Latest news with #privacyfence
The Sun
06-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
The 3 best privacy fences to buy for your garden – including stylish B&Q buy that will last winter
IT seems that everyone and their nan is talking about privacy fences this year. Long gone are the days of talking to your neighbours while sunbathing, now we'll do anything to keep them out. 7 But with over 40 million videos of privacy fences on TikTok alone, it can be hard to navigate which way is the best. So Fabulous Reporter Leanne Hall and Associate Editor Rebecca Miller decided to put three of the most popular methods to the test. While Rebecca has an 80ft fence in her back garden to take care of, Leanne has a front garden on a main road in London - both are subject to prying eyes they'd rather keep out. Ivy Trellis 7 The ivy trellis has become a popular way to give fences an update without forking out thousands on new fence panelling. The one I picked from AliExpress has a flexible backing which is perfect for me as it's easy to hang on the iron bars of my fence using cable ties. I bought three packs of the Dark Green Grape privacy fence panels in a 50x200 size, each pack of two cost £5.28. This made covering my side of the fence cost just £15.84 - a bargain if you ask me. Fed up with passersby and dreaded Lime bike users watching my every move in the garden, I was eager to get the privacy panels up. It's a simple job and only needs one person to complete. The ivy is super light, making it easy to hold on to while you secure it with cable ties. While you can tell the ivy is fake, it still looked pleasant for the price and with some extra plants potted around, it looks perfect in the summer. Most importantly, it kept neighbours out from seeing inside my garden. 7 I hate my new build garden being overlooked so found a 5 METRE privacy fence to block out nosy neighbours for under £30 Bamboo Screening 7 Another popular budget-friendly fence covering is using bamboo screening. Rebecca decided to use the B&Q's Bamboo Split Slat Fencing Screening Rolls for Garden Outdoor Privacy which did the job effortlessly. The privacy screen is 4x2m and costs £44.99, but comes in a variety of heights, making it suitable for all gardens. Rebecca used two screens to cover her side of fence making the hack cost just under £90. To get it up, you'll need long screws and mushroom caps to attach the screen to the existing picket fence every foot or so along. Because of its size, you'll need an extra pair of hands to get it done; one to screw and one to roll it out and hold it tight. After 10 minutes, both screens were up. Rebecca adds: "As for how it screen isn't entirely opaque; there are tiny gaps between the bamboo rods that let some light through. "So unless you and your neighbour have a staring competition, you can't see them. "Plus, when the sun hits it, it leaves a beautiful dappled effect across the grass. I was pleasantly surprised at how good it looks." It also comes with a one-year guarantee to make sure it lasts through winter. 7 How high can a garden fence be? Despite what many people think a garden fence can be as high as 100m but you need to get planning permission for any fence taller than 2m. Any fence under 2m does not need planning permission. However, there are some complications to this. If you are thinking about front garden fences, restrictions state that fences alongside a driveway can be a maximum of 1m or 3ft. You would need to get planning permission for putting a trellis on a fence of 2m. But, if any plant that you grow on that trellis exceeds 2m, you do not need to obtain a permit for the growing plant. Shower Curtains 7 So I decided to take matters into my own hands and buy a shower curtain from Amazon for just £10. I went for a design that featured luscious, thick greenery and a gorgeous lake in the centre so I could attempt to feel like I was on Lake Como while in the heart of London. While many people who have shared the hack online have used a staple gun to attach it to their fence, I had to opt for a different method. Because my front garden has iron bars - I used the hooks that came with the shower curtain and put them through each of the holes. It instantly blocked out the stares from passersby and was much more pleasant to look at than the line of Lime bikes outside my house. Although it can pass as looking quite nice in pictures, in real life it looks like exactly what it is - a shower curtain in your garden. But if you're looking for a quick, cheap and effective method this might be the one for you. 7
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Aldi's £19 middle aisle buy helps give instant privacy to your garden and helps sun-trapped spaces stay cool this summer
Aldi is selling a £19.99 middle aisle bargain that will add instant privacy to your garden and help you keep cool. With temperatures set to reach 35C today, Brits across the country are likely making plans to soak up the sun in the garden. However, there's nothing worse than sitting outside with a glass of wine and a good book, only to realise that your nosy neighbour is peeking at you over the fence. Putting up a large fence around your garden may seem like the obvious choice to keep away prying eyes, but this can be expensive - and can sometimes lead to disagreements with neighbours. For a simple solution, Aldi's Garden Wing Tarp can be tied across your garden or patio to instantly shield it from peeping neighbours. The middle aisle bargain will land in stores on Thursday, July 3 and comes in two different shapes, triangle or rectangle. Shoppers can choose from a beige or navy colour, and the tarp is water repellent, so you don't have to worry about taking it inside