Fence height extension

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There have been many circumstances where I have needed to have a lot more privacy as I have made my home safe and secure. Through my research, I have found many possible and satisfactory options.

Extending the length of vinyl fences is made possible through fence kits, post extensions, and u-channels. All three methods are practical, readily available in most hardware stores, and can be put up with very minimal effort.

More information regarding these four steps and how to properly position these tools to make for the best use of your home are listed below.

Extend Through Fence Kits

SnapFence is an easy way to extend a vinyl fence. It is a very simple and practical option for those who aren’t as savvy with their hands. All you need to do is buy a kit and assemble it yourself (the instructions are included). Assembling these fence extensions are just like assembling furniture from Ikea. Please be sure to find the fence kit that fits with the color, size, and purpose of your fence extension project. Many fence kits can be found at The Home Depot. Source

Post Extensions

Want a cheaper, less bulky option for your fence project? Use post extensions.

Post extensions either come individually or in kits (as mentioned above). Post extensions are categorized by the width, material, and length that you need, and are usually flexible so you can adjust the height as needed. Post Extensions can be found in most hardware stores. The Home Depot offers a variety of post extensions that should fit your needs. Source

You will need the post extensions and some vinyl lattice to extend along the length of the fence.

Here is how to extend your own vinyl fence using individual post extensions:

1. Find out how many post extensions you will need depending on the extent of your project. An example of this would be if you would only like to extend your fence on the back end of your yard. For this, you will only need a few post extensions so try to avoid buying kits that usually come in bulk. For bigger, more multifaceted projects, I would recommend fence kits (listed above).
2. Simply extend the post extensions to the proper height you would like.
3. Use the rails of the post extensions to properly extend the vinyl lattice throughout the extent of your fence. Source

U-Channels

For those who may not know, “u-channels” are u-shaped (hence the name) pieces of material (usually made of vinyl, plastic, or metal) typically used as weather ducts. They are also oftentimes used as a cost-effective option to secure doors, windows, and other places around the house.

You will need some extra posts to keep the u-channel steady and some vinyl lattice to wrap it around the width of the fence extension to give you the privacy you need.

This is how you extend a vinyl fence through a u-channel:

Unconventional Options If You’re Stuck

Sometimes, it is just not that easy to extend your vinyl fence. Maybe you can’t find the right color, size, or you just don’t like how your vinyl fence looks. No need to give up yet. Those who have been in this unlikely position have found options that have worked just as well (if not better) for them!

There are so many ways you can extend the height of your fence. The sky is the limit! Feel free to be as creative as possible, the suggestions down below are just alternative options that people have found effective.

Some Recommendations:

• Plant some trees- So many people tend to overlook this idea. Those who would like to extend their fences for privacy reasons tend to prefer Bamboo trees. No matter what, find the tree that works for you. Source
• Get a trellis for climbing plants– A trellis is a framework of wooden bars used for climbing plants to wrap around. These look very popular and when each trellis is put together, you can use it as an extender for your fence. Simply dig a hole, place a trellis where you would like it, and find some climbing pants that work for you. Each yard is different, so be sure to check measurements first before picking a trellis that works for you. And you always want your trellis to be taller than your original fence.
• Privacy screens– There are so many different privacy screens that you can put up for a more secure environment. Privacy screens usually run small, so if your fence is quite small or isn’t too durable, you can make do with a privacy screen for the time being. There are many options for a privacy screen that can be found online or at most home improvement stores.

Many people choose to make their fence taller for various practical reasons. Most want to heighten fences for privacy; they either want to have freedom to use their garden without neighbours looking in, or so as not to see their neighbour's house or garden. Taller fences can provide shade from the sun, they can hide an eyesore such as a garage or old shed, and higher fences lead to improved security. Higher fences can also offer increased safety for exercising dogs and for children playing. Here we provide some steps you can take to make your fence taller to meet your specific requirements.

First questions to ask when making your fence taller:

What is your problem?

The first step is deciding what your problem is: Why do you need a taller fence? Is it for privacy? For security? This sounds obvious but knowing will you help find the best solution to that specific issue.

What is your budget?

You then need to think about your budget. Different options range from cheaper fence heightening to more expensive fence raising methods. You may prefer a more picturesque taller fence or a plain and practical one. 

How much extra height do you need?

Measure your fence, and figure out how much taller you want your fence to be. Remember that there are laws about the height of a fence. 

Check out our blog How Tall Can My Fence Be? if you are not sure.

Methods for making your fence taller:

Adding Trellis

One of the most popular ways to add height to a fence is to add trellis. 

