Metal Fencing

Chain Link Slats – The Most Practical Way to Decorate a Chain Link Fence

Chain link fences are primarily chosen by homeowners for their versatility and toughness. For those looking for a fencing solution that would not require spending a huge sum, chain fences are the best idea. There are ways to dress up a chain fence to make look a little more conspicuous or decorative – whichever the owner prefers. One such way is with the use of chain link slats.

Chain link fence slats not only serve to decorate your fence, but they add a little more privacy as well. Chain fences consist of wires woven or welded into a mesh, still allowing for sufficient view from the other side. Chain link slats are easily inserted into the fence in vertical, horizontal, or diagonal positions to fill up the spaces between the wire mesh. They are long pieces of aluminum, wood, or polyethylene that come in various colors. You can arrange them in to create interesting designs and patterns or a monochrome that matches your fence color.

Chain link fence slats are easy to find and install. But before you purchase some, take the necessary measurements including the height of your fence and the mesh size, which constitutes the amount of space in-between the interwoven wires. Standard mesh sizes are 2″, 2 ¼”, and 2 3/8″.

Decide on whether you prefer self-locking, top-locking, or bottom-locking chain link slats. Top-locking and bottom-lacking slats may be secured through a channel that runs along on either the top or the bottom of the fence structure.

Chain link slats are more than just for covering up. Aside from privacy factor, they are also categorized depending on wind load. Most fence slats have at least 75% wind load and privacy factor. You may of course opt for higher wind loads and privacy factors. A few manufacturers have made available slats with a 100% privacy factor.

There are also chain link slats that “disguise” chain fences because they are designed to look like hedges. The slats come in the form of wire inserts that are covered on one side with PVC “needles.” These fake hedges can last a long time. Manufacturers like American Permahedge and Hedgelink usually offer a ten-year warranty for these products.

Other Ways to Dress up Chain Fences

Chain link slats are great for decorating a chain fence. There are a few other ways to either improve the look of the fence or hide it altogether. For decorating, painting is one of the easiest and cheapest options. Painting chain fences in colors like black, brown, or dark green will make the fence less likely to take attention away from your garden or your house. Painting vinyl-coated fences, however, require professional work.

Rolled wood fencing is a great way to hide a chain link fence entirely from public view. Available in home and garden stores, rolled wood fencing of bamboo, fern, twig, willow, reed, and some other materials are among your best choices. Galvanized wire hold the pieces of wood together and are easily attached to chain link fences with wire or special strings.