A fence solves privacy at ground level. Being overlooked from an upstairs window is a different problem, and fencing barely touches it.
Fencing works well against being seen from neighbouring gardens and from the street. Height, solidity and a well-chosen style do most of the work.
It works far less well against upstairs windows, where the sight line comes over the top of anything you can reasonably build. That needs planting, a pergola or a screened seating area instead.
| Overlooked from | Does fencing help? |
|---|---|
| Neighbouring garden at ground level | Yes — this is what fencing does |
| A footpath or street | Yes |
| A neighbour's patio or decking | Partly, depending on levels |
| An upstairs window | Barely — the sight line goes over it |
| A raised garden above yours | Partly; height helps but rarely solves it |
| A block of flats | Not really — consider planting or a covered area |
Worth establishing before spending, because the commonest disappointment with a privacy fence is that it was built to solve a problem fencing cannot solve.
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See what our garden fencing service covers in Brislington, or read more about the service across the areas we work in.
Yes, against neighbouring gardens and the street. Height, solid styles, no gaps at the base and a consistent line do most of the work.
Barely. The sight line goes over anything you can reasonably build, so planting, a pergola or a screened seating area is the better answer.
As a general guide up to two metres, or one metre next to a vehicle highway — but conservation areas, listed buildings and restrictive covenants can all change that.
Closeboard and solid panels. Hit-and-miss gives privacy from most angles while letting wind through, which suits exposed positions.
Yes — it adds effective height with less wind load and gives climbers something to grow up.
More wind load so better posts are needed, more shade in your own garden, and a modest garden can feel enclosed rather than private.
It can, because it affects their light and their garden's feel. Telling them beforehand and considering slatted or hit-and-miss usually helps.
Then screen that spot. A screen or planting at the seating area often achieves more than fencing the whole boundary.
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