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Newcastle, OK

Privacy Fence Ideas for Oklahoma Backyards That Last

There is a big difference between having a backyard and actually being able to enjoy it.

Maybe you have the space and a nice patio or your own garden, but if your yard feels exposed it can be hard to really make the most of it. Your neighbors might be close. Traffic could be visible from your back porch. The dogs next door might bark at every passerby.

That’s when some homeowners start to seriously consider privacy fencing.

A good privacy fence can make all the difference in the world for a backyard. It provides a greater sense of security for children and pets. The space can feel safer and more secluded.

But when it comes to picking out a privacy fence it sometimes isn’t as simple as choosing a preferred image and having builders construct it right away.

Oklahoma weather can sometimes be brutal to outdoor structures and features, leaving many homeowners to wish they’d picked a different fence style.

That’s why it’s often important to look for fence options that will keep their beauty, function, and privacy long after installation.

Read on for a few of the best privacy fence ideas for properties in Newcastle, Blanchard, and throughout Oklahoma.

First decide what you need the fence to do

Before choosing a material or style it’s important to consider why you want a fence installed in the first place.

Is total privacy something you desire to block the view of your patio or your backyard pool?

Do you just want to give your children and dogs more space to safely play?

Are you trying to hide your neighbor’s view of your yard or property?

Maybe you just want to add a nice touch to complete the outdoor space.

Whatever the reason, it’s good to keep in mind what the potential privacy fence will need to accomplish.

A two dog household with lots of outdoor play will need something different than a couple wanting total privacy while relaxing on their back porch.

It may seem simple, but taking the time to determine what you want can really help avoid the heartbreak of getting a fence that looks nice but doesn’t serve its intended purpose.

Best Fence for High Wind Areas

Traditional wood privacy fencing is a favorite for a good reason

Many Oklahoma homeowners are fans of wood fencing.

It offers a versatile, natural look that can often complement nearly any home style.

It’s easy to see how the material can provide a rustic look, but it may not be as obvious how well it can match up to contemporary architecture as well.

It all depends on the style of the boards, the top, the color, the spacing, and the trim.

Some choose to stain cedar fencing a darker color while others prefer a lighter natural wood shade.

Landscaping often goes hand in hand with wood fencing as the two combine to bring out the beauty of each.

It rarely feels as sterile or severe as some other materials used for privacy fencing.

Of course, there is also some maintenance involved with wood.

Oklahoma sunshine can leach out the oils in the wood, and rain can soak into untreated boards, causing weathering and rot.

That’s why many homeowners choose to schedule Fence Staining and Sealing services as part of their fence maintenance plan.

Keeping the fence looking its best can prolong its lifespan and keep it from aging prematurely.

For those who are willing to put in the occasional effort, wood fencing can offer excellent value and a pleasing look for years to come.

Vinyl fencing is a great choice for those who want something a little more low maintenance

Not everyone has the time or interest in putting in extra work to take care of their fence.

Some just want it installed, occasionally cleaned, and otherwise left alone.

That’s where Vinyl Fencing can be a godsend.

It typically doesn’t require painting or staining like wood fences do.

Insects aren’t nearly as attracted to it, and it doesn’t absorb water or hold on to moisture like some other materials.

Most people picture a bright white vinyl fence, but there are also many homes that use tan or other colors to give it a more natural appearance.

It can really help complete a space, especially when it comes to new construction or around pools or patios.

Of course, the structure and support still matter, especially since vinyl privacy fencing can be a large surface area for wind to push against.

Properly installed posts and spacing are essential to keeping the fence standing in Oklahoma winds.

While it may require less upkeep, it still needs to be durable and able to withstand the elements.

A semi private fence may leave your yard feeling less enclosed

Not every backyard needs total privacy, and some homeowners might actually prefer a slightly more open feel.

This is what makes a semi private fence such a great choice.

It offers many of the same advantages of a fully enclosed privacy fence, but with some design elements that leave the yard feeling a little less claustrophobic.

It can look nice and still provide some separation from the outside world.

Some people find this style especially useful in small yards.

It can also reduce some of the wind load that a fully enclosed fence would otherwise capture, helping to reduce issues in especially breezy parts of Oklahoma.

It still maintains most of the privacy, especially when it’s combined with fencing that’s tall enough and complemented by shrubs or other plants.

For those who want total privacy but with a less enclosed look, a semi private fence can be a fantastic option.

Horizontal wood fencing can be a nice way to update your backyard

Horizontal fencing is becoming quite popular, especially in more modern homes.

It often uses the same style of wood as traditional fences but with the grain running horizontally rather than vertically.

It provides a clean look that doesn’t feel as old-fashioned or heavy as some other styles.

It also tends to make square footage feel bigger since the eye is naturally drawn to the direction of the boards.

Horizontal fencing is great for patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and other features that call for a nice update.

But just like with other fence styles it’s important to ensure proper support.

Long horizontal boards are more likely to flex, so the materials and spacing should be chosen carefully.

When done right, a horizontal fence can really help transform the look of an ordinary backyard into something extraordinary.

Board on board fencing is another way to make your fence stand out

Another popular fence style is called board on board, where individual boards overlap one another to create a fence with more depth and shadow than a standard privacy fence.

This can make it stand out from the other side while still offering the same privacy.

It’s also a good option when both sides of the fence will be visible, especially for those who want a slightly more custom look than a regular privacy fence offers.

The construction of the fence is important since the boards must all overlap one another to allow for proper expansion and contraction of the wood.

It also tends to cost a bit more than a regular wood privacy fence, but many think the results are worth it.

Decorative tops or caps can help add personality to your fence

Fencing doesn’t always have to be a boring straight or picket design.

