bamboo rolled fencing for privacy...anyone have this?

[wildernesslodgelover]

We have a 4' tall chainlink fence behind our house. The neighbors have some tall, shady trees that line their side of the fence. We want to plant some privacy hedges/plants but because of the shade, it is making it difficult. We also want something fast...summer is coming and I want to be able to lounge in my bikini and not feel self concious, wondering if anyone can see me.

BTW, I say this because of my beer belly and lumpy thighs. If I looked REALLY GOOD, I probably would not care, LOL.

SO....I have discovered rolled bamboo fencing. Here is a link just to give you an idea.

http://www.bamboofencer.com/Rolled-Fences

The chain link fence is 4' high, so can we safely attach a 6' high fence? How does the fence hold up in weather? I mean, I know it won't last forever...but will it last a few years?

Just want to hear if any of the DISers have any experience with these types of fences. Thanks.

 

[Sleepy]

Everyone around here uses something that looks like the last example "Polished Reed Fence". Not sure what quality you would be getting or if there is some sort of varnish/stain, but the ones here are natural and don't last long before they start getting ugly and brittle. We can buy the rolls at a place called Leroy Merlin, which is similar to a Lowes or Home Depot. They are very inexpensive.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Thanks Sleepy! If it just lasted 2 years, I think I would be happy. Is that about the time frame it should last?

Someone recently told me you should attach it so the bottom of the fence does not touch the ground...for "rotting" purposes. Also, that it should be treated with some protection/varnish type stuff. This made sense.

Anyway, thanks and if anyone else has some experiences, pls share!

 

[pyrxtc]

I would check wiht whoever owns the fence before you atatch anything to it. If you own the fence, then I say go for it.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Is it your fence? If it is not you cannot attach anything to it. They are legally within their rights to tear it down, just as an FYI to you.

Do you have HOA restrictions? Since you have chain link it sounds like you don't have any fence restrictions.

 

[terri01p]

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I try to keep my posts short so people will read them, but every time I do, someone on the DIS finds some lack of info and has to give me an "FYI."

I am asking about the quality of a product. MM and pryx, are you familiar with these fences? Any opinions on quality, longevity, etc?

YES, we own the fence. NO we don't have a HOA. No one will be tearing anything down.

Yeah, Terri...it is not *so* bad...there is a good amount of distance between both pools (we are each on an acre)and there is spotty foliage under the trees, BUT they have teenage boys that are also always in the back yard, and even though I am pretty sure they don't care about an old mom like me, I feel kind of weird laying out, like a poor man's Mrs Robinson. kookookachoo! (hopefully you are old enough to get that joke, I keep forgetting there are some youngun's on this board!)

 

[Liberty Belle]

I try to keep my posts short so people will read them, but every time I do, someone on the DIS finds some lack of info and has to give me an "FYI."

I am asking about the quality of a product. MM and pryx, are you familiar with these fences? Any opinions on quality, longevity, etc?

YES, we own the fence. NO we don't have a HOA. No one will be tearing anything down.

Yeah, Terri...it is not *so* bad...there is a good amount of distance between both pools (we are each on an acre)and there is spotty foliage under the trees, BUT they have teenage boys that are also always in the back yard, and even though I am pretty sure they don't care about an old mom like me, I feel kind of weird laying out, like a poor man's Mrs Robinson. kookookachoo! (hopefully you are old enough to get that joke, I keep forgetting there are some youngun's on this board!)

Goodness, she was just trying to be helpful and her advice was short and sweet, too.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I try to keep my posts short so people will read them, but every time I do, someone on the DIS finds some lack of info and has to give me an "FYI."

I am asking about the quality of a product. MM and pryx, are you familiar with these fences? Any opinions on quality, longevity, etc?

YES, we own the fence. NO we don't have a HOA. No one will be tearing anything down.

Yeah, Terri...it is not *so* bad...there is a good amount of distance between both pools (we are each on an acre)and there is spotty foliage under the trees, BUT they have teenage boys that are also always in the back yard, and even though I am pretty sure they don't care about an old mom like me, I feel kind of weird laying out, like a poor man's Mrs Robinson. kookookachoo! (hopefully you are old enough to get that joke, I keep forgetting there are some youngun's on this board!)

Then a quick we own the fence in your post would be nice info.

As far as your fencing issue, I can see a problem with it trying to blow off cracking & splitting under wind. That is probably your biggest worry with what you want to do.

How are you going to attach it to the chain link? I can see it cracking around the attachment area under wind.

In other words I can see it splitting before the fencing ever breaks down.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Thank you, LB. What do you think of bamboo fencing, though?

Thanks MM...and for understanding what I meant. You are all over this board, so you know I may be a little sensitive due to some past threads. I aopologize for jumping on you...you know I always remark when you post on one of my threads that I am happy to see you.

Yes, I will have to look into that...one of the reasons I am posting. I was hoping someone actually had it and can tell me they love it, hate it, or ''buy "XX" type and it will last longer". I am ok with it being temporary, but not, you know, *6months* temporary!

