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.
FAQs
How To Extend Fence Height
- Enhancing Privacy and Security. ...
- Meeting Height Restrictions and Planning Permission. ...
- Aesthetic Improvements. ...
- Using Fence Toppers. ...
- Adding Trellis Panels. ...
- Installing Post Extensions. ...
- Replacing Existing Boards with Taller Ones. ...
- Utilising Concrete Posts.
Pulling a string
The string is really called 'mason's line. ' Pulling it tight between the two points where the posts will go is the best way to build a fence straight and true. The longer the run, the tighter the string needs to be to stay straight.
How do I make sure my fence posts are the same height? ›
One approach is to install them a bit longer than needed and cut to the exact height. Using strings installed to guide the setting of each post is also helpful. To cut the tops, use a square and draw a line all the way around. Then a circular saw will go half way through.
Can you have an 8 ft tall fence? ›
The standard height for fences is anywhere from 3-8 ft, depending on the use-case and fence location. Fences built to heights that are non-standard may require special permits or may incur additional costs if the contractor only has fence pickets that are pre-sized.
How to extend 6 fence to 8? ›
The easiest way to raise an existing fence from 6 feet to 8 feet is by adding fence post extensions. These extensions are typically available at hardware stores and can be attached to the top of the existing fence posts using brackets or screws.
What is the formula for lower fence and higher fence? ›
This is a rule which uses the Quartiles and IQR of a data set to determine the upper and lower fence of a data set. Any data point which lies beyond these fences is considered an outlier. The formula for the upper fence is Q3 + 1.5(IQR), and the formula for the lower fence is Q1 - 1.5(IQR).
What is the tallest privacy fence available? ›
All of our Heavy Duty vinyl privacy fence panels are available in the following heights: 3 foot tall, 4 foot tall, 5 foot tall, 6 foot tall, 7 foot tall, 8′ tall privacy fence, 9′ tall, 10′ tall privacy fence, 12 foot tall privacy fence and even 16 foot tall privacy fence!
Can fence panels be taller than posts? ›
If the panel is higher than the fence post, the section of panel above will not be supported. If this is only a few centimetres there isn't too much of an issue. However, large sections of fence panel above the post, will weaken the integrity of the panel and put excess strain on the posts which could cause failure.
Should a fence be level or follow the ground? ›
When it comes to executing a proper fence installation, a perfectly level ground is ideal. However, many people's yards have some sort of slope or hill. Thankfully, you don't have to level your entire property just to gain a boost in security and privacy.
How do you align a fence? ›
Line up the fence posts so that they are straight and level with one another. Use a string to help guide you, tying it from the top of each post and using a spirit level to check accuracy.
As an example, if your fence is 6' in height, your fence post needs to be around 8 to 9', since at least 2' will be in the ground.
Should fence post be higher than fence? ›
If you're setting wooden or concrete posts in concrete you'll need 8ft (2.4m) posts for a 6ft (1.828m) fence – i.e. your posts are 2ft (0.6m) longer than the fence height. Use 4in x 4in posts for fences of 5ft and over and 3in x 3in posts for anything under 5ft.
How do you run a string line on a fence? ›
Using your string line, you will run the string on the outside of the soon to be installed fence. In other words, the string will run where the fabric or wood pickets will be located. At corner locations, you will create a triangle with your string, continuing on to the next run without cutting the string.
What is the highest fence you can have between Neighbours? ›
Side and rear boundary fences must not be higher than 1.8 m, or higher than 1.2 m if the fence is built from masonry. Fences along a boundary of, or in the setback area of, a primary or secondary road must not be taller than 1.2 m (this includes the front of the site and any side boundary on corner sites).
Can you add height to a wooden fence? ›
For instance, you might want more privacy from passers-by and curious neighbors, or you might just like the look of a tall fence. The good news is you might not have to start from scratch. You can make your fences taller by adding more panels or lattices.
How do you attach fence panels to an existing fence? ›
There are two ways to secure fence panels to fence posts - using galvanised clout nails/ decking screws or fence clips. Fence clips make it easier to remove a fence panel should you wish to, whereas they're more visible than nails and so offer a less discreet finish.
Can you put trellis on top of a 6ft fence? ›
Typically, a total height of up to 2 metres (approximately 6.5 feet) is allowed without the need for planning permission. However, adding a trellis to an already 6ft tall fence may exceed this limit, necessitating a planning application to your local council.
