13 Genius DIY Privacy Fence Ideas That Cost Less Than $200 in Materials

Idea 13: Upgrade Chain Link With Mesh, Slats, or Vines

Start With What Chain Link Does Well

Chain link privacy cover projects make sense because chain link is durable, affordable, and already installed in a lot of yards. The weak point is privacy, not structure.

So instead of replacing it, I usually suggest upgrading it. That’s where the real savings happen.

Option 1: Add Privacy Mesh

Privacy screen fabric is the fastest fix. It attaches with zip ties, gives immediate coverage, and works especially well along property lines or pet areas.

Choose darker colors if you want the fence to visually disappear. Lighter colors tend to call more attention to the material.

Option 2: Use Slats, Bamboo, or Reed

Chain link fence slats create a more permanent look, while bamboo or reed wraps soften the metal. These options are great if you want the fence to read more like garden design and less like utility fencing.

Cost depends on the length you’re covering, but small sections are often very manageable.

Option 3: Grow Over It

A climbing vine trellis fence setup can turn chain link into a living wall over time. Use fast annuals for quick seasonal coverage or perennial vines for long-term screening.

If you want help choosing which of all these ideas is actually right for your space, hit the next button below. This last section is where I’d start if I were standing in your yard with a tape measure and coffee.