How to Add Privacy to a Wood Fence

After buying my home, I realized that anybody could walk by my back fence and look right into my backyard. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels a little uneasy about such a lack of privacy.

To add privacy and provide stability to an older fence, I headed to my local hardware store and bought a few fence boards. The boards pictured cost $3.85 a board and, depending on how tall you need your boards cut, one fence board provides approximately three privacy boards.

Once I purchased my boards, it was time to cut them. I used a miter saw, but a hand saw works just fine. In order to find the length of your privacy boards, measure from the top rail of your existing fence to the future height that you would like to extend your fence.

Once you have your measurement, mark your board (measure twice, cut once) and then make your cut.

After you mark the board in order to notch it, move your miter saw to a 45 degree angle to make the first cut.

Then flip the board and shift the saw to make the second cut.

You should now have a board that is ready to be installed (I suggest doing as many as you need and then installing them rather than doing one at a time).

Using a drill and screws (any screws will work, but for aesthetics, I suggest deck screws). I use a four-screw pattern simply for looks and stability, but it is up to you how you would like to attach your new privacy boards.

Voila! Your backyard has transformed into a personal/private oasis. Congratulations! Enjoy your newfound security and privacy (plus it was cheap).