How to Dress up a Chain Link Fence
How to Dress up a Chain Link Fence
Chain link continues to lose popularity in residential and commercial fencing options--even being incorporated into city codes as a construction no-no. While chain link lacks the privacy of wood and the attractiveness of wrought iron, it is substantially cheaper, running between $8 and $10 per foot compared to $20 for wood and $30 for aluminum, reports The Florida Times-Union. If you are moving into a home enclosed with chain link, there are a few inexpensive treatment options to dress up your fence.
Instructions
1 Place 1- to 3-gallon containers of flowering vine against the chain link, leaving approximately 5 feet between containers. The chain link will act as a trellis and the vine will grow up and through the fence, eventually to transform the fence into a vine wall. Vines to consider include honeysuckle, cross vine and confederate jasmine, because they are quick-growing and their fragrance attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
2 Spray-paint the entire fence to cover existing and rusty finishes. Use spray paint in a dark, matte or satin finish, such as black or hunter green. Spray in constant sweeping motions on both sides of the fence to avoid drip marks.
3 Secure flat-sided planters blooming with flowers along the top of the fence line or sporadically along the fence. Use window box planters or other rectangular or square planters so the container rests evenly on the fence. Use S hooks to attach the edge of the planter to the chain link.
4 Secure bamboo or other natural fence panels to the chain link to create an entirely new look and add an element of privacy. Available at home improvement retailers, bamboo panels run between $40 and $60 each, so this is a good option for covering smaller fenced-in areas.