There are plenty of ways to add decorative touches to make it more unique and interesting.

Some people prefer a lattice style at the very top of the fence while others might choose an arched or scalloped design.

You could also simply add a cap and trim to give the fence a nicer appearance.

When it comes to choosing a design it’s often best to keep it simple.

Whatever you choose should complement the home rather than overwhelm it.

A straight top might look best on a more modern home while something latticed could be a nice touch on a more traditional cottage style home.

Combining wood and metal can add interest and variety

You don’t always have to choose one fencing material over another.

In fact, mixing and matching can be a great way to add visual appeal to your yard.

Some homeowners combine wood panels with metal posts or even include sections of Metal Fencing for extra detail and character.

Metal posts can provide extra support while the wood panels help add warmth and privacy to the fence line.

Decorative metal gates can also be a nice way to break up an otherwise long fence and add some visual interest to the space.

Mixing materials can also be a great choice for those who want to highlight specific parts of the yard without making the entire fence feel too busy.

It works especially well for modern farmhouse styles, as well as more rustic or industrial inspired homes.

Gates are often an afterthought, but they should be considered just as seriously

When it comes to building a new fence most homeowners tend to focus more on the panels and less on the gates.

That’s understandable since gates tend to get used far less often than the rest of the fence.

But it’s also a mistake to overlook them, since they’re the part of the fence that you actually have to open and close every time you want to exit or enter the yard.

Gates also need to be properly supported so they don’t sag, and should be placed in a way that avoids slopes and other obstacles that could potentially make them hard to open.

It’s important to think about placement and weight when considering gates.

Would you prefer a single walk gate or a double gate for better access?

How much space would you need if you wanted to install a gate that lets your trailer or lawn equipment through?

These are all questions that should be seriously considered before finalizing your fence design, since they can have a major impact on how easy it is to use and maintain.

Pay special attention to the soil when planning your fence

When considering the different privacy fence ideas for Oklahoma properties many people tend to forget that what’s below the ground matters just as much as what’s above it.

After all, the fence posts will ultimately provide most of the support needed to keep the fence upright and stable.

Oklahoma is known for having some notoriously tricky clay soil that can expand when wet and contract when dry.

This can put added strain on fence posts, causing them to lean and shift out of place over time.

That’s why it’s so important to build your fence with the local climate and soil conditions in mind.

Many people make mistakes when it comes to post depth, spacing, drainage, and other details that can ultimately affect how long their fence will last.

This is especially true for homeowners who choose to install the fence themselves or who hire contractors who lack the necessary experience.

Remember that a good looking fence will ultimately look bad if the underlying structure fails.

Wind can often be a deciding factor when it comes to fence styles

A solid privacy fence can catch a lot of wind, which can often be a problem for homeowners who live in areas with frequent high winds.

That doesn’t mean solid fences are out of the question however, since most issues can typically be avoided with proper installation that takes local weather patterns into account.

Most of Oklahoma tends to be pretty windy, but that doesn’t mean the same fence style will work for everyone.

Contractors should evaluate each fence site individually and take into account things like open fields, corners, and proximity to other structures.

Sometimes that means going with a partially open fence while in other cases it might mean opting for a slightly stronger post.

It really all depends on the yard and the fence itself.

Landscaping can often provide some additional privacy as well

A fence isn’t the only way to create more privacy in the yard.

Adding plants can be a great way to help shield your yard from prying eyes or unwanted attention.

Shrubs, trees, ornamental grasses, and climbing plants can all add beauty while also helping to improve privacy.

This can be a good option for many homeowners, especially those who want to go with a semi private style or who are limited in the fence styles available to them.

It’s important to leave enough space between plants and your fence to allow for easy maintenance and airflow.

Plants placed directly against a fence can often trap moisture against the wood, which can cause staining, rot, and other issues.

Larger properties can sometimes benefit from multiple fencing styles

Some Oklahoma homeowners have larger properties that include a backyard near their home, but also additional areas that need to be fenced as well.

In these cases it might not make sense to go with the same fence style everywhere.

Something like Farm Fencing could be a great choice to mark the outer perimeter while a more traditional privacy fence can be used near the home.

This can provide the necessary level of protection and privacy while also allowing for greater visibility and accessibility for larger properties.

It can also be a more budget friendly option as well.

Always check local regulations and requirements

When it comes to building a fence it’s always important to research local ordinances and homeowners association regulations.

Some communities might have specific requirements when it comes to fence height in certain areas.

Some might have preferences when it comes to materials or finished look.

Corner lots might also have specific requirements when it comes to sight distance.

It’s always best to get these details sorted out before ordering materials or beginning any fence work since it can be costly and inconvenient to make changes midway through the project.

FAQs

What type of privacy fencing is best for Oklahoma?

There’s not really one correct answer as it greatly depends on the home and the particular needs of the yard.

However, wood, vinyl, and mixed material fences can all be made to withstand the local weather if installed correctly.

It can be for many yards, though local regulations and HOA rules should also be taken into account.

Vinyl requires less maintenance while wood can often last just as long if properly installed and maintained.

They can be, especially when posts are spaced correctly and utilize stronger materials, but partially open fences may often be a better choice in some cases.

Absolutely, as many larger properties utilize both types of fencing to provide the necessary level of protection and privacy while also allowing for better visibility.

Final Thoughts

As you can hopefully see, the best privacy fences don’t always come down to the flashiest or most expensive options.

It’s often about finding the particular fencing style that works best for the home and the needs of the yard.

It also means taking into account the potential weather conditions, as well as the importance of things like post spacing, gate placement, maintenance, and local requirements.

By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the particular fence that will bring out the best in your backyard for years to come.