during bad weather. The 415 x 415 x 415cm tarp can also be used to shade your garden from the sun, meaning you can relax in the garden without getting too hot. However, shoppers better set their alarms to avoid missing out on the bargain, as with all Specialbuys, once they're gone, they're gone. More Privacy Screens The fence, which has been slashed from its original price of £11.25, features a stylish green leaf design, that will blend in to your garden's greenery. And the purse-friendly buy isn't the only privacy screen you can buy on Shein at the moment. I hate my new build garden being overlooked so found a 5 METRE privacy fence to block out nosy neighbours for under £30 The e-commerce site's High Strength Privacy Fence is priced at just £7.75, and comes in a wide range of colours, including brown and green. B&Q's Lifelike Grape Leaf Foldable Artificial Green Wall is another penny-pincher friendly bu y perfect for keeping your garden secluded. The stylish screen comes in a realistic leaf design, perfect for blending in to your greenery. Plus, the product has been made with premium wood and weather resistant plastic, making it extra durable - so you don't have to worry about it coming down in windy or rainy conditions. How to create privacy in your garden CREATING privacy in your garden can be achieved in a number of ways depending on your budget, and the size of your space. Here are some effective ways to enhance privacy in your garden: 1. Fencing Install a tall, solid wooden or vinyl fence. This is one of the most straightforward ways to gain immediate privacy. Or use lattice panels, trellis, or slatted fencing to add a decorative touch while still offering privacy. 2. Hedges and Plants Fast-growing evergreen shrubs or trees like Leylandii, Thuja, or Bamboo along the boundary of your garden can help with privacy. Grow a dense hedge using plants like Boxwood, Privet, or Laurel. It may take time to grow, but it provides a natural and green privacy screen. Use climbers like Ivy, Clematis, or Wisteria on fences or trellises to create a lush, green privacy barrier. 3. Outdoor Curtains Hang outdoor curtains around pergolas, gazebos, or patios for an easy-to-adjust privacy solution. 4. Sound Barriers A water fountain or small waterfall can help drown out noise, adding to the sense of privacy. Or install fencing designed to reduce noise if privacy from sound is also a concern. A product description reads: "Bring refreshing greenery to your outdoor décor with this artificial hedge panel. "Designed for versatility, it works as a fence screen, wall décor, or garden hedge. "Its durable construction offers UV protection, while the breathable design ensures proper airflow. "Perfect for balconies, patios, or terraces, it combines beauty and practicality without the need for ongoing maintenance." However, the privacy screen is only available online, so you will have to order it via the B&Q website instead of heading to your local store if you are keen to snap up the bargain.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
I DIYed a beautiful, green privacy fence with real flowers for £9 using ‘invisible wire' – people say it looks ‘fab'
WANT to enjoy your garden this summer without nosey neighbours watching your every move? You don't need to break the bank to install new faces because this savvy gardening whizz has revealed how anyone can create their own privacy fence for under a tenner. 2 2 Posting on the Instagram account @ the pro revealed you only need two items to make the fence from scratch - and it's easier than you might think too. In the viral video he explained anyone wanting to create their own fence will need either some scrap timber or some 2x2, as well as some gardening wire. Both of these can be bought from the likes of B&Q for a relatively cheap price, depending on how big you want your fence to be, of course. Ish managed to pick his timber up for just £7 and paid £2 for his gardening wire. Once you have your wood cut to size it's time to plant it in the ground. The gardening pro explained this will also depends on how high you want your privacy fence to be, but he wanted his to be 40cm in the ground, so made sure it was cut to 2.4m so the total fence will be 2m tall. As well as the two side posts, Ish also added two smaller pieces of timber for the top and bottom of the fence. Once the timber was connected, the gardening whizz simply drilled holes along the sides for the wire to be threaded through - this is how your plants will grow securely up the fence. At this point the fence is ready to add to your garden wherever you'd like more privacy. Ish suggested attaching it to existing fence posts for extra stability, but if not just make sure it's firmly in the ground. 6 ways to get rid of slugs and snails The final step is to add the plants to fill the gaps in the privacy fence. The gardening whizz suggested fast growing climbing plants, like clematis or honeysuckle, or if it's in a shady spot, Ish recommended climbing hydrangea. "When the foliage starts growing around this the wire slowly starts to disappear and you're blessed with this beautiful wall of green," the pro said. After sharing the hack on social media fellow gardening fans loved the idea. "This is a great idea," a second agreed, "and so very helpful given the cheap cost and effectiveness." How to create privacy in your garden CREATING privacy in your garden can be achieved in a number of ways depending on your budget, and the size of your space. Here are some effective ways to enhance privacy in your garden: 1. Fencing Install a tall, solid wooden or vinyl fence. This is one of the most straightforward ways to gain immediate privacy. Or use lattice panels, trellis, or slatted fencing to add a decorative touch while still offering privacy. 