When your current fence leaves you feeling exposed to neighbors’ conversations, traffic noise, or curious glances, it’s time to consider strategic privacy and noise reduction upgrades. Whether you’re planning a fence repair or starting fresh, these five proven techniques can transform any ordinary fence into a privacy powerhouse that enhances your outdoor living experience.
1. Maximize Height Within Local Ordinances
Sacramento Area Height Regulations:
- Backyard fences: Up to 7 feet in most Sacramento County areas
- Some cities (Rocklin, Lincoln, Folsom, Sacramento CITY) allow up to 6 feet for privacy fences
- Front yard restrictions: Typically 3-4 feet maximum
The difference between a 6-foot and 7-foot fence is dramatic for privacy and noise control. Even an additional foot can significantly reduce visibility and sound transmission, making your backyard feel more secluded and peaceful.
Comparison of 6-foot and 7-foot wooden fences highlighting privacy height options
Pro tip: Always check your specific city’s ordinances before planning height upgrades—many Sacramento-area cities have unique regulations that may allow taller privacy fences in rear yards.
Comparison of 6-foot person and a 7-foot tall privacy fences.
2. Board-on-Board Overlapping: The Gold Standard for Privacy
Board-on-board construction is the ultimate privacy fence design that eliminates gaps completely. Normally homeowners see gaps appear between their fence boards within a week or two of their new fence being installed. This happens as the fence boards dry out and shrink a little bit. Board on board overlap is the way to prevent these gaps and give you more privacy than a standard fence! This technique involves installing alternating vertical pickets that overlap each other, creating a solid barrier with zero visibility from either side. Unlike traditional side-by-side picket installation the trick is in the overlapping of the fence pickets in the board-on-board process.
Additionally, there are other exceptional benefits beyond privacy that come from board-on-board overlap including: enhanced noise reduction, improved wind resistance, and attractive curb appeal from both sides of the fence. Cedar and redwood are popular choices for board-on-board construction due to their natural resistance to rot and insects.
3. Noise-Reducing Add-Ons and Materials
Reducing noise is done with denser materials, overlapping style and taller fences. Let’s talk about material and design.
As mentioned above Board-on-Board overlap is a wonderful choice for sound-dampening on a wood fence.
Thick, Dense Materials: Composite materials EcoStone provide better sound absorption than thin wood pickets.
We have heard people talk about adding sound deadening materials to the fence, but this has never been anything Fantastic Fence endorses. This is because these materials are not designed to be attached to fences, while additionally, they are not even supposed to be out in the weather. This raises a lot of questions about how to properly attach and protect the materials and if there will be any issues caused during the storm seasons.
4. Chain Link Privacy Upgrades
Transform an existing chain link fence into a privacy barrier without complete replacement:
Privacy Slats: Insert vinyl slats through chain link for instant visual blocking. There are 2 levels of privacy slats available. The basic level is called Viewguard, and the higher level are called Viewguard PLUS. Viewguard PLUS privacy slats have wings that help reduce gaps at the areas when the mesh crosses. For more information on privacy slats for chainlink check out: Can Chain Link Fence Be A Privacy Fence?
Windscreen Mesh: Attach privacy mesh (windscreen) material for complete opacity and wind reduction. Windscreens are custom fabric covers designed to provide privacy, wind protection, and visual enhancement for chain-link fences and other applications. These durable fabric screens can be manufactured with custom colors, logos, and graphics to transform unsightly fences into attractive barriers while blocking wind and creating privacy. Ball Fabrics specializes in high-quality windscreen materials like their patented ExtremeScreen®80 and PrivaScreen®90, which are specifically engineered for long-lasting outdoor performance in athletic, residential, and commercial settings.
5. Smart Landscaping Integration
Layered Privacy: Combine fencing with strategic plantings—evergreen shrubs, bamboo screens, or ornamental grasses—for year-round natural privacy enhancement.
Sound Gardens: Plant dense, leafy vegetation near fencing to absorb additional sound and create a lush, private atmosphere.
Multi-Level Approach: Use raised planters, terracing, or retaining walls combined with fencing to achieve greater effective height.
Get Your Privacy Back Today!
Ready to enjoy your backyard without prying eyes or neighborhood noise? Fantastic Fence specializes in privacy upgrades that work—from overlapping pickets to maximum-height installations that comply with local Sacramento-area regulations.
Call 916-790-7100 now for your free estimate and expert advice!
Licensed – Insured – Local Sacramento Fence Experts
Let’s Build Something Fantastic
Our team at Fantastic Fence builds durable, beautiful and affordable fences that check every box — design, safety, and code compliance.
Whether you need a new gate, a privacy upgrade, or a full replacement, we’ll help you build something fantastic!