I do also need to make sure it does not look super ugly on the other side. See, our house is a 70's ranch, kind of rustic looking. Their house was built in the 90s, and more of an updated, upscale home. The chainlink is black and really blends in, especially because, like I said, the area is shaded and also there is spotty foliage. I am not sure they will want to see the back side of a rolled bamboo fence! They have lived here a lot longer than us, so even though the former owner of our home installed the fence, I think the right thing to do would be to talk to them first.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

If you are really concerned about longevity of the fence, have you researched putting up a wood fence?

I am sure bamboo will last you awhile, it is just that I can see the attachment part of the fence to the chain link tearing thru it in high winds. That would be my concern.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Well, it is a pretty long area that needs a fence, and I am pretty sure they are expensive. Plus, we want to plant some slow growing foliage that will grow in shade (I have been told viburnum is my best bet) and that will take a few summers. Then, I would be fine with no fence.

I will look into wooden fences further. We just have SO MUCH $$$ we need for this renovation (we are doing it all ouselves, but dang, materials are expensive) and I hate to spend it on a fence right now.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Well, it is a pretty long area that needs a fence, and I am pretty sure they are expensive. Plus, we want to plant some slow growing foliage that will grow in shade (I have been told viburnum is my best bet) and that will take a few summers. Then, I would be fine with no fence.

I will look into wooden fences further. We just have SO MUCH $$$ we need for this renovation (we are doing it all ouselves, but dang, materials are expensive) and I hate to spend it on a fence right now.

No doubt fencing is expensive. I am sick of putting them in. We just put in a aluminum fence. I am done with wood as it is too much of a PITB.

Good Luck with your project.

 

[swald91]

I actually have this! When it stays up-it's decent but the winter really did a job on it. Many broken spots-bent-split, etc. Now mine is bamboo-I have also seen the stick-like ones & they seem to be much more sturdy than the bamboo we have. We have a parking lot behind us (nursing home down the block) that has a chain link fence that runs the entire length of the block (around 4 houses) they have never said anything to us-they also have to come & clean the leaves & debris that collects on our side of the fence although we have dogs & the workers are afraid so we said not to worry about the leaves-maybe that's why they don't complain about our bamboo fencing?

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I actually have this! When it stays up-it's decent but the winter really did a job on it. Many broken spots-bent-split, etc. Now mine is bamboo-I have also seen the stick-like ones & they seem to be much more sturdy than the bamboo we have. We have a parking lot behind us (nursing home down the block) that has a chain link fence that runs the entire length of the block (around 4 houses) they have never said anything to us-they also have to come & clean the leaves & debris that collects on our side of the fence although we have dogs & the workers are afraid so we said not to worry about the leaves-maybe that's why they don't complain about our bamboo fencing?

ohhh, thanks so much for your input! Thing is...I can see where a commercial enterprise such as a nursing home, would not care if the bamboo fencing looked "unattractive." On the other hand, I could see my neighbors frowning upon it. Sounds like you hav the perfect situation for the bamboo fencing.

 

[Liberty Belle]

Thank you, LB. What do you think of bamboo fencing, though?

Thanks MM...and for understanding what I meant. You are all over this board, so you know I may be a little sensitive due to some past threads. I aopologize for jumping on you...you know I always remark when you post on one of my threads that I am happy to see you.

Yes, I will have to look into that...one of the reasons I am posting. I was hoping someone actually had it and can tell me they love it, hate it, or ''buy "XX" type and it will last longer". I am ok with it being temporary, but not, you know, *6months* temporary!

I do also need to make sure it does not look super ugly on the other side. See, our house is a 70's ranch, kind of rustic looking. Their house was built in the 90s, and more of an updated, upscale home. The chainlink is black and really blends in, especially because, like I said, the area is shaded and also there is spotty foliage. I am not sure they will want to see the back side of a rolled bamboo fence! They have lived here a lot longer than us, so even though the former owner of our home installed the fence, I think the right thing to do would be to talk to them first.

I really don't know anything about it. I opened your thread because we, too, have a chain link fence and were thinking about putting in a privacy fence and I thought this would be more economical (or cheaper at first, anyway).

I'll continue to read to get some insight. I didn't know of any post history - just seemed like maybe you took offense when none seemed to be intended. Peace.

 

[Chuck S]

We used to use something similar when I was growing up. If you use the bamboo, I would use the "pole" bamboo like in the first 5 selections, the cut "slat" bamboo seems to deteriorate faster.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

That makes sense, Chuck. Thanks.

LB-no reason you should know my post history. I apologize for jumping on you. Trust me, I am a super peaceful chick 99% of the time. Thanks for understanding.

 

[SandrA9810]

I would think the red bamboo would look wonderful underneath the trees, since you said your black fencing works well.

Definatly seal it with something across the top. the stalks themselves aren't so bad, but they seem to rot from the inside out. So rain and all that other fun stuff will warp it faster since the top is the weakest point.

Azealas are also well shade tolerant plants, and pretty pink flowers in early spring.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I just looked up azaleas, they do seem like they would work in this situation. They can tolerate full shade, heat etc. Thanks for the tip!