Privacy fence installers near you

A privacy fence is designed to make outdoor spaces, porches or even windows less visible to neighbors and passersby. It’s usually tall and has slats placed tightly together.

Some of the biggest benefits of a privacy fence include the following:

• Peace of mind: You can enjoy your day without the threat of nosy neighbors.

• Increased home value: Most homeowners value their privacy, so this project may add value to your home.

• Increased security: If you design your privacy fence to enclose your entire yard, it can serve as an added layer of protection.

• Keep pets close: Privacy fences can also double as a way to keep pets safely in your yard.

• Aesthetics: An attractive privacy fence can up your curb appeal.

Ready to get started? Consider contacting privacy fence installers near you to get estimates.

When hiring a privacy fence installer, be sure you to run through the following steps:

• Verify their license and insurance: In some areas, contractors are required to be licensed. Your fencing contractor should also carry liability insurance to cover potential damage or accidents. Be sure to do your research.

• Get several estimates: Each estimate should detail all necessary materials, equipment and labor.

• Read their reviews: Good fencing contractors will typically have happy reviewers. In particular, look for reviews that speak to professionalism and fence longevity. Look out for reviews that note problems within the first few years after installation.

• Look at their portfolios: Be sure the fencing installer you choose is experienced at installing the fence style you want and that they can work with your terrain.

• Find out if they have warranties: Brand name fencing may come with a manufacturer's warranty, but fencing contractors may also provide a guarantee on their workmanship.

• Ask important questions: Be sure to ask if they will contact local utility companies to verify the locations of utilities before digging for a fence. You should also ask if permits are required, if they handle permits and if they will use survey data to accurately define the boundaries of your property if installing the fence on a property line.

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.

Most privacy fence installers near you will be able to install a variety of privacy fence styles. Here are some of the most common types of privacy fences:

• Wood fences: These include board-on-board fences and latticework fences.

• Vinyl fences: Vinyl privacy fences usually have the look of wood but with added durability. Choose styles like board-on-board or latticework in a variety of colors.

• Composite fences: Typically made with recycled materials, composite fences come in a huge array of styles, from plain walls to intricate designs, including boards that mimic concrete or stucco.

• Chain link fences: Most chain link fences are for security or keeping pets in your yard. For an additional cost, you can have privacy slats added to a chain link fence to block the view.

• Wrought iron fences: Most wrought iron fences feature open designs that don’t add much in the way of privacy — but you can find a few designs, like wrought iron lattice, that will partially shield your property from view.

You’ll want to contact fence contractors near you get a privacy fence estimate, but here are some factors that might impact the cost of this project, including: 

• Length: Larger areas and longer borders will require more fence and labor.

• Height: The taller you go, the higher the cost.

• Obstacles: Steep slopes, trees, rocks or other tricky landscapes will make the project more expensive.

• Material: If you want to be more economical, wood is generally a good option. Metal and other materials will typically cost more.

• Season: Privacy fence installers may charge more during peak fencing seasons like summer, or during seasons where the ground is difficult to work, like winter.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

You might be able to save money on your project with these tips: 

• Materials: Consider choosing less expensive materials. Wood tends to be the most cost-effective, followed by vinyl, then metal.

• Off-peak times: Contact privacy fence installers to see if they offer cheaper labor rates during off-peak seasons.

• Avoid winter installation: The ground may be frozen and it is generally more difficult for fence installers to work in cold weather, which means you could save money by installing in the spring or fall.

• Height and length: If you’d like to spend wisely, consider adding a privacy fence just to the areas that need it like your porch or your backyard.

• Choose the right finish: Consider a less expensive stain and/or sealant for a wood fence rather than outdoor-grade paint that will not only cost more but also cause higher maintenance costs.

• Lower the scope: Consider adding a fence only where you really need it (think: by a porch, patio or pool) as opposed to fencing the entire border of your yard.

• Financing: Financing may cost more in the long term if there is an interest component. If you don’t have a lot of cash on hand, you can try using credit, home equity, or a personal loan. In some cases, fence installers may offer payment plans or in-house financing, which could include 0% APR for a period of time.

In most cases, it’s best to hire a professional for this project. When deciding between DIY vs. hiring a pro, consider the following:

• Tools and equipment: While it may seem cheaper to buy and install a privacy fence yourself rather than hire a professional, you may not save money by the time you buy or rent a post hole digger, concrete mixer, saws and other expensive tools.

• Workmanship guarantees: Professionally installed fences should come with warranties on workmanship, which means that if something goes wrong with the fence within the warranty period, you can have it repaired free of charge.

• Greater selection: If you go the DIY route, you’ll likely be limited to the selection of fence styles offered at your nearby home improvement stores, whereas professional privacy fence installers will have access to a larger range of styles.

• Time and experience: For the average homeowner, fence installation is a difficult job that requires a lot of time and difficult labor. Professional installers have the experience and know-how to make the job go quickly and smoothly.

• Attention to detail: Professional fence installers can offer guidance on important things, like calling utility companies to mark buried utilities, getting permits if required or working with neighbors on property line fences.