2. Hedges and Plants Fast-growing evergreen shrubs or trees like Leylandii, Thuja, or Bamboo along the boundary of your garden can help with privacy. Grow a dense hedge using plants like Boxwood, Privet, or Laurel. It may take time to grow, but it provides a natural and green privacy screen. Use climbers like Ivy, Clematis, or Wisteria on fences or trellises to create a lush, green privacy barrier. 3. Outdoor Curtains Hang outdoor curtains around pergolas, gazebos, or patios for an easy-to-adjust privacy solution. 4. Sound Barriers A water fountain or small waterfall can help drown out noise, adding to the sense of privacy. Or install fencing designed to reduce noise if privacy from sound is also a concern. Top gardening trends of 2025 Gardening experts at Barnsdale Gardens has shared the top gardening trends of 2025. Matrix planting It seems that a top planting trend for this year is going to be Matrix Planting. In essence, planting in groups or blocks to give an effect of being wild whilst actually being carefully managed. Selection of the plants is essential, to give year-round interest either with flowers, seed heads or frosted/snowy spent flower heads. Some recommend using plants that seed around, but this could make managing your matrix planting harder to keep under control. Chrysanthemum comeback I hope that the humble Chrysanthemum makes as much of a comeback this year as Dahlias have over recent years, because the simple single flowered types, such as 'Innocence' and 'Cottage Apricot' would be spectacular within a matrix scheme. The hardy varieties are so easy to grow in a sunny spot and give such a valuable burst of late summer and autumn colour that would lift any dull- looking border. Blended borders For some time now we have been promoting the growing of veg within ornamental borders and I think this could really take off this year. The choice of ornamental-looking varieties available in seed catalogues is phenomenal and, if managed correctly, visitors to your garden will not even realise that you have veg growing! Must-have tool My secret is out. I discovered the Hori Hori a couple of years ago and now it seems so is everyone else. It is such a well-made, adaptable tool that can be used as a trowel or weeding tool in the garden that and everyone I speak to who have used it absolutely would not now be without it. Enough said!
The Sun
10-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
I made my own privacy fence using our old Ikea doors & £30 ‘forest scene' Temu wallpaper that's been slashed to just £8
A DIY fan has given her garden the ultimate makeover thanks to her new privacy fence. Liz Smith took to social media to share the new addition to her backyard and how she did it on a budget. 2 2 Sharing an image of the garden, Liz had put up a black privacy 'fence' and decorated it with a woodland-themed mural. But instead of forking out for pricey wood, she decided to upcycle old items she had lying about in her house. The DIY whizz revealed she had some old Ikea folding doors knocking about, so she decided to use them instead. Liz said: "Used old IKEA doors and sticky back plastic murals from Temu for the frieze to make a focal point" The black doors were sealed shut and Liz then added the stick-on murals to each door. The cheap and effective decoration is currently on sale at Temu for £8 instead of £30. She revealed she used screws to fix the doors to the top and bottom of the brick wall to keep them upright. The gardening pro also pointed out that her plants were still growing despite the doors blocking the light out. "Plants still growing so the lighting will soften on the house," she said. To finish the garden makeover, she added plenty of twinkling fairy lights around the border of the doors and along the wall of the house. I made a DIY fence for £68 with pallets from Facebook Marketplace - it gives more privacy & people say it's 'fantastic' The post was shared on the Facebook group, Garden Makeover Ideas On A Budget, and people were in awe of her DIY skills. One person wrote: "Stunning, love it. What a great original idea to do that with the doors!" Another commented: 'It's lovely I love the lights." "Beautiful," penned a third. Rules on fences and trees Fences: Height Restrictions: In most areas, fences in front gardens should not exceed one metre in height without planning permission. For rear gardens, the limit is generally two metres. Shared Fences: If a fence is shared with a neighbour, both parties are typically responsible for its maintenance and any costs associated with repairs or replacement. Building Regulations: Ensure that any new fence complies with local building regulations and does not obstruct visibility for drivers or pedestrians. Trees: Ownership: Trees located on your property are your responsibility, including any damage they may cause. Conversely, trees on a neighbour's property are their responsibility. Overhanging Branches: You are entitled to trim branches that overhang into your property, but only up to the boundary line. The cut branches should be offered back to the tree owner. Protected Trees: Some trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). Check with your local council before undertaking any work on a tree, as unauthorised work can result in fines. Roots: If tree roots from a neighbour's tree cause damage to your property, you have the right to remove the roots. However, it is advisable to discuss this with your neighbour first to avoid disputes. Always consult your local council or a legal adviser for specific regulations and advice. "Looks fantastic,' claimed a fifth. Someone else added: 'This is gorgeous."