A fence topper is an easy choice as it is specifically designed to sit atop your current fence. Most fence toppers are 1ft or 2ft pieces of trellis measuring 6ft in length to fit the whole width of the fence.

You can of course choose to buy small trellis panels that aren't officially called "fence toppers". Just make sure they are sturdy and fully framed.

One of the key benefits of using trellis above your fence is that it continues to allow light through.

You can find our most popular fence topper here.

Or explore all our trellis panels here.

Living Fences

A living fence or screen is when plants are used to create screening or, as in this case, create height to a boundary.

The living fence, can have many benefits: they can look and smell good and provide much valued privacy and shade.

There are many amazing varieties of plants that are suitable for living fences, such as climbing plants and vines. There are prickly plants that are not so popular with would-be thieves, which can offer increased security. Some plants grow much quicker than others, thus giving you a living screen in quite a short space of time.

There are prickly plants that are not so popular with would-be thieves, which can offer increased security.

If not adding trellis to support plants, you can provide poles or wires to train the climbing plants around.

The other option is to grow a hedge alongside your fence. This can create not just a tall fence but also a thicker fence. This will not only help block out the neighbours but make it a bit quieter too.

You can also plant a row of trees such as poplars, to generate height and shade. Although you will need to maintain these, they provide another helpful possibility. 

DIY and Bespoke Fences

Whether you want to ‘do-it-yourself’ or get a company in to do the work, there are several options to make short fences taller. There are different things that you can add on to your fence: chain link fencing, metal railings

We have a fantastic selection of taller fence panels available; click here to view our 6ft high range. Below are three of our bestsellers; simply click on them for furhter information:

Hopefully you found this blog post useful. Remember to check out our other helpful blog posts while you're here too.

If you want to make a fence taller for privacy, these fence extension ideas will help. There are several ways to add height to an existing fence, and block out your neighbors from peering into your yard.

No fence? No problem. See 20 Ideas for Better Backyard Privacy.

Making a Garden More Private

Need more privacy in your yard?

Craving privacy and solitude while working outside or relaxing in the garden is a basic human need. And basic survival for some of us.

Have a look at these ideas for either extending fences to increase the height, or how to get innovative within your property line to obscure the view from neighboring houses.

Privacy Screen In The Yard

This first one is set a few feet from the property line and the wood supports lean on the smaller fence behind it. If there are restrictive fence height regulations where you live, this could be a good workaround.

Often fences are limited to 6 or perhaps 8-feet tall, but there are fewer restrictions for items on your property although you may need permits, particularly if the structure will be overhead.

This tall screen is a good choice if you are trying to block out the view from a taller building.

By setting the screen in from the property line, you will actually provide more privacy from than you would if your fence was taller.

A reader of this site saw the structure (above) and built her own version. I love the finished look of the framed lattice pieces—it’s so nicely done:

The next step is to plant some vines. It will be gorgeous!

Extend Your Fence for Privacy

Want more privacy in your yard but don’t want to replace the fence? Have a look at these ideas for extending the fence you have to block out your neighbours.

While trees, vines, and shrubs are often the best long-term solution, adding onto a fence or screen is a fast way to get privacy now.

These photos were taken on local garden tours. Before you build anything, check your local bylaws and ordinances to understand the regulations and find out if any permits are required.

Related:  Want to make a chain link fence private?

AExtend Fence Posts

In this next one, they extended the support posts of the fence and added homemade lattice to the top section. Vines will eventually fill it in:

This shows how the post extensions were attached:

This metal hardware is called a ‘tie plate’.

Tie Plate | Amazon

BExtending Standard Fence

This fence is from my mother’s garden.

There was a fairly low 4-foot fence between houses. To raise the height, the posts were extended, and new boards were added at alternating lengths.

CScreen on Fence

You can see how the trellis screens in the next photo would be quite effective if several were placed together:

4Extend Raised Bed Posts

In my own garden, I made the back corner supports for this raised bed nice and tall so I could attach privacy screen across the back, and add ‘wings’ on either side.

It’s a great way to give a feeling of intimacy in the garden despite neighbors being close by.

Watch the video to see how I made it:

See more: How to Make a Raised Bed with Privacy Wall

If you want more ideas, see 20 Ideas for Better Backyard Privacy.

~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛

Your fence may keep your pets and possessions on your side of the property line, but it may not provide much privacy. One way to increase privacy is to erect a new, taller fence, but that approach costs a pretty penny. Instead of starting over with a new fence, you can extend your existing fence's height in a couple of ways.