Q: I know I'm not alone in the loathing of chain-link fences. We inherited one in our front yard and have resolved that it has to go but have no idea what to do to replace it (and we need to have a fence for our dogs). Would it be possible to take out the chain-link, leave the skeleton, and install some sort of better looking metal or wood grid? The house is old (built in 1910) with a bright red brick exterior but not overly ornate. We are adding a lot of modern details but leaving the early 20th century feel. The porch has some wrought-iron details that I would like to match, if possible. We're pretty handy but have almost no money in the budget for this project.
Asked by Rhianna
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You could plant a climbing flower or vine and in a few years you won't be able to see the chain link, just pretty greenery. Climbing roses, or grapes might actually grow, and in my experience, grapes grow like weeds (depending on where you live).
If your dogs are pretty big (and not able to squirm out of small holes) you might look at using cattle panel instead of the chain link panels. It is a rectangular metal mesh (holes vary from 2"x6" to maybe 6"x6", starting with the smaller holes on the bottom and getting bigger toward the top).
I've seen some really cute fences created with those chain link slats. They come in lots of colors (that you can mix and match!) and some companies even sell faux-branch ones that make your fence look a hedge.
A quick google search even shows people that have woven giant doily-like designs on their fences. Get creative! A unique chain-link fence could be cooler than an pre-fab replacement option.
you could make lace out of your fence the way tord boontje does!
http://minimumwageartblog.wordpress.com/2009/10/11/tord-boontjes-lacy-underthings/
I have a similar problem and have considered buying pre-made wooden fence pieces and somehow attaching them to the skeleton of the chain link fence. I think this would be more affordable because you wouldn't have to dig post holes, pour cement, etc., but I have no idea if it could actually be done securely.
this is extreme..but brainstorming can lead to great things!
http://www.katherinedaniels.com/catalog/2007---installations/
http://www.putincups.com/shop/gallery/index.php?gallery=Art&image=hammer.jpg
http://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00iMUaqNkghezo/Wire-Mesh-Fence.jpg
Espalier some fruit trees along it - that's what I'm going to do. It will be beautiful and bountiful :)
How about an idea like this??
http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0013/7316/design-fetish-decorative-wire-mesh-fencing-3.jpg
We painted ours a gloss black...not as lovely as some of the suggestions above, but really cheap! As a quick fix it would be easiest on the budget, and you can always upgrade later. We have an old bungalow, and the black fence is practically invisable against the brick/stucco. Just use a roller & brush (not spray) - takes a while, but doesn't waste all that paint!
One of the nicest fences in my neighborhood is chain link with English ivy growing on it and in the space just in front a neat row of daylilies.
You can re-use the metal posts to make a wooden fence by just adding new runners and pickets. We actually used chain link posts for our privacy cedar fence (see images here http://beforeandafterbrookside.blogspot.com/2010/07/finished-fence.html), and reused existing metal posts for a picket fence around our garden. We painted the metal posts black to look nicer, but the metal posts are actually better because they will not rot like wood posts do. We found brackets to attach the metal posts to the wooden runner at Lowes. A very easy, attractive, long-term solution!
No money eh? gather as much scrap wood. Pallets might just do nicely. So thats free. A roll of bailing wire, maybe 5 bucks? Break down the pallets and cut to correct height or length. Drill small holes in the cut boards to thread wire through and tie onto fence either horizontally or vertically. If the work is done with precision it should come out looking pretty sharp. Natural weathering will make is greyish or if you want to help things along use some ammonia, about 5 bucks. If there is anything left in the budget plant a vine you like. Good Luck!
Excellent! Now, how do I convince my guy that we need to do this project?...
Painting any fence a dark olive green helps it disappear into the landscape. I'm guessing that there's a way to spray paint your kind of fence by using a backing.
Try a small section and see if you like the effect. It might help immediately while you grow in vines or other plants.