See-Through Fence 101: Your Guide to Materials

see through fence

Building a fence is one of the top improvements that add value to your home. But what type of fence should you build?

When we think about fences, we often think of the tall, thick, wooden kind. Like the one Aunt Polly sent Tom Sawyer out to whitewash. 

But if you want to keep your pet safe and still see your neighborhood, a see-through fence might be the way to go.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the common materials used in building see-through fences.

Common See-Through Fence Materials

See-through fences are solid and safe, yet don’t block the view or cut off parts of your yard. There are a ton of options on the market for see-through fencing materials.

Here are three of the most common.

Glass

If you have a backyard pool, a glass fence makes a ton of sense. That’s because it lets you see the pool and its occupants. But it keeps pets and small children out of the pool when you aren’t around. 

You can go with a frame design, where the glass panels sit inside a frame. Or you can opt for frameless where the glass seems to float above the landscape. A frameless glass fence looks almost like there’s nothing there at all!

This fencing is made from tempered glass, so it’s durable and scratch-resistant. It’s also easy to clean. And if you have beautiful views from your yard, a glass fence won’t block them.

Wood

Okay, we just talked about Tom Sawyer whitewashing the heavy wooden fence. But you can choose a wood fence that’s not the tall, privacy-style fence. Choose something with space and a beautiful design that still lets you see outside of your yard.

A picket fence is the most common example of a wooden, see-through fence. You can also build a fence using any type of lattice. Lattice fences are usually easy to build and cost-effective. 

Choose lattice that works for your children and pets. Something with larger holes won’t work for a pet that’s small enough to slip through. But if you’ve got large dogs, you can go with a wider lattice to let in more light.

Lattice usually comes in square or diamond shape. And you can get creative on how you choose to frame the lattice and shape the fence.

Metal

The tried and true chainlink fence is always an option. They’re easy to install and cost-effective. But chain link isn’t always the most attractive option on the market. 

Instead, you may want to try thin, wire fencing. You can usually get it in squares or rectangles for a more geometrical look.

Or go for fencing made from metal bars. You can get bars that are thinner than wood, yet close enough together to keep your pets in. And they come in either a vertical or horizontal pattern. 

Design a Fence Your Neighbors Will Envy

The design you choose for your see-through fence should fit your lifestyle. The holes in the fencing should be small enough to keep your pets safely inside. Yet big enough to give you the views you need.

Another great option is to combine the three elements we’ve mentioned here. Choose glass fence panes supported with metal frame posts. Or opt for a sleek, wire fence supported by wooden beams. 

Are you ready to put up your new see-through fence? Check out these 5 things to consider before you install your dog fencing.