The Sun
09-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Shoppers go wild for privacy fence on Amazon that's easy to install, sturdier than bamboo and costs less than £30
WHILE we enjoy getting on with our neighbours, there are times when we don't want to talk to them. And the perfect way to tell neighbours to leave you alone while outside in your garden is with a privacy fence. 2 2 Now shoppers are praising an Amazon buy that quickly adds some extra privacy to your fence without having to spend thousands on getting the structure replaced. The Sekey PVC Privacy Screening is essential for covering up gaps in fences. The fencing panels are reinforced with two additional supports to prevent them from breaking. The makers also add that they are windproof and made with tightly woven PVC with 1-2 mm spacing. The small spacing means the panels are spy-proof so no nosy neighbours can look in. The fences are also waterproof and mildew resistant so no mould will grow on them. UV rays will also fail to penetrate the sheets, meaning the colouring won't fade. They are also super easy to install and the length can be adjusted by folding any excess over and fixing it together with the straps which are included. The panels come in multiple sizes to fit any garden fence or balcony screening and come in various colours. The best part is that the fencing cost starts at just £25.99. I hate my new build garden being overlooked so found a 5 METRE privacy fence to block out nosy neighbours for under £30 Shoppers who have already tried the fence panels have praised how easy it is to install, the sturdiness and look of it. One person wrote: "Very happy. Bought 3m for the balcony to protect my plants from wind. It was very easy to attach to the rails using the cable ties provided. Seems sturdy so far." Another commented: 'Exactly as described, good quality sturdy fencing. Purchased more for another section of the garden would highly recommend this product." "Better than bamboo," penned a third. What are your rights over a fence row? IT'S very important to know your rights if you are embroiled in a fence row with a neighbour. How do I know which side I own? A boundary feature can be a fence, wall, hedge, ditch, piece of wire, or sometimes even just the edge of a driveway. The only way to know for certain who owns what side and to avoid any neighbour disputes, is to refer to the title plan or Land Registry. In this, the T mark is used to indicate who the boundary belongs to and therefore who is responsible for its upkeep, say pros at Jacksons Fencing. Larger developments tend to have some indication provided by the builder, but there are no hard and fast rules People often think they are responsible for the left (or right) hand boundary wherever they live, but there isn't any legal basis for this. You can check with HM Land Registry to see which boundary feature you are responsible for. Often households can't get hold of the paperwork but experts say they shouldn't panic. Homeowners can guess who owns the fence by checking where the rails are. Pros say: "The fence is typically facing away from their property so that their neighbour gets the 'good' side. 'This is the most secure way of facing fencing so there are no rails for anyone to use to climb into your garden. 'This is then repeated with the neighbour on the other side to ensure that each home has both a 'good' and 'bad' fence side.' Walls and fences are often built on the land of the boundary's owner with the edge of the wall marking the limit. While professionals agree a glimpse at the fence can give you a hint, it's not foolproof - so you can't be certain. Fines and punishment It is recommended to always check legal documents before making changes to avoid hefty fines. There is no law that the neighbour has to get the good side of the fence, so it's completely up to whoever owns the fence. Fencing pros have suggested: 'It may be worth selecting a double-sided panel with no 'bad' side as both sides look the same and rails are concealed within the fence panel.' If one boundary backs onto a road or footpath you can install the panels with the rails on the inside But if it's installed on the outside, it can provide an 'easy ladder for burglars to enter your garden'. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Property Litigation Association have created a mediation service to help neighbours resolve disputes over their property boundaries without resorting to court action. RICS also provides a list of surveyors who could assist in boundary disputes. If a dispute continues, it is ultimately a court that makes decisions, but they do not like such disputes being put before them. Changing a boundary If you want to change an existing boundary, such as replacing an old fence with a new one, we always recommend discussing with your neighbour first and making sure it is all agreed. The registered titles can help you to reach an agreement, but only if this information has been added. In terms of decorations on a fence legal advisers recommended asking around over who actually first installed it. But they also urged caution before getting to work on amending the fence without getting more certainty yourself - since there is a danger of actually being prosecuted for criminal damage. How high can a garden fence be? The height of the fence is measured from your ground level, this can have an impact when, due to slopes in the ground, your garden may be at a higher level than your neighbours '. A garden fence can be as high as 100m but you need to get planning permission if it's over than 2m. However, there are some complications to this. If you are thinking about front garden fences, restrictions state that fences alongside a driveway can be a maximum of 1m or 3ft. You would need to get planning permission for putting a trellis on a fence of 2m. But, if any plant that you grow on that trellis exceeds 2m, you do not need to obtain a permit for the growing plant. Meanwhile a fourth said: "Great product, does the job." "Looks good and easy to fit,' claimed a fifth.
