but just turned them on their side. I hadn't thought about checking city codes but I'll keep that in mind. Or at least not be as surprised if ever we do get a request to remove them. ;)
Posted by: racheldenbow | 08/01/2013 at 04:06 PM
Okay, just checked city code for fencing and we're good since it's not higher than 6' or at an intersection where it's blocking a view. I do think I may edit the post to tell people to check their own city codes first, though, since they vary so widely. Thanks!
Posted by: racheldenbow | 08/01/2013 at 04:09 PM
i so like the bent one makes it look natural the idea is very clever
Posted by: paula strong | 08/01/2013 at 04:25 PM
Clever little bugger you are! :)
Posted by: Cookie | 08/02/2013 at 07:53 AM
What did it end up costing per panel?
Posted by: Joy Madison | 08/02/2013 at 03:29 PM
As a fellow renter I'm always looking for ways to alter structures or areas without spending too much money and knowing that if I had to, I could take it with me when I moved. This is PERFECT! Thinking about doing a modified version in my backyard. Thanks for the inspiration, concise directions and photos.
Posted by: Nicole Stevenson | 08/03/2013 at 09:16 AM
I think it looks fabulous!
Posted by: Kate | 08/03/2013 at 05:01 PM
I just showed this to scott and he said "wow what a great idea! I can't believe she made that!" :-)
Posted by: Jess Judkins | 08/03/2013 at 06:13 PM
Looks great, and so clever! Thank you for the consistent, doable inspiration!
Posted by: Elizabeth | 08/04/2013 at 06:42 AM
This looks so great! You're such a badass.
Posted by: Kara Haupt | 08/05/2013 at 01:10 PM